Churchill Oke – RARE FIND
Recreate one of Britain’s most unusual armoured vehicles of the Second World War with the Churchill Oke. This specialised flamethrower conversion combined the heavy profile of an early Churchill infantry tank with experimental flame-projecting equipment intended to attack defended positions at close range. Its extremely limited association with the Dieppe raid makes it a particularly distinctive subject for historians, modellers and collectors.
Historical Role
The Churchill Oke was developed to support infantry during assaults on fortifications and other strongly defended objectives. Based on an early Churchill tank, it carried a Ronson flamethrower system designed to project burning fuel against bunkers and defensive positions. A small group of these conversions accompanied the 1942 Dieppe raid, where difficult beach conditions and intense resistance severely restricted their employment.
Distinctive Appearance
The model retains the Churchill’s characteristic long hull, wraparound tracks, compact turret and numerous road wheels. The Oke conversion is identified by its specialised flamethrower installation, external pipework and associated fuel-system fittings, giving the vehicle a noticeably experimental appearance while preserving the imposing silhouette of the original infantry tank.
Variant Differences
Developed from the Churchill Mk II, the Oke retained the base vehicle’s turret armament and general mechanical layout but replaced the hull machine-gun position with a flame projector. Fuel-system equipment and piping distinguished it visually from a standard Churchill. The conversion existed to provide close-range flame support during attacks on prepared coastal and field defences.
Modelling Uses
An excellent choice for Dieppe raid dioramas, British wartime scenes, model railways, wargaming displays and specialist vehicle collections. The unusual conversion can serve as a striking centrepiece alongside infantry, beach obstacles, landing craft or other early Churchill variants.
Fun Fact
The vehicle took its name from Major J. M. Oke, who helped develop the conversion. The Oke-equipped Churchills sent to Dieppe were individually named Bull, Boar and Beetle.
Available Scales
1:87, 1:76, 1:72, 1:48 and 1:35.
Finish Options
Cleaned Resin Grey, Grey Primed - Ready for Painting, and Historical Base Colour.
Very small details may vary slightly depending on the scale selected.
