Crusader, in full "Tank, Cruiser Mk VI, Crusader", also known by its General Staff number A15, was a British cruiser tank during the early part of the Second World War. Over 5,000 tanks were manufactured and they made important contributions to the British victories during the North African campaign. The Crusader saw active service in Africa but the chassis of the tank was modified to create anti-aircraft, fire support, observation, communication, bulldozer and recovery vehicle variants.