Challenger A30
The Cruiser Tank Mk VIII Challenger (A30) combined a modified Cromwell chassis with a 17‑pounder anti‑tank gun mounted in an adapted turret. The tank was designed primarily to destroy the more heavily armored German tanks. The Challenger became available late in 1944. Only 200 were built, as the Sherman Firefly—developed for the same role and equipped with the same gun—proved cheaper and could be produced in greater numbers, even though the Challenger was faster and more maneuverable. Challengers were also deployed around Overloon, by the 15/19th Regiment The King’s Royal Hussars. This particular Challenger served near the end of the Second World War with the 1st Polish Armoured Division and was disabled during the Battle of Delfzijl. The tank arrived in Overloon in 1976 and is the only complete Challenger A30 remaining in the world.
