The Crusader was a better armoured replacement for the earlier A13 and Covenanter Cruisers. it still had the Christie suspension and originally, the 2 pounder gun.
The tank played a major role in North Africa from June 1941 – crews used it with some success, however the restrictive terrain of Tunisia meant they were less able to exploit its speed, so it was largely outclassed by German tanks.
The Crusader was then replaced by the better armoured and more reliable Grants and Shermans in late 1942-43.
The Tank Museum’s Crusader III
Our Crusader has serial number T126272 and as it is the more unusual Mark III, it has the larger 6 pounder gun. it was built by Nuffield Mechanization and Aero in mid 1942. It spent its service life at the School of Tank Technology before coming to The Tank Museum in 1949.
