British Specialist Armour
The British developed a number of specialist vehicles including anti-aircraft tanks, mine clearing tanks and engineer tanks. The chassis of the Crusader tank formed the basis for a couple of AA tanks and these saw limited service in Europe. Mine clearing tanks were first used in North Africa and these were based on the Matilda infantry tank, later conversions were developed using the Sherman. The main range of vehicles used in the specialist role, were developed by using the Churchill tank. The main variants were used for bridging anti-tank ditches and sea walls and knocking out strongpoints by using their heavy spigot mortars. Another variant was the Crocodile, which was armed with both a hull mounted flame-thrower and 75mm gun. Many of these vehicles served in the 79th armoured division and referred to as Hobarts Funnies after their commander Percy Hobart.
