Was the Sherman really a bad tank?
Originally Answered: Is the M4 Sherman a bad tank? Its not the best as anti tank combat (especially against Tiger 1), but performed well for its job, which is mostly infantry support. It was still the best tank the American had during that time for its job, but it’s not the best tank during WW2 overall.
Why was the Sherman a bad tank?
Because of their insufficient armor, the insides of Sherman tanks were prone to catching fire during combat. This problem was compounded when fires ignited shells and other munitions inside a tank. The Sherman M4 medium tank proved to be both a “death trap” for American soldiers and a poor defense against German tanks.
How many Shermans were lost?
According to Steve Zaloga’s book Armored Thunderbolt: the US Army Sherman in WWII, total ETO losses of all types by US Army units was 4,295. 1636 were suffered by the 37 Independent Tank Battalions, and , 2659 by the 15 armored divisions. Other answers provide a breakdown on the reasons for losses.
Did the Germans have superior tanks?
The German Tiger tank (above) had a more powerful main gun, heavier armor, and wider tracks than the American Sherman tank (below). The German 88 is more powerful than any American tank gun used during the course of most of the war.
Who was the radio operator on the Sherman tank?
Bill Betts, now 91, was a radio operator on Sherman tanks during the second world war. He talks about the memories reignited by Fury, which stars Brad Pitt as a Sherman tank commander leading his team through Germany in 1945. This article contains mild spoilers.
What made the Sherman tank so powerful?
The Sherman’s powerplant was a 400-horsepower gas engine that, combined with the ammo on board, could transform the tank into a Hellish inferno after taking a hit. All it took was a German adversary like the awe-inspiring Tiger tank with its 88-millimeter gun. One round could punch through the Sherman’s comparatively thin armor.
Why didn’t the Japanese use Sherman tanks in WWII?
The Germans were so desperate for tanks they happily used any Shermans they captured, and unlike the T-34 they didn’t feel the need to modify the tank in any way. The Germans managed to capture Shermans from the Russians, UK, and Americans. The Japanese never captured an intact Sherman.
How many Shermans were made in WW2?
Companies ranging from the Pullman Car Co. to Ford Motors cranked out nearly 50,000 Shermans, the second-most produced tank during the war. Only the Soviet Union outdid the U.S. in tank production at that time through manufacturing the legendary T-34.