Men of War as Commonwealth En

Contents Blood, sweat and tears. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Commonwealth campaign battles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 How to use this guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Infantry squads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Militia........................................................................................................................7 Assault infantry........................................................................................................7 Regular infantry........................................................................................................7 Commandos..............................................................................................................8 SAS platoon...............................................................................................................8 Sappers.....................................................................................................................8 Mechanized SAS battalion........................................................................................9 Engineers (AP)..........................................................................................................9 Engineers (AT)...........................................................................................................9 Corps of Royal Engineers........................................................................................ 10 ANZAC...................................................................................................................... 10 Royal Marine Corps................................................................................................ 11

Specialized soldiers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Rifleman.................................................................................................................. 12 Submachine gun..................................................................................................... 12 Machine gunner...................................................................................................... 12 Team with anti-tank rifle........................................................................................ 13 Anti-tank team........................................................................................................ 13 Crew........................................................................................................................ 14 Flamethrower team................................................................................................ 14 Sniper..................................................................................................................... 14 Officer..................................................................................................................... 15 Saboteur................................................................................................................. 15 Radio operator........................................................................................................ 15

Fixed weapons and artillery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

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Heavy machine gun Machine gun.............................................................................. 16 20 mm Oerlikon AA defense...................................................................................... 16 ML3 Mk.II Mortar Mortar............................................................................................ 17 2-pdr QF AT AT gun.................................................................................................... 17 6-pdr QF AT AT gun................................................................................................... 17 17-pdr QF AT AT gun................................................................................................... 18 3.7 QF AA defense gun / AT gun.................................................................................... 18 Land Mattress Artillery rockets.................................................................................... 18 25-pdr QF howitzer Field howitzer............................................................................... 19 BL 6\26 cwt howitzer Field howitzer........................................................................... 19

Light vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 AC Mk.II Daimler Scout vehicle................................................................................... 20 Mk.VII Tetrarch Light tank......................................................................................... 21 Mk.III Valentine Infantry tank..................................................................................... 22 Mk.IIA Matilda Infantry tank........................................................................................ 23 Crusader AAII AA vehicle........................................................................................... 24 M4A3 Crab Minesweeper............................................................................................ 24

Tank destroyer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Mk.I Archer Medium tank destroyer.............................................................................. 25 Achilles 1C Heavy tank destroyer................................................................................. 26

Self-propelled artillery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Mk.I Bishop Self-propelled howitzer.............................................................................. 27 M7 Priest Self-propelled howitzer.................................................................................. 28

Tanks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Mk.VI Crusader Light tank......................................................................................... 29 Mk.VIII Cromwell Medium tank.................................................................................. 30 Mk.IV Churchill Medium tank..................................................................................... 31 Comet I (A34) Medium tank........................................................................................ 32 Mk.VII Churchill Heavy tank...................................................................................... 33 M4A4 VC Firefly Medium tank..................................................................................... 34 Mk.II Centurion Heavy tank....................................................................................... 35 Churchill Crocodile Flamethrower tank...................................................................... 36 Churchill AVRE Heavy tank......................................................................................... 37 Black Prince Super-heavy tank................................................................................... 38

Transport and logistics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Willys MB jeep Car................................................................................................... 39 Dodge WC-55 Scout vehicle....................................................................................... 39 M3A1 Armored half track.............................................................................................. 39 Bedford OYD (transporte) Supply truck...................................................................... 40 Bedford OYD (suministros) Supply truck................................................................... 40 Bedford OYD (ingenieros) Supply truck..................................................................... 40

Special attack. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Discharge of artillery............................................................................................. 41 Royal Artillery Corps.............................................................................................. 41

Commonwealth campaign battles Operation Battleaxe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 15, 1941. Tobruk was a strategic port in North Africa besieged by German troops led by General Rommel. The British Army's objective was to liberate Tobruk in order to ensure its control of the Libyan Mediterranean coast. The battle was inevitable.

Blood, sweat and tears Operation Torch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 8, 1942.

German troops occupied Poland. After some months of waiting for events to unfold, on

Initially named Operation Gymnast, the allied

May 10, 1940 Germany invaded the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. The British

plan was to land in North Africa and mobilize the

Army saw how the defense line it had formed along with French troops was unable to stop

troops towards Tunis in order to punish the German

the German advance.

rearguard. Once control of the Mediterranean was

acknowledged the seriousness of the situation in his historic speech in the House of

ensured, the assault on Southern Europe could be prepared.

Commons. By the time German military forces under Edwin Rommel had reached the English Channel, there were nearly one million allied soldiers trapped at Dunkirk and Le Havre. On May 26, Operation Dynamo was begun in order to break the German siege: more than 300,000 British, French and Belgian soldiers were liberated.

Battle of Arnhem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 17, 1944. During the course of Operation Market Garden, the allied army was preparing to liberate the city of

Italy declared war on Great Britain on June 10, 1940. Following the surrender of France

Arnhem in the Netherlands. In order to achieve this,

that same month, Great Britain was now the sole power facing the Rome-Berlin Axis.

a final blow would be dealt to some German troops

Between August and October, the Battle of Britain took place, from which the British

who, due to their recent defeats, were prepared to

emerged victorious after resisting the Luftwaffe's air offensive. At the same time, British

defend their positions at all costs.

troops were defending the Suez Canal, Sudan and Somalia from Italian attack. The entry of the USSR and United States into the conflict in 1941 came as a relief for the punished British troops, although their Navy had been practically devastated by Japanese ships in the Pacific. In the spring of 1942, General Montgomery successfully directed the North African campaign. In 1943, the allies liberated Tunisia and disembarked on the Sicilian coast before entering the south of the Italian Peninsula. In June 1944, events were precipitating allied victory in the Battle of Normandy. The liberation of France was the final blow for the German troops, who were attacked on all sides. Berlin fell on May 7 1945, and with it, the capitulation of Germany.

September 3, 1939 Great Britain declares war on Germany May 26, 1940 Battle of Dunkirk May 28, 1940 Battle of Britain

Great Britain and France declared war on Germany on September 3, 1939, two days after

On May 13, Winston Churchill, recently appointed as Prime Minister of Great Britain,

Chronology

June 15, 1941 Operation Battleaxe July 1, 1942 First Battle of El Alamein October 23, 1942 Second Battle of El Alamein November 8, 1942 Operation Torch June 6, 1944 Battle of Normandy September 17, 1944 Operation Market Garden December 16, 1944 Battle of the Ardennes May 7, 1945 Fall of Berlin

6

Commonwealth army: How to use this guide

How to use this guide M Command Points (Special) C Control Points

Assault infantry M 135 C 25

Quantity 6 Combat guide Inventory:

Unit's equipment

Name of the unit Icon

R Reload time A Maximum range

66



10

63

54

30

70

110 m A 4x 44

110 m

V 35

M Command Points (Special) C Control Points

1 29 2 3 M5A125 Stuart Light tank25 300 13 M 32 C 4 38 5 6 25 Main:

L 37 mm R 3 G 2x 0.30 caliber

D 4Crew SPassengers S Y Can tow / be towed

V 35

D4 S-

A 110 m

Mk.I Sten submachine gun

Front

2

Side Rear

1 Mk.III Lee-Enfield rifle

Grenade launcher EM-3

Inventory:

16x

6x

10

30

70

8x

4x

110 m

Regular infantry M 150 C 25.5 H 10 X 2

1 29 2 25 3 25 Inventory: 38 5 32 6 25 4

armored enemy scout vehicles such as the German SdKfz 223 and Panzer I or the Japanese Type 92s.

1 4

79x2x 0.30 caliber68x G

5x

3.400x

1x

The British used the surname of the Confederate States Army general, Jeb Stuart, to name the whole series of United States M3 and M5

3

6

1

tanks. The M5A1 could carry the same 37 mm weapon as the Greyhound; although its speed was slower, it was better armored and had nearly double the emergency ammunition supply. It was efficient for providing close support to the infantry as well as confronting lightlyarmored enemy scout vehicles such as the German SdKfz 223 and Panzer I or the Japanese Type 92s.

Mk.I Sten submachine gun

Mk.III Lee-Enfield rifle

Inventory:

Inventory:

79x

Unit's equipment

4

tanks. The M5A1 could carry the same 37 mm weapon as the Greyhound; although its speed was slower, it was better armored and had Armor: nearly double the emergency ammunition supply. It was efficient for providing close support to the infantry as well as confronting lightly-

Turret

Machine guns mounted

5

H 10 X 2

AP: 66 63 54 44 The British used the surname of the Confederate States Army general, Jeb Stuart, to name the whole series of United States M3 and M5

Armor (in mm of steel)

3 6

AP:

Type

6x L 37 mm 8xR 3

Assault infantry M 125 C 25

V Speed

M1 Garand semi-automatic rifle

Armor:

Penetration into armor with respect to distance (in mm of steel)

5

10x

M5A1 Stuart Light tank M 300 C 13

Inventory:

Mk.I Sten submachine gun

Inventory:

4

Thompson submachine gun

Main: 16x

1

M1 Garand semi-automatic rifle

H 8 X 1

2 Mk.III Lee-Enfield rifle

Assault infantry 8x C 25 4xH 10 X 2 M 135

6x

6

L Caliber of weapon

6

H 10 X 2

4

Thompson submachine gun

16x

Militia M 70 C 16

1

Weapon icon

Hull

H Number of men who make up the unit X Weapons handling skills

Combat guide

Name of weapon

7

Infantry squads

Name of the unit Icon

Combat Guide

68x

5x

3.400x

1x

12x

3x

2x

10x

Bren machine gun

8

Commonwealth army: Infantry squads Commandos M 250 C 30

5

H 10 X 3

2 De Lisle silenced carbine

6 Bren machine gun

Inventory:

25x

2

Thompson M1928 submachine gun

2 15x

16x

2x

SAS platoon M 365 C 35

6 Subfusil Thompson M1928

2

8x

Vickers K machine gun

1 P.I.A.T. Mk.I

32x

H 10 X 4

1

14x

6x

H 4 X 2

4

1 P.I.A.T. Mk.I

16x Engineers (AP) M 150 C 12

M3A1 submachine gun

Boyes .55 Mk.I anti-tank rifle

Inventory:

Inventory:

14x

16x Sappers M 50 C 6

2

Boyes .55 Mk.I anti-tank rifle

Inventory:

Mk.V Sten submachine gun

Vickers K machine gun

Mk.V Sten submachine gun

1

2

32x

9 Mechanized SAS battalion M 460 C 35 H 10 X 4

3

Mk.V Sten submachine gun with silencer

Combat Guide

6x

4x

60x Engineers (AT) M 200 C 12

H 2 X 2

4 Subfusil M3A1

Mk.I Sten submachine gun Inventory:

Inventory:

2x

28x

H 4 X 2

4x

10

Commonwealth army: Infantry squads

Combat Guide

Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers M 1 C 18 H 6 X 2

11 Royal Marine Corps M 3 C 30 H 10 X 3

Corps made up of the best qualified engineers in the Commonwealth. Native to

These elite units of the British armed forces received superior training,

Canada, these soldiers carried the tools needed on the battlefield in order to build

worthy of this prestigious corps. Armed with submachine guns and

strong entrenched defensive positions, with anti-tank obstacles, wire fencing,

silenced carbines, they could operate behind enemy lines destroying key

6

sandbag walls and mines. They were deployed in a

targets, although they also had light machine guns and anti-tank mines for

Dodge WC-56 transport vehicle which allowed them to

strengthening a position and holding it at any price.

arrive quickly at their destination.

They arrived at the battlefield in an American M3A1, armed with a .50 caliber

Subfusil M3A1

machine gun, with supplies of grenades and infantry ammunition.

Inventory:

36x

18x

6x

12x

6x

6

6x

2

Mk.V Sten submachine gun with silencer

ANZAC M 2 C 30

26x

H 10 X 3

made up of Australian and New Zealand troops. The first battalions of ANZACs took part in the First World War, specifically in the Battle of Gallipoli. During the Great War, the ANZACs won a reputation which still endures today: they showed courage, great endurance, excellent humor and great tenacity in the face of adversity, they also showed disrespect towards the military commands but loyalty towards their comrades. Equipped with Australian-made Owen submachine guns and a light machine gun, the ANZACs were tough soldiers who excelled at defense work. Their armored enemies must have thought twice before assaulting a position held by these units, who had anti-tank mines which they used to surprise tanks and vehicles.

4 Mk.III Lee-Enfield rifle

1 Owen submachine gun

Bren machine gun

Inventory:

24x

13x

18x

De Lisle silenced carbine

Inventory:

Known as ANZAC (Australia and New Zealand Army Corps) to the formations

5

2

6x

9x

1x

16x

16x

2x

8x

Bren machine gun

12

Commonwealth army: Specialized soldiers

Combat Guide

Specialized soldiers Rifleman M 11 C 2.5

13 Team with anti-tank rifle M 60 C 6 H 2 X 3

H 1 X 2

2

1 Mk.I Sten submachine gun

1

Boyes .55 Mk.I anti-tank rifle

Inventory: Mk.III Lee-Enfield rifle

2x

2x

1x

Inventory:

1x

Anti-tank team M 70 C 6

1x Submachine gun M 12 C 2.5 H 1 X 2

2

1 Mk.I Sten submachine gun

1

H 2 X 3

P.I.A.T. Mk.I

Inventory: Mk.I Sten submachine gun

Inventory:

2x

1x

1x Machine gunner M 40 C 3 H 1 X 2

1 Bren machine gun Inventory:

1x

2x

2x

1x

11x

Anti-tank equipment As the tanks had thicker armor, it became necessary to develop a new portable anti-tank weapon for the infantry. The answer was a hollow charge projectile launcher, fired from the shoulder. The hollow charge projectile launchers were designed to concentrate all the force of the explosion onto a small point of the enemy armor, and therefore have more chance of penetration than equivalent conventional explosives. As it did not depend on impact speed, the hollow charge antitank ammunition, known as HEAT (High Explosive Anti Tank), maintained its penetrative power at any range. However, it was very sensitive to the angle of impact, with 90 degrees being the best. Any other angle could cause the force of explosion not to be projected against the armor, but to "slip" and dissipate without causing damage. The HEAT projectile launchers had less range compared with anti-tank rifles, but their penetration capability was greater. This depended on the model and the ammunition used. Thus, projectiles of the Bazooka and PIAT types used by the United Sates, Russians and British could penetrate 120 mm of armor. Type 4 launchers used by the Japanese Army could penetrate 150 mm. The Germans developed two anti-tank weapons for the infantry, the single use, reloadable Panzerfaust and the Panzerschreck, based on the American Bazooka. The Panzerfaust fired a warhead capable of penetrating up to 200 mm of armor. The Panzerschreck launched somewhat smaller projectiles which flew further, and could penetrate 180 mm of armor.

14

Commonwealth army: Specialized soldiers Crew M 10

C 4

Combat Guide Officer M 160 C 8

H 2 X 2

2

15

1

1

Webley .45 revolver

Webley .45 revolver

Inventory:

Flare pistol

Inventory:

1x

Flamethrower team M 75 C 5 H 2 X 2

1 Mk.I Sten submachine gun

4x

1x

Saboteur M 1 C 5

H 1 X 4

The saboteurs could move with more stealth than any other soldier, and could camouflage themselves using any unevenness in the ground or bush. Their silenced weapons allowed them to take out sentries and enemy soldiers, bombs, dynamite and smoke markers in order to request artillery attacks from outside of the battlefield.

Flamethrower

Inventory:

1x

1x

operating alone and without giving away their position, while sabotaging enemy vehicles and weapons using petrol

1

2x

H 1 X 3

1

1

Mk.V Sten submachine gun with silencer

1x

1 Welrod silenced pistol

Flare pistol

Inventory:

2x Sniper M 160 C 8

1

2x

2x

Radio operator M 4 C 11

H 1 X 4

3

2x

H 3 X 2

1 Mk.I Sten submachine gun

EM2 sniper rifle

Flare pistol

Inventory:

Inventory:

3x

5x

1x

1x

4x

2x

2x

1x

21x

1x

1x

16

Commonwealth army: Fixed weapons and artillery

Combat Guide

Fixed weapons and artillery Heavy machine gun Machine gun M 100 C 5 Main:

17 ML3 Mk.II Mortar Mortar M 350 C 5







L .30 R Auto A 80 m

Main:

L 81.2 mm R 5

AP:

15

15

15



10

30

70











Y





Y

A 110 m 15 110 m

Inventory: Inventory:

121x

1250x

1x

1x 20 mm Oerlikon AA defense M 190 C 2.5

Main:

L 20 mm R Auto A 100 m

AP:

29

27

21



10

30

70

18

2-pdr QF AT AT gun M 140 C 5



Y

Main:

L 40 mm R 3.5 A 110 m

AP:

68

65

59



10

30

70

50 110 m

100 m

Inventory: Inventory:

930x

51x

50x

5x

1x 6-pdr QF AT AT gun M 250 C 5

Machine guns fixed The heavy machine guns carried by many vehicles could be operated from a tripod by one or two men. These versions offered more precision than the models carried by hand by the troops and had a large amount of ammunition for providing suppression fire on enemy lines. With the allocation of military supplies it was possible to encircle the weapon with sandbags to secure it in a fixed position. Fixed machine guns were particularly useful in urban combat, where they could be deployed at crossroads without being detected and even inside large buildings, such as warehouses.

Main:

L 57 mm R 4.5 A 130 m

AP:

98

94

82



10

30

70

46 130 m

Inventory:

51x

50x

5x

18

Commonwealth army: Fixed weapons and artillery 17-pdr QF AT AT gun M 600 C 5

Main:





159

154



10

30

143

Main:

89

70

5x

L 93 mm R 7

AP:

210

197



10

30

BL 6\26 cwt howitzer Field howitzer M 900 C 10



Y

A 160 m

171

Main:





Y

L 152 mm R 75 A 250 m

Inventory:

36x

103

70

Y

1x

1x

3.7 QF AA defense gun / AT gun M 800 C 10 Main:



L 88 mm R 70 A 220 m

66x 50x



Inventory:

160 m

Inventory:

51x

19 25-pdr QF howitzer Field howitzer M 700 C 10

Y

L 76 mm R 6.5 A 160 m

AP:

Combat Guide

12x

1x

160 m

Inventory:

51x

50x

5x

Land Mattress Artillery rockets M 1300 C 10 Main:

Field artillery





Y

L 76 mm R 120 A 180 m

With the exception of the Soviet army, allied troops were late in developing and using rockets as a war weapon. The Land Mattress, tested for the first time in 1944, was designed in order to provide fire support to the infantry during landing operations. It was used during the final phase of the conflict, mainly in the offensive against German territory. The weapon consisted of a set of 32 launch ramps for 76 mm explosive rockets mounted on a towable support. Two firings could be made before reloading, guaranteeing saturation of the target area. It was deployed along with an armored tow tractor to move it through the battlefield.

Inventory:

96x

1x

Field artillery was one of the most powerful weapons which could have an arsenal. With a greater firing range and able to be operated from the rear guard with protection from supporting troops, artillery guns fired salvos of projectiles which could wipe out the target area. All nations had light and heavy artillery units. The first ones consisted of 105 mm guns or equivalent, not as powerful as the large 150 mm batteries, but they could transport almost double the emergency ammunition supply, allowing them to operate for longer on the battlefield. Heavy artillery units could fire their large caliber projectiles to greater distances, and were able to fire smoke projectiles which could cover an extensive area of ground with smoke. Smoke could be used in front of fixed enemy weapons in order to restrict their vision and prevent them pointing at allied units. Once fixed, artillery was vulnerable to return fire from enemy artillery. If the enemy had it, you could count on receiving a bombardment of your position if your guns were detected. In these cases, one light reconnaissance vehicle could be used to flank the front line and wipe out the enemy rearguard. Exploiting its speed and light armaments it could attack and render the enemy batteries useless, and escape before the enemy could respond.

20

Commonwealth army: Light vehicles

Combat Guide

Light vehicles

Mk.VII Tetrarch Light tank M 240 C 11

AC Mk.II Daimler Scout vehicle M 220 C 11 Main:

L 40 mm R 3.5 A 110 m

AP:

68

65

59



10

30

70

V 38

D 3 S - Y

L 40 mm R 3.5 A 110 m

AP:

68

65

59



10

30

70

50 110 m

G 1x B.E.S.A. The first prototype of the Mk.VII Tetrarch

G 1x B.E.S.A.

(A17) light tank was developed in 1937

The Daimler's armor was on an equal footing as the rest of the reconnaissance vehicles; it was adequate for protecting its light weapons crews but vulnerable to anti-tank rifles. Armed with the QF 2 pound gun,

by Vickers-Armstrong. The Mk.VII owes its name to the fact that it was the next model

Mk.VII Tetrarch

in the range of light tanks that the firm

In total, some 200 units were produced, but a fault discovered later in the engine cooling system prevented them from being deployed to North Africa. Instead, a large number of Tetrarchs were assigned to British air transport units, as their light weight allowed them to be transported in gliders.

developed for the army.

it could compete with the armament

In battle, the Tetrarch performed

of the Panzer III Ausf.F and confront

similarly to the AC Daimler. Its good

heavier vehicles, relying on its speed to

mobility and QF 2 pound gun allowed

avoid enemy fire.

it to provide fire support to the infantry as long as it was kept out of the way of enemy anti-tank equipment and armored vehicles.

Inventory:

31x

D 4 S -

1 16 2 16 3 14 4 16 5 16 6 14

110 m

1 9 2 9 3 9 4 18 5 9 6 9

The Daimler armored car combined reliability, a powerful engine, independent suspension and light armament. Its first involvement in the war occurred in 1941, proving to be a very effective vehicle in escort and reconnaissance work. Approximately 2,700 units were manufactured.

Main:

V 38

Armor:

50

Armor:

AC Mk.II Daimler

21

Inventory:

27x

5x

2.900x

31x

27x

5x

2.200x

1x

22

Commonwealth army: Light vehicles Mk.III Valentine Infantry tank M 320 C 13 Main:

Mk.III Valentine Designed in 1939, the Valentine's baptism of fire occurred one year later. Its arrival was very timely as it replaced losses suffered following the evacuation of British troops from Europe at Dunkirk. 8,000 units of this armored vehicle were produced, and it became one of the most manufactured tanks of the conflict.

V 22

68

65

59



10

30

70

Main:

50 110 m

23 Mk.IIA Matilda Infantry tank M 360 C 13

D 4 S 4

L 40 mm R 3.5 A 110 m

AP:

Combat Guide

AP:

68

65

59



10

30

70

50 110 m

Armor:

1 60 2 60 3 60 4 65 5 60 6 65

1 78 2 70 3 55 4 75 5 75 6 75

G 1x B.E.S.A.

G 1x B.E.S.A.

According to the British doctrine of dividing

The Matilda was one of the most famous and

armored vehicles into infantry tanks: slow,

emblematic of the British armored vehicles

well-armored and with mainly explosive

used in North Africa. Serious production

armament, and cruiser tanks: fast, less well-armored and designed to confront enemy

began in 1939, and reached 2,987 units,

tanks, the vehicle was in keeping with the specifications of a support tank.

despite being an expensive tank that was

Mk.IIA Matilda In spite of its mechanical faults and low power engine, the Matilda earned the nickname of "Queen of the desert" in Africa. Its thick armor made it immune to the majority of German anti-tank guns. Only the PaK 40 and the 88 mm anti-aircraft gun, which were few in number, could defeat the Matilda.

difficult to produce.

The Valentine was armed with a 2 pound gun which provided sufficient firepower to confront

Its 2 pound gun was capable of wiping

enemy infantry and fixed guns,

out anti-tank defenses and providing fire

whilst its armor, very thick

support to the allied infantry. However,

over its whole surface,

the tank's low speed and its tendency

allowed it to enter

to break down was a serious problem

into close quarters

in the new mobile war being waged in the

battle, where the tank

desert.

could have been under threat from different angles. And

With a similar armament to the Valentine and superior armor, the Matilda could get

although the vehicle could resist tank

dangerously close to enemy defense lines in order to bombard fixed weapons and

fire from medium tanks such as the Panzer III Ausf.F or the IV Ausf.F1, the gun had little penetration capacity and could not be used against armored vehicles. If this had been required, it would have been necessary to fire at the less protected areas.

Inventory:

trenches. Although vulnerable to infantry anti-tank rocket launchers like the Panzerschreck, it could come out unscathed from confrontations with other enemy tanks and keep providing support.

Inventory:

25x

D 4 S 4

L 40 mm R 3.5 A 110 m

Armor:

36x

V 20

5x

3.350x

1x

51x

43x

5x

3.150x

1x

24

Commonwealth army: Light vehicles Crusader AAII AA vehicle M 300 C 11

Main:

V 34

D 3 S -

Combat Guide

Tank destroyer Mk.I Archer Medium tank destroyer M 700 C 23

L 20 mm R Auto A 100 m

AP:

29

27

21



10

30

70

18 Main:

100 m

25

AP:

159

154

1 49 2 24 3 24 4 49 5 49 6 49



10

30

143

89

70

160 m

Armor:

1 30 2 15 3 15

G 1x B.E.S.A.

The Archer's design was undoubtedly

This modified version of the British Crusader included two Oerlikon 20 mm guns. Designed for

strange. The Valentine's chassis was too

anti-aircraft defense, it fell into disuse when the superiority of the allied armies in air combat

small for mounting a turret that would support

became clear.

the weapon, therefore it was decided to fix the mounting onto an open-topped, armored

Given the Crusader's speed and armor, the anti-aircraft version could offer support to the allied

Archer Mk.I

structure that housed the crew. However, the

infantry and act rapidly against light vehicles trying to penetrate the battle lines or flanks.

weapon pointed towards the rear part of the chassis, so that the length of the assembly

Inventory:

remained the same. When it fired, the recoil of the weapon drove it back as far as the driver's position. This arrangement, which could initially

1x

appear as a weakness, was soon seen as an advantage for the crews of the Archer, who could set up an

M4A3 Crab Minesweeper M 250 C 4

ambush position and fire a

V 18

D 2 S 4

couple of projectiles before withdrawing

Armor:

"in reverse" at full speed

1 51 2 38 3 38

without needing to turn the vehicle.

G 1x .30 caliber Identical to the United States version, this minesweeping vehicle was based on the chassis of a Sherman without turret. Its rotary chains detonated any mines in its path in order to clear the way for allied troops.

Inventory:

1.700x

D 4 S -

L 76 mm R 6.5 A 160 m

Armor:

1030x

V 29

Inventory:

1x

32x

20x

5x

1x

The 17 pound anti-tank gun was a highly efficient weapon, however, it turned out to be too heavy to be easily mounted on a vehicle. Therefore in 1943, the Valentine tank's chassis, still in production but now in disuse, was chosen to house this gun and serve as a tank destroyer.

26

Commonwealth army: Tank destroyer Achilles 1C Heavy tank destroyer M 800 C 40 Main:

V 34

D 5 S 4

AP:

159

154



10

30

143

Mk.I Bishop Self-propelled howitzer M 850 C 13

89

70

160 m

Main:

L 88

mm

D 4 S -

R 70 A 220 m

1 60 2 60 3 60 4 40 5 40 6 22

G 1x .50

Driven by the need to develop a self-

Compared with the Archer, the Achilles is

propelled gun suitable for African campaign

better armored and faster, and also has a

battles, the British launched the first

turret that allows it to fire in any direction and

prototype in 1941, based on the Valentine

continue being effective in battle even when it is immobilized.

tank and armed with a QF 25 pound

The hull armor was strengthened slightly so that it could resist attack from heavy machine

howitzer.

guns and small automatic guns. However, its weakest point was the open-top turret that

The Bishop's weapon turned out to be

made it vulnerable to attacks from grenades, mortars or artillery.

efficient, but not its elevated turret - too visible for desert operations - nor its limited turning range.

Inventory:

28x

V 21

Armor:

1 38 2 25 3 25 4 25 5 25 6 25

This modification of the American M10 Wolverine tank destroyer replaced the original M7 gun with a powerful QF 17 pdr gun. Occasionally, it was known as the M10 Firefly as it used the same weapon as the modified Sherman Firefly tank.

27

Self-propelled artillery

L 76 mm R 6.5 A 160 m

Armor:

Achilles 1C

Combat Guide

Inventory:

25x

5x

1.100x

1x

66x

1x

Mk.I Bishop Finally, 150 Bishop units were produced, but with the entry into service of the American M7 Priest, the model became obsolete. In spite of having less armor, the North American gun did not take long to replace the Bishop as a distinguished part of the allied army's selfpropelled artillery.

28

Commonwealth army: Self-propelled artillery M7 Priest Self-propelled howitzer M 900 C 13 Main:

L 105

mm

V 27

D 4 S -

Combat Guide

Tanks Mk.VI Crusader Light tank M 350 C 23

R 70 A 220 m

Armor:

1 64 2 38 3 38 G 1x 0.50 caliber Although the first M7s were produced by the Americans for their own army, many units were sent to allied countries as part of the "Lend-Lease" programme. 90 units of the M7 Priest were assigned to the

29

Main:

L 57

mm

V 34

R 4.5 A 130 m

AP:

98

94

82



10

30

70

46 130 m

Armor:

1 32 2 27 3 27 4 32 5 23 6 29 G 1x B.E.S.A.

British Eighth Army stationed in North Africa.

The British school divided its armored vehicles

Commonwealth troops deployed the Priest

into two main categories: infantry tanks: slow,

along with their own self-propelled artillery

well armed and with a large caliber gun for firing highly explosive ammunition; and

vehicles in the Second Battle of El Alamein.

cruiser tanks: fast and less well-armored, whose purpose was to attack and destroy enemy tanks.

M7 Priest

The Mk VI Crusader, the production of which began in 1940, was the greatest exponent

The Priest did not take long to demonstrate its usefulness, therefore the British requested up to 5,500 new vehicles - an order which was never completed.

of British cruiser tanks and played a distinguished role in the North Africa campaign. With the later appearance of the American Sherman and the British Cromwell, it was relegated to second place and converted to serve as a chassis for anti-aircraft and weapon towing vehicles. The Crusader had a 57 mm high velocity gun with good penetration capability. It could destroy any German Panzer III and IV with a single shot. However, it was very vulnerable to anti-tank guns so its low profile and excellent mobility were not enough to counteract its light armor. Furthermore, as it only had a single coaxial machine gun it often suffered from infantry attacks. Therefore, its use as a support tank was not advisable.

Inventory:

66x

Inventory:

1600x

1x

38x

28x

5x

3.700x

1x

D 4 S 4

30

Commonwealth army: Tanks Mk.VIII Cromwell Medium tank M 375 C 23

Main:

L 75

mm

R 6

AP:

89

83

68



10

30

70

V 36

Combat Guide Mk.IV Churchill Medium tank M 650 C 23

D 4 S 4 Main:

A 130 m 38 130 m

31

L 57

mm

V 21

R 4.5 A 130 m

AP:

98

94

82



10

30

70

46 130 m

Armor:

Armor:

1 63 2 32 3 32 4 76 5 63 6 57

1 101 2 76 3 64 4 89 5 89 6 89

G 2x B.E.S.A.

G 2x B.E.S.A.

An improved version of the Crusader medium

The rapid advance of German troops on all

tank, the Cromwell was the first British armored vehicle that had a main large caliber gun

fronts hastened the design of the Churchill,

in the same vehicle, with high penetration capacity and suitable armor.

baptized in honor of the British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill.

Its baptism of fire took place during the Battle of Normandy, in June 1944, and given its

The original design of the tank was finished in July 1940. At the end of that same year,

excellent battlefield performance, it did not take long to replace the American Sherman in

the first prototypes had been built and in June 1941, the first units were manufactured. In

the Commonwealth army. Furthermore, due to its extraordinary speed and maneuvering

total, more than 7,000 were produced and the Soviet Union received 300 tanks of the Mk

capacity, it was often used for reconnaissance missions by British armored divisions.

III and Mk IV models due to the "Lend-Lease" programme.

The Cromwell possessed a 75 mm gun which fired high explosive projectiles with great

The Churchill was recognizable by its long chassis, thick front armor and the spectacular

penetration capacity, although it was not enough to rupture the front armor of the most

caterpillar tracks around its wheels. Its gun was the same as that mounted on the

modern German tanks.

Crusader, with acceptable penetration power but limited firepower. Its two machine guns,

With a lower profile than the Sherman and with a similar thickness of armor, its straight plates were less effective than the inclined plates of the North American tank. In any case, in battle it could successfully carry out infantry support missions and act as a tank destroyer, at least until the German Panthers and Tigers appeared on the battlefield.

one coaxial and the other frontal, with their limited firing angles, did not offer sufficient protection from infantry. The first versions of the Churchill had serious design problems due to hasty production, but the British had feared imminent invasion by German troops. This almost resulted in the cessation of its production in favor of the future Cromwell tank. However, the vast majority of the faults detected in this model were resolved in the Mk.III design, which entered service during the Second Battle of El Alamein in October 1942 and included the new 57 mm gun on a newly designed turret, and the Mk.IV, which was the most manufactured version of the Churchill series.

Inventory:

35x

D 4 S 4

Inventory:

29x

5x

2.875x

1x

49x

36x

5x

3.875x

1x

32

Commonwealth army: Tanks Comet I (A34) Medium tank M 850 C 23

Main:

V 36

139

134



10

30

123

Main:

81

70

150 m

33 Mk.VII Churchill Heavy tank M 900 C 38

D 5 S 4

L 77 mm R 6.5 A 150 m

AP:

Combat Guide

L 75

mm

R 6

AP:

89

83

68



10

30

70

38 130 m

Armor:

1 76 2 43 3 25 4 102 5 64 6 57

1 152 2 95 3 51 4 152 5 95 6 95

G 2x B.E.S.A.

G 2x B.E.S.A.

Tank designed to accompany units in which

The thickness of the Churchill's armor,

the armored units of the Cromwell were

undoubtedly its most distinguished

operating, but its entry into service coincided with the last phase of the war.

characteristic, was increased to 152 mm

anti-tank gun that would be more effective against the armor of the powerful German Panzer IV, Panzer and Tiger. The objective was to create a model that would correct the problems of the Cromwell's suspension and caterpillar tracks and increase its anti-tank power.

at the front of the hull and on the turret. However, as it did not have inclined plates, their effectiveness was reduced. Likewise, the armor added much weight to the vehicle, which acted negatively on speed of movement. In fact, the Mk.VII was also known as the "Heavy Churchill". In any case, its powerful front armor allowed it to resist punishment from fixed anti-tank

The new 76.2 mm high velocity gun could get through the armor-plating of any German Panzer IV and posed a serious threat to the Tiger and Panther if it flanked them.

weapons while it bombarded their positions. This virtue made this tank an excellent launching point for attacking enemy fortifications.

Furthermore, its ammunition was very compact and easier to store than that of the anti-

Its 75 mm QF gun, identical to the Cromwell's, fired explosive

aircraft artillery upon which its main weapon was based.

projectiles against infantry and defensive positions.

The front armor of the turret was the same as that of the Churchill and provided good protection. However, the high profile of the hull and its less well armored, straight, uninclined plates were a weak point which enemy weapons could point at with guaranteed success.

However, its penetration capacity was slightly less than that of the original 57 mm gun mounted on the Mk.III Churchill and Crusader.

The performance of the Comet was greatest when it was placed in low hull positions or used its high speed of movement to flank enemy tanks.

Inventory:

Inventory:

44x

D 5 S 4

A 130 m

Armor:

The Battle of Normandy showed that the British Army needed a new vehicle with an

V 13

49x 27x

5x

3.575x

1x

36x

5x

3.875x

1x

Mk.VII Churchill Version of the Churchill equipped with additional armor and armament, the Mk.VII had its baptism of fire during the Battle of Normandy, in June 1944.

34

Commonwealth army: Tanks M4A4 VC Firefly Medium tank M 900 C 40

Main:

L 76

AP:

159

154



10

30

mm

V 34

Combat Guide

35 Mk.II Centurion Heavy tank M 1600 C 40

D 5 S 4

R 6.5 A 160 m

Main:

143

AP:

159

154



10

30

89

70

160 m

L 76

mm

R 6.5 A 160 m 143

89

70

160 m

Armor:

Armor:

1 51 2 38 3 38 4 76 5 51 6 51

1 118 2 51 3 51 4 165 5 112 6 90

G 1x 0.50 caliber

G 1x 0.50 caliber

G 2x 0.30 caliber

V 28

G 1x 0.30 caliber

The Sherman tank, strengthened with a British

The first units of the Centurion were

17 pound anti-tank gun, was often used by

manufactured in early 1945, therefore it never

the allied army during the last months of the

entered combat during the Second World War.

conflict. It entered service in early 1944 and played a distinguished role in the Normandy

In fact, its baptism of fire would come in the Korean War (1950). Between 1945 and 1962,

landings. Between 1944 and 1945, some 2,100 units were manufactured.

some 4,400 units were manufactured, divided into 13 different versions.

It was the only British tank capable of defeating the powerful German Tigers and

Its design was a revolution with respect to previous British tanks. The front armor of

Panthers at medium range, which compelled the German army to order its troops to

the chassis, inclined section, favored the rebound of projectiles. The first model of the

prioritize attacks against the Sherman Firefly.

Centurion had a 76 mm thick plate, which was reinforced to 118 mm in the second

Compared with the M4A3 Sherman, advances of the Firefly model lay in the greater range and penetration capacity of its 17 pound gun, equivalent to the fixed anti-tank

version, the Mk.II. The turret was also heavily armored, and housed the same 17 pound anti-tank gun that had given such good results to the Sherman Firefly.

version. In fact, it was the second most powerful anti-tank weapon of the British Army,

The Centurion encompassed all the features of modern battle tanks and achieved a

only exceeded by the fixed QF 3.7 anti-aircraft gun.

perfect balance between speed of movement, firepower and anti-penetration armor.

To house a similar armament, both the turret and the gun itself were modified in order to minimize the effects of the recoil of a weapon designed to fire against enemy air forces from a fixed position.

Although the German Tiger II had a more powerful gun and greater armor, the Centurion was more capable of maneuvering and more reliable than its opponent, characteristics which made its deployment to the battlefield very advisable.

However, its armor was not sufficient to withstand attack from the 75 mm and 88 mm guns of the German Panther and Tiger. Therefore, the Firefly had to take the initiative in battle, taking advantage of its excellent mobility for placing itself in ambush firing positions and withdrawing outside of enemy range when the latter was preparing to return fire.

Inventory:

46x

Inventory:

32x

5x

700x

2.900x

1x

44x

27x

5x

750x

2.700x

1x

D 5 S 4

36

Commonwealth army: Tanks Churchill Crocodile Flamethrower tank M 5 C 38

Main:

L 75

mm

R 6

AP:

89

83

68



10

30

70

V 13

Combat Guide Churchill AVRE Heavy tank M 7 C 38

D 5 S 4 Main:

A 130 m

37

L 290

mm

R 76

V 12

D 5 S 4

A 80 m

Armor:

38

1 152 2 95 3 51 4 152 5 95 6 95

130 m

Armor:

1 152 2 95 3 51 4 152 5 95 6 95

G 2x B.E.S.A. The short range of its mortar forced the

G 1x B.E.S.A.

AVRE to fight on the front line of battle,

The Churchill Crocodile was a modified version

where its overwhelming destructive power

of the Mk.VII Churchill which had a long range

allowed it to wipe out any enemy fortification

flamethrower in place of the usual coaxial machine gun. During the Second World War,

and inflict damage to armored vehicles.

some 800 units of the Mk.VII were converted to flamethrower tanks.

It also had two machine guns and highly

Unlike the American Sherman Croc, the Crocodile's flamethrower was mounted on

resistant armor.

the front of the hull, which considerably restricted its firing angle towards the front and

However, its prolonged reload time was a weak point, therefore it was better not to expose

towards its right flank.

it to enemy fire for any longer than was necessary.

Ideal for urban scenarios, it reduced enemy buildings to ashes, forcing the occupants to beat a retreat. Given its reduced maneuvering capacity, it was not advisable to use it against vehicles, as it was necessary to turn the whole tank in order to point at the target. However, as a launch point for frontal attack against entrenched enemy positions, the Crocodile, with its excellent front armor, could resist attack from enemy anti-tank guns while bombarding their positions with its 6 pound gun and destroying enemy trenches with its flamethrower.

Inventory:

49x

Inventory:

36x

5x

3.675x

1x

1x

32x

1.050x

1x

Churchill AVRE The AVRE (Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineers) is a modified version of the Mk.VII Churchill which included a 290 mm Petard mortar that fired 18 kg explosive projectiles capable of demolishing enemy defense structures.

38

Commonwealth army: Tanks Black Prince Super-heavy tank M 10 C 48 Main:

L 76

AP:

159

154



10

30

mm

R 7

V 11

D 5 S 4

Combat Guide

Transport and logistics

A 160 m

143

89

70

39

Willys MB jeep Car M 110 C 7.5

V 45

D 3 S -

Dodge WC-55 Scout vehicle M 220 C 10

V 36

D 4 S - Y

V 35

D 2 S 8 Y

G 1x 0.30 caliber

160 m

Armor:

1 152 2 95 3 95 4 152 5 95 6 51

Inventory:

1.400x

G 2x 0.30 caliber Black Brince In May 1945, six experimental prototypes were created which were named Black Prince in honor of Edward Woodstock, Prince of Wales and heir to Edward III of England in the 14th century.

Modified version of the Churchill which included a lethal 17 pound anti-tank gun. With a maximum cross-country speed of

L 37 mm gun

just 11km/h, the Churchill Black Prince was

G 1x Vickers K

a very slow tank and, although its powerful gun could get through a German Panther from one side to the other, it lacked the power needed to measure up to a Tiger II.

Inventory:

However, the project was cancelled due to the success of the Centurion, a tank equipped with the same armament and armor and which was now in the production phase.

26x

60x

5x

1.596x

M3A1 Armored half track M 125 C 5 Armor:

1 8 2 8 3 8 G 1x 0.50 caliber Inventory:

44x

Inventory:

27x

5x

3.550x

1x

3.600x

24x

12x

12x

12x

1x

40

Commonwealth army: Transport and logistics Bedford OYD (transport) Supply truck M 50 C 5

V 36

D 2 S 10 Y

Combat Guide

41

Special attack Discharge of artillery M - C -

Transported ammunition and supplies for the infantry troops.

Only available in Historic Battle

Due to its overwhelming destructive power, Artillery has earned the nickname "Queen of the Battle". With this attack, you will be able to give the order to fire at artillery batteries located off the map in order to attack the indicated position. A few seconds after giving the

Inventory:

5.000x

order, a shower of projectiles will fall around the target area. After each firing, the batteries must be reloaded and rearmed, therefore

2.000x

500x

10x

20x

10x

10x

15x

Bedford OYD (supplies) Supply truck M 150 C 5

1x

V 36

there is a waiting time before the order to fire can be given again.

D 2 S - Y

direct command, two QF 25-pdr howitzers with which to saturate the enemy positions. Acting jointly, they can provide great firepower,

for all types of gun and large weapons used

firing simultaneously or individually to hold the enemy line for the longest time possible.

by the Commonwealth army. It also carried additional Jerry cans of fuel.

Inventory:

10x

5.000x

2.000x

100x

Ammunition for all types of weapon and gun used by the Commonwealth army

20x

10x

Bedford OYD (engineers) Supply truck M 250 C 5 elements, as well as mines and spare fuel.

Inventory:

24x

24x

30x

20x

10x

30x

2x

V 36

Transported supplies for the installation of defensive

14x

a

The Royal Artillery Corps of the United Kingdom, ready to provide fire support from positions far from the battlefield, will deploy, on your

Transported supplies for the infantry, as well as ammunition

500x

Royal Artillery Corps M 6 C 10

2x

5x

D 2 S - Y