- Yes
- No
General Description:
The front part of the hull accommodates the crew of five, while the rear part houses the engine and transmission. The front part is further subdivided into a fighting compartment, a driver’s compartment, and a forward gunner’s compartment. A partition, with access holes cut into it, separates the personnel in the fighting compartment from the driver and front gunner, while a similar partition, also with an access hole, separates the driver from the front gunner.
Single armour plate is used at the front and rear of the vehicle, but a double plate is placed at the sides, the outer plate of which affords protection to the suspension. The inner plate, on each side, carriers five main suspension spring housings, each of which is attached to an axle arm. These arms are pivoted in bushes housed in the main suspension tubes which are attached to the floor plates.
The axle arms pivot through the outer side plates to carry five road wheels on each side of the vehicle, which runs on tracks. The tracks are driven by double-toothed sprocket wheels at the rear of the vehicle and have tensioner wheels at the front.
The turret consists of double armour plated sides, the outer plates of which are bolted to the welded inner structure, and a single plate roof.
History:
Arrival in France: Cromwell tanks entered active combat shortly after D-Day, supporting the Normandy Campaign beginning June 6, 1944. They were first used by the British 7th Armoured Division, also known as the “Desert Rats,” and were later deployed by additional British and Polish armored divisions.
Operation Goodwood: In July 1944, Cromwell tanks participated in Operation Goodwood, a major Allied offensive intended to break through German lines near Caen. Cromwells joined Churchill and Sherman tanks in a large-scale assault, using their speed to navigate open terrain despite strong German defenses.
Breakthrough to Falaise: After the Allied breakthrough in Normandy, Cromwell-equipped units joined the push towards Falaise, working to trap German forces in the Falaise Pocket. Their speed and range allowed for rapid coverage of ground, putting pressure on German forces as they retreated.
Rapid Advance: Following the Normandy breakout, Cromwell tanks were key to the fast-moving Allied campaign across France, Belgium, and into the Netherlands. The 7th Armoured Division played a prominent role, supporting infantry and liberating towns with the Cromwell’s notable mobility.
Post-War Legacy: After WWII, Cromwell tanks remained in limited use within the British Army and were exported to various nations. The Cromwell’s design also influenced the development of the Comet, which addressed several of the Cromwell’s limitations, and helped pave the way for the Centurion, a tank that would serve for many years.
Vehicle Specifications:
Role in game:
The Cromwell Mk I (L/50) is armed with the 6-Pdr Mk V instead of the 6-Pdr Mk III seen on the in-game Cromwell Mk I currently. The in-game version would be renamed Cromwell Mk I (L/43) to avoid confusion. The Cromwell Mk I (L/50) could also receive the currently missing 6-Pdr APCR and APDS ammunition to justify a higher BR.
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