Comparing: Cruiser Mk. III vs. Pz.Kpfw. II Ausf. D

The vehicle was developed on the basis of the M1931 Christie tanks, purchased by the British Army in 1936. The vehicle was intended to be a fast, lightly-armored breakthrough tank. The modified design was deemed successful and became the basis for other cruiser tanks. A total of 65 vehicles were built. They saw combat in France and North Africa in 1940–1941.

A high-speed modification of the Pz. II intended for light divisions formed from the cavalry. The Pz.Kpfw.II Ausf. D tank had a completely new hull and suspension. The turret and guns were taken from the Ausf. C. version. The suspension had eight large-diameter paired wheels with individual torsion bars and no support rollers. The tanks with enhanced suspension elements, including new drive and idler wheels, were designated Ausf. E. According to various sources, about 200–250 vehicles of the D and E modifications were manufactured.