I am researching an upcoming project of a 76 mm wet sherman. I plan to have a rather tired crew hanging out of the vehicle. I have aquired archer transfers to show the rank of the crewmembers ,however I have realized I know nothing of the average rank of a Sherman crew.What would the rank be of the Commander, Driver, and loader of an average vehicle be?Any help would be very appreciated!!

The TC would be a Sgt or above. The gunner would be a Cpl. The others could be a variety (probably less that Sgt though). Tech ranks would be acceptable too.

Have been reading a book on independent tank battalions Jim, and the further the war went on into Germany the higher the attrition rates amongst crews, resulting in TCs often being privates... Just a thought regarding your potential timeframe... But Roy has practically covered the average make-up of a crew. Does the Archer set have Tech insignia? They were quite common.
Brad

There's one other thing to consider as well. While it's a bit picky, and most would never notice, it is of some relevance. And that is WHICH vehicle you're depicting, as indicated by the bumper number.

Most units will indicate the tanks in the 1st Platoon of a Company (For example "A" company) with the number A-1"x", those in the second platoon A-2"x" etc. Furthermore, the tank of the platoon leader will typically be numbered as A-11 with the rest following. So to be more accurate, the rank of the Tank Commander for the tank marked as that of the platoon leader would more properly be a Lieutenant. Of course combat would create many situations where casualties and lack of replacements would change all of that, but that would be the normal practice.

If your intent is to depict a typical tank within a platoon, one with for example a SGT as the TC, then it would more likely be numbered as -13 (or -23 etc) or higher. The number of tanks authorized per platoon (I'm not sure if it's 4 or 5) would determine the largest number that would generally be used.

Some specific units may have used different practice, and if you've got a photo, that always trumps doctrine, but for the most part this pattern is pretty typical both then and now.

you guys are awesome ....tanks alot !...In answer to your question Brad yes the Archer set does have tech insignia in it ...it looks really good and Im looking forweard to using it ...I have a great set of Warriors figs Im going to use it on..

Hi Jim,

I have a listing of the make of the the tank crews for 2 IG Armoured from when they went to Normandy.

If you PM me you're emaill I'll send it along and it will give you a good idea of the structure at least in British Crews as it also contains crew listings from later in the war too.

Cheers

Al