COMET I
ARMAMENT TRAINING
PAMPHLET
Royal Armoured Corps
R.A.C. Publication Section, Bovington Camp, March 1946
A rare original Royal Armoured Corps handbook for the Comet Tank, published in March 1946. Produced by the R.A.C., the handbook is a well illustrated guide to the use and maintenance of the armament and ammunition of Mk I Comet Tank. Subjects covered include: introduction to armament, 77mm gun, 7.92 BESA MG, smoke weapons, co-axial mountings, machine gun shooting, shooting at moving targets, shooting on the move, fire discipline, tools and spares, aiming, sighting equipment, ammunition, techniques of shooting, stationary targets, etc.
With detailed instructions for the combat use of the 77mm gun and the BESA machine gun, and more than 60 diagrams, plates and plans of the Comet's weapons, ammunition, and shooting techniques, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone researching WW2 era British tanks.
Comet Tank: The development of the Comet Mk I began in 1943 as a response to the need for a more powerful and better-armoured cruiser tank that could compete with the formidable German Panther and Tiger tanks. The Comet was designed by Leyland Motors and was an evolution of the earlier Cromwell tank, incorporating several key improvements in armament, armour, and mobility.
The Comet had a crew of five, and was equipped with the 77 mm High Velocity gun, which was a highly effective weapon capable of penetrating the armour of most German tanks at typical combat ranges. The gun was a modified version of the 17-pounder, optimized for tank use with a shorter barrel and reduced recoil. The Comet also featured two 7.92 mm Besa machine guns, one coaxial with the main gun and one mounted in the hull.
Powered by the Rolls-Royce Meteor V12 petrol engine, the Comet could achieve a top road speed of 51 km/h and a cross-country speed of 24 km/h. The tank's Christie suspension system provided excellent mobility over rough terrain. The vehicle's fording capability allowed it to cross water obstacles up to 1m deep.
The Comet's armour was an improvement over its predecessors, offering better protection against enemy fire, and its lower profile and sloping armour increased its survivability on the battlefield. The Comet entered service in late 1944 and saw action during the final stages of WW2, including the crossing of the Rhine and the advance into Germany.
The Comet was well-regarded by its crews for its balance of firepower, protection, and mobility. Leyland built a total of 1186 Comets before production ceased in May 1945. They went on to serve with the British Army at home, in Germany, the Middle East and the Far East. The Comet was finally withdrawn from British service in 1960. Small numbers were exported and overseas users included the armies of Burma, Finland, the Republic of Ireland, and South Africa.
Condition:
In good condition. The card cover is in good condition, with general signs of use and some marks. The binding is good and secure. The text and illustrations are in good condition, with some marks and general signs of use. The plates section at the rear has water damage, marks, wear, and small pieces missing from 6 of the 17 plates.
Published: 1946
Khaki illustrated card cover with black titling
Illustrated with plates, line drawings and diagrams
Dimensions: 135mm x 210mm
Pages: 246
