An A15 Crusader Mark I tank, 3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), Parham, West Sussex, 1941

Photograph compiled by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, 1941.

3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters) received the new Cruiser MK VI (or A15 Crusader) tank in 1941. Although the Crusader was faster than most Axis tanks of the time, its potential was limited by a relatively light two-pounder gun, thin armour and mechanical problems. After the completion of the North African Campaign in 1943, the availability of better tanks such as the Sherman and Cromwell relegated the Crusader to supporting roles.

In October 1940, the 3rd and 4th Sharpshooters Regiments moved to the Dorking area, with the 3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters) billeted in Cherfold, Chiddingfold and surrounding villages. Training at Parham in West Sussex was probably undertaken while based in Surrey. The 3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters) moved on to Westbury in Wiltshire in May 1941 prior to deployment to North Africa.

From a photograph album containing 620 photographs compiled by Major W H J Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters).