M4 Sherman at War Book Review

By Michael Benolkin

Review

Here is yet another reference on the M4 Sherman series, right? Not so fast. Yes there are a number of titles 'out there' on the subject that range from the superficial to the ultra-detailed. What if all you wanted to do was understand enough about the vehicle to know the differences and to have some good photos and drawings pulled together to help you along?

The authors have done just that. This title puts the Sherman into historical perspective initially, showing its roots with some nice detailed photos and drawings of the M3A1 that preceded the M4.

Next, the authors take you inside the M4 to show you the details inside the tank and, with the help of a combination of museum photos and drawings out of technical manuals, show you how the Sherman worked. There is good information on the different variants of the tank and what led to the development of those design changes. These are also illustrated with a good combo of museum photos, period photos, and technical drawings.

Overall, the title is broken down as follows:

• Introduction
• M4 Background
• Description
• Firepower and Armor Protection
• Improvements

The authors have successfully scratched an itch I've had about the Sherman for some time. There are lots of good modeling references that get 'down to the rivets' in detail and variations, but few of them tell me why and how these changes were ever made. What happened in technology advances and/or combat that led to another change in basic design of the M4? This title does that job nicely!

If you're looking for a good overview reference on the subject, want to know how the Sherman was laid out externally and internally, and don't want to wade through hundreds of pages of enthusiasts notes to get to an answer, this is the title you've been waiting for.

My sincere thanks to Motorbooks International for this review copy!