SHERMAN

Designed with the modeler, preservationist and the wargamer in mind, Ian Allan Publishing's new 'in Detail' series is intended to provide the reader with a comprehensive history of the type of tank, self-propelled propelled gun and military transport featured. Each volume will include detailed history of the unit in service, along with information on variants, markings, unit allocations, etc. Alongside the comprehensive illustrative section, which will include detailed shots of models in color, the books will also include scale drawings and comprehensive guidance notes on camouflage.A total of 49,2344 Sherman gun tanks were built during World War 2, but it was not until late in the conflict that need for a better armored and more powerfully armed version became evident. After the D-day landings the first 138 of the new Shermans, with better armor and new 76 mm gun, entered the battlefront. Until a new type of ammunition was delivered these new tanks were no match for the German's Panther and Tiger tanks. However, the British had fitted their new Shermans with their own 17-pounder antitank gun; known as the Firefly the tank was very successful against all enemy armor. The US Army's answer to the problem was to develop the 'Jumbo' Sherman with extra armor - the tank now weighed 42 tons - improved antitank ammunition and a new type of suspension. Designated M4A3E2, a total of 254 were built and shipped to Europe, proving to be very effective on the battlefield.With interest in all forms of military equipment from World War 2 increasing; this new series from Ian Allan Publishing comes at an appropriate time. It will be much sought after historians, modelers and war gamers alike.