Hi, I'm modelling Tasca's M4A1 Early production with the direct vision slots and I'm wondering if any of these served in sicily in 1943? Is there any pictorial evidence of this? I know that there were many M4A1's with the early suspension but those you see in pictures seem to have a later hull without the direct vision slots.

Thanks in advance!

Hi Alvin,

On 16th September 1943 4th Armoured Brigade landed in Italy at Taranto. The Brigade was mainly equipted with Sherman Mk IIIs but on 2nd October the situation report showed 99 Mk IIIs on hand with 6 elderly Mk IIs. (British Armour In Sicily by Dennis Oliver) I would assume elderly meant the Mk II DV?

I will have a look and see if I can find any pictures.

Al

I remember seeing a photo of M4s (not sure if A1s or just M4s) lined up in a depot waiting to go to Sicily in an issue of After the Battle. Many of them had the M3 type suspension. I think that (am not sure) all M4s with the M3 suspension were also DV.

John