Comparing: Cromwell vs. Cromwell B vs. Sherman Firefly

The Cromwell was developed in 1941–1942 by BRC&W. A total of 1,070 vehicles were mass-produced from late 1943 through 1945. They were extensively used by the British Army in the Northwest Europe Campaign of 1944–1945.

The vehicle made famous by the British 7th Armoured Division, who had been dubbed the Desert Rats for their exploits in North Africa. However, the 7th Armoured were not issued with Cromwells until 1944, when they returned to the U.K. to prepare for D-Day. In their Cromwells they fought across France and into Germany, and eventually took part in the Victory Parade on September 7, 1945, in Berlin.

A British version of the American M4 Sherman tank, developed in early 1944. It differed from the U.S. version by having a more powerful 17-pounder gun, different placement of the radio and ammunition, no bow gun, and no driver's assistant position. Between 2,100 and 2,300 vehicles of all modifications were built from 1944 through 1945.