| • Science | • People | • Locations | • Timeline |
After deeming that the Covenanter was to light to be suitable as a combat tank, the decision was made to create a slightly larger, heavier version. This new tank was given the number A15 and was designed by Nuffield .
Though it was faster any tanks it oppossed, its light 2-pounder gun, thin armor and mechanical problems limited its potential. The tank first saw combat during Operation Battleaxe and played a crucial role in the following Operation Crusader which was named after it.
After the completion of the North African Campaign, the availability of better tanks such as the Grant, Sherman and Cromwell relegated the Crusader to secondary duties such as anti-aircraft or gun tractoring. In these roles it served for the remainder of the war.
Crusader I
The Crusader I was essentially a heavier version of the Covenanter. Differing from its predecessor the tank had thicker armor, an auxillary turret which hosted a Besa machine gun, and an extra set of road wheels to support the additional weight
Crusader II
The Crusader II saw an increase in frontal armor and removal of the auxillary turret.
Crusader III
Due to delays with the Cavalier , the Crusader was upgunned with the 6-pounder , the first British tank to mount the gun. The commander had to also serve as the loader due to the larger gun restricting the crew from four to three. The Crusader III was ready by May 1942 and first saw action in the First Battle of El Alamein.
Crusader II Gun Tractor Mk I
A turretless version of the tank, it was used to tow 17 Pounder anti-tank guns.
Crusader III AA Mk I
The 6-pdr was replaced with a Bofors 40mm anti-aircraft gun.
Crusader III AA Mk II
A Crusader armed with twin OerlikonOerlikon is a Swiss anti-aircraft artillery manufacturer made famous by its 20mm cannons in World War II. Copies and derivatives of these designs were used by the Germans, French, British and Japanese weapon manufacturers. Oerlikon was established in 1906 anti-aircraft guns. There was also an AA Mk III, which only differed from the AA Mk II by the position of the radio, and a variation with triple Oerlikons that was produced in very limited quantities due to AlliedIn general, allies are people or groups that have joined an alliance and are working together to achieve some common purpose. In general English usage, those who share a common goal and whose work toward that goal is complementary may be viewed as allies air superiorityAir superiority is defined in the NATO Glossary as "That degree of dominance in the air battle of one force over another that permits the conduct of operations by the former and its related land, sea, and air forces at a given time and place without prohi.
| British armored fighting vehicles of World War II |
| Cruiser Tanks |
| Mk I | Mk II | Mk III | Mk IV | Mk V Covenanter | Mk VI Crusader | Mk VII Cavalier | Mk VIII Centaur | Mk VIII Cromwell | Challenger | Comet |
| Infantry Tanks |
| Mk I Matilda | Mk II Matilda | Mk III Valentine | Mk IV Churchill |
| Self-propelled artillery |
| Bishop | Sexton |
| Tank destroyers |
| Archer |
| Experimental vehicles |
| Avenger | Black Prince | Tortoise | Valiant |
| British armored fighting vehicle production during World War II |