Grant CDL
The Canal Defence Light (CDL) was a British designed Heavy Searchlight in an armoured turret for battlefield illumination. Originally fitted to the Matilda Mk.II's in 1942 in North Africa, although never used, it was decided to adapt the better suited M3 tank series as the main 75mm armament could still be retained. Later vehicles also had a dummy gun on the CDL turret.
With a beam of 13,000,000 candle intensity, it illuminated an area of 1000 x 340 yards and was very effective being seen a "war winner" and as such was given a very high security cover. This secrecy however meant that few Field Commanders, British and American, were aware of them or how they should be deployed and resultantly they were used on only a few operations, mainly for the crossings of the Rhine and the Elbe. Units were sent to the Far East but never saw combat.
The Americans were supplied with six turrets for testing and following favourable trials decided to use an American built Arc Light and converted a total of 497 M3A1 cast hull Lee's, designating them as the T10 Shop Tractor with 355 being formed into two Armoured Groups. The American versions replaced the turret ball mounted Besa's with their .30cal. Browning. These too only saw limited action, mainly at the Rhine crossings, especially at Remagen. Sent to Okinawa they arrived to late to see combat.
- SKU: BB149
- Shipping info
We ship to all countries World Wide. If you receive an error message "No shipping location available" or similar, please contact us directly by e-mail (info@milicast.com) and we shall assist. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
Shipments outside the UK may be subject to Duty & Taxes from the government of the destination country. Payment of Duty & Taxes are the responsibility of the customer.
- Payment methods
- Return Policy
We accept returns
The Canal Defence Light (CDL) was a British designed Heavy Searchlight in an armoured turret for battlefield illumination. Originally fitted to the Matilda Mk.II's in 1942 in North Africa, although never used, it was decided to adapt the better suited M3 tank series as the main 75mm armament could still be retained. Later vehicles also had a dummy gun on the CDL turret.
With a beam of 13,000,000 candle intensity, it illuminated an area of 1000 x 340 yards and was very effective being seen a "war winner" and as such was given a very high security cover. This secrecy however meant that few Field Commanders, British and American, were aware of them or how they should be deployed and resultantly they were used on only a few operations, mainly for the crossings of the Rhine and the Elbe. Units were sent to the Far East but never saw combat.
The Americans were supplied with six turrets for testing and following favourable trials decided to use an American built Arc Light and converted a total of 497 M3A1 cast hull Lee's, designating them as the T10 Shop Tractor with 355 being formed into two Armoured Groups. The American versions replaced the turret ball mounted Besa's with their .30cal. Browning. These too only saw limited action, mainly at the Rhine crossings, especially at Remagen. Sent to Okinawa they arrived to late to see combat.
- ManufacturerMilicast
- Unit of SaleSingle Unit
- Assembly StatusUnassembled Kit
- Scale1:76
- Age Level17 Years & Up
- Skill Level3 – Intermediate
- ThemeMilitaria
We ship to all countries World Wide. If you receive an error message "No shipping location available" or similar, please contact us directly by e-mail (info@milicast.com) and we shall assist. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
Shipments outside the UK may be subject to Duty & Taxes from the government of the destination country. Payment of Duty & Taxes are the responsibility of the customer.
We accept the following payment methods:
To pay by credit or debit card, please select Stripe at checkout.
All Goods remain the property of Milicast Model Company until paid for in full. Goods may only be returned by prior arrangement at the recipients' expense. Delivery and insurance charges are non-refundable. Claims for damaged/missing items should be made within seven days of receipt.
Any products purchased 'second hand’, (without proof of direct Milicast Model Company supply, or supply from an Milicast Model Company approved dealer, shop or agent), or any products part assembled or part worked on in any way, are not covered by this returns policy. Under these circumstances no returns will be accepted, however we may quote for the supply of parts to restore the product to full inventory.