The Cromwell Tank
Designed and produced in Britain as a Cruiser tank. This vehicle was issued to 4th CLY only – the 3rd kept the Sherman. The square design with bolts did not do much for protection.
Initially, main armament was a 6pdr but 4th CLY had the later 75mm armed version. Both weapons were becoming outdated and outranged by German tank armament of the period.
Armour protection was not high and it was therefore vulnerable to most German tank and anti-tank weapons at ranges beyond which they could engage.
Powered by a Rolls Royce Meteor engine – based on the Merlin, the same as a Spitfire – it was very fast forwards but could only reverse at 3 mph. A serious failing in battle.