Churchill Crocodile Flame-thrower Tank in Normandy

The Churchill Crocodile tank was a flamethrower-equipped variant of the British Churchill infantry tank, developed as part of a series of specialised armoured vehicles created specifically for the D-Day landings in Normandy. These unique vehicles were designed under the leadership of Major General Percy Hobart, and became collectively known as “Hobart’s Funnies.”

The Crocodile was particularly effective against fortified German positions, such as bunkers and pillboxes. In several cases, its terrifying bursts of flame were enough to prompt the surrender of hundreds of German troops without further resistance.

What Was the Churchill Crocodile Tank?

Developed in the lead-up to D-Day the Churchill Crocodile was a specialised flamethrower variant of the Churchill Mk VII infantry tank, designed to assault heavily fortified enemy positions. Unlike standard flame tanks of the era, the Crocodile retained its 75mm turret-mounted gun, allowing it to serve as both a conventional tank and a terrifying close-assault weapon.

Its flamethrower system replaced the front-mounted Besa machine gun with a flame projector, which was connected to a 6½-ton armoured fuel trailer via a protected pipe running beneath the hull. This trailer carried 1,800 litres of fuel and compressed gas propellant, providing enough capacity for around 80 one-second bursts of fire — each with an effective range of up to 120–150 yards (110–140 metres).

One of the Crocodile's major advantages was its conversion kit, designed so that it could be installed by field workshops, allowing standard Churchills to be adapted as needed. Engineers (REME) — could convert standard Churchill Mk VIIs into Crocodile tanks as needed. This ensured flexibility in production and deployment without disrupting the supply of regular tanks to the front.

Churchill Crocodile Tanks in Normandy

The Churchill Crocodile first saw action on D-Day, 6 June 1944, when 13 and 15 Troops of C Squadron, 141st Regiment Royal Armoured Corps (The Buffs) landed at La Rivière and Le Hamel, respectively. Although both troops reached the beaches, none of 15 Troop’s tanks made it off the sand until the following morning.

On D-Day itself, 13 Troop supported the 7th Battalion, Green Howards, though their flamethrowers were not used during these initial actions. It wasn’t until 7 June that 13 Troop employed their flame projectors for the first time — targeting German defensive positions and reportedly prompting the surrender of 150 enemy troops under a white flag. This dramatic debut highlighted the psychological power of the Crocodile and set the tone for its continued use throughout the Normandy campaign.

Throughout June and July 1944, Crocodiles supported numerous operations, including actions near Fontenay-le-Pesnel, Tilly-sur-Seulles, and Caen; their ability to clear strongpoints quickly made them a valuable asset.