The iconic
American tank of World War II, the M4 Sherman was known for its simple,
reliable, and flexible design. Ten different companies contributed to the total
output of 50,000 units produced in a myriad of variations. Even after it went
into serial production in 1942 the Sherman was subject to almost constant change
and modification, based on lessons learned and needs perceived on the
battlefield. The full story of the Sherman’s
exploits would fill several volumes, so this book focuses on the variants and
sub-variants of the Shermans used by
U.S. forces during the Second World
War. The Shermans that rolled off the assembly
lines in 1945 bore little resemblance to the M4s produced in 1942, and this
volume chronicles each major model of the Sherman everywhere the American soldier fought.
Augmenting the nearly 200 period photos, many of them in rare original colour,
are a host of exquisitely rendered line drawings illustrating the subtle
variations in hull, turret, and weapons used on these famed armoured fighting
vehicles. Includes colour profiles.
