Following the success of the Grant ARV, it was decided to utilize unit vehicles as ARVs.
From February 1942, Churchill Mk.I and Mk.IIs were converted into ARVs. The turret was replaced with a shallow cylindrical structure and an anti-aircraft mount with twin Bren .303 light machine guns.
During recovery operations, an A-frame jib was mounted on the front, supported by a length of high-tensile cable affixed to the hull behind the forward hatches. As there was no powered winch, a manually-operated block and tackle or chain hoist was fitted to the jib.
They saw service in Tunisia, Sicily & Italy before being replaced in mid-1944 by the custom built Mk.II version.
Please note: The chain seen on out prototype model is available separately from our Accessories Range (SKU: ACC106).