Background
The Gun Tractor Mk I was a British World War II military vehicle designed to tow artillery pieces such as the 25-pounder field gun and other artillery pieces.It was based on a Cruiser Mk II Crusader tank and was built for rugged terrain, it featured an open armored cab for crew, only the driver was protected from all sides. It improved British artillery mobility and supported effective deployment and firepower for Allied ground forces.
Crusader II, Gun Tractor Mk I
The Gun Tractor Mk I, based on the Crusader Mk II came out of the necessity to tow middle and heavy guns together with the advancing allied forces. The gun tractor, lacking the gun turret, was almost as heavy as the standard Cruiser Tank Crusader. The gun tractor had 14 mm thick armor plating and still reached a high speed of 43 km/h (27 mph) which was still hard on the towed 76.2 mm QF 17, the 17 pounder guns.
Next to the 17pdr. Guns the Gun Tractor Mk I towed artillery like the 25-pounder field gun and 6 pounder guns.
It had an open fighting compartment on top without armament. A 7,92 mm BESA or .303 BREN machine gun was added separately for close protection. Canvas or a tent was used to protect the crew in the event of inclement weather.
Technical Specifications – Gun Tractor Mk I
Role: Artillery tractor
Origin: United Kingdom
Service Period: Early 1940s – late WWII
Engine & Mobility
Engine: Nuffield Liberty/340 BHP (KS)
Top Speed: Approximately 24 km/h in the field, 43 km/h on roads
Dimensions (varied by model)
Length: Approx. 5–6 meters
Width: Approx. 2–2.5 meters
Height: Around 2.5 meters
Weight: 15 500 kg
Capacity
Transport capacity:
Crew: 8 persons (including one driver and gun crew)
40 pieces of ammunition caliber 76,2 mm (17pdr)
1000 pieces of ammunition 7,92 mm (for machine gun BESA)
600 pieces of ammunition .303 mm (for machine gun BREN)
Towed Weapons
Ordnance QF 25-pounder field gun
Ordnance QF 17-pounder anti-tank gun
Occasionally the 6-pounder or other medium-caliber guns
Some vehicles were also used by battery commanders as armored command and reconnaissance vehicles, some had bulldozer equipment attached, and field adjustments with heightened armor for extra personnel protection and better deep wading capacity.
The Crusader II, Gun Tractor Mk I were used in northwest Europe from the Normandy landings of 1944 to the end of the war in 1945.
