Churchill MK.IV AVRE fascinates
GAS50272
GAS50272
Complete 1/48 scale Churchill MK.IV AVRE fascine kit
- Resin parts
- Brass photo-cutting board
- Brass rods to make the wheels movable if desired
- Assembly instructions with parts list and color photos: Download instructions
History of the Churchill MK.IV AVRE fascine
The use of fascine has its origins in ancient history. The Romans already used faggots during their attacks to fill in the ditches surrounding enemy strongholds, so they could take their siege equipment with them. This practice was repeated during attacks on fortified castles in the Middle Ages.
During the First World War, with the advent of tanks on the battlefield, particularly during the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917, the need for fascines to fill ditches and allow tanks to advance brought it out of oblivion. The fascine is attached to the tank's roof and thrown into the ditch by hand by accompanying personnel.
The Churchill porte Fascine was a tank that carried a huge bundle 6 or 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 m) in diameter and 11 (3.3 m) wide, which could be laid down to fill a ditch or to form a step for other tanks to pass over. The advantage of this system was that, once the fascine and support were removed, the tank became a traditional battle tank once again.