February 29, 2024
A13 Cruiser Tank MK IV, Libya, December 1941, 7th Armored Brigade, Operation Crusader. The A13 was the first Cruiser tank to feature the Christie suspension. Introduced just prior to the beginning of WWII, the A13 was obsolete by the time of this battle and was being replaced by the A15 Cruiser tank, Crusader. The A13 Cruiser tank had mechanical reliability issues and the 2 PDR main gun was obsolete (not upgraded on the A15 until late 1942). The tank Camo and markings are typical of the Crusader Battle. The Caunter Camouflage pattern consisting of dark green and light gray green in large angular shapes were sprayed over the light stone base color was common on 8th Army tanks and vehicles from mid 1941 to early 1942. Large white-red-white vertical stripes were also applied for friend of foe recognition and was limited to the Crusader Battle.