This was made possible as increased engine power provided the capability to sufficiently armour a cruiser tank, the Centurion, to undertake both roles.
42.
But Churchill stated that there were 102 cruiser tanks, 132 infantry tanks and 252 light tanks left in Britain after the fall of France.
43.
For reasons of economy and efficiency, it had to use as many components as possible from the current A15 Cruiser tank Mk VI Crusader tank.
44.
Such light guns as the QF 2-pounder ( 40 mm ) and 37 mm equipped British cruiser tanks and infantry tanks in the late 1930s.
45.
The A13 MkII, Cruiser Tank Mk IV, had a maximum armour thickness of and faceted armour was mounted on the original turret sides and rear.
46.
The 7th Armoured Division had 50 Cruiser tanks and 95 Light Tank Mk VI . The vanguard of the 7th Armoured Division was the Mk III ).
47.
As British cruiser tank designs developed into larger tanks with more powerful engines, they could carry larger guns and more armour yet still achieved high speeds.
48.
Calais, though strengthened by the arrival of 3rd Royal Tank Regiment equipped with cruiser tanks and 30th Motor Brigade, fell to the Germans on 27 May.
49.
The General Staff brought forward specification A29 for a 45-ton 17-pounder-armed cruiser tank based on needs identified in the African desert campaign.
50.
Thus, the Challenger would be the only British cruiser tank to mount a weapon that could tackle heavier German armour until the arrival of the A34 Comet.
