The A13 MK II was also known as the Cruiser MK IV and was an armoured upgrade of the Cruiser Mk III which had been the first British tank to employ Christie suspension, Crewed by 4 men the A13 MK II was armed with a 2 pounder and had armour of 6-30mm. By 1941 the 2 pounder was proving ineffective against German armour and lacked the ability to fire High Explosive shells.