Official designation:- Tank Cruiser Mark VI, A15 Crusader III
British serial:- T126272.
Built by Nuffield Mechanisations & Aero Ltd
The Crusader was Britain’s primary Cruiser tank during the early part of WW2. Over 5,000 were built between 1940 and 1943. They were critical to British victories during the North Africa Campaign, but were soon outclassed when the German Afrika Korps received Tiger I heavy tanks.
Crusaders also served with the Armies of Australia, Canada, Netherlands and South Africa.
More than 20 Crusaders survive, some in South Africa. This MkIII is fully operational and has previously taken part in TankFest.
Seen on display at The Tank Museum, Bovington, Dorset, UK.