Shermans in North Africa notes

Courtesy of Nancy Langmaid of the Tank Museum, via Peter Brown.


SECRET
APPENDIX "G" to AFV MIDDLE EAST LIAISON LETTER NO. 8 January 1943
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS RECENTLY PUT TO EIGHTH ARMY.

(a) SPOTLIGHTS.
It is considered that the fitting of spotlights to AFVs in the ME is not justified.

(b) TURRET FLAPS - SHERMAN TANKS.
The flap at present fitted is too heavy. When in the open position, it is liable in battle to be blown into the closed position by the impact of a shell on the tank, injuring the tank commander. It is recommended that the rear flap  be removed, and that a lighter covering be substituted. This covering must necessarily be attached to the tank, otherwise it will be lost. It must also  be capable of being locked in the closed position to prevent pilfering in transit.

(c) .5" BROWNING A.A. GUN FITTED TO SHERMAN TANKS.
It is considered that the gun is a satisfactory A.A. weapon and should be retained. Arrangements should be made for stowing the gun in clips fitted in rear of the tank. The gun would be mounted only when required for A. A. defence, and would not therefore interfere with the passage of the crew in battle.

(d) SPARE BARRELS .5" BROWNING A. A. GUN FITTED TO SHERMAN TANKS.
It is considered that spare barrels should not be carried on the tank. Spare barrels on the scale of two par squadron should be carried within the regiment.

(e) CIRCUIT OF ACTION - SHERMAN TANKS
Petrol Engine. Diesel Engine.
Good Going 90 miles 120 miles
Bad Going 56 miles 90 miles

(f) GENERAL PERFORMANCE - SHERMAN TANKS
Petrol Engine. Diesel Engine.
Maximum speed 25 m.p.h.. 32 m.p.h..
Average speed on good desert going 15 m.p.h.. 20 m.p.h..
Mechanical reliability Good. Good. Very Good.
Oil consumption 20 m.p.gall. 20 m.p.gall.
Cooling Good. 
Deteriorates rapidly if plugs are not cleaned regularly.
Good.
Radiator liable to damage by rear shell fire.

(g) FITTING OF AUXILIARY FUEL TANKS TO SHERMAN TANKS.
These are not required.

(h) RELATIVE MERITS OF POWER TRAVERSE GEAR.
WESTINGHOUSE - Generally considered the best.
OIL GEAR - Satisfactory and not very little inferior to WESTINGHOUSE.
LOGANSPORT - Universally considered the least popular. No suggestions for it's improvement have been received.


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