Sherman in North Africa from World War 2 studyM4 Sherman
The most widely produced tank in the world during WW 2, the US produced TWICE as many Shermans as Germany produced tanks of all types. A good tank, particularly when first employed in 1942 and 1943, it was easy to produce and very reliable. Noticeably, it is one of the few tanks produced by the major powers to NOT use a Christie style suspension. The Sherman featured rubberized tracks that lasted much longer than the steel tracks of German and Russian vehicles, and served well in Western Europe where there were more roads. It did suffer from shortcomings to off-road mobility.
During the battles in North Africa and more so in the early fighting in Sicily and Italy, it became apparent that the Sherman was outclassed by the upgraded Pz IV and Tiger tanks. When the Allies invaded Normandy in June 1944, US tankers arrived to a rude and bloody awakening when they discovered their Shermans were far inferior to the Panther and Tiger tanks, to the tune of about 10:1. Up-gunned and up-armored, the Sherman continued to be produced to the end of the war, but was never on par with its German rivals.
The Sherman was armed with a 75mm cannon, and this was upgraded to a 76.2mm cannon with much higher velocity (M4A3). There were some upgraded with the British 22 pounder, called "Fireflies." The original Sherman was protected by 85mm of armor, and this was actually reduced on many later models to compensate for the weight of heavier guns. The M4A3 had only 64mm of armor, only slightly more than the older M3 and the M5 light tank. It's range was a respectable 160km and it had a top speed of between 39kph and 45kph, depending on model.
Sherman in North Africa from World War 2 study
Shermans
with added armor and camouflage from World's Great Tanks.
The Sherman tank was so reliable and massed produced in such staggering quantities that its hull and chassis was used in a variety of roles. Below are some pictures from World's Great Tanks of a rocket-firing M4 and two versions of self-propelled guns on Sherman chassis.
 M4 rocket tank |
 155 on Sherman
chassis |
 105 gun on
Sherman chassis |
 105 gun on Sherman chassis |
Wold War 2 study webpage
World's Great Tanks
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by Chris Shimp March 1, 2001