The M4 Sherman Tank, part 2
When 3rd CLY returned to the UK so that they could take part in the Normandy landings they were issued with the Sherman Mk II (M4A1). Its cast hull offered better ballistic protection, so was a slight improvement over the Mk IIIs they had give up.
By the summer of 1944 its 75mm gun was no longer on a par with German tanks like the Panther and Tiger which were becoming more common opponents. Similarly, its armour protection was insufficient to withstand the high velocity 75mm and 88mm German guns. The 88mm gun on a Tiger tank could engage and destroy a Sherman at ranges in excess of 1.5km whilst a Sherman had little chance against the Tiger even at very close range.
It had two unfortunate nick names. The Germans called them ‘Tommy Cookers’, the Allies called them ‘Ronsons’ as, like the famous cigarette lighter, they lit first time.