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Crusader TankOne of the primary cruiser tanks of the United Kingdom during World War II, the Cruiser Tank VI Crusader was perhaps the most important British tank of the North African Campaign. Over 5300 were built. History After deeming that the Covenanter was too 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. Although it was faster than any tanks it opposed, its potential was limited by a relatively light 2-pounder gun, thin armour and mechanical problems. A particular tactical limitation was the lack of an HE round for the main armament - these existed but were never supplied. Axis tank forces developed an extremely effective tactic of engaging British/Imperial tank forces, and retiring behind a screen of concealed anti-tank guns. The pursuing tanks could then be engaged by AT fire beyond the effective range of their own secondary machine guns, and without a high explosive shell to return fire, leaving them with the equally unpalatable options of withdrawing under fire or trying to overrun the AT gun screen. 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 mounts or gun tractors. In these roles it served for the remainder of the war. Variants Crusader I
The Crusader I was essentially a heavier version of the Covenanter. Differing from its predecessor the tank had thicker armour, an auxillary turret with a Besa machine gun, and an extra set of road wheels to support the additional weight Crusader II
The Crusader II had increased frontal armour and the auxillary turret removed. 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 as the larger gun restricting turret room, and the crew dropped 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 Crusader tank hull with a simple boxy superstructure 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 Oerlikon 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 Allied air superiority. External links
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