Cromwell I frontal turret armour

CharlesM · #1 June 19th, 2008, 05:56 PM

It was originally 76mm thick, but from Mk VII onwards this was raised to 102mm (4"), and some parts of the driver's plate (the flat bits) had applique added to make 4" too.

DRG · #2 June 22nd, 2008, 03:42 PM

I've made a note to look into this. We may be shortchanging all versions of the Cromwell in this regard.

Don

DRG · #3 June 22nd, 2008, 07:00 PM

OK. I dug around a bit and confirmed the 76mm figure for the turret. However. What I am finding in both my home sources and internet inquiries is a 101mm figure for frontal armour applique. The turret armour appears to stay at 76@0�. For reference I'm looking at a Profile Publication Profile on the Cromwell and http://www.wwiivehicles.com/unitedki...-viii-a27m.asp both of which mention 101 mm for Hull Front for the later versions but no mention of additional armour on the turret. Was there an applique for the turret as well ?

Don

CharlesM · #4 June 27th, 2008, 04:44 PM

This site states that the problems with the British 75mm were not cured until early 1944; in fact special firing trials were held as late as October 1944 and crews much preferred the US 75mm. One of the main problems was not being able to load rounds quickly without them fouling something inside the vehicle and the non-electric firing system being unreliable.