Wheels & Tracks Album #14: M4 Medium Tank "Sherman"

M4 medium tanks in maneuvers in the American desert.

The attack on Bloody Ridge on Okinawa of 20 April was marked by severe fighting. During the fighting on Bloody Ridge two M4 medium tanks were knocked out by Japanese artillery fire from the Pinnacle.

Marines slowly inch forward to support their M4 medium tanks as they advance to attack the Japanese strong points on the island of Peleliu, September 1944.

Low flying C-47 transport planes roar overhead as they carry supplies to the besieged American Forces battling the Germans at Bastogne, during the enemy breakthrough on January 6, 1945 in Belgium. In the distance, smoke rises from wrecked German equipment, while in the foreground, American M4 medium tanks move up to support the infantry in the fighting.

Members of a tank battalion with an M4 medium tank.

An M4A3 medium tank of the 771st Tank Battalion of the 84th “Rail Splitter” Division. This is after fighting in the German town of Linnich on February 24, 1945.

A winter-camouflaged M4A3 76W Sherman tank with a 76mm gun, belonging to the 709th or 750th Tank Battalion, supporting the 75th Infantry Division, driving through the village of Riedwihr (now Porte-du-Ried) in the Colmar region of France, 31 January 1945.

M4 medium tanks of the Sixth Marine Division probe the outskirts of Naha, capital city of Okinawa, Japan, on May 27, 1945.

M4 flamethrower tanks, Okinawa, 1945.

Sherman Badger flamethrower tank. The Sherman Badger was developed in order to replace Canada's Ram Badger flame tanks. The vehicle's development took place during the post-war period between 1945 and 1949. An M4A2 Sherman hull, running on HVSS suspension, was fitted with a flamethrower from a Wasp IIC in place of the hull machine gun (the Wasp was a flamethrower variant of the British Universal Carrier). The flamethrower had a capacity of 150 gallons (567.8 liters) and a range of 375 feet (114.3 meters). Flame projector elevation was +30 and -10 degrees, while the traverse was 30 left and 23 right. The Sherman Badger's trials proved unsuccessful and the project was subsequently cancelled.

M4 medium tank covering the advance of men of the US 60th Infantry Regiment, Belgium, 9 September 1944.

M4 Sherman tanks awaiting shipment, 14 March 1945. M4 tanks lashed to flat cars near Warehouse 1, Hampton Roads Port of Embarkation, Newport News, Virginia, about to be shipped overseas after being processed at Warehouse 29, Processing Shop, Maintenance Branch.

Comparison of M4A2 medium tank with T-34.

A destroyed M4 medium tank during Operation Torch.

M4 medium tank destroyed and on fire.

A 3-inch hole punched through armor, made by a M61 APCBC shell fired from a M4 medium tank. Note significant site spalling.

M4 medium tank “Eternity.”

Thunderbolt VII, the last Sherman that was commanded by Abrams. This Chrysler-built M4A3E8 model is distinguished from his previous tank due to the amount of modification placed on the tank to augment its armor protection. The welded armor plate used on his tank were mostly salvaged from enemy or friendly tanks that were knocked out and this move was actually a response to Patton's forbidding the use of sandbags on Sherman tanks while commanding the US Third Army (which provided little to no protection against threats from anti-tank guns and Panzerfausts).

Thunderbolt VI, the second Sherman under Abrams' command. This Chrysler-built Sherman tank is an M4A3 model with 76mm M1 gun but still retaining the VVSS suspension.

Thunderbolt V, the first M4 tank under Abrams' command in combat. This variant is the Baldwin-built model that sported the 75mm M3 tank gun.

An M4A3E8 "Easy Eight" medium tank crosses railroad tracks; the logs made it easier in crossing the tracks.

A column of Sherman Mark 5 (M4A4) tank belonging to the 19th King George V's Own Lancers (part of the divisional Reconnaissance Regiment of 25th Indian Infantry Division) being paraded in the road facing Sultan Abdul Samad Building (that would later become the Merdeka Square) in Malaya, 13 September 1945.

M4 Medium tank of the French 2nd Armored Division under the Arc de Triomphe in Paris during liberation celebrations, August 1944.

An early production Grizzly tank. Aside from a Canadian registration number, there are nearly no differences from the American Medium Tank M4A1.

US crew of M4 medium tank making repairs.

US soldiers examine M4 medium tank knocked out by German anti-tank gun, 1945.

'Lt. Col. W. Rankin, Capt. Dyas, L/Cpl. Voce, Sgt. Prior, Sgt. McArthur', 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. Lieutenant-Colonel W Rankin photographed with a Mark II M4A1 Sherman tank named 'Sharpshooter', and crew, from Regimental Head Quarters Tank Troop Squadron, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), 1944. The Sherman tank had a crew of five consisting of a commander, the driver, a gunner, a radio operator who also acted as gun loader, and a co-driver who also manned the hull machine gun.

 

'Lt. Col. W. Rankin, Capt. Dyas, L/Cpl. Voce, Sgt. Prior, Sgt. McArthur', 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. Lieutenant-Colonel W Rankin photographed with a Mark II M4A1 Sherman tank named 'Sharpshooter', and crew, from Regimental Head Quarters Tank Troop Squadron, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), 1944. The Sherman tank had a crew of five consisting of a commander, the driver, a gunner, a radio operator who also acted as gun loader, and a co-driver who also manned the hull machine gun.

3rd County of London Yeomanry, 'Gosport, third stage of waterproofing being completed', Operation OVERLORD, 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), 1944. Prior to D-Day, personnel from 3rd County of London Yeomanry waterproofing their Sherman tanks prior to embarkation for Normandy. In the foreground, next to the M4A1 Sherman Mark II of 1 Troop, 'B' Squadron, nicknamed 'Bacchus', can be seen stowage and one of the temporary stacks which were fitted to the tank's exhaust and air intakes to allow deep water wading. According to the Sharpshooters' war diary the unit moved to the Marshaling Area at Gosport, on the western side of Portsmouth Harbour, on D-Day, 6 June 1944. The unit crossed the English Channel the following day in LCTs (Landing Craft Tanks) and went ashore off Mont Fleury La Riviere. The war diary records that the deepest wading depth was 4 foot 6 inches.

Trooper Brooks, Sergeant Maxwell, Trooper Bower and Trooper Ward sit on their Sherman Firefly, 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. A Sherman Mark 1c Firefly (M4 Hybrid) of 2 Troop, 'A' Squadron, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), nicknamed 'Achilles', commanded by Sergeant Maxwell. The Sherman Firefly tank was fitted with the powerful 17-pounder anti-tank gun as its main weapon which was capable of penetrating more armor than the Tiger I's 88 mm KwK 36 gun.

Tanks refueling while waiting to go on transporters, Normandy, 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. Sherman tanks await their Royal Army Service Corps (RASC) transport vehicles. Transporters were used so that tanks did not have to travel long distances to a battlefield which could wear their tracks out before going into action. The tank in the foreground is a 4th Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery Artillery Observation Post (AOP) Sherman Mk V tank. It is parked next to a M4A1 Sherman Mk II tank (turret number 73, nicknamed 'Sharpshooter') of 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry's Regimental Headquarters Troop.

Lance-Corporal Dyke, Corporal Smalley and Trooper Reynolds, 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. A group of three men from the 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters) sitting on a M4A1 Sherman Mark II tank, nicknamed 'Henry the Fifth', in Normandy. Note the additional tank tracks attached to the hull. As well as providing spare parts in the event of mechanical failure they also served as a useful defensive addition to the Sherman's armor plating.

'Front, Major IB Aird DSO, Lt. G R Bramall MM; and Sig. Dalton, L/Cpl. Stock GN, Cpl. Chittenden GV', 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. Sherman Sherman Mk II (M4A1) tank, nicknamed 'Viceroy', and crew, Regimental Head Quarters Tank Troop, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), 1944. Major Ian Basil Aird and Lieutenant G L Bramall are standing in front of the tank and Signaller Dalton, Land Corporal Stock and Corporal Chittenden are seated on the superstructure. Aird fought at the battle for Villers Bocage in June 1944 and won his Distinguished Service Order for his actions in Normandy. The Sherman tank had a crew of five consisting of a commander, the driver, a gunner, a radio operator who also acted as gun loader, and a co-driver who also manned the hull machine gun.

'Cpl. Weston; Sitting - Tpr. Bamford, Cpl. Lindrea; Standing - Lt. WMD Lewis and Tpr. Greene', 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. A M4A1 Sherman Mk II tank, nicknamed 'The Yokel', and crew, Regimental Head Quarters Tank Troop, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), 1944. The crew are named as Corporal Weston seated on the turret; Troopers Bamford and Lindrea seated on the tank hull and Lieutenant W M D Lewis and Trooper Greene standing. The Sherman tank had a crew of five consisting of a commander, the driver, a gunner, a radio operator who also acted as gun loader, and a co-driver who also manned the hull machine gun.

Tanks off-loading from an LCT, June 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. M4 Sherman tanks, fitted with exhaust stacks for use in water, drive off a Landing Craft Tank towards the beach.

Inflatable M4 Medium Tank "Sherman".

Kwajalein Atoll, 2 February 1944: Private First Class N. E. Carling of the 4th Marine Battalion, stands beside the M4A2 medium tank "Killer" on which is mounted a knocked-out Japanese Type 94 Tankette. 

M4A3 (76mm) W HVSS of 11th Armored Division crosses the Muhl River in Austria, Spring 1945. 

M4A4 Sherman DD (Duplex Drive) with screens lowered.

Sherman (M4A1), 4th Queens Own Hussars.

British M4A4 Shermans with extra tracks for protection during the liberation of the Dutch city of Arnhem. April 1945.

Very early production M4A1 medium tank, "Michael," the first Sherman delivered to Britain, on display at Horseguards Parade in London, 8 May 1942.

M4 medium tanks of the US 784th Tank Battalion depart Venlo, Holland, for the drive into Germany.

US T5 Tank Recovery Vehicle prototype. The T5 was the first in a series of ARV prototypes that would eventually lead to the M32 Tank Recovery Vehicle—of which around 1,562 were built. The prototypes and the production models were built on various M4 Sherman hulls and chassis, covering all the major templates: M4A1, M4A2, M4A3, M4A4 (with both HVSS and VVSS variants). The T5 specifically was completed in August 1943 and underwent trials at the Aberdeen Proving Ground. The vehicle was built on M4 Sherman (base model?) hull serial 3010995. I believe Baldwin Locomotive Works oversaw the conversion. Note, in the photo below, the plethora of engineering equipment mounted on the turretless hull (winches, cranes, jacks, etc.). In another photo, the T5 is seen with a mortar positioned on the front glacis. Later in its career, the T5 prototype ran trials with the detachable T1E2 Mine Exploder—the large mounting points clearly shown. You can see the module in-full in the inset (top left). The U.S. military kept the T5 prototype around, at least until 1947, for research photographs. I assume the vehicle was scrapped soon after.

US M4 medium tanks with a M26 heavy tank (second from left) of 2nd Armored Division, Germany, 1945.

M4A1 76(W) medium tank, left, and M26 heavy tank, right, of the US 32nd Armored Regiment, 3rd Armored Division, Cologne, Germany, March 1945.

The same family continues their excursion to get water, passing by another M4 medium tank.

M4 medium tank (3084932) of the US 32nd Armored Regiment, 3rd Armored Division on a street in Cologne, Germany, March 1945. An M26 heavy tank is in the left background. Note the white flag wrapped around a pole above the M4 tank.

Flat Car, 8-Wheeled, 40 Ton with M4 medium tanks and Bofors guns.

M4 medium tank, "Cairo", Iwo Jima.

M4 medium tank "Bed Bug" '20A' with Marines from the 24th Marine Regiment during the Battle of Iwo Jima.

M4A1 (76mm) medium tank with hedgerow cutters in Pont Herbert, Normandy.

M4A3(75mm) medium tanks of the 9th Armored Division in Westhausen, Germany, April 10, 1945.

US crew with M4 medium tank (3016264-S). Note aerial recognition panel on rear deck.

US soldiers with M4 medium tanks Philippines 1945.

US crews of M4 medium tanks gathering supplies after flooding from heavy rain.

Infantry with French M4 medium tank, France, 1944.

Knocked out and burned US M4 medium tank.

A day after they were disabled in an attack on San Pietro, several American M4 medium tanks are recovered. 

Captured American M4A3 medium tank, Ardennes, January 1945. It was used by 5th Paratroop Jäger Division, along with five more.

The same M4A3 as in the above photo, knocked out during the Ardennes Offensive, Esch-sur-Sûre, Luxembourg, seen later in 1945.

M4 medium tank in German service.

Captured M4 Medium Tank in German service.

M4 medium tank, 10th Armored Division, captured and used by the Germans during the breakthrough in Luxembourg. It is shown here after it was hit by American armor and retaken by the division. 6 February 1945.

Captured M4 medium tank, with German notation on hull side: "Don’t cannibalize, for Okh-Wa.Pru, captured by I/Pz.Rgt.5." Tunisia, 1943.

Turretless M4 Sherman in use as recovery vehicle with sPzAbt. 508 in Italy.

Between 28 March and 3 April 1945, at Aschaffenburg, Germany, during the final stage of the fighting, there was an encounter between a M36 tank destroyer of the 645th Tank Destroyer Battalion and this captured M4A3 (76) tank being used by the Germans. Besides the German crosses, the words “Beute panzer” (captured tank) were painted on the M4A3 (76) to prevent German troops from firing on it. It was knocked out by a 90mm hit on the glacis plate evident above the right headlight. The body of the vehicle’s driver is sprawled across the front of the vehicle.

Captured M4 medium tank, with German notation on hull side: "Don’t cannibalize, for Okh-Wa.Pru, captured by I/Pz.Rgt.5." Tunisia, 1943.

US M4 medium tank disguised to look like a truck from aerial observation.

18th New Zealand Armoured Regiment Sherman tanks, Guardiagrele, Italy.

A Sherman tank of  Probyn's Horse (5th King Edward VII's Own Lancers), near Ondaw, 26 February 1945.

Infantry of the 6th Inniskillings and a Sherman tank advance through Pucciarelli, Italy, 25 June 1944.

The Sherman tank "Bomb" of the Sherbrooke Fusiliers hunts snipers with troops of the Mont Royal Regiment in Falaise, August 17, 1944.

Stretcher bearers pass Sherman tanks in Portomaggiore, Italy, 19 April 1945.

British Sherman tanks passing knocked out German Panther tank, Caen, 1944.

"How effective were sandbags on a Sherman?"

The most common argument made about why these sandbags were added were mostly around the idea that these sandbags were a great protection against Panzerfaust or Raketenpanzerbüchse 54 "Panzerschrek".

However, here's something that many people missed when trying to reason this; these sandbags had little to no effect when it comes to stopping these rounds. In fact, both the Panzerfaust and Panzerschrek required about 1 meter of air gap to substantially reduce the penetrating capability of the warhead, which effectively not only rendered a sideskirt useless, but also made the idea of adding sandbags a moot point as well.

The shaped charge warhead isn't actually shooting a "molten copper jet" as many believed, but rather copper disc in the warhead that was formed by force into a high-velocity superplastic jet/penetrator due to the the Munroe/Neumann effect; focusing of blast energy by a hollow or void cut on a surface of an explosive.

All you did was provide a false sense of security while overburdening the vehicle with extra weight which significantly shortened the lifespan of the tank's suspension.

There's the Panzerfaust/Panzerschreck threat, and then there's another more equal threat that the American tanks would face in the ETO: the towed anti-tank gun.

While not produced as numerous as a handheld shaped charge projectile launcher, the presence of an anti-tank gun in the combat zone is still numerous enough to cause great threat. Remember that the European combat zone wasn't mostly an urban combat zone, but also between bocage and open field.

Anti-tank guns were more numerous and more "conniving" than a tank since they posed even greater threat because of their low profile and easily camouflaged feature which can be hard to spot in the air or on the ground at a distance. And these sandbags were also ineffective in stopping rounds from the guns.

However the sandbags sometimes worked in dislodging shells, especially when the moisture inside the sandbag froze during winter, making it as hard as concrete. Several accounts were recorded where high-velocity anti-tank rounds were defeated by frozen sandbags. But in doing so the moisture, if frozen, added more weight to the tank which increased the chance for the tank to breakdown.

A closeup shot of a British Sherman tank used during the campaign in Tripoli by the 8th Army.

Sherman tanks of the 23rd Hussars, 11th Armoured Division, advance through Deurne, NW Europe, 26 September 1944.

A Sherman tank crew greets a Valentine tank crew at the link-up of the First and Eighth Armies at Bou Ficha, Tunisia, 14 May 1943.

Captain Weir and Corporal Picken in the turret of their Sherman tank, 'Cairngorm', 116th Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps, between Taungtha and Meiktila, Burma, 15 March 1945.

A Canadian Sherman Firefly, thoroughly camouflaged, although no measures were taken to disguise the long barrel, July 17, 1944.

A suitably named Canadian Firefly in Paris, May 8, 1945. Canadian forces opted to use Shermans with American 76mm guns after the war.

A Ram tank (left) and Sherman (right), Utrecht, Netherlands. The most advanced model of the Ram tank was still only on par with the early Sherman.

Decapitated Canadian Sherman.

Captured British Sherman VC “Firefly” (armed with 17-pounder gun), Normandy, 1944.

Captured British Sherman VC “Firefly” (armed with 17-pounder gun), Normandy, 1944.

Captured Sherman renamed PzKpfw 748(a) ohne Turm (without turret) used by II. Batterie, StuG Abt 242, as a tractor, Monte Cassino, 1944.

British Sherman medium tank and trucks exit USS LST-21. Without a deepwater port, constant supply and reinforcements were needed to break out of the beachhead. The solution was an artificial harbor built in England and brought to Normandy. Known by the codename “Mulberry,” two of these harbors were designed to unload men and supplies. Thousands of soldiers and sailors were involved in this effort. Spud barges that floated up and down with the tide formed the center of the harbor’s unloading activity. They were joined to the shore by floating roadways know as “Whales.” In addition to the floating roadways, special barges were constructed that could unload LSTs while afloat and bring vehicles directly to dry land.

On D+4, C Company fought its way across this swampy ground and assaulted Hill 100 (background). The Sherman tank has slid off the causeway. The company took the hill and held overnight taking heavy casualties in hand to hand combat. Their CO, Everette Pope, would be awarded the Medal of Honor. This picture depicts the actions of C/1/1 on Peleliu. There is a very informative book called “Among Heroes: A Marine Rifle Corps Company on Peleliu”, which is based off the 1st Sergeants journal and edited by Pope’s son that describes their actions on the first week of the battle of Peleliu. Also the company was forced to withdraw in the morning, unable to hold the hill, the hill would not be retaken till 10-12 days later.

A knocked out New Zealand Sherman (T149519) tank on the road outside the town of Orsogna, Italy. 16 June 1944.

A burnt out New Zealand Sherman tank outside the Italian town of Orsogna, Italy, 14 June 1944.

Ruins of a New Zealand Sherman tank, in a forward area near Florence, Italy.

Immediately before the fall of Tunis heavy rain in North Africa made heavy going for the 8th Army. The tank transporter has no difficulty taking a New Zealand Sherman tank over a flooded stream. 20 May 1943.

New Zealand Sherman tank at Mignano, Italy.

Sherman tanks of the New Zealand 18th Armoured Regiment, Italy.

Members of the New Zealand 5th Brigade attempting to float a Sherman DD tank over the Po River, Italy.

New Zealand 18th Armoured Regiment Sherman tank, ready to cross the Po River, Italy.

T M Alexander and A F Hare in the forward compartment of a Sherman tank on the Italian Front. 1 January 1944.

One of the New Zealand Sherman tank crews that have been taking part in the heavy fighting against enemy Panther and Tiger tanks in the battle for Florence, Italy. 1 August 1944.

Sherman tanks of the New Zealand Division warming up for work on the Orsonga Front, Italy. 1 January 1944.

Sherman tank crew of 20th New Zealand Armoured Regiment during the advance to Florence, Italy, 1 August 1944.

Another view of the tank transporter with Sherman tank crossing a flooded stream in North Africa.

A F Hare, emerges from the drivers compartment of a Sherman tank belonging to a New Zealand tank formation on the Italian Front. 1 January 1944.

An abandoned New Zealand Sherman tank on the outskirts of Cassino, Italy. 18 May 1944.

A New Zealand Sherman tank crew rests for a while during the advance towards Florence, Italy, 25 July 1944.

Sherman tank moving in the forward area near Florence, Italy, 28 July 1944.

Scene at Cassino, Italy, the day it fell to the Allies, 18 May 1944, with town ruins and overturned Sherman tank.

Four members of a New Zealand Sherman tank crew, stopped to cook a meal on the back of their Sherman tank, in the forward areas during the battle for Florence, Italy, circa 1 August 1944.

New Zealand Sherman tanks waiting for the order to fire in an indirect shoot, Senio River, Italy.

Two soldiers at the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF), 4th Armoured Brigade workshops in Maadi, Cairo, Egypt, working on a Sherman tank. 23 July 1943. Note the roundel on the engine deck.

New Zealand Sherman tanks moving out of Forli, Italy, 30 November 1944.

Three Sherman tanks in the Massa Lombarda area, Italy, including a New Zealand 17-pounder Sherman tank "Amgot", of C Squadron, which had scored a direct hit on a German Panther tank.

New Zealand soldiers examining two knocked out Sherman tanks, amongst the ruins at Cassino, Italy, 18 May 1944, the day it fell to the Allies.

A New Zealand Sherman tank advances on Cassino, Italy, on the day it fell to the 8th Army.

'"A" Squadron Leader's tank in the woods at Douvres.', Normandy, 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. This Sherman tank, commanded by Major Oliver Woods MC, was part of 'A' Squadron 3rd County of London Yeomanry, which was tasked with capturing a German radar station at Douvres, following the regiment's landing at Normandy on 7 June 1944. 

'A' Squadron Sherman tank, Normandy, 1944. Photograph by Major W H J, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe (1944-1945), 1944. The American-built Sherman medium tank was the mainstay of the Allied armored formations that landed in Normandy in June 1944. Although its armor was thinner than that of the heaviest German tanks, it was comparatively fast and maneuverable, mechanically reliable and easy to manufacture and service.

'The village of Le Haut Du Bosq, South of Cheux', 27 June 1944. Photograph by Major W H J, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe (1944-1945), 1944. A Sherman tank of the 3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters) drives through a village during 'Operation EPSOM' which was designed to outflank and seize the German-occupied city of Caen during the Battle of Normandy. 

'"A" Squadron tanks, in open leaguer at Villons-Les-Buissons', 3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), Normandy, 1944. Photograph by Major W H J, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe (1944-1945), 1944. Camouflaged Sherman tanks in a defensive formation. The regiment was moved to this area on 11 June 1944 to be ready to deal with a German counter-attack, following the allied landings in Normandy. The counter attack did not material. The flat cornfields are typical of the country around Caen. The term 'leaguer' derives from the Afrikaans word, 'laager'. The Boers in South Africa used it to describe the temporary defensive positions set up using their large ox wagons during trekking. The term was common amongst British armored units which used a similar tactic to protect themselves during temporary stops.

'Sgt. Arthur Cook's tank, knocked out of action on the Etteville [sic] Ridge', Normandy, July 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. According to the war diary of the 3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), the unit's Sherman tanks, with infantry support from the Seaforth Highlanders, were heavily engaged with German infantry and tanks near Eteville. The war diary reports a number of casualties on 10 July but no tanks were lost. On the and 11 July the following is recorded, 'C Sqn under command of Capt. Murray destroyed 1 Tiger. Our loss was 1 Sherman destroyed, the crew of which escaped alive'. The Sherman in this picture may well be this tank. On the side of the turret, almost centered on the triangular tactical sign, is a hole where it appears an enemy round has penetrated. 

'Night leaguer. Artificial moonlight', 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. A Sherman tank is silhouetted by searchlights during the regiment's advance through northern France. The term 'leaguer' derives from the Afrikaans word, 'laager'. The Boers in South Africa used it to describe the temporary defensive positions set up using their large ox wagons during trekking. The term was common amongst British glamoured units which used a similar tactic to protect themselves during temporary stops.

'The 3/4th Sharpshooters' leaguer at Carpiquet', Normandy, 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. Camouflaged Sherman tanks in a defensive formation. The term 'leaguer' derives from the Afrikaans word, 'laager'. The Boers in South Africa used it to describe the temporary defensive positions set up using their large ox wagons during trekking. The term was common amongst British armored units which used a similar tactic to protect themselves during temporary stops.

An ARV (Armoured Recovery Vehicle) wading ashore in Normandy, 7 June 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. 3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters) landed on 7 June 1944 in support of 153rd Brigade near Mont Fleury La Rivière. The ARV shown is a Sherman ARV 1 with deep wading trunking applied to protect exhausts as well as crew and engine compartments from sea water. These devices would have been discarded once ashore.

'Tanks having de-waterproofed going inland passing some of the German concrete defenses, part of the Atlantic Wall', 7 June 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. Sherman tanks of the 3rd County of London Yeomanry driving past abandoned German defenses. The Sharpshooters landed on 7 June 1944 in support of 153rd Brigade near Mont Fleury La Rivière. Their war diary records them de-waterproofing at an assembly area at Banville. While their landing was unopposed by the end of June the unit was beginning to take casualties in heavy fighting with German forces.

'Sgt. Freddy White's tank coming through the village of Ver-Sur-Mer after leaving the de-waterproofing area and moving to the regimental concentration area.', Normandy, 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. Having landed at Mont Fleury in Normandy, this Sherman tank of the 3rd County of London Yeomanry drives through Ver-Sur-Mer. After reaching their regimental concentration area, they remained in Corps reserve at immediate notice to move.

Tanks of 3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters) in the de-waterproofing area, June 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. Sherman tanks, including a Firefly armed with a 17-pounder gun, remove their waterproof coverings after landing on 'M' Sector, Sword beach at La Rivière on the morning of 7 June. 3rd County of Yeomanry were among the first units of 4th Armoured Brigade to go ashore.

'A' Squadron and the Black Watch consolidating after the first attack on the Radar Station at Douvres, Normandy, 7 June 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. A Sherman tank of 'A' Squadron 3rd County of London Yeomanry covered in camouflage in a wood. Following the attack on Douvres, the Squadron re-joined the Regiment near Lanteuil, which was being held in Corps reserve.

The ruined church of Norrey-en-Buissons, 1944. Photograph from an album compiled by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. The 11th century church was badly damaged during fierce fighting following the Allied landings in Normandy. Canadian forces and German SS troops battled for control of the town during June and July 1944. To the right of the Sherman tank, close to the church walls, is a statue of a French soldier, a war memorial commemorating the dead of the First World War.

'Ronnie Grant and Sid Hicks working on a tank engine', 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe (1944-1945), 1944. Two members of 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry work on a Sherman's Continental R975 petrol engine during a break in their advance. The latter was an air-cooled radial engine originally designed for use in aircraft.

'Open leaguer', 3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), Normandy, 1944. Photograph by Major W H J, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe (1944-1945), 1944. Camouflaged Sherman tanks in a defensive formation. The term 'leaguer' derives from the Afrikaans word, 'laager'. The Boers in South Africa used it to describe the temporary defensive positions set up using their large ox wagons during trekking. The term was common amongst British armored units which used a similar tactic to protect themselves during temporary stops.

'100-hour engine check - Ronnie Grant, Sid Hicks and Topper Brown', 3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), Normandy, 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, 1944. Mechanics work on a Sherman's Continental R975 petrol engine. The latter was an air-cooled radial engine originally designed for use in aircraft.

'Night leaguer, Carpiquet', Normandy,1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. A Sherman tank is silhouetted by searchlights during the regiment's advance through northern France. The term 'leaguer' derives from the Afrikaans word, 'laager'. The Boers in South Africa used it to describe the temporary defensive positions set up using their large ox wagons during trekking. The term was common amongst British armored units which used a similar tactic to protect themselves during temporary stops.

Major Woods MC, commanding 'A' Squadron, 3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), coming ashore on King Beach, Normandy, 7 June 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. 3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters) landed on 7 June 1944 in support of 153rd Brigade near Mont Fleury La Rivière. The Sherman tank shown is equipped with deep wading trunking applied to protect exhausts as well as crew and engine compartments from sea water. These devices would have been discarded once ashore.

Assault craft and a partially submerged Sherman tank during the initial stages of the invasion of Normandy, June 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. Although Allied intelligence had identified which areas of beach were suitable for the landing of vehicles, several tanks, jeeps and lorries were lost in water that was deeper than expected or in the shifting sands. The Normandy invasion beaches were also choked with disabled and sunken landing vessels which made unloading vehicles even more hazardous.

'"A" Squadron Leader in the regimental concentration area', 3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), Normandy, June, 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. Camouflaged Sherman tanks of 3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters) in a field in Normandy, June 1944. Although the German air threat during the Normandy campaign was low, it remained important to conceal vehicles and equipment, to help avoid German mortar or artillery bombardment.

'A' Squadron 3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters) preparing for action near the German Radar Station near Douvres, Normandy, 7 June 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. The Sharpshooters' war diary records 'A' Squadron's tanks supporting an attack by the 5th Black Watch and Canadian forces on Douvres Radar Station on the evening of the 7 June 1944. 'A' Squadron tanks and Churchill Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineers (AVRE) armed with petard mortars attacked the strongpoint but withdrew after losing a number of vehicles to mines and anti-tank fire. On the 17 June, after a bombardment by naval and ground artillery, Royal Marine Commandos supported by AVREs and mine-clearing tanks, successfully stormed the radar station. 'A' Squadron's Sherman tanks including a Firefly variant armed with a 17 pounder gun concentrate prior to attacking a wood to the west of the station. The war diary records, 'It was necessary to obtain possession of a wood West of Douvres as this was the only point of observation on the town'. The diary also records incidents of friendly fire between the Black Watch and the Canadian North Shore Regiment during this action.

'The crossing of the River Odon', 3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), 10 July 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. A Sherman tank crosses the River Odon in support of an attack being made by 43rd Wessex Division on German attacks around Eterville.

'Squadron Leader in the cornfields South of Carpiquet', 3rd County of London Yeomanry, July 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe (1944-1945), 1944. During a break from fighting around Caen during the Normandy Campaign, a squadron leader and other men of 'A' Squadron complete some washing, hanging it on a washing line attached to their Sherman tank.

'A' Squadron passing through St Martin-Les-Besaces on the way to Vire, 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. Sherman tanks and carriers from 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry pass through a Norman village during the break out from the beach-heads. 

Sherman tanks of the Staffordshire Yeomanry, 27th Armoured Brigade, carrying infantry from 3rd Division, move up at the start of Operation 'Goodwood', 18 July 1944.

Sherman tanks with Typhoon rockets mounted on turret. Note that the 'Tulip' rocket on the right-hand side of this British Sherman Mk.V tank is pointing up in the air at a higher angle than the one on the left-hand side. One would be set to a range of 600 yards and the other 800 yards.

A Sherman tank of 13/18th Hussars, 8th Armoured Brigade keeps watch over the River Waal at Nijmegen, 15 October 1944.

A column of British Shermans moving along a road through a partially flooded area of Holland.

11th Armoured Bde Sherman of the South African 6th Armoured Division in the Chianti Highlands overlooking the approaches to Florence. 1944.

Sherman Vc Firefly tank of The Fort Garry Horse near the Beveland Canal, Netherlands, October 29, 1944.

One of the men who had the idea to pair RP-3 rockets with their Shermans, Lieutenant Robert Boscawen (CO of 2 Troop, 2 Squadron, 1st Coldstreams) working on a Tulip mount. As seen, the rockets were fired by electrical current sent by a cable at the rear of the rocket.

American Journalist and War Correspondent, Ernie Pyle (center) converses with the crew of a Sherman tank belonging to 191st Tank Battalion at the Anzio Beachhead in 1944.

Sherman tank of 19th New Zealand Armoured Regiment, Faenza, Italy, December 1944. Tests with track grousers.

M W J McNicol has just finished checking over the interior of the same New Zealand Sherman tank which was recaptured from the Germans during the NZ Division advance towards Florence, Italy. 21 August 1944.

New Zealanders by a New Zealand Sherman tank, , Italy, 21 August 1944. Shows F G Dixon, J A Brown, and L A Trass of the 18th New Zealand Armoured Regiment after they recaptured the tank during the advance towards Florence. The tank carries emblems of the NZ fernleaf and the German cross.

Sherman tanks and troops from the 19th New Zealand Armoured Regiment on a street in Trieste, Italy, 4 May 1945.

A New Zealand Division tank recovery crew alongside the NZ Sherman tank which was recaptured from the Germans during the NZ Division advance towards Florence, Italy. 21 August 1944.

Another view of the same recaptured Sherman tank.

US paratrooper investigating knocked out 17-pdr Sherman tank after Market Garden.

Polish Army in the Middle East. Camp of the 6th Armored Regiment "Children of Lviv" in Palestine. Sherman tanks visible in the background.

Pulling a Sherman tank from the 6th Armored Regiment "Children of Lwów" out of a bomb crater, Piedmonte, Italy.

Sherman tanks on an LCT ready to set off across the Channel for the invasion.

Sherman tanks of the 1st Krechowiec Lancers Regiment during the march through the Apennines.

Sherman tanks at crossroads at Velveeken, 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters) was formed in July 1944 following the amalgamation of two existing Sharpshooters' regiments, 3rd and 4th County of London Yeomanry. Both had suffered heavy losses in Normandy. The new composite regiment fought its way across North West Europe with Brigadier Mike Carver's 4th Armoured Brigade.

3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters) at Weert, Netherlands, 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. A Humber armored scout car and Sherman tanks of 'A' Squadron, 3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters) parked under trees. The Sharpshooters' war diary records the unit in the area of Weert on 26 September 1944, supporting the King's Royal Rifle Corps at the close of Operation MARKET GARDEN. German opposition included several 88 mm guns and snipers. The Sharpshooters remained in the Weert area until the 7 October when they moved on to Nijmegen.

Bofors gun on the approaches to the Nijmegen Bridge, 1944. Photograph by Major W H J Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944-1945. Sherman tanks of 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters) halt at an anti-aircraft emplacement at the approach to Nijmegen Bridge, prior to the regiment crossing the River Waal. The salient established by the Allies north of Nijmegen in Holland during Operation MARKET GARDEN was the subject of German counterattacks at the end of September 1944. A heavy concentration of Allied anti-aircraft guns at Nijmegen destroyed dozens of German aircraft attempting to destroy the vital bridges.

'Major Murray, Cpl. Fitzpatrick, Cpl. Gell, L/Cpl. Leader, Tpr. Griffiths', 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944-1945. Sherman tank and crew from 'B' Squadron, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), 1944. The Sherman tank had a crew of five consisting of a commander, the driver, a gunner, a radio operator who also acted as gun loader, and a co-driver who also manned the hull machine gun.

Lieutenant Bryant, Trooper Stockdale, Trooper Reed, Trooper Ristow and Trooper Morriss next to their Sherman tank, 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. Four members of 'B' Squadron, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), stand next to their tank during 4th Armoured Brigade's advance across northern France.

'Sgt. Waters, L/Cpl. Johnson, Tpr. Watson, Tpr. Foster, Tpr. Ricketts', 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. A group of B Squadron non-commissioned officers and other ranks, some wearing holstered revolvers pose in front of a Sherman tank. The 'desert rat' insignia of the 7th Armoured Division is just visible on the front of the tank along with jerry cans of water or fuel and mess equipment.

'Cpl. Allen, Tpr. Manning, L/Cpl. Bailey, Tpr. Millard, Tpr. Hubbard', C Squadron, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. Sherman tank and crew, 'C' Squadron, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), 1944. The Sherman tank had a crew of five consisting of a commander, the driver, a gunner, a radio operator who also acted as gun loader, and a co-driver who also manned the hull machine gun.

'Tpr Percival, Sgt. Parish, Tpr. Shearer, Tpr. Tansley, Tpr. Ritchie', C Squadron, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944). Sherman tank and crew, 'C' Squadron, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), 1944. The Sherman tank had a crew of five consisting of a commander, the driver, a gunner, a radio operator who also acted as gun loader, and a co-driver who also manned the hull machine gun.

The crew of a Sherman Tank of 'C' Squadron, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), 1945. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry, World War Two, North West Europe, 1945. The crew on the turret of the Sherman are named as Sergeant Dennis, Lance Corporals Smith and Brown, Trooper Hudson. The Sherman tank had a crew of five consisting of a commander, the driver, a gunner, a radio operator who also acted as gun loader, and a co-driver who also manned the hull machine gun.

'A' Squadron playing football with the 8th Hussars, 1944. Sherman tanks in background. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. Sport has always played an important role in the British Army. Sporting contests fostered faith in the regiment or corps, reinforced group identity and made soldiers ready to serve a shared cause. They also bridged the gap between officers and men, who often had little else in common. The shared experience of playing and watching sport was crucial in developing 'esprit de corps' - feelings of pride and confidence among the men of a unit.

Tanks of 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters) approach the bridge over the River Meuse, Grave, 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944-1945. Sherman tanks approach the bridge at Grave, one of the targets of Operation MARKET GARDEN in September 1944.

British Sherman tanks cross the River Meuse over the Grave Bridge on the road to Nijmegen, Netherlands, 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944-1945. The bridge at Grave was one of the targets of Operation MARKET GARDEN. The bridge now bears the name of John S Thompson of the 82nd Airborne Division who led the initial assault to take the bridge in September 1944.

British Sherman tank pass Allied DUKWs parked in a field, on the road to Nijmegen, Netherlands, 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944-1945. The abbreviation DUKW was the code used by General Motors for the amphibious DUKW. D stands for 1942, the first year of manufacture; U stands for amphibian; K stands for all-wheel drive; W stands for dual rear axles.

Sherman tanks of 'C' Squadron, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters) in Nijmegen, Holland, 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. Sherman tank of 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters) in the Dutch city of Nijmegen. Njimegen was liberated by the First Canadian Army in November 1944. The city had also witnessed heavy fighting during Operation Market Garden two months prior to their arrival.

The crew of a Sherman Tank of 'C' Squadron, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), 1945. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry, World War Two, North West Europe, 1945. The crew are named as Lieutenant David Lloyd, Lance Corporal Slack and Troopers Leonard, Price and Nelson. David Lloyd wears non-regulation corduroy trousers which were popular with some members of the regiment. The Sherman tank had a crew of five consisting of a commander, the driver, a gunner, a radio operator who also acted as gun loader, and a co-driver who also manned the hull machine gun.

'Capt. Ken Hiscock and 2/Lt Pim Mantell', 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944-1945. Captain K Hiscock and Second Lieutenant P Mantell photographed in front of a Sherman tank, 1944.

'Tanks moving through the tank runs', 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. Three Sherman tanks, well camouflaged with foliage, driving down a slight incline in Normandy. They belonged to 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters) of the Royal Armoured Corps.

'German prisoners coming in north of the Falaise pocket', 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. German prisoners marching past a Sherman tank of 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters) near Falaise in Normandy. They were captured during the Allied attempts to encircle and destroy the German Seventh Army and Fifth Panzer Army.

'First Class 5 bridge over the canal at Weert', Netherlands, 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. A Sherman tank guards the approach to a temporary bridge over the canal at Weert. The Sharpshooters' war diary records the unit in the area of Weert on 26 September 1944, supporting the King's Royal Rifle Corps at the close of Operation MARKET GARDEN. An estimate of the German forces on the other side of the canal was put at one battalion with no less than fourteen 88 mm guns. The Sharpshooters remained in the Weert area until the 7 October when they moved on to Nijmegen.

'Tpr. Ryan, Cpl. Chandley, Lt. Woollacott, Tpr. Job, Tpr. Singleton', C Squadron, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. Sherman tank and crew, 'C' Squadron, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), 1944. The Sherman tank had a crew of five consisting of a commander, the driver, a gunner, a radio operator who also acted as gun loader, and a co-driver who also manned the hull machine gun.

The crew of a Sherman Tank of 'C' Squadron, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), 1945. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry, World War Two, North West Europe, 1945. The crew are named as Lance Corporal Bird, Corporal Gladman and Troopers Maidman, Nichols and Cotton. The Sherman tank had a crew of five consisting of a commander, the driver, a gunner, a radio operator who also acted as gun loader, and a co-driver who also manned the hull machine gun.

The crew of a Sherman Tank of 'C' Squadron, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), 1945. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry, World War Two, North West Europe, 1945. The crew are (from left to right): Lance Corporal Hicks, Trooper Fairless, Trooper Narbrugh, Trooper Pitt and Sergeant Troke. The Sherman tank had a crew of five consisting of a commander, the driver, a gunner, a radio operator who also acted as gun loader, and a co-driver who also manned the hull machine gun.

'Tanks on the move to Vire over the tank runs', 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. A column of Sherman tanks, led by a Firefly armed with a 17-pounder, advance towards the town of Vire in Normandy during the break-out battle.

Loading Sherman tanks on Diamond T transporters, 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe (1944-1945), 1944. The American built Diamond T tank transporter tractor was allocated to Commonwealth armies under the Lend Lease scheme. Transporters were used so that tanks did not have to travel long distances to a battlefield which could wear their tracks out before going into action.

'The regiment moving from their leaguer area near Trun preparing to move to the River Somme', 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. The Sherman was one of the most widely used tanks of the Second World War. A staggering 49,234 Shermans of all types were built, representing over 50 per cent of the total American wartime tank production.

A Sherman Firefly working its way through very close country, Normandy, 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. A Sherman Firefly tank, armed with a powerful 17-pounder gun, advances through the thick 'bocage' country of Normandy. The latter made progress against entrenched German opposition extremely difficult.

A tank of 'B' Squadron, 3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters) knocked out during the attack on Rouffigny, Normandy, August 1944. Photograph compiled by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. A knocked out British Sherman tank missing its left track and with a shell hole in its gun mantlet, abandoned in a field in Normandy. The 3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters) War Diary records heavy fighting on 18 August 1944 near Rouffigny with three of its tanks hit by anti-tank fire; ten men are recorded killed and eleven men wounded or missing in action. The diary records, 'A Mark IV special was seen and knocked out but shortly afterward the two leading tanks were hit by A/Tk fire. The driver of one tank succeeded in driving his badly damaged tank back out of range and was able to rescue his wounded crew. Arty fire was brought down on the suspected gun positions and another attempt was made to go forward but the leading tank was immediately hit'.

'Tony Pistori interrogating German prisoners after their surrender to 'A' Squadron', 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. German prisoners being questioned by British troops of 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry in front of a camouflaged Sherman tank.

Tanks moving past abandoned German guns after the crossing of the Seine, 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. Sherman tanks driving through a French town. A knocked-out German artillery piece is visible to the left of the photograph and flags are flying from buildings to the right in celebration of the long-awaited liberation.

'"A" Squadron arriving near Nederweert', Netherlands, 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944-1945. Captain Sale and Captain Jimmie Manners stand next to a Sherman tank; the three crewmen are, from left to right, Trooper Tony Pistori, Tropper Clifford Pace and Trooper Charles Dawson. 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters) supported the King's Royal Rifle Corps in the Nederweert area prior to their move across Nijmegen bridge. 

'Class 40 bridge over the canal at Weert', Netherlands, 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. A Sherman tank and civilians cross a temporary Bailey Bridge built to replace a demolished canal bridge at Weert. The Sharpshooters' war diary records the unit in the area of Weert on 26 September 1944, supporting the King's Royal Rifle Corps at the close of Operation MARKET GARDEN. An estimate of the German forces on the other side of the canal was put at one battalion with no less than fourteen 88 mm guns. The Sharpshooters remained in the Weert area until the 7 October when they moved on to Nijmegen.

Lance-Corporal Pritchard, Trooper Pool, Trooper Tuckwood, Sergeant Moffat, 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. Four members of 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry stand by a Sherman Firefly tank. Armed with a powerful 17-pounder gun, the Firefly was capable of engaging the most heavily armed German tanks.

Trooper Jones, Lance Corporal Bridge, Lance Corporal Maggs, and Staff Sergeant Major Rhodes, 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe (1944-1945), 1944. Members of 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry sit on their Sherman Firefly which was fitted with the powerful 17-pounder anti-tank gun as its main weapon. This gun was capable of penetrating more armor than the Tiger I's famous 88 mm KwK 36 gun.

'Cpl. Moffat, Tpr. Jones, Tpr. Weal, Tpr. Corbett, Tpr. Frizell', 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. Personnel of B Squadron, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters) pose on the turret of a Sherman tank, 1944.

Crewmen of a Sherman Firefly, 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. The soldiers depicted are Sergeant Kitchen, Trooper Boon, Trooper Cullen and Trooper Vining of 'B' Squadron. Their Sherman is fitted with a 17-pounder gun which was capable of knocking out the largest German tanks. The Sherman tank had a crew of five consisting of a commander, the driver, a gunner, a radio operator who also acted as gun loader, and a co-driver who also manned the hull machine gun.

Corporal Edwards, Corporal McLegon, Lance Corporal Moore and Lance Corporal Glaze next to their Sherman Firefly tank, 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. Four members of 'C' Squadron, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), stand next to their tank during 4th Armoured Brigade's advance across northern France.

The regiment moving on transporters back to the Caen sector, 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe (1941-1945), 1944. A convoy of tank transporters carries Shermans of 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry along a road in Normandy. Tank transporters had two roles. They could be used as tank carriers for moving vehicles long distances in order to avoid wear and tear to tracks and engines prior to battle deployment, or as recovery transporters for damaged vehicles.

'J. Sale's tank and 'A' Squadron moving to the Ruffini [sic] area', Normandy, 18 August 1944. Photograph compiled by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. A column of British Sherman tanks, some with turrets reversed, on a road, near Rouffigny in Normandy. The men on the leading tank are named as (from left to right), 'Tony Pistori, Johnny Davies, Topper Brown, Nobby Clark'. The leading Sherman has spare tank tracks stowed on its glacis which provided additional protection from anti-tank fire. The 3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters) War Diary records heavy fighting on 18 August 1944 near Rouffigny with three of its tanks hit by anti-tank fire; ten men are recorded killed and eleven men wounded or missing in action. 

Sherman tanks on the move through the dust during the march to the River Somme, 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters) were part of 4th Armoured Brigade and advanced across the Somme in September 1944 having spent the previous month engaged in the reduction of the Falaise Pocket.

'Trooper Booker coming in for much female attention at Grand Villiers', 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. French civilians surrounding a British Sherman tank of 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters) during the liberation of their town.

'"A" Squadron billeted in the nunnery at Aasch', Belgium, 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. 'A' Squadron Sherman tanks of 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters) in Asch, Belgium, 1944.

'"A" Squadron billeted in the nunnery at Aasch', Belgium, 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. Sherman tanks and vehicles of 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters) in Asch, Belgium, 1944.

Sherman tank and Humber scouts, 3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), Nederweert, 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. The war diary of 3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters) records the unit in the Nederweert area in October and November 1944.

Sherman tanks of 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters) on the move from Nederweert to Nijmegen. Netherlands, 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944-1945. 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters) crossed Nijmegen Bridge on 10 October 1944, in support of 53 Division.

Sherman tank in Nijmegen, Holland, 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. Sherman tank of 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry amongst the ruined buildings of the Dutch city. Njimegen was liberated by the First Canadian Army in November 1944. The city had also witnessed heavy fighting during Operation Market Garden two months prior to their arrival.

'C' Squadron, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry passing through Nijmegen, 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. Three Sherman tanks of 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry drive along a road amongst the ruined buildings of the Dutch city. Njimegen was fully liberated by the First Canadian Army in November 1944. The city had also witnessed heavy fighting during Operation Market Garden two months prior to their arrival.

Crossing the bridge at Nijmegen, 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. A Sherman tank of 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry crossing over the Nijmegen Bridge. The regiment crossed the River Waal on 10 October 1944 in support of 53rd Division before pushing on to the west of Eindhoven.

'Capt. Hawkins, MC MM, Tpr. Baildon, L/Cpl. Neal, Tpr. McMuir, L/Cpl. Franklin', 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. Sherman tank and crew from 'B' Squadron, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), 1944. The Sherman tank had a crew of five consisting of a commander, the driver, a gunner, a radio operator who also acted as gun loader, and a co-driver who also manned the hull machine gun.

'Sgt. Naisbitt, Tpr. Warren, Tpr. Bliss, Tpr. Hodson, Tpr. Willet.', 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. A group of B Squadron non-commissioned officers and other ranks pose in front of a Sherman tank.

Crewmen of a Sherman Firefly of 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry, 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. The 'C' Squadron soldiers depicted are: Lance Corporal Bond, Trooper Jones, Trooper Symes and Corporal Proudfoot. Their Sherman is fitted with a 17-pounder gun which was capable of knocking out the largest German tanks. The Sherman tank had a crew of five consisting of a commander, the driver, a gunner, a radio operator who also acted as gun loader, and a co-driver who also manned the hull machine gun.

Fitters at work on Sherman tank, 1944. Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. 4th Armoured Brigade mechanics repair damaged sprockets on a Sherman tank of 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters). To keep the all vehicles and equipment in good working order, each squadron within an armored regiment would have a fitters section. These men were supplied by the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME).

'A' Squadron, 3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), before their attack to outflank Rouffigny, Normandy, 1944. Photograph compiled by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944. A column of British Sherman tanks on a road in woodland near Rouffigny in Normandy. According to the 3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters) War Diary, after three tanks were hit by anti-tank fire, with the loss of ten men killed and several more wounded, 'A' Squadron succeeded in finding a way around the town of Rouffigny in the early evening of 18 August 1944.