ABSTRACT
A Challenger II tank, engaged in defending a bridge over the Shatt al Basra canal on the western outskirts of Basra, fires upon what its commander believes are enemy personnel moving in and out of an ammunitions bunker. Unbeknown to the commander the engaged target is actually two friendly Challenger II tanks from another squadron, sited in an over watch position adjacent to a dam only 1,500 metres to the southeast of his own position. The first High Explosive Squash Head (HESH) round fired lands short but the effects of the blast are sufficient to throw the crew members from the tanks’ turrets. The second round is a direct hit, detonating in the commander’s hatch of one of the Challenger tanks, killing its two occupants instantly.
