The Churchill first appeared on the beaches of Dieppe in 1942 and despite going on to be a much used and much converted vehicle, the Mk I suffered from problems. The Mk III was improved version with the Mk I 2 pounder replaced by the British 6 pounder gun. Later in use as specialised armour within Hobart's Funnies, the Churchill Mk III AVRE was armed with the Petard Mortar which fired a 'flying dustbin' 18kg high explosive projectile up to 150 yards and was designed to destroy concrete obstacles