Cromwell Applique

A version of the Cromwell tank with spaced armor, named the Cromwell Applique. It was developed by the Rolls Royce company in 1943 in response to the increasing effectiveness of enemy tank destroyers and Wehrmacht armored vehicles. Welded screens were mounted on the hull and turret, which improved the front armor up to 101 mm but also increased the tank's weight to 29 tons. The screens, produced by Sheffield Steel Co, underwent hit trials on June 21, 1943. Hits produced cracks at the edges, meaning the welded seams had to be strengthened. Later, the 31-ton tank traveled 174 miles on roads and 110 miles on terrain. The suspension managed the journey, but two rollers suffered considerable wear and tear. The brakes were also in need of improvement. The spaced armor was approved for all mass-produced Cromwell tanks. However fewer than 200 vehicles were built—too little, too late. As a result, the Cromwells were promptly replaced with the more sophisticated Comet vehicles.