In WWII the British had an armour doctrine that called for two classes of tanks. Infantry tanks were just that, fairly slow well armoured with the main goal to support the infantry. The Cruiser tanks were just the opposite they compromised armour for speed and agility. This was very important during their reconnaissance roles. Using the Meteor engine the Mk. IV could attain speeds up to 52 km/h while almost gliding across the terrain on the Christie Suspension. Later models received heavier armor when it was deemed some speed should be given up for crew protection. Late in WWII there probably were more Cromwell Mk. IV in operation than any other British tank but the Churchill and the Sherman overshadowed its importance.

The B Squadron 2nd Battalion of the Welsh Guard was an armored RECCE Regiment equipped with the Cromwell IV that had their 57 mm guns re-bored to 75 mm. On March 30,1945 the 2nd Battalion crossed the Rhine and on April 18, 1945 reached Visselhovede. Here their headquarters was surrounded and attacked by German Marines. One Squadron arrived and surrounded the Germans capturing 440 soldiers. On April 26 they reached Westerimke where there was an SS camp. This turned out to be the last battle for the Welsh Guard.