Hello
I have been reading the manual for the atomic game "Crusader" wich mentions that the A9, A10, A13 CS tanks 3.7 inch howitzer could only fire smoke! not HE as currently modelled in the game.
Looking on the internet I found,
From this site
http://www.btinternet.com/~ian.a.pat...rmourtanks.htm
For the A9
"To fulfill this role the CS (Close Support) version was developed, with a 3.7-in Howitzer replacing the 2-pdr, it could fire a 4.77kg smoke shell instead. An HE shell was also produced, but was in short supply in North Africa. When 3 RTR went to Calais in May 1940, they got there only to find that the HE shells, for their A9 CS tanks, had been left on the dockside in the UK."
For the A10
As with the A9 a CS (Close Support) version was developed in parallel with the main tank. It was armed with a 3.7-in Mortar (Howitzer) OQF MK I, which was a single shot weapon and could only fire smoke. In battle the CS versions would accompany the Squadron Headquarters of the tank regiment protecting the gun tanks with smoke screens for them to manoeuvre. Only 30 CS versions were built.
For the A13
The CS version, of the A13 MK IV, was again fitted with a 3.7-in Mortar (Howitzer) OQF MK I which was a single shot weapon and could only fire smoke. This was rapidly becoming a disadvantage and this was the last tank to be fitted with it.
This Site goes on to detail that the A13 Mk II CS didnt have MGs.
http://www.wwiivehicles.com/unitedki...ser/mk_iv.html
From
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cruiser_Mk_I
A9
"Had a 3.7" (94mm) howitzer installed in the turret. This gun only fired smoke rounds, 40 of which were carried."
From
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cruiser_Mk_II
THE A10
"Had a 3.7" (94 mm) howitzer in the turret instead of the 2 pdr. The standard ammunition load was 40 rounds smoke, and a few HE shells"
I wonder if these 3 tanks could have their ammo loadouts changed from HE to Smoke?
Regards Chuck.