Since as Sheldrake has mentioned there aren't enough posts about the 17pdr. Does anyone have information as to the combat effectiveness or crew opinion of the British Archer?
I've seen early complaints that it was a step backwards from the M10/Achilles, as it didn't have a rotating turret. Other than, from what I can tell it was mostly used for "pepperpot" indirect fire in NWE. It was definitely used for this during the assault on Goch. So not enough usage for really strong opinions to be formed as far as I can tell. It appears the Archer did well against the Israelis when it was used by the Egyptian army. Info here: http://usacac.army.mil/cac2/cgsc/carl/download/csipubs/KeytotheSinai.pdf
Used basically as a dug in antitank gun with an engine. Effective as long as the enemy can't bring artillery to bare. Nice find.
A rear facing gun for the ultimate "shoot and scoot" weapon, possibly the best that could be done on the reliable but slow valentine chassis but IMO not a great weapon and an apparent step back from the Achilles in flexibility.
This site says it was a preferred weapon by royal artillery crews (more than M10s) http://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail-page-2.asp?armor_id=381
