Reviewed by: Pablo Bauleo (IPMS #46363)
Review Product Type: Armor
Review Type: Publication
ISBN No.: ISBN 978-0-89747-630-0
Publisher: Squadron Signal Publications
Author: Rob Ervin and David Doyle
Illustrations: Don Greer
Line Drawings: Melinda Turnage
MSRP: $18.95
Provided by: Squadron Signal
Vendor Web Site: www.squadron.com
Review:
The M4 Sherman is probably the most easily recognizable American tank ever built. This book focuses in the variants and used by the American Army in World War II.
Variants cover include: Small Hatch M4, Small Hatch M4A1, Small Hatch M4A2, Small Hatch M4A3 75 mm, M4 Composite, M4 105 Howitzer, Large Hatch M4A1 (76)W, Large Hatch M4A2, Large Hatch M4A3 75 mm, Large Hatch M4A3 (76)W, M4A4 (105), M4A3E2, M4A6, M4A3E8 and a section devoted to specialized uses like Amphibious (DD Tanks), Bulldozer, Flamethrowers, etc.
The book is profusely illustrated with close to 200 B&W pictures and several color period pictures as well. There are just a few color profiles. The book covers variants that saw services in North Africa, Italy, D-Day, the Western Front -including the Batte of the Bulge- as well as the Marine's use of the Sherman in the Pacific.
Detailed line drawings provide details of each sub-variant, including details on the turret, hull, tracks and weaponry. Although most pictures with personnel are likely to be staged, several pictures have military personnel in them providing an insight on military uniform and gear.
Squadron Signal Publications has published a book named "Sherman In Action" (Armor 16). I do not have it, so I cannot tell you the differences between this edition and the previous one. However the authors are different, hence it is not a re-issue of the older book.
Modelers will find the line drawings very useful, while the pictures provide great ideas for dioramas. Recommended to armor modelers and historians.
I would like to thank Squadron Signal Publications and IPMS/USA for the review sample.
