Review by Alan McNeilly

Introduction

During World War II 79th Armoured Division were issued with drop-sided sledges for use with their Churchill AVREs and these were used successfully in the North West European campaign.  The sledges were designed to carry spare faggots for the fascine carrier but could also be used to transport general stores and ammunition./ Both the Churchill AVRE Mk III and Mk IV conversions were used by the Division on the D Day assault on the Normandy beaches and both types of vehicle could be used to tow the AVRE sledge.  Also used was the Porpoise sledge.  Following the success of these sledges further trials and developments took place with the ‘Gutter Carrier’, but that’s another story.

The sledge was designed to carry stores, spare faggots and for those brave enough to ride in it troops!!  It had a moderate degree of protection with 7mm thick armoured front and sides.  The base of the sledge was made of a planked wooden deck attached to which were two long wooden skids.

Accurate Armour produce both the AVRE Sledge Kit No A033 and the Porpoise Sledge Kit No A004 and this is a brief look at the former.

by Mike Durr