Sherman: The M4 Tank in World War II (Casemate Illustrated Special Book 1)

A detailed history of the Medium Tank, M4—known to the British as the Sherman—the most widely used medium tank by the United States and western Allies in World War II. Reliable, relatively cheap to produce, and easy to maintain, thousands were distributed to the British Commonwealth and the Soviet Union through the Lend-Lease program. The tank first saw combat in North Africa, where it outclassed lighter German and Italian tanks. By 1944 it was outgunned by German heavy tanks, but remained effective when deployed in numbers with artillery and fighter-bomber support. This book covers the design and construction of the chassis, turret, engine, armaments, and munitions, as well as differences between M4 variants. It examines the challenges faced by crews, their training, and Allied combat methods including landing from landing craft, maneuvering in the bocage of Normandy, and fighting in snow. The book includes hundreds of contemporary and modern photographs and detailed diagrams, covering technical construction details, maintenance, repair, and combat logistics. Intended for collectors, modelers, and military history enthusiasts, this illustrated account provides comprehensive technical and operational information about the M4 tank.