Cae ia gey LR eLTLL SUASHERMAN THE AMERICAN MIRACLE —— Publisher: AMMO of Mig Jiménez S.L Rendering Artist and Historical Research: Claudio Fernandez Technical Research and Texts: Enrique Calderén Project Manager: Carlos Cuesta Art Director: Mig Jiménez Cover Design: Mikel Ramirez Layout and Graphic Design: Mikel Ramirez ‘Text Corrections: Cesar Oliva English correction: Charlie Pritchett & lain Hamilton Published in Spain Printed in Spain ISBN 976-84-16949-31-1 (0 2017 AMMO of Mig Jimenez S. L. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, present or future, including photocopy, recording or any information storage or retrieval system without permission in writing from the publishers.CAMOUFLAGE PROFILE GUIDE .M4. .Sherman. The American miracle Hundreds of pages and entire books have been writen about this ‘American-bult tank, analyzing the evolution of the design as wel as its stregths and weaknesses, This medium tank was one ofthe most important tanks of WW sit performed all possible oles fr ths type of vehicle, and adapted to many ‘more, Thisiconinc vehicle fought on all fronts and every theater of oper tion with the aed uit. From the scorching sun ofthe North African desert to the bitterly cold Russian steppes, through the rainy jungles of Burma and the numerous beaches and atolls in the Pacific lsland-hopping campaign, the Sherman battled the Ais forces. Tis extensive combat record speaks to the soundness ofthe basic design "Most moders from across the world imagine an olve drab tank with thelarge white American stars when they hear the name Sherman. And it true that this isthe protatypcalimage ofthis US vehide. But this & not the end of the story, the Mé also received many ifr. ent pane schemes and markings. We wil explore orginal camouflage schemes that will change your preconceived ideas about this asic AFV. Sneered at by some and great admiced by others, the M4 Sherman tank was without the sightest doubt, one of the most important pieces of equipment for the Alied Victory in both Europe and Asia, Note: printed colors can differ from original paint colors due to print process. Please, refer to text to identify colors.Historical evolution and variants Chassis types eloped by the US Army Ordnance Department, the design's characteristics mitted on August the 30th 1940 for the tank intended to replace the 50,000 units in total, this indudes the different versions and variants that will ® Lee, but the construction ofa prototype was delayed until Aprithe 1th of addressed inthis book year in order to meet MB production needs. At that date, the Armored During the long production run ofthe Sherman tank, the US factories produced The Sherman tank was produced in seven main versions: :2 Board chose the simplest design, known as T6. ist experimental prototype appeared on September the 2nd 1941 and the production started in February 1942, replacing the obsolescent M3 Lee Initial series, Glacs angled 57° from the vertical Welded hull construc- tion. Engine: Continental R 975-C4 (petro. MAA. Initial series, cast hull. $7° slope glacs. Later the design was Improved to another cast hull with larger hatches for the driver and ‘bow qunnerfassstant driver. The final version had a 47° sloped glacis Engine: Initially the Continental R 975-C1 or R 975-C4 for the final production tanks. 2 Fabricated hull. There were two different types of sights. The first ver- sion used direct vision blocks, the final version used the standard peri- scopes shared by other models (like the final version of the M3). It used a diesel engine (GM 6046 D). CAMOUFLAGEPROFILEGUIDE 2a ‘Welded hull, two styles of vision devices forthe driver and bow gunner, the early production vehicles had a 57 © glacis with protruding hoods later changed to a 47 ° slope. Ford GAA VB engine ‘Welded and lengthened hull (to accommodate the bulkier muti-bank Chrysler A-57 engine); 57° glacs in early production vehicles. M4A5 ae -M4A5, This designation was meant for Canadian-built Ram tanks (a parallel development of the M3 medium tank), -M4A6, Lengthened and composite hull (cast front section and welded middle and rear). 47° glacis. Caterpilar D-200A engine. ‘These numbers and designations don't denote a linear evolution of the tank, but rather refer mainly tothe power plant, other cades refer to different styles of running sat, and turret PROFILE GUIDETurret types += Ma Sherman tank used two standard turrets during its service in WWI ets were armed with a 775mm gun inthe frst type, and @ 76mm inthe second version. The turrets housing the 76mm gun were en to facilitate the larger breech of the more powerful weapon The two types were steel castings, and were upgraded during production ‘toimprove the armor as well as other characteristics. Let's see the two basic sub-types. 75 mm turrets: z 76 mm turrets This is the most distinctive M4 turcet variant. With 2 simple shape which was easy to manufacture, this ‘one-piece casting type was the most widely produced during the war. This turret was constantly upgraded uring the course of its production with a host of modifications including: the gun mount and shiel, ‘commander and loader’s hatches, ights, pistol ports, and kit stowage fittings This turret model (carved aver from the 723 medium tank project) was quite different from the previous type. It was larger to accommodate a new longer and more powerful gun, a 76mm weapon that required ‘mote internal space for its larger breech, as well as for the new equipment added to the turret It was made from one-piece steel castings, as most US vehicles o era. The casting ine where the two parts of the mould met was often ground down with {2 motor too), producing a smooth surface. Both turet types shared many components (commander cupolas, hatches, etc) CAMOUFLAGEPROFILEGUIDE 5Wheels and suspension During its service ife, the M4 used several styles of wheels as wel as two different suspension systems that we are going to see next ae Me of o% 2 producton model uth rounded sled ontop ane ial yo ightened (ole), spe o2d wea (038501) and synmetial wheel Bracket Intl runing gear model |OUFLAGE PROFILE GUIDE Early prodoction modelwith standeed | Eary production middle version. Solid | Welded spoked ond wheels 038501, rmodieatons, na drop shape skidand pressed road wheels (C5163) and swing new vinea brackets [wth two openings Latesuspenson modelwth anew offset | Samesuspension asthe prevousim- | Lae suspension system forthe Mi tank, Slidshape and thesmaath concave road agewith the exepion of welded spoke | theHerzotal VoteSpring System GV55. wheel inroduced inthe summer of 944, ‘whee wth smalhoes Ths design vas stronger and more ecient The hi se wns inceoied o accommo ‘thon ts predecesoy, the maintenance was ite ger bearng, ‘sorcery spies and xed aver rack ype whicn offered greater sty and reduced rounds Te HVS ‘Nepersion vas muse wh the sunving Shen tanks wel to the 1980's ‘These are some examples of the multitude of possible variants in the [Mal running gear that can be observed in period photographs as well as ‘museums and private collections. ‘The British Army and their Posh and Commonwealth allies used a dif- {ferent designation system for the various Sherman types, (Here we offer oly some examples). Ma (Continental radial engine, welded hull ntal sees) ~ Sherman | ‘Ma (Continental rail engine, welded bul itl series) ~ Sherman | ‘Maal (Continental radial engine. Cast hull ~ Sherman i [MaA2 (General Motors 6046 Diesel engine. Welded hull) ~ Sherman I MAAS (Ford GAA V-8 engine. Welded hull ~ Sherman WV. MaA4 (Chrysler A-57 multi Sherman V nk engine. Lengthened welded hull) — M4a6 (Caterpillar 0200A turbocharged diesel engine. Composite and lengthened hull ~ sherman VI. This is only a partial ist. There ae many sub-varients foreach model, but We think this basic scheme is enough for an overview.Painting and camouflage schemes The notorious Olive Drab Conjures up an image of an olive drab vehicle with white stars when considering the Ma Sherman, And although this al appearance of the Sherman is partially accurate, what do about the US olive drab color, its history, and why it se modeler takes a different approach to representing it? = history of the Olive Drab color dates to a time before WWI. Some 185 suggest it originated from the commercial colors used on an railroad stock (but there is no concrete evidence regarding Drab was frst established as the standard color for tactical ve- ©: and equipment by the Bulletin no. 90 of the General HQ of the can Expeditionary Force (AEF) on 11th November, 1918, and < remain in use beyond WWII lor was defined by the Manual for the Quartermasters Corps, 7 The pigment formulation was really simple: black and ochre, proper color specification was still lacking, so to get a uniform Army established a 3-1 specification (3 parts of black pigment 12 part ochre), obtaining a darker hue than the wartime color, mulation changed several times during the period, but the basic pecification remained unchanged. Throughout this period, US. =y material was painted the same shade of FLAT Olive Drab. ims arose during interwar years due to the quality of the paints 3 in the 1930's, the flat finish, and application methods employed paint weathered rather fast and had a very long drying time. These erstics made it difficult to obtain an even coat. In 1935 the ice Department began to study 8 new enamel-based formula 2s quicker drying and more resilient to wear and tear. Ths variant ssier than the former version and was adopted as the substitute ard paint for neact color seems darker to the eye, but that's because of how gloss es reflect light, whereas flat paint absorbs it and thus appears opter while using the exact same pigments he bloodiest of all wars was looming over Europe, the US Army <6 to prepare for a conflict which they would soon take part in. On + 1ath of July 1940, the order was given forall the new equipment to ainted in the flat enamel paint previously described. As has been joned, this formula looked slightly lighter due to the usterless fin although it used the exact same pigment specifications, i of changes took place during the war, although not to the ulation of the paint itself. The scarcity of raw materials due to the demand caused by the war effort, as well as a shortage of paint arts at the beginning of the war pushed some manufacturers to use andard formulas, deviating from the 3-1 ratio specifications, but icicles so painted were accepted into service nevertheless. of the main problems noted was the scarcity of cadmium pig- but this was brought under control by the 21st of October 1942, he old specifications were reformulated, As part of this pro- ess the USAAF Dark Olive Drab and the Army and Navy colors were d into_a new color that was the same tone as the previous Army thus dispelling the myth that the ground forces adopted a aeronautical olive drab tone during the war. As we have sald ame basic color was used throughout the entire conflict, without ‘reat changes of shade. Any changes that did take place seem to be (One of the most commen mistakes when painting an M4 tank model, fr any other US vehicle for that matter, is trying to alter the shade 10 our taste. Olive Drab color fades and weathers as any other paint (and that is especialy true for dark colors) with the passage of time, exposure to the elements, and use and abuse by the crew. We must remember that the scope of variation within the paint color itself was not a wide range. It is the range of painting and weathering effects that alter the basic shade USA Army M4 tanks camouflage Sherman tanks were also camouflaged by American troops in various pat- terns during their deployment in North Africa as well asin Europe. Some vehicles received an improvised camouflage using local mud applied inthe shape of large patches using brushes, over the olive drab color. This makeshift camouflage produced a wide range of unique effects on the base paint, (A.MIG-0105 Washable Dus) uring the Alied invasion of aly which began with the Salemo landings, ‘codenamed Operation Avalanche, on 9 September 1943, as well as Operation (verord, launched on 6 lune (Normandy landings), the Ma tanks had several camoufiage schemes of ifferent origins. The pattems were apolied by the crew aswell asby the ear maintenance staff and consisted of large color patches over ‘he Olive Drab factory fish Black 537038 was the main camoutlage color in use: (A.MIG-046 Matt Black) CAMOUFLAGEPROFILEGUIDE 7Two yellow tones were also applied, a desert yellow and an earth yellow: Burt cinnamon FS 30279 (A.MIG-135 Burt cinnamon) Desert Yellow F5 30257 (A.MIG-438 Desert yellow) Most of these colors were applied onto the Olive Drab basecoat in non- standardized schemes which we will address, On some occasions, the crews used captured German paint stocks to camouflage their tanks, aroducing theie own mimetic patterns in the process BAL 6008 (A.MIG-002 OLVGRUN OFr2) AL 7028 (A.MIG-010 DUNKEIGEIB MID WAR) ‘As youn ee, the Md tank offers a wide range of camutlage option. was aly ite common find two vehicles inthe sa unit sporting completely Aierent camoutage schemes USMC M4 tanks paint & camouflages Initially all Ms were painted olive dab atthe factories assembling them, but they did not always remain the same color throughout their service lif. There are always exceptions, and the Marine Corps. is a rime example. Although some of thelr fist Shermans remained in the Army's color, the Corps. issued its ‘own camouflage patterns and colors that are detailed below. ‘The operations in the Pacific Theater featured sore of the most effcut and ccamplex environments in the entire conflict, ranging from rain forests to beaches and mountains. US Marines fought in each of these environments, ‘which resulted in many varied camouflage colars being adopted USMC’s colors. USWEC Forest Green (A.MIG-815 Dark green) Black FS 37038 (A.MIG-046 Mat Black) Desert Yellow FS 30257 (A.MIG-4138 Desert yellow) Red Earth FS 30117 (A.MIG-139 Red Earth) Burnt cinnamon FS 30279 (A.MIGA35 Burnt cinnamon) AA medium grey color known as Ocean Grey (FS 35164) was also sed by the USMC, but not on tanks, only fr landing craft and LVTs at the beginning of the war in the Pacific Theater of Operations (PTO). {As we will see later inthe color profiles, the USMC created truly unique cam- ouflage schemes by combining the above mentioned colors. AGE PROFILE GUIDEPainting M4 tanks in the eastern front Soviet Army was supplied MA tanks via the American Lend-Lease clicy from 1941 to 1945. Some 4,804 various tanks were sent to the let Union between 1941 and 1943, and of course the Sherman was ‘mong the types supplied. The Ma was nicknamed “Emcha” by Soviet oops. 4 tanks left the factories in Olive Drab, but in the case of those ve les destined for the USSR, they were completely devoid of any iden- “ication number or any other marking. Soviet industry was pressed he limit in the early war years by the German onslaught. As a re- +, the Western Allied vehicles were sent into combat in their origi- paint, without being repainted in Soviet colors. It seems that by summer of 1943, as the situation began to change in favor of the iets with war production peaking, the tanks received by the USSR 1an being repainted in the standard 480 color. Drab WW 2 (A.MIG-926 Olive Drab base) 22 (A.MIG-019 Russian Green) British paints and camouflage colors « British painting and camauilage system has been widely studied in other ications, The United Kingdom was supplied MA tarks inthe same manner 2 USSR va the Lend-Lease program, but they were painted according to 1m spectications. was a common occurrence to find the same type of 1 sporting a cifferent irish within the same unit. cm the earthy and sandy sols of North africa to the green schemes of the +e warn the ETO, British Shermans displayed some ofthe more varied fishes 1: used on the Mi tank. A detailed color sts shown below. Europe AMMO produces a paint set to reproduce the most prevalent colors of 1 European Theater of Operations (ETO). These colors will allow you ‘accurately paint your models quickly and easly. These are the colors uded in the set: British Brown SCC 1A(A.MIG-110 SCC 14) Camouflage color used between 1941-42. Biitsh Service Drab SCC 2 (A.MIG-191 SCC 2) Base colar forthe 1942-44 period. Also used in 1941, British Olive Drab SCCTS (A.MIG-112 SCC 15) Used as 2 single camouflage color during 1944-85, ‘A common base color from 1939 to 1941, but aso in use until 1942. BS 381c No. 34 Dark Slate (A.MIG-217 Green Slate BS 381c No. 61 Light Stone (A.MIG-061 Light Stone) Black FS 37038 (A.MIG-046 Matt Block) 28 combining these colors, its posible to abtain mast af the schemes shown in the profies, both from the Theater as wel as the North rican ‘and Mediterranean campaigns. CAMOUFLAGEPROFLEGUIDE 9North Africa & Middle East Sherman Ill (M4A2), 41st Battalion, Royal Tank Regiment, El Alamein 1942. Painted in 8S 381c No. 61 Light Stone with Khaki Base n'3 patches. These colors can suffer great tonal shifts due to sunlight and other harsh climatic conditions on the poor quality paints that were frequently used, Sherman Il (M4A1), Queen's Royal Lancers, Operation Lightfoot, EI Alamein 1942. Disruptive camouflage designed to break up the vehicle's silhouette and blend the tank with its surroundings from a distance. Some vehicles were painted with large SCC 1a patches over the BS 381 c No. 61 Light Stone surface. UFLAGE PROFILE GUIDEf ie anencansmrc rman Il (M4At), Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry, Syria 1942. Vehicle painted in the standard camouflage consisting in a base color of BS 381C No. ght Stone and patches of BS381c No. 34 Dark Slate. One of the more interesting aspects of this tank is the white counter shading on the .er part of the 75mm gun barrel. This camouflage technique of softening strong shadows, made certain conspicuous features of the vehicle Je difficult to spat from a distance. British troops were quite adept to make changes to almost all vehicles. In this case, we can see how they ave added a 7.2mm Bren light machine gun on top of the barrel which could be fired from the inside using wires. Sherman ll (M4At), HQ 2nd Armoured Brigade, 1942. Another of the many examples we will see in this book. The tank has been painted in 2 khaki Base 1'3, and then SCC 11b Desert Pink was added to the top areas with a uniform white line separating both colors. The lower part of the barrel has received a white counter shading as well. You can see how the SCC 11b Desert Pink paint has chipped off, revealing the original color on the hull and turret as well as the gun barrel CAMOUFLAGE PROFILE GUIDE 11‘Sherman ll (M442), 47 Royal Regiment, El Alamein, 1942. Tank painted in a SCC 11b base color with Khaki Base n'3 patches, which are quite worn ‘and thus expose the original colar underneath. There isa rack on the rear with captured German jerrycans painted in RAL 7008 (A.MIG-006). This allows us to appreciate the difference between British and German camouflage colors Sherman Ill (M&A2), 2nd Armored Brigade, Benghazi, December 1942. Camouflage pattern consisting of large SCC 1a spots over the BS 381c 651. Light Stone color, This tank has an interesting handwritten "A MERRY XMAS" message on the hull side. 12 camo) LAGE PROFILE GUIDEerman Il (M4AN), King’s Own Hussar, 3th Armored Brigade, September 1942. We can see this particular vehicle isa replacement because of its eotless appearance. The camouflage colors are the same used on the transport vehicle: BS 381c No. 61 Light Stone. erman Il (M4A2), “Moonraker”, Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry, Syria 1943. Following the general order G:0 1272, this tank has been painted in ne two standard colors: a base coat of BS 381¢ No. 61 Light Stone featuring large SCC ta patches Sherman II (M4A1), 3RTR, 8th Armored Brigade, 1942. A three-tone scheme consisting of BS 381c No. 61 as a base and large patches of BS 381c No34 Dark Slate outlined with BS 381c No. 28 Silver Grey. CAMOUFLAGE PROFILEGUIDE 13,Sherman M4A1, H Company, 3rd Battalion, US Army Ist. Armored Division. Tunis 1943. Early Sherman model with US troops. It is completely painted in Olive Drab (A.MIG-926). The yellow markings were common during this early stage of the war. 1M4, 2nd Battalion, US Army Ist Armored Regiment, 1943. Sherman completely covered by a random makeshift mud camouflage applied with local soll Interestingly, the identification star on this olive drab.tank has been painted pver with the same color, but the rest of the early war yellow markings are still visible. Mai, HO Company, 2nd Battalion, 13th Armored Regiment US Army, Tunis 1943. Tank painted in Olive Drab (A.MIG-926). Notice how the ‘camoutlage pattern has been achieved using local mud applied with brushes. 14 CAMOUFLAGE PROFILE GUIDEn Ill (M4A2), 1st Squadron, Ist Krechowiecki Lancers, 2nd Tank Brigade Polish Army Palestine 1943. Standard scheme consisting of a Light Stone base coat with large black camouflage patches. You can see the spillad fuel and the distinctive marks it creates when dried. | ¥ MaA1 1st Armored Regiment, US Army Ist Armored Division, Kasserine Pass 1943. The American troops that disembarked on Operation Gymnast ere not accustomed to desert warfare. n this profile you can see one of these vehicles painted Olive Drab still carrying side skirts as well as sporting a fairly new, not overly weathered paintjob. CAMOUFLAGE PROFILE GUIDE 15Sherman Il (M4A2), 7th Armored Division, Second Battle of El Alamein, November 1942. Another of the many examples we can see of a two: ‘tone BS 381c No.61 Light Stone and black. Notice the pock marks caused by rust on the vehicle's rear. Sherman Il (MAAt), Warwickshire Yeomanry, Sth Armored Brigade, 2nd New Zealand Division, December 1942. Many of the tanks seen in pe- rod photographs didn't receive large camouflage patches. You can see how the BS 381¢ No. 61 Light Stone color is visible under the green Khak! Base n'3 spots due to improper paint application or poor quality. Sherman Ill (M4A2) The Queen's Bays, 2nd Armored Brigade, 1st Armored Division, 1942. In this case, the camouflage patches have been ac curately applied to break up the vehicle's silhouette. The color is SCC 11b Desert Pink and 85 381c No. 34 Dark Slate in large patches 16 CAMOUFLAGE PROFILE GUIDEnisesez ‘:man Il (Mat) HQ Squadron, 4th Armored Regiment, 2th Tank Brigade. Tank painted in a three-tone scheme of Light Stone No. 61, SCC 1a 4 SCC 2, We can see how one of the whee! hubs'and suspension unit have been painted black, ka GA erman Ill Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry, Palestine 1942, Another example of the huge variety of British paint schemes. BS 381c No, 61 Light Stone ase and SCC 1a patches. ~ Sherman Ill "Trowbridee", Syria 1943. MAA2 used for training in Syria Painted in BS381 Light Sand with black patches. This vehicle has sma) ‘metal frame on the front mudguard for jerrycans (water or fuel). Side skirts were a common feature due to the need to minimize dust clouds narid environments.Italy ‘Sherman Il (M4A2), 3rd County of London Yeomanry, Sicily, 1943. This camouflage scheme was standardized by some units in Europe. The base ‘was BS 381¢ No. 61 Light Stone with large black SCC 14 patches. The rearmost side skit section has been removed to be used as an improvised storage rack on the hull, next to the engine deck. Sherman tl (M4A2), Royal Scots Greys (2nd Dragoons), Italy 1943 ‘Sheik’ was a Sherman iil with a really interesting and attractive camouflage pattern: black SCC 14 and SCC 2 dots were applied over the BS381c No.6I Light Stone base and large patches of 85 381¢ No. 34 Dark Slate without dots. It car- ries colored pennants on the radio mast. 18 CAMOUFLAGE PROFILE GUIDEMaat, US Army 2nd Armored Division, Sicily, July 1943. After landing in Sicily many vehicles were repainted in new camouflage colors. This ofile represents the tank named ‘Eternity’ sporting a two-tone scheme of Olive Drab and large Desert Yellow patches. Notice the registration numbers in blue, instead of the usual white used during other stages of the war. Sherman Ill (M4A2) tank, 4th County of London Yeomanry. Shown here is the deep wading kit installed on the engine area, we can see how ‘he paint is chipping off and exposing the US Olive Drab factory finish (gun barrel, around hatches, and horizontal surfaces where the crew has traveled). 85 381¢ Light Stone and SCC ta. Sherman | (M4) Dozer, 28th Assault Squadron, 2nd New Zealand Division, Italy 1945. A good example of the versatility of the Sherman design, here you can see a dozer blade attached to the tank. These devices were extremely common during the war. Notice the interesting inscription ‘Chiao Trieste” chalked onto the dozer blade front. The tank is painted with SCC 2 base and a SCC 1a disruptive pattern CAMOUFLAGE PROFILEGUIDE 19Sherman lll (M4A2) 6th South African Division (Rhodesian), Monte Vigese 1944, Beautiful pattern made with three colors: the standard base of BS 381¢ Light Stone and patches of BS 381 c No, 34 Dark Slate and SCC14 black. The gun barre! has been counter-shaded by painting the lower part in white, as we have already seen used as a standard camouflage practice with Commonwealth units Sherman ARK 28, Assault Squadron, 2nd New Zealand Division, April 1945. M4 Sherman ARK (Armored Ramp Carrier) combat engineering vehicle These vehicles were especially useful during the last year ofthe war to cross obstacles and rivers. It's painted SCC 15 with-black camouflage patch €s. (Moved from Vol.10 Germany a the New Zealand troops ended their deployment on Italian soil) Mover también el perfil de la seccién 10 ala 2 20 CAMOUFLAGE PROFILE GUIDE‘erman Ark 28, Assault Squadron, 2nd New Zealand Division, Bologna 1945. Armored engineer vehicle. It was painted in SCC 2 and is carrying M3 half track in an overall SCC 15 Olive Drab finish, MAI US Army 1st Armored Division, Italy, March 1943. ‘Weenie One’ an early production M4A1 model, painted in a three-tone camouflage ccheme consisting of an Olive Drab basecoat, Desert Yellow and black disruptive patches brushed over the original camouflage color. Many tank rews stacked sandbags as additional armor onto the hull front as can be seen here. Sherman IIA 76mm (M&At), C Squadron, 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, Italy. We can see in this picture how some vehicles retained the original US Olive Drab finish with black disruptive patches. Ths is a late model M4At with 23 turret and 76mm main gun. CAMOUFLAGE PROFILEGUIDE 21Sherman fascine carrier, 28th Assault Squadron, 28 New Zealand Division. This tank was probably recovered after being hit and losing the tur- ret. These vehicles were usually modified for the most unusual tasks. In this case, it was used to carry fascines as a gap filling device used to fill trenches and anti-tank obstacles. Sherman lll(M4A2), 4th County of London Yeomanry, 22 Armored Brigade, October 1943. A standard camouflage for British and Commonwealth vehicles in this theater, it consisted of two tones: BS 381¢ No. 61 Light Stone and black. Due to wear and tear on the engine deck area, the Criginal US color shows up. The turret marking is a communist hammer and sickle symbol 22. CAMOUFLAGE PROFILE GUIDEman V (M4A4), Three Rivers Regiment, Catania, Italy 1943. Interesting Sherman V entirely painted BS 381c No. 34 Dark Slate, with no ca uflage patches. Sherman Ill (M4A2), HQ Platoon, 2nd Armored Brigade, Naly 1944, Standard camouflage pattern during the frst stage of the Italian campaign. of BS 381c No. 61 Light Stone and SCC 1a. This tank stil retains the sand skirts, usually the crew removed these parts as they tended to clog up the tracks when congested with mud or became bent out of shape by explosions or small caliber weapons, fouling the running gear. Sherman Ill 8 Squadron, 2nd New Zealand Division, 4th Armoured Brigade, Trieste, Italy 1945. Camouflage pattern of BS 381No 34 Dark Slate and large black disruptive patterns applied with brush. The poles on the top of the hull was likely part ofa tent or bivouac implement. CAMOUFLAGEPROFILEGUIDE 23M4 initial Model, C Company, 756th Tank Battalion US Army, Monte Cassino, February 1944. It was long thought that this tank was painted in {an Olive Drab base with large Desert Yellow disruptive patches applied on top. Sut the latest analysis ofthe picture have shown that it also had smaller black spots as can be seen in the color profile. This vehicle was disabled in the fighting around Monte Cassino in 1944, Sherman IB (Ma w/105mm Howitzer, 1st Krechowiecki Uhlans, 2nd Warsawska (Warsaw) Armored Division, Loreto, Italy 1945. This Polish unit under British command was equipped with Shermans; it started as the 2nd Armored Brigade, but was re-designated to the 2nd Warsaw Armored Division In 1945. The vehicle inthe picture was armed with the 105mm howitzer to provide heavy fire support on assaults. Overall SCC 15 British Olive Drab finish 24 CAMOUFLAGE PROFILE GUIDEerman V (M4AA), A Squadron, 14th Armored Regiment (The Calgary Regiment), Potenza, Italy. n this picture, you can see another common, tish modification to their Shermans, the addition of a couple of smake dischargers on the turret side. The tank has been painted in the stan- 22rd SCC 15 British green of the era with large black patches, and alight sand demarcation between the two colors. herman Il (M4A2), HQ of the 4th ' Skorpion “Armored Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade, Italy 1944. Well-known unit, partly due to the striking black scorpion emblem painted on the turret front. Standard scheme of the fist stage of the Italian campaign of SCC 15 and: black. M4Al with 140/417 Whizbang 7.2in rocket launcher, US Army 752nd Tank Battalion, Italy, 1944, Early production MAI tank with an Olive Drab base and black disruptive patches. This tank is equipped with the Whizbang multiple rocket launcher, that held 20 tubes in a frame placed atop the turret.4) ‘the new tactical numbers have ARKAS)SAS Se ee Sherman Firefly IC, 1st Squadron, 4th Polish Armored Regiment ‘Scorpion’, Loreto Parade, Italy, August 1945.Sherman tank armed with the powerful QF 17-pounder anti-tank gun and repainted in SCC 15 British Olive Drab. The lower front half of the gun barrel has been counter-sha: ded with a white wavy pattern in an attempt to hide the true length of the gun, due to the tendency of German gunners to target Fireflies first Sherman Firefly IC, 2nd Squadron, 1st Krechowiecki Uhlans, 2nd Armored Brigade, Polish 2nd ‘Warsaw’ Armored Division, Loreto, Italy 1945. ’As seen in the previous picture, these vehicles wore a standard camouflage scheme in SCC 15. The difference on this Polish tank is the yellow. ‘name and unit markings. 26 CAMOUFLAGE PR GUIDE1 Sherman IC Firefly (Hybrid), 3-d Squadron, 1st Krechowiecki Lancers, Bologna, 1945. 2. Sherman VC Firefly, 8 Squadron, 2nd New Zealand Division, Trieste, Italy, 1945. 3- Sherman VC Firefly, 8 Squadron, 19th Armored Regiment, 4th New Zealand Armored Brigade, Treste, Italy, 1945. ‘Another three nice examples of the modifications carried out on the Shermans of Commonwealth and other British-equipped units. These three tanks are late production models and painted in the standard overall SCC 15 scheme of the final stages of the Italian campaign, CAMOUFLAGE PROFILE GUIDE 27a eels ube Sherman Ill 2nd Squadron, 1st Krechowiecki Lancers, Loreto, August 1945, Polish M4A2 finished in SCC 15 Olive Drab. You can see the yellow cavalry insignia on the turret side and the names pn the hull rendered in large letters. Sherman IB, 20th Armored Regiment, 2nd New Zealand Division, Santerno River, April 1945. M4 Sherman with 105mm howitzer painted in an overall scheme of SCC 15 Olive Drab, while the tactical markings are painted in yellow. Notice the spilled fuel marks spilling down from the fuel filler caps. 28 CAMOUFLAGE PROFILE GUIDEAt (76), Pretoria Regiment 6th South African Armored Division, italy, April 1945. Cast-hull M4A\ tank with the new 123 turret armed with ve 76mm gun. Painted in SCC 15 with large patches of SCC 1A Very Dark Brown. Notice how the road dust adheres to the sides leaving a dis ictive weathering pattern, terman Ill, 44th Royal Tank Regiment (or maybe belonging to the Royal Scots Greys), 1943. M4A2 Sherman in the Italian theater at the end of 1943, Painted in BS 381 No.6! Light Stone with black camouflage patches. Notice how certain areas have been repainted in a SCC 7 (a pale en color), although another possibility is that a naval paint was used here. Sherman Ill, nd Lothians and Border Horse, 26th Armored Brigade, 6th Armored Division, March 1943. Early M4A2 with SCC 1a patches over the Khaki Green #3 base coat. Of interest are the unit numbers painted on the hull as well as the blue tactical number surrounded by two centric circles on the turret CAMOUFLAGE PROFILEGUIDE 29United Kingdo English Channel defenses M4A1 US Army Sherman Canal Defense Light (CDL) Sherman chassis with the ori nal turret removed and a replacement cast Unit for a new unit installed in its place. The searchlight was intended for night oper tions, to either help locating enemy posi- tions or dazzle enemy soldiers. Overall Olive Drab finish, MAAI US Army with T1E3 Mine Exploder "Aunt Jemima”, Great Britain, May 1944. Early production cast hull vehicle. It is equipped with the THER mine clearing device. The mine rollers were installed in the UK using US parts. On the side, you can see the tank's name, after a famous pancake mix brand referencing the pancake-appearance of the rollers Sherman V ARV MARK | with special deep wading gear, 4th Armored Brigade, Great Britain, 1944. MA4A4 Engineer variant, this vehicle carries deep wading gear that allows it to drive partially underwater, enabling fording rivers and being launched farther ashore on sea landings. Notice the air intakes and exhausts vents on the rear as well as the superstructure installed on top to avoid water entering the hull (in addition to the waterproofed hulls, of course). Overall British Olive Drab finish, 30. CAMOUFLAGE PROFILE GUIDEerman II with M1 dozer blade, unknown unit, France 1944, M4A2 (sherman Il in British nomenclature) finished in overall SCC 2 Brown, this model has a dozer blade attached to the hull, These devices were extremely useful to clear roads and minefields. Notice how the dirt is caked mud stuck tothe running geat and lower hull areas, The crew used fllage as an improvised camouflage system Sherman V with M1 dozer blade, 79th Armored Division, Normandy, 1944. M4A4 equipped with dozer blade. This tank shows “Hessian Tape’ netting, one of the most distinctive styles of camouflage used by the Commonwealth armies during WWII. It consisted of netting with man strips of material that hang down lke strips of tape, and was very good at breaking up the shape of the vehicle and blending it into the su rounding trees and bushes. SCC 15.M4a3 (76), Riedwihr, France, January 1945, Sherman tank during the last months of the war in Europe, it sports a winter camouflage made up of white splotches applied with broad brushstrokes. The photo was taken in Riedwir, a French municipality in the Haut-Rhin department of Alsace, at that date still in German hands. MaA3 (76mm) 25th Tank Battalion, 14 Armored Division, US Army, Huttendort, France, February 1945. Camouflage scheme consisting of brus hstrokes of captured German Dunkelgelb paint over the Olive Drab base. Notice the identification numbers painted on the gun barrel, avery ‘common practice during this stage of the war. IOUFLAGE PROFILE GUIDE#4 with TH Culin Hedgerow Cutter, Brest August 1944. Early production tank finished in Oliye Drab with brown or black patches (depending on ne interpretation of the B&W image). Its equipped with the T1 Culin hedgerow cutter, thq so-called “Rhino” tank, an extremely useful device esigned to deal with the French Bocage. M4A3(76), US Army 709th Tank Batallion Alsace, February 1945. Curious camouflage con- sting of an Olive Drab base and large white patches featuring straight borders and wavy Olive Drab lines inside the boarders. This tank has the 123 turret model armed with the mm main gun,Sherman V, 1st Polish Armored Division, Falaise, 1944. Early production Sherman in an overall finish of British SCC 15 Olive Drab. The insignia of this famous Polish cavalry unit can be seen on the hull sides. M4A3 (105) 8th Tank Battalion, 4th Armored Div, Avranches, Brittany Peninsula, France, 1944. M4A3 with 105mm howitzer finished in a two-to- ne pattern of Olive Drab and improvised mud patches applied with a brush, 34 CAMOUFLAGE PROFILE GUIDE-man V tank of the Royal Marines Armored Support Group, Normandy, June 1944. Fox, an M4A4 Sherman tank with the early ‘narrow’ gun tlet finished in SCC 2 Shown here are the characteristic calibrations applied around the turret for directing fire by crews standing outside = vehicle. The Royal Marines were equipped with Centaurs armed with 95mm howitzers, whereas the unit’s Sherman tanks were used as comand and control vehicles M4, H Company, 66th Armoured Regiment, 2nd Armoured Div. Le Teilleul, France 1944. Early production M4 model painted in two tones, an clive drab base coat with large Earth patches, perhaps from a batch not up to standards that had more of a sandy tone. CAMOUFLAGE PROFILEGUIDE 35