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The service career of the Crusader series was closely monitored by Nuffields.By 1941 they acknowledged that a completely new model was required.This was to be the Cromwell.But it was also realized that the engines for such a model would not be available in quantity for some time.In the meantime the British Army was desperately short of tanks.Nuffield's interim response was to update the Crusader.
The result was known initially as the A24.Yet again the demand was such that 500 were ordered off the drawing board and rushed into production as the Cruiser Mark VII or Cavalier.Although up-gunned and up-armored,the old Liberty engine was retained.By 1942 it was obvious that this engine and general drive train were prone to trouble.As a result the Cavalier was never sent into action and was used as yet another training tank.Some saw action as artillery observation tanks while others became ARV's(Armored Recovery Vehicles).
The Cavalier marked the end of the rush to production syndrome of the early war years.By 1942 American tanks were available in sufficient numbers to meet the United Kingdom's immediate needs.With more time for testing before new tanks went into production the general reliability level of British tanks rose accordingly.By the end of World War II,British tank designs were again of high quality.
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