![]() ![]() Prior to June 1940, the three ‘marks’ of the Cruiser Tank, A13 series, had simply been known, as the A13 Mark I, the A13 Mark II, and the A13 Mark III, respectively. Source: IWM (H 12377).Ī brief note on the nomenclature (names) used by the British for the various ‘marks’ of the Cruiser Tank, A13 series. T.7218, by Leyland Motors Ltd., at their Kingston-upon-Thames works (London, England). This particular tank, was built under Contract No. On the other hand, the concept of the ‘cruiser’ tank, came about from the traditional role of their cavalry during much of the conflict, that of waiting for a breakthrough to be achieved by the infantry, so that they could ride deep into the enemies rear areas and cut his lines of supply and communications.Īn example of a standard production Covenanter I, bearing the British War Department number T15488, and armed with the 2-pounder Ordnance Quick Firing gun, and co-axial 7.92-millimetre Besa machine gun. ![]() The British concept behind these two types of tanks, came from their experiences during the Great War of 1914-1918, where tanks had developed as infantry support weapons, hence, the concept of the ‘infantry’ tank. ![]() The ‘cruiser’ tank was designed with speed in mind, as their role was envisioned, as that of going through the gaps in the enemies defences created by the infantry and ‘infantry’ tanks, in the attack, and exploiting behind the enemy line, into his rear areas, in order to engage his tanks held in reserve, and to cut his lines of supply and communications. In 1936, when considering the future requirements of tanks within the British Army, the British War Office, came to the conclusion, that two tank types would be required in future conflicts, one type being the ‘infantry’ tank, and the other type being the ‘cruiser’ tank. The initial Cruiser Mark V Covenanter (A13 Mark III) pilot model, armed with the 2-pounder Ordnance Quick Firing gun, and co-axial 7.92-millimetre Besa machine gun, mounted in the turret front, and the second 7.92-millimetre Besa machine gun, mounted in the driver’s position, which was dropped from production vehicles, due to the limited space left for the driver, when mounted. ![]()
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