Canal Defence Light

The Canal Defence Light (CDL) was a British "secret weapon" of the Second World War, based upon the use of a powerful carbon-arc searchlight mounted on a tank. It was intended to be used during night-time attacks, when the light would allow enemy positions to be targeted. A secondary use of the light would be to dazzle and disorient enemy troops, making it harder for them to return fire accurately. The name Canal Defence Light was used to conceal the device's true purpose. For the same reason, in US service they were designated T10 Shop Tractor.

Canal Defence Light
A CDL turret fitted to a M3 Grant tank; the CDL turret is fitted with a dummy gun
TypeNon–lethal weapon
Place of origin United Kingdom
Service history
Used by
  • British Army
  • United States Army
WarsWorld War II
Production history
DesignerA V M Mitzakis
No. built
  • 300 (Matilda variant)
  • 335 (M3 variant)
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