Designed in 1942 the Cromwell was a superb mechanical
package; the combination of Christie suspension, Rolls-Royce
Meteor engine and Merritt-Brown transmission gave
the tank a comfortable ride at high speed and superb
manoeuvrability
Tank
Museum photo No. 4238/C/5
Unfortunately the tanks was let down by its thin
armour and poor gun, a 75mm weapon with a very mediocre
performance against enemy armour.
Tank
Museum photo No. 4238/C/3
It was certainly compact, which is not always a bad
thing, but criticized for its boxy shape and lack
of sloped armour.
Tank
Museum photo No. 3804/E/1
Even so this meant that it was very cramped inside
for the three-man turret crew and not much better
for the driver and hull machine-gunner at the front.
Tank
Museum photo No. 4238/D/1
Our exhibit has been painted to represent a Cromwell
of 1st Polish Armoured Division in Normandy; specifically
the divisional reconnaissance regiment, 10th Mounted
Rifle Regiment which led this hard-fighting division
across north-west Europe.
Tank
Museum photo No. 4238/D/2
This particular Cromwell is a Mark IV, the type most
commonly seen in action. This rear view shows the
tow hook and smoke emitters.
Most vehicles featured on this website
are part of the Tank
Museum collection, many are on public display from time
to time. Please enquire
for details
Visit
the Tank Museum Website
