Against the power of the German tanks, significantly more efficient than their Allied counterparts, the British did not seek to develop a battle tank that could compete with the
Tiger, but tank destroyers, which tactical use are limited to a defensive role rather than offensive actions.
French military engineers developed the concept of the "cruiser" tank, a tank whose role is to support light infantry and progress at its own pace, while being able to realize an armored counter-offensive. Using the A24 Cavalier tank chassis, the British fitted it in 1942 with a 95 mm howitzer.
After D-Day, the Mk IV Centaur took part in the battle of Normandy, but they were gradually replaced by other models so as
Mk IV Churchill and
Sherman.