Churchill VII is a British Tank unit in Steel Division II.
Background[ | ]
The ultimate incarnation of the infantry tank concept, the first version of the tank was designed with the expectation that fighting in Europe would be similar to the trench warfare of World War I. The A20, as it was designated, was quickly retired after the Dunkirk Evacuation, with the new specifications for an A22 infantry tank given to Vauxhall in June 1940. Fearing a Nazi invasion, the War Office specified that the design enter production within a year. And it did: The first Churchills rolled off the production line in July 1941.
The rapid pace of development resulted in many flaws and shortcomings, primarily caused by an underpowered engine and a weak 2-pounder gun mounted in the turret, somewhat compensated by a 3-inch howitzer mounted in the hull. Further iterations on the design eliminated many of them, with the Churchill Mk III finally proving itself in combat at the second Battle of El Alamein in October 1942. Subsequent versions became the basis for several specialized variants and an indispensable part of Allied combat units, as they combined protection with maneuverability: The Churchill wasn't fast, but its suspension and all-around tracks allowed it to climb slopes other tanks could not.
- Use
Churchill VII were given to squadron commander or some troop commanders since the Crocodile Units demanded Churchill VII to be used as Crocodiles. The Flame Tank Squadron could be lead by a Churchill VII.
7th Royal Tank Regiment a infantry tank regiment supported the Czechoslovak Independent Armoured Brigade Group during the early stages of the Siege of Dunkirk.