Sherman: A History of the American Medium Tank

Book Description

R.P. Hunnicutt sets the standard against which all other military equipment books are measured. Hunnicutt defines definitive. 1,368 b/w photos, 12 color plates.

Customer Reviews:

Best book on Sherman Tanks !.......2007-02-27

. 2006 hard bound in dust jacket, , r/p of the 1994 edition, . in a slip case, , 8 3/4 x 11 1/4 , glossy paper , 576 pp , 1368 illus & drgs. , 12 color plates, appendices , index.

.....This exclusive high-quality print run is limited to only 1,000 copies in a collector's slip case. Finally back in print, R.P. Hunnicutt's "bible" on the M4 Sherman Tank begins with the pre-war evolution of the U.S. medium tank resulting in the introduction of the M3 and its Canadian counterpart the "RAM." The confusion after Pearl Harbor and the pressure for ever increasing production provide the background for the appearance of the Sherman in Part II. The war situation in early 1942 required large numbers of tanks to equip both the U.S. armored units in training and the Allied Armies already fighting around the world. This resulted in the major models of the Sherman with designations ranging from M4 to M4A6.

Part II ends with the Sherman committed to action first at El Alamein and then in theaters of operation around the world. Battle experience soon indicated the need for further improvements. Part III details the development projects necessary to effect these changes and their incorporation into the production program. The important British modifications including the installation of the 17 pounder high velocity gun are also included. The ready availability of the Sherman chassis made it the ideal candidate to carry various self-propelled artillery weapons and antitank guns. These vehicles as well as other specialized armor are discussed in part IV.

..After WWII, the Sherman continued to serve not only the U.S. Army, but was used to rearm many friendly nations whose armed forces were destroyed during the war. With the outbreak of fighting in Korea, the Sherman again went into action as is covered in Part V. Part VI is composed of reference material presented in data sheets covering the major production models of the M3 and M4 series.

Best Sherman Book - But Don't Pay More than $130.......2006-10-31

This book is the Sherman Bible, but you should not spend more than $130 for this title. This book is in the process of being republished by RZM and it will have a list price of $130(US).

The Sherman Tank Bible........2003-07-24

The Sherman tank is without question, the most famous armored fighting vehicle in the history of modern warfare. The book "Sherman: A History of the American Medium Tank", by R.P Hunnicutt, is an masterful reference text second to none. Although, this book is long out of print, it is without question the bible, to sherman tank historians. No book ever published on this tank can match the endless array of photo's and text detailing every variation of this tank. You get to see the tank from it's early design as a platform to the M3 Grant/Lee during the early stages of WW-2. The Sherman was used for every job imaginable. Soldiers would adapt their tank as needed for whatever condition awaited them. You see Sherman tanks, used as mine sweepers, marine assault float tanks, flame throwers, bulldozers, open turreted M10 tank destroyers, a british heavy hitting firefly variation, just to name a few. The tank had unmatched longevity, serving in the Korean conflict and in the Israeli army as late as the early 1970's. If you are a military historian or a student of armored warfare, I cannot recommend a better book that chronicles an American tank in such A to Z detail. The Sherman tank was not the most feared tank in the theater of WW-2 operations, but it's overwhelming production numbers and mechanical reliability and adaptability, surely helped the allies win the war.

The standard reference on the M4 Sherman medium tank.......1998-04-24

Even though this work dates back to 1978, it can still be regarded as the ultimate book on the M4 Sherman. It describes the pre-war development of the American medium tanks, then covers the development and production of the M3 Lee/Grant including all marks and variants. The M4 development and production is covered in detail with all marks and variants, upgrades and modifications. British service and modification are also covered. Postwar employment and conversions are included, even though Israeli and other post war conversions are not covered in detail.
There are extremely detailed specifications of the M3 and M4, all marks and many of the variants like the M7 and M10. You will also find the specs on most weapons employed on the M3, M4 and variants.

Book Description

The M4 Sherman tank was the mainstay of the Western allies between 1942 and 1945. Fast and modern it was better than most of the tanks Britain had to offer. The American Chief of Staff claimed in November 1943 that it had been hailed widely as ‘the best tank on the battlefield today’. However, by the time of the Normandy invasion of June 1944 this was not the case. The new heavy tanks being produced by the Germans were able to outclass the Sherman in both armour and armament. This title describes the development and operational use of the Sherman medium tank throughout World War II and beyond.

Customer Reviews:

Too Short, Format Not so Good.......2005-02-16

Although I have invested quite a pot of money into Osprey publications, some of the series are better than others... one problem is if the subject matter is so long that it cannot be handled by the short page format.

This is definitely the case in this book: since the Sherman tank became the unfortunate defacto starndard for the western allies in WWII, it can potentially encorporate a lot of space and detail. Zaloga covers the advent of the tank and how it was put through it production paces. I also learned why the production run of the Lee-Grant tanks was so short --- it was an interim version between the Stuart and the Sherman -- the turret for a gun larger than the 37 mm had not been made, so the hybrid was the only way to get large amount of up-gunned tanks into the field (even if they did look wierd).

There is a lot of detail on the many versions but I did find a few things that annoyed me:

1) There is no detail on the "why" of the choice of the Sherman. Surely a tank as critically flawed and used as long as it is either being defended by misdirected intentions, or it really has some solid points.

2) Although British and commonwealth forces were using this tank in some of the largest engagements on the western front, there is little on the variations used by these forces. There is in addition no mention of any variations that may have been shipped to Burma.

3) As carrolary of the above there is nothing on the Firefly version with the 17 lber version of its gun. Certainly arguably the most worthwhile upgrade done on this tank.

4) No mention of the impact of model development and the impact on the field. The 17 pounder on the Firefly meant that the British and Canadians could match the Panzer IV and also, in score hits on the Panther and Tiger (though still outgunned).

A good reference but I think that there was just too much info and the Osprey format was just too short.

Death Traps: The Survival of an American Armored Division in World War II

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The title is misleading
Great Book
Could Be Better
my humble opinion
Same story my father told

Death Traps: The Survival of an American Armored Division in World War II
Belton Cooper
Manufacturer: Presidio Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0891416706
Release Date: 1998-08-04

Book Description

As American tanks raced across France, one fact became immediately clear: One-on-one, the Sherman tank with its 75 mm main gun was no match for the more heavily armored and heavily-gunned German tanks that it faced across the battlefield.

Customer Reviews:

The title is misleading.......2007-07-05

There are some nice observations, personal observations that perhaps just make the book worth reading (at the price of $7).

But there is little about the Sherman and why it was a death trap other than it had thinner armor and initially an under-powered gun. I was hoping for more insight into how the Sherman was used and perhaps what the soldiers did to overcome the tanks disadvantages.

As others have said there is a lot of repetition, I think he repeats that the Germans fired on a tank until it burnt and therefore could not be recovered. This is mentioned twice on one page in one place and he seems to be annoyed at the Germans for stopping him being able to repair the tank!! How inconsiderate of them.

Then there are pages about troop movements and battle formations, nothing really to do with the tank and covered more accurately elsewhere.

After you have read the better books in this category, you might get this to complete your collection, but really there are much better books available.

Great Book.......2007-06-12

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn the true story of the Sherman in WWII, written by someone who was actually there. This book and writer is endorsed by Stephen Ambrose.

Could Be Better.......2007-02-27

The title will get your attention but all the numbers will run together after awhile.It does have it's merits as the author details his life in the maintenance divison.The awful job of cleaning out a tank with the blood/tissue from battlefield casualties,a smell that never leaves that particular vehicle.And over & over to the point the story just repeats itself.I really had to struggle to finish this book.

my humble opinion.......2006-08-26

I agree that the best understanding of history comes from primary source documenation where the source has first-hand knowledge of the facts. This is exactly why moments of the book are quite insightful and moving. For example, the scene where Cooper shares a fox hole in combat for the first time after receiving heavy fire. Listening to a soldier tell of crying himself to sleep while reciting the 23rd Psalm and taking comfort from Paul's words in Phillipians is touching and honest. Moments like this are what make this book worthwhile.

I will not comment on historical inacuracies concerning the US tanks v. the German tanks as it appears the foregoing commentators know a lot more than me. I would encourage readers to recall, however, who this writer is and what his job was during the war. Cooper raced across enemy lines in the cover of darkness regularly to report to his commanders who and what was recently destroyed. He then made every effort to get fresh supplies back to the front lines. In doing so, part of his daily routine was witnessing his peers wash the blood and guts out of semi-destroyed tanks - the blood and guts of their friends - so that young, often inexperienced soldiers, could take their place.

I suspect witnessing this bloodshed day in and day out for about two years would cause any person to long for tanks with more protection and more offensive power.

This aspect of the book needs not be forgotten. Sure, it could have done without the editorialism concerning events Cooper was not present for, but perhaps those digressions come from the unique suffering Cooper experienced during the War.

TAM

Same story my father told.......2006-07-03

My father landed on Omaha Beach with the 745th Tank Battalion. He survived to live a good life and raise a family. The few times he talked about WWII his stories mirrored Cooper's. I thought Dad's claim's about being shot out of 13 (THIRTEEN) Sherman tanks were just "war stories" when I was younger, even with his Purple Heart and Bronze Star as evidence. He was suspicious about politicians and military leaders the rest of his life. Perhaps the negative reviews are written by people who want to rewrite history. From what I heard from my father, Cooper is dead on accurate. I loved the book.

Modelling the US Army M4 (75mm) Sherman Medium Tank (Osprey Modelling)

Average customer rating:

For advanced Modelers
Sherman tank
An excellent modeler's resource

Modelling the US Army M4 (75mm) Sherman Medium Tank (Osprey Modelling)
Steven Zaloga
Manufacturer: Osprey Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1841769657
Release Date: 2006-11-28

Book Description

The Sherman tank was the principal US and Allied tank of World War II with more Shermans manufactured than all German tanks combined. Not only were large numbers manufactured, but there was a very wide range of variants powered by different types of engines, manufactured with different types of hulls, turrets and other details. As a result, a M4A1 tank from the Tunisian campaign in 1942 had nothing in common with a M4A3E8 tank from the 1945 campaign in Germany, even if they shared the same name. Consequently, the Sherman has proven to be an enormously popular modeling subject.

Due to the enormity of the subject matter, this book is the first of three planned to deal with this tank and its many variants. It covers the early 75mm Shermans and runs the gamut from the US Army in Tunisia in 1942-43, Italy in 1943-45 and NW Europe in 1945. In so doing, it covers the broadest possible range of variants and details. The builds include:
1.M4A1, 2/13th Armored in Tunisia 1942/43. This is mainly 'out of the box', and deals with cleaning up and correcting the popular Dragon kit and painting it in desert colors.
2.M4A3, 6th Armored Division, Battle of the Bulge, January 1945: an intermediate level build, correcting and enhancing the Tamiya kit, and dealing with the issue of assembling aftermarket (separately available add-on components) link-to-link tracks.
3.M4A1, 2nd Armored Division, Sicily 1943. This is actually an earlier version of the M4A1 than the first type (2nd Armored having been the first division with the Sherman); an advanced level project using the Formations resin hull for the proper 'direct vision' early hull.
4.M4, 8th Tank Battalion, 4th Armored Division, Normandy, July 1944: the 'super'project, including a number of advanced techniques such as swapping the suspension on the Tamiya kit, applying foliage camouflage, building and painting a turret interior and adding figures to the model.

The book also showcases a number of other Shermans already built by the author to demonstrate the variety available.

Customer Reviews:

For advanced Modelers.......2007-05-15

This book is really geared for advanced modelers. It does have some nice color photos including some beautiful models by the author. But the modeling tips are really more advanced and are a bit beyond my current abilities. Maybe someday I'll be able to put this to better use.

Sherman tank.......2007-01-17

I am an experienced armor modeler but I am always looking for new painting and weathering techniques. I found this book to offer several color schemes and painting approaches for the Sherman tank. I have been able to take and adapt the author's ideas to my work on some recent models. My litmus test for modeling books is simple: whether it helps me improve my skills in the hobby or not. This book did.

I do not have the time or patience for scratch building using styrene plastic and I seldom use aftermarket parts on my models--in part because I have a hard time making large cuts on a $40 plus tank model that I may or may not be able to repair. The author provided information about upgrading Sherman tank models with aftermarket parts and scratchbuilding parts. That is not, as stated, my interest, albeit it may be interesting or valuable to another modeler with different skills.

I have three other books of the same genre by the same author; I have ordered another. My opinion is that these are good products for the serious modeler and worth the money.

Dr. Mark McDonald

An excellent modeler's resource.......2007-01-16

Mr. Zaloga, a noted armor historian, strikes again with this volume in the Osprey Modelling series. This volume is themed around the famous M4 "Sherman" tank with the 75mm gun. The later "Shermans" with 76mm guns will be in a follow-on volume. This voluime has a brief overview and several model projects in different scales. The quality of workmanship is tremendous and each chapter has lots of historical information as well as modelling techniques. Each model has in-progress photos as well as descriptions and photographs of the finished project. This book is very handy for beginners as well as advanced modelers and should be in the collection of any person who enjoys military vehicle modeling.

Average customer rating:

Balanced & Interesting Examination of a Legendary Tank!
Nicely done
a fair look at a controversial weapon...
A fascinating, involving read.
Terrific One Stop Look at the SHERMAN!

M4 Sherman at War (At War)
Michael Green , and James D. Brown
Manufacturer: Zenith Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 076032784X

Book Description

It was not the most heavily armored tankâit was tall and ungainly, and its firepower couldn’t match the German tanks it facedâbut by dint of sheer numbers and downright reliability, the M4 Sherman became the winning workhorse of World War II. This book gives readers an inside look at one of the best-known American tanks from the point of view of tankers and other military personnel who experienced the M4 Sherman firsthand. With diagrams and descriptions of various components, it also details the triumph of American industry, which came into the war without a modern tank and overcame the Axis powers with 50,000 M4 Shermans.

From harrowing first-person accounts of tank combat to close-ups of the M4 Sherman’s mechanical make-up, this book gives readers an unprecedented insight into the tank that, more than any other, embodied American pluck and power.

Customer Reviews:

Balanced & Interesting Examination of a Legendary Tank!.......2007-08-02

The M4 Sherman is THE American tank of the Second World War, seeing service in all theaters of war and being operated by a number of Allied units. That being said, the Sherman was a badly designed tank that was never the equal of its German contemporaries. That Sherman crews accomplished so much says more about their courage and steadfastness rather than the quality of the tank they manned.

The Sherman went to war an under-gunned, under-armoured and under-powered tank whose boxy, too-tall silhouette provided German tank and anti-tank gunners easy opportunities for kills. In a rare, pre-war blunder Chief of Staff George Marshall decided the M4's main mission was to be a weapon of explotation rather than a slayer of enemy tanks. The newly created tank destroyers were tasked with that duty. Yet realistically how could a Sherman crew pick and choose its opponents in a combat situation? Nevertheless Marshall, aided by General Lesley McNair, pushed through this doctrine and Sherman crews went to war in a seriously flawed design.

Green and Brown do an excellent job of documenting the Sherman's flawed beginnings, the seemingly endless - and usually unsuccessful - attempts to upgrade the basic design and its armament along with the stateside struggles between various Army bureacracies that hindered production of the best possible design.

Likewise in describing and illustrating the tank, its various components, and combat record, the authors do a bang-up job. The book is packed with photos, cutaways, profiles and digrams, many in color along with dozens of wartime photos and contemporary acccounts of the M4 in action.

All in all, a comprehensive, insightful, well-illustrated, and entertaining guide to a a combat legend. And only $19.95!

Recommended!

Nicely done.......2007-07-20

While not perfect, this is a very good history of the M4 Sherman. Better use of photos and (more important) coordination of photos would have upped this to five stars in my opinion. For example, in many cases one model of tank is being discussed while all the photos show a completely different model. Very good use of diagrams, which ARE usually located on the correct page. Well worth the money, if you want perfection you'll be spending more.

a fair look at a controversial weapon..........2007-05-13

The M4 series medium tank, commonly known by its British-applied nickname of "Sherman", was one of the most important weapons of the Allied ground effort in WW2. The Sherman started as one of the best tanks in the desert when introduced in North Africa, but soon fell behind German tanks in guns and armor. This was because US doctrine didn't emphasize tanks fighting other tanks, but the German doctrine saw the tank as the primary anti-tank weapon. While not a great tank killer, the Sherman was available in large numbers, not only for US forces but for many Allied nations. It also proved itself quite an adaptable design, with room for growth and was able to serve a number of special roles that were never even envsioned when the tank was originally designed.

This soft cover book covers much of the technical developments of the Sherman tanks. Mr. Green uses many period photos, plus views from restored tanks to illustrate the many changes and variations in the Sherman's design. He looks at the tank in the context of actual useage. He also touches on the US tank crews, one of the secrets of the Shermans ultimate success in battle.

For the money this book is a good investment in the basics of the Shermans design and use. Very useful to military historians, wargamers, model builders and tank buffs.

A fascinating, involving read........2007-05-08

Military specialty libraries strong on World War II history won't want to miss M4 Sherman At War, a survey of a tank which played a key role in every aspect of the battles, enabling the Allies to manufacture enough units to overwhelm the superior German tanks they faced. The design and employment of a tank which beat the odds is reviewed in chapters packed with vintage black and white photos, cut-away diagrams, and historical and design facts: a fascinating, involving read.

Terrific One Stop Look at the SHERMAN!.......2007-05-07

You will be pleased by this book- generous amount of good pictures on this famous WWII battle tank. I found the coverage of the variants and production very useful. To top it all off the price is excellent!

Swimming Shermans: Sherman DD amphibious tank of World War II (New Vanguard)

Average customer rating:

mildly disappointing

Swimming Shermans: Sherman DD amphibious tank of World War II (New Vanguard)
David Fletcher
Manufacturer: Osprey Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1841769835
Release Date: 2006-05-30

Book Description

The Sherman DD (Duplex Drive) tank was designed by the Allies specifically for the D-Day landings; enveloped in a waterproofed canvas screen, the tank was launched at sea from landing craft and then 'swam' slowly to shore, where the screens were deflated, allowing the tanks to operate as fighting vehicles. Exploring the development and modifications of the Sherman DD, this book discusses its many variants, including the prototype Valentine DD tank and its role as a training tank in Britain and limited operational use in Italy, and examines the successes and tragic failures on the beaches of Normandy and further into North-West Europe, including the challenge of crossing the River Rhine.

Customer Reviews:

mildly disappointing.......2007-01-16

WW2 marked the first use of tanks being used to support a force attacking from the sea. The Allies had to develop ways to get tanks ashore to support their troops, especially in Europe where the threat of a counter a attack by German tanks was always present. This book is not one of my favorite of the Osprey Vanguard series. This book is flawed by too narrow a focus and too much extraneous material. The proper title should have been "British Swimming Shermans in Europe". All the material is about the British attempt to develop and use the Duplex Drive version of the "Sherman" tank. This book goes into detail about the process of developing and training British tank crews on the DD tanks - starting with the developments based on a British "Valentine" tank. Later there are accounts of several British units use of the DD "Sherman", but very little on the US Army's use of the same equipment, and no mention of the fact that the US built 350 DD tanks using plans provided by the British. There is NO mention of the US use of DD tanks in Southern France or the Rhine crossing. There is also not even passing mention of the US developments in floating tanks ashore. There is a lot more to the DD story, from both nations, that was omitted. This book does provide information on the original engineering of the project, but little else in the way of new material.

Cutthroats: The Adventures of a Sherman Tank Driver in the Pacific

Average customer rating:

cutthroats
Verry Interresting
A Great Tanker's Eye View
Another great tanker memoir!

Cutthroats: The Adventures of a Sherman Tank Driver in the Pacific
Robert Dick
Manufacturer: Presidio Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0891418849
Release Date: 2006-04-25

Book Description

Soon after we landed it became apparent that there was more than enough artillery here, that the enemy were excellent shots, and that their ammo supply seemed to be endless.

With the Japanese deeply entrenched and determined to die rather than surrender, Robert Dick and his fellow soldiers quickly realized that theirs would be a war fought inch by bloody inch–and that their Sherman tanks would serve front and center. As driver, Dick had to maneuver his five-man crew in and out of dangerous and often deadly situations.

Whether crawling up beaches, bogged down in the mud-soaked Leyte jungle, or exposed in the treacherous valleys of Okinawa, the Sherman was a favorite target. A land mine could blow off the tracks, leaving its crew marooned and helpless, and the nightmare of swarms of Japanese armed with satchel charges was all too real. But there was a war to be won, and Americans like Robert Dick did their jobs without fanfare, and without glory. This gripping account of tanker combat is a ringing testament to the awe-inspiring bravery of ordinary Americans.

Customer Reviews:

cutthroats.......2007-08-23

This book was fun to read and the author is a great story teller.

Verry Interresting.......2007-03-23

got book FAST , READ it FAST ... great story of a " NON " Eddie Murphy type , a Regular G.I.doing the job assigned to him .. not EVERY soldier did Heroic stuff on the battlefield everyday ......But he still suffered thru the cruelty of War .......

A Great Tanker's Eye View.......2006-07-24

Robert Dick has given us a great war memoir from the perspective of a tanker, which is all too rare, especially where the Pacific theater is concerned. This is a good, old-fashioned war story, emphasis on the war, but with just enough of the hijinks that veterans are so good at recalling. Dick offers a rare take on what it was really like to drive a tank in battle, the bond established between the tanker and the infantry he supported, and the odds and ends of a tank battalion's activities, such as firing as artillery. He honestly shares his painful experience nearing the "breaking point" after watching ever more of his buddies die in grueling combat. Buy this book!

Another great tanker memoir!.......2006-06-03

Robert Dick has given us a gem. His narrative is interesting, thought provoking, sometimes disturbing and very often humorous.
Kind of a gallows humor. Probably appropriate for the times. He explains the technical aspects of the M-3 Stuart and M-4 Sherman in an easy to understand way. I suspect that some readers will not appreciate the frequent humor but we all cope with our ghosts in different ways. Great read.

Hueco Tanks Climbing and Bouldering Guide, 2nd (Regional Rock Climbing Series)

Average customer rating:

Huecool book!

Hueco Tanks Climbing and Bouldering Guide, 2nd (Regional Rock Climbing Series)
John Sherman
Manufacturer: Falcon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0934641870

Book Description

The definitive guide to bouldering problems in this important climbing area in Texas. Includes maps.

Customer Reviews:

Huecool book!.......2003-05-30

In this book John Sherman has produced the quintessential guidebook for climbers wanting to go to the pinnacle of climbing - Hueco Tanks.

The descriptions and topos make it possible to find even the most remote climbs. The only problem might be when one area is referenced in its relationship to a previous area of which the reader might not be familiar.
But with a little patience and understanding of how the book is laid out I can't think of a better way to get around Hueco and make the most of your climbing experience.

Maneuvering through the book brings me to the introduction. While most people might skip the introduction to a book, this one is a must read to understanding Mr. Sherman's approach to the content of the book. Playing especially close attention to pages 16-20 will make navigating through the book much easier, saving the reader a lot of time and frustration.

The index or indexes are another plus. There are three - one is a typical alphabet type where one can find a climb by its name. But there are two others, one just for rope climbs and the other for bouldering problems. They are indexed according to difficulty, so if you're a 5.10 climbers can look up all the 5.10 climbs, or 5.9 or . . . .

Not every climb in the park is in the book, but then that would have taken an encyclopedia that no one would have been able to afford. With more than 300 roped climbs and nearly 700 bouldering problems there is enough in this book to keep a climber busy for a lifetime. There is also enough room within the pages (what we call white space in the publishing business) that will allow a climber to write in new climbs as they develop over time.

In the editorial department Mr. Sherman moves from railing at those who would ruin the climbing experience or ethic, to a funny (but useful) rating of plants (cactus) according to their texture: Heinous, Jingus or Casual.

This is how I would rate the following areas of the book:
Topos - Outstanding
Maps - Outstanding
Indexes - Outstanding
Photos - Excellent
Descriptions - Excellent
Editorial Writing - Excellent

Book Description

The collapse of the Soviet Union has opened the history of the Red Army to the West, providing a more complex picture of World War II than was previously available. Details of the struggle between the Soviet forces and the Axis powers can now be seen through the efforts of veterans such as Colonel Dmitriy Loza. Loza draws on his own experiences and those of acquaintances to illustrate particular problems, combat situations, and the functioning of the Soviet Army in its struggle with the German and Japanese armies.

Customer Reviews:

Interesting Perspective.......2005-08-03

This book is written from a very interesting perspective--by a Soviet officer commanding British Matildas and US Shermans in the Red Army. Loza covers many very interesting facets of the fighting on the Russian front from a Russian perspective:
--what the Russian tankers liked & disliked about their British and US tanks;
--being ordered to fire on Russian infantry that was pulling back without orders;
--female Russian anti-tank gunners;
--armored advance through Mongolia in Summer 1945; etc.

Although this book has alot of fresh, interesting information, I only gave it four stars because:
--generally I don't think that the book is very well written;
--I didn't like the organization very much--the book is essentially a collection of stand-alone chapters on discrete topics or engagements; there is no narrative flow and the book is not intended as a coherent chronological account of the author's experiences in the war. Indeed, many of the accounts are jumbled chronologically for some reason. Finally, while many of the included accounts were quite interesting, as described above, some of the others, such as "Graves Registration" and "Home Leave" polices were less so (at least to me); and
--perhaps understandably as a participant of the war, the author does not come across as an objective commenator on the Red Army.

Red Tanks of 1941-45.......2000-12-01

Col. Loza is a Hero of the Soviet Union. He commanded Lend Lease Matildas and Shermans during the Great Patriotic War. James Gebhardt is a US veteran whose military background and command of the Russian language has enabled him to produce the most accessible book on the Eastern Front I have read. The clear explanations of Russian military terms and slang are worth the price of the book by themselves. Col. Loza explains his experience in all aspects and in depth. If you have questions about food, Lend Lease,tactical orginization, Soviet medal laws, or tank useage, this is the place to start.

Average customer rating:

Sherman Tanks in Detail

SHERMAN (HEAVY) (Tanks in Detail 6)
Terry Gander
Manufacturer: Ian Allan Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 071102989X

Book Description

Designed with the modeler, preservationist and the wargamer in mind, Ian Allan Publishing's new 'in Detail' series is intended to provide the reader with a comprehensive history of the type of tank, self-propelled propelled gun and military transport featured. Each volume will include detailed history of the unit in service, along with information on variants, markings, unit allocations, etc. Alongside the comprehensive illustrative section, which will include detailed shots of models in color, the books will also include scale drawings and comprehensive guidance notes on camouflage.A total of 49,2344 Sherman gun tanks were built during World War 2, but it was not until late in the conflict that need for a better armored and more powerfully armed version became evident. After the D-day landings the first 138 of the new Shermans, with better armor and new 76 mm gun, entered the battlefront. Until a new type of ammunition was delivered these new tanks were no match for the German's Panther and Tiger tanks. However, the British had fitted their new Shermans with their own 17-pounder antitank gun; known as the Firefly the tank was very successful against all enemy armor. The US Army's answer to the problem was to develop the 'Jumbo' Sherman with extra armor - the tank now weighed 42 tons - improved antitank ammunition and a new type of suspension. Designated M4A3E2, a total of 254 were built and shipped to Europe, proving to be very effective on the battlefield.With interest in all forms of military equipment from World War 2 increasing; this new series from Ian Allan Publishing comes at an appropriate time. It will be much sought after historians, modelers and war gamers alike.

Customer Reviews:

Sherman Tanks in Detail.......2007-01-13

I have always had an interest in the M4 Sherman dating back to my pre-teens. From building motorized models of M4's to reading reference material. This text was very informative in terms of history, operational details, and technical upgrades.

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