During the 1970s, the Irish Army's Churchills were also retired from service, some being broken up, one used as a target on the firing range, and one simply being buried in a specially dug deep hole. When it became known that the North Irish Horse was looking for a Churchill, the Government of the Republic of Ireland offered to make gift of the buried Mark IV to the Regiment. The following photographs, taken by the Irish Army, show her disinterment. Shepherded by Bracken Anderson, she was transported to the North where, as can be seen in the two photographs from NIH archives, she was lovingly brought back to life.

Spartan CVR(T) Troop Carrier
Sabre CVR(T) Light Recce Tank
Saladin Armoured Car - behind flag pole.
(Photo NIH Archives)

Return to the
Gallery Index