This book documents for the first time the full history of the design and development of the Covenanter tank, giving in-depth coverage of the issues that beset the machine, and how they were eventually resolved. It dispels many of the myths that have attached themselves to the Covenanter story, revealing that far from being a compromised design whose problems with cooling and reliability were never cured, it was in fact a sound vehicle whose problems need never have arisen in the first place, were it not for the urgent need for tanks of any description in the aftermath of the disaster of the Battle Of France. This led to the premature introduction of the Covenanter before its development had been completed, with a consequent impact on its reputation. Contrary to popular belief, the Covenanter was judged fit for frontline service, and only missed out by the narrowest of margins. Drawn from original archive sources, this book sheds new light on one of the most controversial weapons of World War 2.