The only known photograph of the Comet Crocodile. This was an attempt to fit the Crocodile flamethrower to a faster and more modern tank than the Churchill. Ultimately, “while crossing half-timbered trench against 26” step” at a speed of 8 miles per hour the trailer was torn away from the Comet. This damaged its tyres and broke the axle. The trials went no further.

taken from fb/The Tank Museum (Bovington Camp, Dorset, United Kingdom)

 Comet Crocodile

The date on this photo is the 26th October 1942. The next day the man at front right, 20 year old Trooper Fred Keates, would be killed. He was from Oldham, and a member of his local unit, 47th Royal Tank Regiment. The crew and their Sherman, named ‘Blighty,’ were part of 5 Troop in B Squadron. The tank was knocked out at around 10am by German anti-tank fire. Fred, the loader, was buried next to his tank.
taken from fb/Tank Museum Bovington

They will never grow old...

A soldier of the Scottish unit of the British 8th Army gives light to a captured, wounded Italian officer, so he could have a smoke; Egypt, the second Battle of El Alamein, October 1942.