To the extent possible, all the leading countries of Europe were preparing for the Second World War. The Great Depression and the post-war "lost generation" syndrome made their own adjustments to the military construction of such states as France and Great Britain. The British came to their senses almost on the eve of the war that it was necessary to oppose at least something to the Third Reich. Much attention during military construction was given to the development of new tanks. However, it didn't always work out well.
1. cruiser mk. VI "Crusader"
In World War II, the Crusader tanks played a role, albeit not always noticeable. They were used mostly in the Middle East and Africa. In those latitudes, the tank proved to be the most reliable assistant to the army. The engine was badly damaged. Perhaps if the Cruiser Mk. VI Crusader was used mainly in Europe, then the machine would have proven itself better. The British managed to make about 5.3 thousand of these machines. However, after 1943, they were almost completely replaced by the new Mk VIII Cromwell and Lend-Lease M4 Sherman. In the second half of the war, the British, as a rule, converted the Crusaders into self-propelled guns and SPAAGs.
2. cruiser mk. VII "Cavalier"
It was assumed that the Cavalier would replace the Crusader in the British forces. However, the intermediate model of the tank never made it to the battlefields. Only 500 of these machines were assembled at British factories. It quickly became clear that despite the reinforced armor and improved weapons, it makes no sense to put the tank into production. The Cavalier's engine was just as unreliable as that of the Crusader. As a result, the tank remained training and was used only for crew training in Bovington. By the way, today there is a good tank museum.
3. Infantry Tank Mk. IV "Churchill"
At one time, Winston Churchill himself joked about this tank: “The tank that bears my name has more flaws than I myself!" The heavy infantry tank had serious problems with the engine, chassis, maneuverability and patency. The weapon was also not powerful enough. For this reason, Churchill was not widely used on the fronts of World War II. Although, Soviet tankers and commanders spoke much better about him than the British themselves. A certain number of Churchills were delivered to the USSR under the Lend-Lease program. Heavy British tanks fought on the Kursk Bulge, and the last of the vehicles remaining in service even participated in the Berlin operation.
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4. Mk. VIII "Centaur"
Another cruising tank of His Majesty's army, which was preparing to replace the Crusaders. Just like the Crusader, just like the Cavalier, the Centaur suffered from engine problems. Shortly before D-Day, the problem was solved by installing a new power unit. However, this combat vehicle did not receive wide distribution among the troops. For the most part, specialized Kentars were used in the fighting, the standard 75-mm gun of which was replaced by a 95-mm howitzer.
5. Cruiser Tank "Sentinel"
In Australia, during the Second World War, they still raised a cup for His Majesty and the Union Jack. True, no matter how many Australian tanks for their needs did not ask because of the threat of Japanese invasion, the mother country could not help in any way. Then the Australians were forced to deploy their own production with the involvement of British technology. So the tank "Sentry" was born. During the war years, the car did not prove itself in any way. Only 66 tanks were assembled, and after 1942 it became clear that the United States, with its industry, was ready to fully arm not only Great Britain, but also its satellites, including Australia.
If you want to know even more interesting things, then you should read about why did the Americans attach wooden boards to Sherman tanks and sheets of plywood.
Source: https://novate.ru/blogs/250422/62811/