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The SP 17pdr, Valentine, Mk I, Archer was a British anti-tank vehicle ("tank destroyer") used during World War II based on the Valentine chassis.
With the development of the 17 pounder anti-tank gun, the need arose for it to be mounted on a combat vehicle. The Valentine chassis was soon chosen for this role, as it was in production but rapidly becoming obsolete as a tank. It was also one of the few chassis that could accommodate such a large gun.
The Valentine had a relatively small hull and it was not possible to use a turret. Instead a simple armoured open-top box surrounded the gun. The gun was mounted facing over the rear of the hull which kept the overall vehicle length short.
The rear mounting at first seemed like a liability, but it was soon made into an advantage. Combined with its low silhouette, the Archer made an excellent ambush weapon, allowing its crew to fire off a few shots, then drive away without wasting time turning around.
Production started in mid 1943 and the Archer began to be issued in October 1944, and saw combat in the Western Front and the Italian Campaign. By the end of the war, 655 of them had been produced. The Archer was classified as a self-propelled gun and as such was operated by the Royal Artillery (RA) rather than a Cavalry or tank regiment. The 3in SP, Wolverine/17pdr SP. Achilles in British service was also operated by RA units.
Post war the Archer served with the Egyptian Army.
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World War II British armoured fighting vehicles | World War II tank destroyers | Vickers
"Archer (tank destroyer)"