An earlier attempt to satisfy the requirement, the A30 Challenger, was a relative failure and was produced in small numbers.
You can read more on the specifics and the development of Comet’s gun here.
Leyland’s new tank was based on the A27M Cromwell. Mechanically it was very similar to the Cromwell although it was heavier because the armour was increased in thickness. The increased weight made it necessary to strengthen the Christie suspension and return rollers were added to carry the top run of the track. In the end, the modifications to the A27M were so extensive that only about 40% of the parts remained unchanged.
The Comet prototype was running by February 1944 and following trials, the tank was put into production. Deliveries began in September 1944 and the Comet entered service with the 11th Armoured Division in the spring of 1945. Although these tanks participated in the final actions of the Second World War they were too late to play a prominent part in the war. The tanks proved to be reliable, and the main gun effective. They were well liked by their crews and were considered to be comparable to the German Panther.
Leyland built a total of 1186 Comets before production ceased in May 1945. They went on to serve with the British Army at home, in Germany, the Middle East and the Far East. The Comet was finally withdrawn from British service, in Hong Kong, in 1960. Small numbers were exported and overseas users included the armies of Burma, Finland, the Republic of Ireland, and South Africa.
The Tank Museum’s Comet A34 I 09 ZR 88
Located at the entrance to the WWII hall, this Comet is parked next to the Matilda I showing British tank development, 1939 – 1945.
The Tank Museum’s Comet IB
The Comet was previously known as T335743 and is a Mark 1B. This Comet is in running condition and often runs at TANKFEST and Tiger Day.
