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A radical change was introduced into British tank design with the Cruiser Mark III.It was the first British tank to adopt the Christie suspension which was not only able to absorb considerable punishment but enabled the tank to travel at much higher speeds.This change followed a demonstration of Christie-equipped Soviet BT-5 tanks during a 1936 visit by British observers.
The Nuffield Organization were requested to produce prototypes,designated the A13,witch were ready in 1938.By 1940 Cruiser Mark IIIs were in service in France ,but only 65 Mark IIIs were built as its shortcomings were soon apparent.They were joined in France by the Cruiser Mark IV,witch had extra armour and a larger turret.This became the most important British tank(numerically)of the early war years,bearing the brunt of the fighting in France and the first desert canpaigns.Production ceased in 1941 after 655 had been delivered.
The Curiser Mark III and IV were not a success.Their armour was too light even against German tank guns.Cruiser tanks struck by the powerful anti-tank guns used by the Germans in North Africa seldom survived.The Liberty engine and its transmission were unreliable,and the 2-pounder(40 mm)main armament was inadequate by 1941.
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