The Cromwell was the product of development of the British cruiser tanks, designed as a replacement for the Crusader. The main body consisted of welded sections, onto which armour plate was bolted to the frame; large bosses on the outside of the plate were used on the turret. Several British firms were involved with Cromwell construction during the war as well as Leyland including LMS Railway, Morris Motors, Metro-Cammell, Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company and English Electric. The driver was seated on the right in the front of the hull separated from the hull gunner by a bulkhead.The driver had two periscopes and a visor in the hull front.The visor could be opened fully or a small 'gate' opened; in the latter case a thick glass block protected the driver. A bulkhead with access holes separated the driver from the hull gunner from the fighting compartment. A further bulkhead separated the fighting compartment from the engine and transmission bay. In June 1944 the Cromwell received its baptism of fire, when its 75mm gun enabled it to use high-explosive rounds for infantry support, but the tanks received a mixed reception from crews.
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