British Tanks of World War II
Cruiser Mk IV
In the ever-increasing effort to improve their tanks, Britain developed the Mk IV Cruiser tank in the late 1930's. It was Britain's most important tank early in the war. The tank was upgraded from earlier versions by the adoption of a Christie suspension system which greatly improved off-road performance. Ultimately the tank would prove ineffective. It was armed with only a 2-pound (40mm) cannon and a mere 30mm maximum armor. Production stopped in 1941 after only 655 were produced.
Matilda Heavy Tank
From
World of British Tanks
From
World War 2 Study webpage
Matilda heavy tank was slow, but its thick armor was invulnerable to everything except the German 88mm anti aircraft gun. It fought well in France in 1940 and especially so in North Africa. Its high velocity cannon was sufficient to stop the Pz II and Pz III and early Pz IV they encountered in the early part of the war.
Crusader II Medium Tank
Also generally superior to the early German tanks, the Crusader was considered a "cruiser" tank, or that it would fight as a part of a tank group. This was different than an "infantry" tank like the Matilda, which was designed to fight as fire support vehicles for slow moving infantry units. The Crusader was well armored and well armed, with armor over 100mm thick and armed with a 57 or 75mm gun. It served well until the larger German tanks appeared in very late 1942/1943. Of course, it was no match for the 88mm flak gun.
Crusader column in N Africa, from WW 2 study
Mark VII Churchill
While looking ungainly and a step back to WW I designs, the Mk VII Churchill heavy tank was a successful tank. It was heavier than the US built Sherman and still mobile. Protected by 152mm of armor, it was one of the few tanks that could engage the more powerful German tanks with any measure of safety. The main drawback to the tank is that it was armed with only a 75mm gun, making it a heavy tank without heavy tank punch. The chassis was very reliable, however, and it was used in a very wide variety of roles and as the basis for many special purpose tracked vehicles.
Mk VII Churchill from World of British Tanks
World of British Tanks
WW 2 study webpage http://www.topedge.com/panels/ww2/na/frame.html
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by Chris Shimp, March 1, 2001