British Shermans in Italy 1943-44

[T13A]

Hi

Does anyone know if there was a particular 'mark' of Sherman tank that was predominantly used by British forces in Italy in 1943/44?

Any help, much appreciated.

Cheers Paul
 

[Raider4]

You won't go wrong with a Sherman III (M4A2).

From Wikipedia: "The M4A2 performed very well in hot climates in general. The British sent as many of these as possible to the Mediterranean theater, retaining a minimum of vehicles for training in the UK."

I've seen photos of the Sherman II (M4A1) with the rounded hull in Italy. Don't mix & match.

Also Wikipedia - Quantities supplied via Lend-Lease.

[sultanbev]

Yep, Sherman III is very common in 1943-44 time frame for British units.
Am gaming the late 1943 era in Italy at the moment, and doing lists for units in this time frame. There are some great variations on TOE and equipment for all sides that make it all the more interesting the more you delve into it.

[collegialhoagie]

The 4th armoured brigade used "Diesel Shermans" in Italy until they were relocated to Normandy and refitted with Sherman II's, I'm no expert on Sherman versions but I think "Diesel Shermans" must mean that they had Sherman III's.

[T13A]

Many thanks for the help.

Cheers Paul

[Jemima Fawr]

Sorry for the late reply, but as has been said, the majority type was the Sherman III. 

HOWEVER, from July 1944 every Sherman squadron HQ began receiving a pair of Sherman Ia (M4 105) and pretty much all squadrons were so equipped by the end of the year. 

The Sherman IIa (M4A1 76W) also began appearing at around the same time, being primarily issued to the 1st, 6th & 6th South African Armoured Divisions.  By 1945 those formations were almost completely equipped with that type and some other brigades also started receiving them.

Fireflies started appearing in late October 1944, going first to the 1st Canadian Armoured Brigade and 5th Canadian Armoured Division, closely followed by the 4th NZ and 2nd Polish Armoured Brigades (those formations never having received Sherman IIa).