Ranville in Calvados, Normandy, France — Western Europe
Le Canon Anti Char de 17 Livres (76.2mm)
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The 17 Pounder Anti-tank Gun
Photographed by James Hulse, June 2, 2025
1. Le Canon Anti Char de 17 Livres (76.2mm) / The 17 Pounder Anti-tank Gun Marker
Le canon de 17 livres (76.2mm) était le canon anti char le plus puissant de l'arsenal allié. L'obus pouvait percer les 12 centimètres de blindage du char Tigre allemand à 1 000 mètres. Le 6è Division aéroportée britannique était équipée de 12 canons de 17 livres afin de contrer la menace représentée par les unités de la 21è Division Panzer qui se trouvaient sur le flanc est des plages du débarquement. Les canons de la division aéroportée étaient tractés par des camions Morris. L'ensemble était transporté en Normandie à bord des planeurs Hamilcar. Un équipage de 5 personnes était nécessaire au fonctionnement efficace du canon, mais il fallait des troupes supplémentaires pour manœuvrer cette arme lourde. La puissance de feu des chars alliés était souvent moindre que celle des blindés allemands. Le canon de 17 livres a donc été installé sur des chars Sherman dans le but d'améliorer l'efficacité des blindés alliés. Le Sherman "Firefly" était apprécié des équipages car il était fiable et très efficace contre les unités blindées allemandes.
The 17 Pdr (76.2mm) Gun was the most effective anti-tank weapon in the Allied arsenal, its armour piercing shell could penetrate the 12 cms of armour of a German Tiger tank at 1000 metres. The 6th Airborne Division was equipped with twelve 17 Pdr guns in order to counter the threat posed by units of the German 21st Panzer Division which were positioned on the eastern flank of the landing coast. Airborne 17 Pdr guns were towed by Morris trucks, the combination was transported to Normandy in the large Hamilcar Glider. A crew of five was required to operate the gun effectively but additional troops were needed to manoeuvre this heavy weapon. The fire power of Allied tanks was often inferior to that of the German Panzers. To improve the capability of the Allied armour, 17 Pdr guns were subsequently fitted to Sherman tanks. The Sherman "Firefly" was a popular weapon with the crews and highly effective against the German armoured units.
Erected by Memorial
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World II.
Location. 49° 14.582′ N, 0° 16.288′ W. Marker is in Ranville, Normandie (Normandy), in Calvados. It is at the intersection of Av. Major John Howard and Normandie Route D514 on Av. Major John Howard. The marker is located on the grounds of the Memorial Pegasus and Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Av Major John Howard, Ranville, Normandie 14860, France. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, a coastal Mediterranean country, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a French colony and also the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Veterans Charity (a few steps from this marker); 'Coup de Main' Glider Operation Memorial (a few steps from this marker); L'Obusier de 25 Livres (87.6 mm) / 25 Pounder Field Gun (within shouting
Photographed by James Hulse, June 2, 2025
2. The 17 Pounder Anti-tank Gun and Marker
More about this marker. The static displays and markers are located on the grounds of the Memorial Pegasus and Museum. There is an entrance fee to visit the museum and markers.
Also see . . . 17 Pounder Anti-tank Gun. (Submitted on June 29, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Photographed by James Hulse, June 2, 2025
3. The 17 Pounder Anti-tank Gun
Credits. This page was last revised on July 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 105 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 1, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
