The best gun for the Cromwell tank largely depends on its intended role, with the ROQF 75 mm gun serving as the primary weapon for the majority of tanks produced, making it the standard armament for general combat. A specialized variant was also equipped with the QF 95 mm howitzer for close support.
Primary Armament: The ROQF 75 mm Gun
The ROQF (Royal Ordnance Quick Firing) 75 mm gun was the most common and standard main armament fitted to the Cromwell tank. It was the primary weapon for the majority of Cromwells, indicating its crucial role in the tank's design and deployment. This gun provided a versatile capability, capable of firing both armor-piercing rounds for engaging enemy tanks and high-explosive (HE) shells for soft targets and fortifications. Its widespread use made it the default "best" gun for general-purpose engagements.
Gun Type | Role | Prevalence | Key Capability |
---|---|---|---|
ROQF 75 mm | Primary combat weapon | Fitted to the majority of Cromwells | Balanced anti-tank and HE firepower |
Close Support Variant: The QF 95 mm Howitzer
For specific tactical situations requiring heavy explosive power, a close support version of the Cromwell was developed. This variant featured the QF (Quick Firing) 95 mm howitzer in place of the 75 mm gun. Howitzers are designed to fire large-caliber shells, typically at higher trajectories, making them highly effective for providing direct fire support against infantry concentrations, unarmored vehicles, and entrenched positions. While less effective against heavily armored tanks compared to the 75 mm gun, the 95 mm howitzer excelled in delivering devastating high-explosive rounds for area suppression and support roles.
Determining the "Best"
The choice of "best" weapon hinges on the mission objective:
- For mainstream combat and anti-tank engagements, the ROQF 75 mm gun was the optimal choice due to its balanced performance against various threats.
- For direct fire support against soft targets, fortifications, and infantry, the QF 95 mm howitzer was superior, leveraging its high-explosive capability.
In essence, the 75 mm gun was the standard "best" for the Cromwell's primary role as a fast, general-purpose cruiser tank, while the 95 mm howitzer was specifically "best" for its specialized close support duties.