The Covenanter originated from a 1938 War Office requirement for a new cruiser tank. By this time, it was recognised that war was increasingly likely, and companies without prior tank-manufacturing experience were encouraged to apply in order to boost AFV production capacity.
One of these firms, the London, Midland, and Scottish Railway Company (LMS), was awarded an initial contract for 100 vehicles on 17 April 1939. Additional orders soon followed, with English Electric and Leyland Motors joining the programme. A total of 1,771 Covenanters (including 80 bridge-layers) were completed by the time that production ended in early 1943.
A mild steel pilot model, built by LMS at Crewe, began tests at the Mechanised Warfare Experimental Establishment in May 1940. Problems soon became apparent. The Besa machine-gun mounted alongside the driver had to be removed as it took up so much space that he could barely get into his seat, besides choking him with its fumes whenever it was fired.
Sharing cultural heritage