Why was the M4 Sherman so bad?

Because of their insufficient armor, the insides of Sherman tanks were prone to catching fire during combat. This problem was compounded when fires ignited shells and other munitions inside a tank. The Sherman M4 medium tank proved to be both a “death trap” for American soldiers and a poor defense against German tanks.

How reliable was the M4 Sherman?

The Sherman was renowned for its mechanical reliability, owing to its standardized parts and quality construction on the assembly line. It was roomy, easily repaired, easy to drive. It should have been the ideal tank.

Was the T 34 better than the Sherman?

The Sherman and Cromwell tanks were protected by up to three inches of armor, with lower degrees of protection on the sides and rear. The lighter 1941-model T-34 had only 45 to 60 millimeters of armor, but this was heavily sloped up to 60 degrees, resulting in comparable effectiveness.

Was the Sherman any good?

U.S. intelligence had assessed the Sherman as equal to the Panzer IV, the mainstay of the German tank force. America concluded the Sherman was good enough. Unfortunately, the U.S. had failed to accurately forecast production of newer, more powerful German designs such as the Panther and Tiger.

How many Shermans were destroyed?

According to Steve Zaloga’s book Armored Thunderbolt: the US Army Sherman in WWII, total ETO losses of all types by US Army units was 4,295. 1636 were suffered by the 37 Independent Tank Battalions, and , 2659 by the 15 armored divisions. Other answers provide a breakdown on the reasons for losses.

What was the best US tank in ww2?

the Sherman tank
Although the Sherman tank might be the most well-known American tank of World War II, it was the M18 Hellcat that was perhaps the most impressive. This tank destroyer is credited as being “the most effective tank destroyer” of the US Army.

Was the M4 Sherman really that bad?

Was the M4 Sherman really that bad? A Soviet perspective With regards to WW2, many so-called experts have determined that the American M4 Sherman tank was one of the worst weapons fielded by the Allies.

Was the M4 Sherman the best tank in WW2?

The M4 Sherman is remembered as the tank that won World War Two. But as a fighting machine, it was easily outclassed by most of the German tanks it went up against. (Image source: WikiCommons)

What is the difference between the M3 and M4 medium tanks?

The U.S. Army Ordnance Department designed the M4 medium tank as a replacement for the M3 medium tank. The M3 was an up-gunned development of the M2 Medium Tank of 1939, in turn derived from the M2 light tank of 1935.

Why is the M4 so often compared to the T34?

Often the M4′s armor is compared to that of the Panther and the Tiger, where it fares poorly. The T34 however is compared and often touted as one of the best-protected tanks during the entire war.