M4 Sherman Tank, part 1
The M4 Sherman tank was another American designed tank. It was issued to both regiments - 3rd CLY first in time for Sicily and 4th CLY in Italy. Both Regiments used the Sherman Mk III (M4A2) version for these campaigns.
It was armed with a 75mm medium velocity gun which was a significant improvement over earlier British tank guns, chiefly because it had a good high explosive capability.
Armour protection was also superior to previous British designs, particularly because it was well sloped. In most respects the Sherman was equal, or slightly superior to the contemporary German Panzer IV models.
The Sherman Mk III was powered by two GMC diesel engines. Though there were five major Sharman versions, they were all produced simultaneously by different factories in the States.
It had good mobility, was reliable and mass production meant that they were in plentiful supply.