Improvised Armor for Churchill Tanks: Innovative Measures by Crews Under Adversity

During World War II, the effectiveness of armored tanks often relied on more than just their standard, designed armor. Crews of the Churchill tank, particularly in the later models such as the Mark VII and Mark VIII, frequently resorted to improvising additional protective features. These innovative methods were crucial in increasing the survivability of the tanks in combat situations, especially when standard armor was deemed insufficient against specific threats.

Common Improvisations on Churchill Tanks

Churchill tank crews employed a variety of materials and techniques to enhance their tanks' armor. Some of the most notable improvisations included:

Sandbags

Sandbags were a common and simple method used to add additional protection to the exterior of the tank. Crews would stack sandbags on the tank's exterior to absorb and deflect incoming rounds, particularly High Explosive (HE) shells. While these sandbags did not provide significant armor against Armor Piercing (AP) rounds, they did mitigate the risks of crew members being injured by shrapnel and HE fragments.

Tracks and Spare Parts

Extra tracks and other heavy metal components were sometimes added to the sides of the tank to provide additional protection. These tracks and metal components provided a physical barrier against enemy fire, increasing the tank's overall survivability.

Wood and Steel Plates

Wooden planks or scrap steel plates were often bolted or welded onto the tank's hull to create additional barriers. These added layers of protection could deflect incoming rounds and provide a more robust shield for the crew inside.

Cages and Grids

Some crews constructed cage-like structures around the tank, particularly to counter specific threats like anti-tank weapons, especially shaped charges. These cages could disrupt the trajectory of incoming projectiles, increasing the likelihood of deflection.

Chain Link Fencing

Chain link fencing was sometimes used to disrupt the trajectory of projectiles, thereby increasing the chances of deflection. This method was particularly effective against HE rounds, which were notorious for their fragmentation effects.

Protection and Camouflage: A Survival Strategy

The effectiveness of Churchill tanks, even in the earliest versions, made them formidable vehicles. However, as the war progressed, the types of threats crews faced changed. Enemy tanks like the Panther and Tiger posed significant problems, necessitating additional means of protection and concealment.

The Mark VII and Mark VIII models of the Churchill tank had armor thicknesses of 152 mm hull front, 95 mm hull and turret sides, and 51 mm hull rear. While the front armor was exceptionally strong, the 95 mm sides offered adequate protection against HE rounds but were less effective against AP rounds, especially those from enemy tanks like the Panther and Tiger.

Crews used sandbags to protect against HE rounds, which were particularly dangerous to the crew. The sandbags could also shield the tank from handheld anti-tank weapons like the Panzerfaust, as seen with the Sherman M4A3 covered with sandbags in the 14th Armored Division.

Additionally, camouflage played a significant role in providing protection. Allied troops, including Churchill tank crews, utilized available vegetation to conceal the tanks from enemy sight. This "armor" through concealment was a common practice, as demonstrated by Churchill Mark VII tanks with unconventional camouflage in France and Italy.

Conclusion

Throughout World War II, tank crew members from all sides resorted to creative and unconventional methods to protect their vehicles and crew. The Churchill tank, with its robust design, often required additional layers of protection to match the evolving nature of combat. Through the use of sandbags, spare parts, wooden and steel plates, cages, grids, and chain link fencing, crews enhanced the survivability of their tanks in combat situations. Similar to the trenches of World War I, the Churchill was designed for close infantry support and tight urban combat, necessitating these innovative and adaptive measures.

The story of the Churchill tank and its crews is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of military personnel. These improvisations highlight the importance of thinking outside the box in the face of challenging enemy forces and combat conditions.