Crusader III AA Mk.III

Here you can download the patch of part numbers wrong printed on one sheet of this model.

This model has a Polish 1st Armoured Division markings (North Western Europe, 1944) and two optional markings: the 2nd Tank Regiment or the 10th Mounted Rifles Regiment.

Historical information

The Crusader was one of the primary British cruiser tanks of the early part Second World War and perhaps the most important British tank of the North African Campaign. The Crusader's mobility made it a favourite of British tank crews.

The Crusader III was up-gunned with the 6-pounder, the first British tank to mount this gun. Design work for a new turret started in March 1941 but Nuffield was not involved until late in the year when they adapted the existing turret with a new mantlet and hatch. The turret also received an extractor fan to clear fumes from the firing of the gun. The Crusader III first saw action, with about 100 participating at the Second Battle of El Alamein in October 1942.

A Crusader armed with twin Oerlikon 20 mm guns for anti-aircraft use and a single .303 Vickers GO. Mk III only differed from the Mk II by the position of the radio, which was moved to the hull in order to free some space inside the turret. Due to Allied air superiority none of the AA versions saw much action against aircraft but a few — especially with the Polish Armoured Division — were used against ground targets.