Churchill tanks of the British 34th Tank Brigade in Normandy, France; 17 July 1944.
   The 34th Tank Brigade was part of the United Kingdom 79th Armoured Division. It was equipped with Churchill tanks and provided close support for assaults by the infantry. During the fighting in North-west Europe from July 1944 to May 1945 the brigade served with both the First Canadian Army and the British Second Army


Churchill tanks

A British soldier examines an abandoned German ‘Nebelwerfer’ near the small commune of Troarn, Normandy; 20 July 1944.
   The Nebelwerfer (or smoke shell mortar) was a German towed artillery piece, used in World War II. It had six 150 mm barrels, from which it fired rockets.
After firing, a long streak of smoke was visible from a considerable distance, leaving the Nebelwerfer vulnerable to counter-battery fire. It was therefore necessary to relocate the launcher and crew as soon as possible after firing.

Abandoned weapon

A British infantryman prepares to fire a PIAT - "Projector Infantry Anti-Tank" weapon;  Normandy, France, 9 August 1944.