Developed from the Covenanter, The Crusader Mk I saw service between 1941 and 1943 mostly in the North African campaign. Early problems with the pilot model including poor ventilation, inadequate engine cooling and mechanical problems with the gear change were never fully overcome and as a result the Crusader suffered from being unreliable. The Mk I was armed with a 2 pounder and an auxilliary front machine gun turret.