Cromwell I APG. A very early Cromwell I with A-type hull in the USA for trials. This had a two-part upwardopening hatch for the co-driver/hull gunner and two stowage bins on each side. Heavy counterweight on the 6pdr barrel’s end suggests the mounting worked by being shoulder-operated rather than geared elevation.
Note the angled section at the top edge of the hull rear, this was later squared off to make fitting wading gear easier. Film of the trials of this tank and a 95mm Centaur against an M4A3 Sherman can be seen on YouTube.
Three similar tanks were proposed to replace the Crusader and Covenanter as Britain’s Cruiser series in 1943 and beyond. They all had a stepped hull front, vertical sided turret with the main armour plates attached by large, pointedended screws and Christie style suspension. Initially each was going to be called Cromwell but to avoid confusion they were given their own names:
■ Cromwell ICruiser Mk VII A24 Cavalier