Military

WATCH: This World War II Churchill Crocodile Tank Spit Liquid Fire

November 2, 2020Matt Fratus
Churchill Crocodile Hobart's Funnies coffee or die

Churchill Crocodile in action near Fort Montbarey. Brest, France, Sep 1944. Photo courtesy of (https://www.how-amps.org/churchill-crocodile).

Hobart’s Funnies were a series of American M4 Sherman tanks and British Mk IV tanks from Gen. Percy Hobart’s 79th Armoured Division. These specialist armored fighting vehicles derived from the standard tanks were tailored to meet specific mission demands of World War II. They were odd but efficient and necessary to get the job done. 


The “Swimming” Sherman was an amphibious tank used on all five beaches during the invasion of Normandy on D-Day, and the “Crab” Flail Sherman had equipment mounted to the front to clear land mines. The Churchill AVRE (Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineer) tank was equipped with the Spigot mortar to destroy concrete bunkers and steel structures, while the Armoured Ramp Carrier, or ARK, Churchill tank had a foldable ramp in place of its turret to create a bridge that vehicles could cross. 



The most feared of them all was the Churchill Crocodile — a tank that included a flamethrower capability. The Churchill Crocodile had a crew of five and towed a large storage chamber filled with more than 400 gallons of petroleum jelly. A common tactic used during the war was firing its main turret at a concrete bunker or building, then using the projector on the front to spit fire to reach the enemy occupants inside. The effective range was more than 100 yards, and the liquid fire stuck to everything it touched. 


The Churchill Crocodile was among the most psychologically intimidating weapon systems of the war. Its napalm-like flamethrower, coupled with the armament and protection of a tank, was a living nightmare for German infantry. Since flamethrowers were viewed as an unpleasant and inhumane way to kill on the battlefield, the mere presence of a Churchill Crocodile made the enemy think twice. The flamethrower’s projector used a spark plug to ignite the flame. However, the Churchill Crocodile could spray unignited petroleum jelly in order to give enemy troops the option to surrender.



Matt Fratus
Matt Fratus

Matt Fratus is a history staff writer for Coffee or Die. He prides himself on uncovering the most fascinating tales of history by sharing them through any means of engaging storytelling. He writes for his micro-blog @LateNightHistory on Instagram, where he shares the story behind the image. He is also the host of the Late Night History podcast. When not writing about history, Matt enjoys volunteering for One More Wave and rooting for Boston sports teams.

More from Coffee or Die Magazine
dear jack mandaville
Dear Jack: Which Historic Battle Would You Want To Witness?

Ever wonder how much Jack Mandaville would f*ck sh*t up if he went back in time? The American Revolution didn't even see him coming.

west point time capsule
West Point Time Capsule Yields Centuries-Old Coins

A nearly 200-year-old West Point time capsule that at first appeared to yield little more than dust contains hidden treasure, the US Military Academy said.

Ouija Board aircraft carrier
Low-Tech ‘Ouija Boards’ Have Helped Aircraft Carriers Operate for Decades

Since the 1920s, a low-tech tabletop replica of an aircraft carrier’s flight deck has been an essential tool in coordinating air operations.

Army vs. Navy mascot
The Navy Goat vs. the Army Mule: Mascot Origin Stories

For nearly as long as the Army-Navy football rivalry, the academies’ hoofed mascots have stared each other down from the sidelines. Here are their stories.

ukraine long-range weapon
Zelenskyy Says Ukraine Has Developed a Long-Range Weapon, a Day After Strike Deep Inside Russia

Zelenskyy said on his Telegram channel the weapon was produced by Ukraine’s Ministry of Strategic Industries but gave no other details.

ambush
7 of the Best Movie Ambush Scenes of All Time

Ambushes make for great action scenes. Here are seven of the best to ever grace the big screen.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, center, with his daughter, center right, reportedly named Ju Ae, review the honor guard during their visit to the navy headquarter in North Korea
North Korea Launches Missile Toward Sea After US Flies Bomber During Drills

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement that the launch occurred Wednesday but gave no further details, such as how far the missile flew.

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Careers
Contact Us
Contact Us
© 2023 Coffee or Die Magazine. All Rights Reserved