
Based on the Valentine tank design, the Archer was the first fully-tracked
British-built tank destroyer when deloyed in early 1944. One unusual fact about the Archer
is that its 17 pound gun faced to the rear of the vehicle, limiting its
offensive attack, but was very useful when pulling out and  defending
retreating troops. The open turret left its crew vulnerable to HE shells, but
in general it had average armor in the front and weaker side armor.

