M4A1(76)s Manufactured by Pressed Steel Car
Pierre-Olivier Buan, Joe DeMarco and Leife Hulbert. Note: some of the information on this page was compiled using a technique informally referred to as "counting heads." It is based on the ongoing study of period documents and photographs, as well as the examination of surviving Shermans. Due to the limited nature of available reference sources, some of the information presented here must be considered as "educated guesswork." In August 1942, a few months after Shermans began rolling off the assembly lines, the Ordnance Department began testing the feasibility of mounting a 76 mm gun in the standard D50878 turret (below left). The intention was to produce 1000 76mm armed Medium Tanks by the end of the year. Ultimately, the project was cancelled because it was determined that the small turret was unsuitable. In the meantime, development work was initiated on new Medium Tank designs known collectively as the T20 series. The T23, which mounted a 76mm gun in a larger turret, was never standardized due to various technical problems (below right). However, since the 69 inch diameter turret ring was the same as the Sherman's, the T23's 76mm turret was easily adapted for use on the late 1943 revision of the M4 series.

   
Click on the picture for larger size

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First "large hatch" M4A1s

   

  Early M4A1s with 76mm main gun

    



    

An interesting anomaly that has been observed exclusively on the D82081 turrets used on the earliest M4A1(76)s is the absence of the rear ventilator. Unlike the Sherman, the T23 Medium Tank was designed with a powerful hull ventilation system that did not require a separate turret ventilator. Eventually, the specifications for adapting the T23 turret to the Sherman series called for the addition of a ventilator. However, the Army was anxious to get the 76mm Sherman into production, and Pressed Steel Car was "the only tank facility which would undertake the new type vehicles and promise delivery for a deadline date in January of 160 of these vehicles to meet urgent requirements of the using forces." Thus, in the rush to production, the first M4A1(76)s were manufactured before the ventilator specifications were finalized. The Union Steel Corp. was the main turret supplier to Pressed Steel Car. Many US turrets have their serial numbers cast in fairly large on one or both sides, making it possible to "count heads" on this omission. The ventilator appears to have been added to their turrets at around number 450. In the above photos, one can see how the locations of the various MG stowage fittings differed on the ventless turret compared with the vented.


   

Another glitch exclusive to the M4A1(76) was also likely related to the rush to production. In correspondence with the Office of the Chief of Ordnance dated 24 May 1944, the Armored Board pointed out that the earliest production split hatches did not open past the vertical position, thereby interfering with the operation of the anti-aircraft machine gun, and making for an uncomfortable traveling position for the loader. (This hatch design appears to have been based on what was installed on the T23 production pilot.) It was noted that the hatches had since been redesigned to open outward to 45 degrees, and it was recommended that "if a fairly simple method of cutting the lugs and re-fitting the hold-open stops can be devised, these hatches should be modified to allow a greater opening of the doors." We have found no evidence that a formal modification order was ever issued, but period photos show a few early M4A1(76)s with the split hatches open to 45 degrees. Both of the photos above show much larger scenes, but we have zoomed in to focus on the Sherman. The Signal Corps photo on the left is dated 1 March 1945 and captioned, "Smoke pours from a burning medium tank of 3rd [censored] Armored Division, 1st U.S. Army, knocked out by enemy artillery fire near Bergerhausen, Germany, on the road to Cologne." The "Air Forces Group" photo on the right is undated but was obviously taken after the tank fire had burned out. It is captioned, "This American Sherman tank was knocked out by an 88mm shell near Blatzheim, Germany, as the ground forces aided by Ninth Air Force fighter-bombers drove to Cologne and the Rhine." It is thought that this would have been an M4A1(76) of the 2nd Battalion, 32nd Armored Regiment since they were operating in the area of Blatzheim and Bergerhausen in late February and early March. At some point in 1945, the 32nd AR began to paint the USA Registration Numbers on the front and rear of their vehicles. Our subject can be seen with 3070707 painted across the upper rear hull plate, which provides the information that this tank had been accepted in February 1944, and would have been the 211th M4A1(76) produced by PSC. Most likely, it was one of the "UK orphans" described below. This tank had obviously soldiered on with the split hatches in the vertical orientation, although it can be seen that the “factory” position of the turret hatches had been reversed. Period photos show this swap on a few 3rd AD M4A1(76)s. We can only guess that some tank commanders, who were used to the split hatches on their earlier Shermans, declined to use the new and unfamiliar all round vision cupola and made the change. In any case, aside from the switched hatches, this turret reflects the appearance of the early Union Steel - vertical loader's hatches, no ventilator, and "unthreaded" M1A1 gun.


   

The photo on the left shows the initial, problematic configuration of the loader's split hatch as mounted on a ventless Union Steel turret with serial number 271. Assuming that this hatch is original to turret 271, we would note that it is the highest US turret serial number we have seen with the original loader's hatch. Our friend, Michael Lembo, was able to demonstrate that the hatches would not open past the vertical position. The spring plunger hold-open locks (circled) appear to have been purposefully designed with this limitation, possibly because the engineers working on the T23 project thought that the usual 45-degree open position might interfere with the newly introduced commander's all round vision cupola? The hatch ring was designed so that it sat one inch lower than the hatch rings of earlier split hatch cupolas. In addition, the hatches were improved by the inclusion of integral counterbalance springs on the hinges to make them easier to open and close. Although this tank had been remanufactured in the early 1950s, the hatch and missing ventilator issues were not addressed. The photo on the right shows the loader's split hatch redesigned to open outward to 45 degrees. The positive hatch lock mechanisms (1) that can be seen, are similar to those introduced on Shermans starting in the Spring of 1943. It is thought that PSC began the transition to the revised loader's split hatch in March 1944 at around US turret 260, and that Chrysler used them from the beginning of M4A3(76) production in March 1944.


   

An Ordnance Department document states that "All Medium Tanks M4 series (76mm gun) since first 385 produced have been equipped with threaded gun tubes." This suggests that the unthreaded M1A1 guns as seen on the early M4A1(76)s, would have been replaced in production with threaded M1A1C guns sometime in March, 1944. Chrysler began M4A3(76) production in March, and a small number of their first tanks have been noted to have had unthreaded guns as well. The above photos show two views of "Gila Monster," Serial Number 37936, USA 3070533, the 37th M4A1(76) made. It was used in various tests at APG, including May / June 1944 trials of the muzzle brake installation. Some items of interest include the "uncovered" vent between the drivers' hatches (1), the provision for an antenna on the left front of the turret (2), the blanked off fuel filler hole (3), the "vertical" loader's hatches (4), and the early version of the sharp nosed differential housing with cast in steps (5).


   



       

Radial engine Shermans had four main fuel tanks, and on the M4 and M4A1(75)s, each had its own filler point. As part of the second generation redesign, M4A1(76)s were plumbed in such a way that only a single filler point was required for the two fuel tanks located on either side of the hull. The photo on the left shows the original four point configuration, as seen on one of the last M4A1(75)s made, a large hatch model. A few early production M4A1(76)s have been seen to have the configuration shown in the middle photo, where excess older parts were used, and the unnecessary holes were simply blanked off. The right side photo shows the standard M4A1(76) configuration. The small tags seen near the armored filler covers read "GASOLINE." The addition of the  "LUBRICATING OIL" filler point prompted the use of "GASOLINE" labels at the other 3 filler points on the M4A1(76) and M4(105).




Early M4A1(76)s had straight return roller arms (1), such as can be seen above on USA 3070551, a January 1944 production tank. While Chrysler and Fisher Body had completed the transition to the later upturned return roller arms (inset) by the beginning of 1944, Pressed Steel Car does not appear have completely replaced the earlier straight arms until the Spring. The periscope guards that can be seen were a standard feature of all second generation Shermans. This Signal Corps photo shows a much larger scene, but we have zoomed in on the Sherman to show some details. The photo is dated 8 September 1944 with the location given as Liège, Belgium and the unit only identified as "3rd Armd Div." It is captioned in part, "As this American tank pauses in front of a gutted building, a young Belgian girl tosses flowers to the crew." Liberated citizens often chalked messages on the sides of allied AFVs that passed through their towns. Here someone has marked the date as "7 Sept 44" (2) and a person whose first name was "Colette" (3) has autographed the tank. At the time, Vaux-sous-Chèvremont and Chênée (4) were "sub-municipalities" on the southeastern approaches to Liege. (Note that the Chênée link includes "A view of the same Street in Chênée, Belgium as it appears in 2004.") This was the route taken by Combat Command B while CCA made a direct approach to Liege from the west. CCB included the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 33rd Armored Regiment as well as the 2nd Battalion of the 36th Armored Infantry Regiment. Thus, we think that the M4A1 would have been a unit of the 33rd AR, perhaps carrying "Blitz Dough" riders of the 36th AIR.  Another photo of this M4A1(76) was taken by a civilian in Liège and shows that it was outfitted with a hedgerow cutter.


   

A few of the earliest M4A1(76)s were built with the first version of the E8543 differential cover that featured cast-in steps (circled).  Period documents mention that the cast-in steps interfered with the crew's ability to work the quick release towing shackles. Consequently, the differential castings were altered to eliminate the cast-in steps, and metal strip steps were welded on instead. It is thought that PSC's supply of diffs with cast-in steps would have been exhausted after the first few months of production. Our example shows the M4A1(76) on display in La-Roche-en-Ardenne, Belgium. The serial number is unknown, but the hull number is 3904, suggesting it was built in February 1944. The tank was restored somewhat, so it can't be assumed to have all of its original components. However, it shows no evidence of having had the usual postwar upgrades, and the ventless Union Steel turret with Serial Number 206, the unthreaded 76mm gun, and the early E8543 differential are certainly appropriate to a February 1944 production unit. We strongly suspect that this tank was a WW II battle casualty. Should any readers have any information about its history, please contact us.


   

In early 1944, a special task force of 156 of the first M4A1(76)s was shipped to the United Kingdom. These were referred to at the time as "Tank, medium, M4E6 (w/T93 sight, watered ammunition containers, new cast front plate, and modified turret)". They were featured in two demonstrations by the "New Weapons Board" that took place in March 1944 at "West Downs...After the last demonstration in the United Kingdom, all new weapons and equipment were turned over to their respective services and were statically exhibited at various depots in the Southern Base Section for approximately 2 weeks. This procedure was followed in order that officers who could not attend the demonstrations might see the new items." In the end, the M4A1(76)s evoked little interest from US armored commanders whose troopers had been training for the Cross Channel invasion for many months with M4 and M4A1(75)s. Confrontations with heavy German armor in Normandy aroused interest in the "orphan" M4A1(76)s sitting idle in England, and General Bradley ordered that they be shipped to France to take part in First Army's upcoming Operation Cobra offensive. The Armored Section of Twelfth Army Group reported that 120 M4A1(76)s had been evenly distributed to the 2nd and 3rd Armored Divisions. The After Action Report of the 67th Armored Regiment, 2nd AD for 17 July 1944 states that "All Battalions started receiving new M-4 tanks mounting 76mm guns. It was estimated that there would be five or six per company." Also on the 17th, the 33rd AR, 3rd AD reported that "D Co. drew four M4 A6. [sic]. E Co. one M4 A6. 76MM gun mounted." So, it appears that there was some uncertainty about the nomenclature, but then on 20 July, the Maintenance Company, 32nd AR, 3rd AD noted that a number of 75mm Sherman combat casualties were "Replaced by M4A1 76MM". The 2nd and 3rd ADs were tasked with exploiting the break in the German lines following the saturation bombings around St. Lo on 24 and 25 July. It is thought that the M4A1(76)s would have had their combat debut on 26 July. The 66th AR, 2nd AD as part of CCA reportedly "penetrated seven miles into the German lines...[and] seized Canisy at approximately 1900 hours, with the loss of three Shermans to that point." Also, on the 26th, elements of the 33rd AR, 3rd AD advanced "nearly 90,000 yards" [51 miles] to Marigny. On the left above, a tank of the 67th AR, which had followed the 66th AR through the gap, "enters the village of St. Sever Calvados, France. 3 Aug 44." This example can be seen with cast in steps on the differential housing. On the right is a well-known photo of "Duke", USA 3070582. Unfortunately, only the most generic information appears to be available for this photo, that is, "US Armor during Operation Cobra". However, "Duke" can be seen with the "Unit Identification Symbols" (popularly known as "bumper codes") of "2 ∆ 66 ∆... D-13" which translates to "2nd AD, 66th AR...D Company, 13th vehicle." The 66th AR was part of CCA whose advance to the end of July took them to the approaches to Tessy-sur-Vire where they prepared to meet a German counterattack. Note the mottled look of the side of the tank. Per the AAR for 22 July, "Black paint was added to tanks for camouflage purposes." In addition, "Practice in carrying extra men on outside of tanks for infantry support was carried out." The rubber chevron tracks are the primary type seen in period photos of the "orphan" M4A1(76)s. Decent period photos showing the rear of M4A1(76)s are somewhat rare, so we take the opportunity with "Duke" to point out the original, "unframed" exhaust deflector and the absence of a fitting in the middle of the upper rear hull (circled). With thanks to Darren Neely.








The photo above shows the M4A1(76) with ventless turret on display in Nehou, France. We suspect that this was one of the 421 M4A1(76)VVSS Shermans remanufactured and supplied to France as Military Assistance in the early 1950s. The upper right section of the remanufacturer's dataplate is shown in the inset, and it can be seen that this Sherman is Serial Number 37939, which is an exact mathematical match to USA 3070536 shown in the previous caption. Thus, it would seem that USA 3070536 survived WW II and was returned to the US. The tank received a number of upgrades during remanufacture, such as a new 76mm gun with muzzle brake and the canvas mantlet cover fittings. The spare tracks that were added to the turret during remanufacture were temporarily removed making it possible to see that the Union Steel turret Serial Number was 45 (inset), the same as noted, and in the same location, as in the period photo. Judging from Pierre-Olivier's photos, the loader's hatch was not modified to permit the hatches to open past vertical. Serial Number 37939 currently carries markings in honor of the 35th Tank Battalion, 4th Armored Division. Perhaps at some point it could be remarked to reflect its WW II service with the 32 Armored Regiment, 3rd AD?








The Ford GAA V8 engine that powered the M4A3 Sherman series was considered superior to the Continental Radial of the M4/M4A1 series, and in mid 1943, it became the policy of the US Army to attempt to equip its fighting forces with as many M4A3s as possible. Consequently, the US did not employ large numbers of M4A1(76)s. Indeed, at present we can find no evidence that the US Army overseas received any additional units in 1944 aside from the 158 "orphans". Also, we find no evidence of US Army combat use of the M4A1(76) outside of the European Theater. The British did not "require" any 76mm Shermans, as they considered the High Explosive (HE) round to be inferior to the 75mm's. However, they agreed to accept 1330 M4A1(76)s in 1944, since there weren't enough 75mm Shermans available to meet their Lend Lease needs for the year. British M4A1(76) Lend Lease monthly allocations are shown in the inset. Of the 1577 M4A1(76)s produced up to October 1944, the Brits were allocated all but 247 of them. Those assigned to the Mediterranean Theater of Operations were used by British and South African armored units. In the European Theater, the Polish 1st Armoured Division appears to have been the only unit that was equipped with the "Sherman Mk IIA" (British nomenclature for M4A1(76)VVSS ). Tank Situation Reports state that they had 51 units at the end of December 1944. By the end of the War in Europe, the Poles are listed as having 181 M4A1/76s along with 40 “17 pdr” (Firefly Shermans). An additional 97 M4A1/76s are reported in 21st Army Group Depots in June 1945. Above shows a Sherman IIA of the Polish 10th Armoured Cavalry Brigade, KO'd in the Netherlands in late 1944.








Much greater use of the Sherman IIA was made by the 15th Army Group in Italy than by the 21st Army Group in Northwest Europe. The first issues appear to have occurred in September, 1944 when the British 1st Armoured Division was reported with 28 units, and the British 6AD with 2. The 1st AD was broken up a month later, due to an inability to replace casualties; however, its 2nd Armoured Brigade survived as an independent entity. At the end of 1944, the 2nd AB was reported with 116 Sherman IIAs on strength, while the 6th AD reported 42, the 7th Armoured Brigade reported 61, and the 6th South African AD reported 134. Thus, total unit holdings were 353 Sherman IIAs with an additional 65 in “Tank Replacement Group.” By the end of the War, total unit holdings had decreased to 329 units, while the “Tank Replacement Group” pool had more than doubled to 144 plus 11 in “Training.” The photo above is captioned “A Sherman tank of 2nd Armoured Brigade crossing the River Rabbi at San Martino, 9 November 1944.” The 2nd Armoured Brigade consisted of The Queen’s Bays, 9th Lancers and 10th Hussars, and this Sherman IIA has been identified as belonging to B Squadron, The Queen's Bays (aka 2nd Dragoon Guards). It features the revised loader's split hatch, introduced at PSC in March, 1944. Courtesy of Imperial War Museum, NA 20043.




The 6th South African Armoured Division appears to have been the largest user of the Sherman IIA in the Mediterranean Theater. Its regiments began replacing some of their 75mm Shermans in November 1944, and a 15th Army Group AFV Situation Report states that, “as at 30 December, 1944,” they had 134 M4A1(76)s. By the end of the War, this number had decreased by 6, due to losses and “wastage” during the final offensive. The Signal Corps photo above, dated 20 April 1945, shows elements of the Special Service Battalion of the 6th South African AD massing in preparation for the attack on Bologna, Italy. Despite the late date, all of the M4A1(76)s that can be seen have split loader's hatches as opposed to oval hatches. The tank in the center foreground even has a ventless turret. Note that the split hatches are open to the standard, 45-degree position. The commander's cupolas are not in the standard or "as built" configuration. It would appear that the unit reoriented the cupolas so that the hatches opened further to the rear. Some Firefly (17 pounder) Shermans can be seen on the far right. The Division was attached to the US 5th Army for the Spring 1945 Offensive, and according to their records, each of the 3 Squadrons of the SSB had 13 M4A1(76), 3 M4A4 based Fireflies and 3 M4(105)s.




The final M4A1(76) allocations to the British were for 150 units a month from August through October 1944. We estimate that most of these would have been equipped with oval loader's hatch turrets, and perhaps a few from the October production would have included muzzle brakes. However, we have not as yet come across any "combat shots" of Commonwealth M4A1(76)s with oval loader's hatch turrets or muzzle brakes. These tanks would have arrived in Europe in late 1944/early 1945, at which point they could not be absorbed, and thus were no longer needed by the shrinking Commonwealth forces. The above shows a nearly as built M4A1(76) which was once on display at the School of Armour in Bloemfontein, South Africa. The tank serial number has not been found or reported, but it can be seen with Union Steel turret Serial Number 1412 with oval loader's hatch. From the turret SN and other features, we would guess that this might be a September 1944 production M4A1(76). On 3 January 1947, the South Africans obtained a “property consent to retransfer” from the US Lend Lease Administrator. As a consequence, it was agreed that, subject to availability, 67 Sherman M4A1(76)s, 15 M4(105)s, 15 M4 based Fireflies, and 1 M32B1 ARV would be transferred from British Military Holdings in Italy to the South African Forces. It is thought that all of these were shipped to South Africa within the year. At any rate, thirty-two M4A1(76)s are listed in an inventory of the 1st Special Service Battalion, Potchefstroom, S.A., 31 March 1948. Most likely, the South Africans would have chosen to purchase unused or low mileage tanks, and the example shown is reported as in running condition. This tank and the other surviving S.A. Shermans could still have their original dataplates, so if any readers are in the position to examine any of them, we would greatly appreciate a report. With thanks to William Marshall.


   

An oval loader's hatch had been added to the 75mm turret design in late 1943. In an effort to simplify the original D82081 or T23 turret design (left side photo), the Ordnance Department adopted this concept, and replaced the original split hatch with an oval hatch. The new turret casting carries part number 7054366 (right side photo). The split hatch cupola had a machine gun pintle and loader’s periscope built in, so with this change, an MG pintle (1) and loader’s periscope (2) were added to the roof of the turret. An Ordnance document dated 29 June 1944 states that "it is expected that all M4A1, 76-mm tanks built after 1 August 1944 and all M4A3 76-mm built after 15 August 1944 will be so equipped." This suggests a "hard change" not a transition, but note the use of the phrase "it is expected." If accurate for the M4A1(76), this change to the 7054366 turret casting would have occurred at Serial Number 51856. On the other hand, author Richard Hunnicutt must have seen another Ordnance file that reported that the changeover took place "at tank number 1225 in August 1944." If we have done the math correctly, that would have been Serial Number 51938. So take your pick; either way it would have been in August. The new oval loader's hatch was the same size and shape as the "large" drivers' hatches, that is approximately 24 inches long and 19 inches wide. In comparison, the oval hatches of the 75 and 105mm turrets were about 21 inches long and 16 inches wide. Note that the 7054366 turret was not machined out for the left front antenna, although the casting retained the tell tale "bump out" to the end of production. We would observe that, while this "bump out" is present on some other companies' 76mm turret castings, it is most prominent on Union Steel castings. The 2-inch smoke mortar was standard equipment on 2nd Generation Shermans until early 1945 when it was ordered eliminated. At first, the smoke mortar bracket tube was mounted slightly proud of the turret's armor (3) as shown on US turret 831 in the left side photo. Later, the bracket tube was extended up a bit in order to permit the installation of a weather proofing cap (4) as seen on the right. Note that the cap was tethered to a little chain to prevent loss. We have not been able to collect enough data to do an effective head count regarding the introduction of the weatherproofing cap at PSC, because most surviving M4A1(76)s had their mortar holes welded over during post war rebuilds. However, the turret shown on the right is Union Steel Number 1300 mounted on an M4A1(76) on display in Mourmelon, France. Pierre-Olivier was able to record the tank's Serial Number as 51906 indicating August acceptance. If we assume that the turret is original to this hull, it was built about 50 units after SN 51856 and 36 units before 51938, the introduction SNs cited earlier. This tank is one of the few surviving M4A1(76)s still in "WW II configuration" and we suspect that it was issued to the French from the US reserve pool in early 1945. There are a few other French and South African M4A1(76)s in "WW II configuration" that would lead us to infer that the smoke mortar cap and chain was introduced at PSC in August 1944 at about the same time as the oval loader's hatch.


   

Pressed Steel Car had produced 776 M4A1(76)s by the end of May, 1944 and an additional 180 units in June. If we assume a loose chronology to the turrets, then we might speculate that Union Steel turrets with 8xx serial numbers would have started to appear in June. The D82081 turrets shown above are 881 on the left and 873 on the right. The left front antenna is NOT machined out on these examples. On Union Steel turret 831, shown in the previous caption, the antenna is machined out. This gives us a fairly good idea of the "eliminate the front antenna" transition point on the D82081 turret. While we don't assume that surviving Shermans have their original turrets, the tank serial or build sequence numbers of all 3 of these M4A1(76)s indicate that they were accepted in June 1944. It is thought that none of the 7054366 oval hatch turrets were machined out for the front antenna, or at least we can observe that we have not come across any surviving examples. Note that both of these turrets can be seen with a combing around the smoke mortar tube (circled) that looks very similar to a fitting that held a weatherproofing cap on some British Shermans, particularly Fireflies.




Regarding the introduction of the smoke mortar cap and chain, we would mention in passing that there are two surviving M4A1(76)s in France that have D82081 split hatch turrets with what we have labeled in our notes as "open, extended mortar brackets" as opposed to "open extended with cap". Both of these tanks are in "WW II configuration". The one on display at the museum in Colleville-sur-Mer (left photo) has the tank serial number 51978 stamped on the glacis, indicating August 1944 acceptance. The Union Steel turret Serial Number is 1150. According to the Ordnance Department documents cited earlier, an M4A1(76) with SN 51978 should have been built with a 7054366 oval hatch turret. So, like many surviving Shermans, this tank may not have its original turret. Either that or the docs were not entirely accurate, and the introduction of the 7054366 turret was not a "hard change" but a transition. We would tend to favor the latter idea. The serial number of the M4A1(76) at Novion-Porcien (right photo) is not known, but the turret SN can be seen as 1155. These turrets may have been cast on the same day or at least within a few days of each other. While there are no weatherproofing caps, each can be seen with a little eyelet that we must assume held the missing cap' s chain.  Although this is an extremely limited counting heads exercise, it does suggest that the introduction of the smoke mortar cap and chain was not exclusive to the later 7054366 turrets with oval loader's hatches. Again, the British style(?) combing around the smoke mortar tube is present on turret 1150.


   

As mentioned previously, most Union Steel turrets have their serial numbers cast in fairly large on one or both sides. A "1" or "2" is seen above or below the serial number. We believe this indicates that Union Steel 76mm turrets were cast using either mold 1 or mold 2. From "counting heads," mold 2 appears to have been changed from a D82081 (split hatch) casting to a 7054366 (oval hatch) casting at around serial number 1000, whereas mold 1 was changed at around serial number 1350. Thus, one might see an earlier split hatch casting with a higher serial number than a later oval loader's hatch casting. For instance, the photo on the left shows a mold 1 D82081 turret with serial number 1310, while the one on the right is a mold 2 7054366 turret with serial number 1043. Turret Number 1310 is mounted on an M4A1(76)VVSS on display in Nancy, France that shows evidence of having been remanufactured in the US in the 1950s. We would not be surprised to learn that this turret had been factory installed with the smoke mortar cap and chain; however, it can be seen that the smoke mortar hole (arrow) was welded over. We believe that Turret Number 1043 would have been built with the smoke mortar cap and chain seen here. Our late friend Tom Gannon photographed this M4A1(76)VVSS, [M1 to the Israelis] at the IDF Collection Houses in Tel Aviv-Jaffe. We suspect that this tank may have been obtained by the Israelis from ex-British Lend Lease, since the turret is installed with the Sun Compass fitting (inset), an item requested by the Brits. The tank had been heavily modified but we think it is more likely that it was done by the Israelis rather than in the US. We doubt if they would have retained the two-inch smoke mortar, since they added a pair of 4-inch(?) smoke dischargers to each side of the turret. Perhaps the Israelis removed the mortar itself but did not bother to remove the cap and chain?




Jim Goetz did a tour of Israel in 2017 and visited the Batey ha-Osef Museum in Tel Aviv. At that time, the smoke mortar cap on turret 1043 had been removed and was just hanging from its retaining chain. We thought readers might like to see it as it strikes us as the original weatherproofing cap such as in the inset. Also seen here are the fittings for the spot and signal light (white arrows). The light's handle (black arrow) is still in place. Like the smoke mortar, the spotlight was eliminated from the Sherman's design, and the fittings were ordered to be removed during post war rebuilds. The removed fittings show up as a pair of round weld scars on many surviving Shermans. PSC stamped a loose build sequence number on one or the other sides of its M4A1s, and Jim was able to record this example as 5057, which would lead us to guess August or September 1944 production.






   

As noted above, a sheet metal cover over the ventilator between the drivers' hatches was introduced at Pressed Steel around July, 1944. This was requested by users in order to provide some measure of weather protection. The authors have not found any evidence that modification kits for the covers were sent overseas during WW II, but have noted that many surviving Shermans that obviously didn't have this item factory installed, had it added later during postwar upgrades. The U bolt that can be see on the uncovered example above held the padlocks for the drivers' hatches.




The 20th Armored Division was alerted for overseas movement in the Fall of 1944, and “was scheduled to go over carrying more of its organic equipment than had ever been attempted.” That is, they brought their AFVs with them, whereas most armor units in Europe drew their heavy equipment upon arrival. At that time, the Table of Organization and Equipment [T/O&E] of an Armored Division would have included 168 75mm or preferably 76mm Shermans, along with 27 with 105mm Howitzers. What is unusual at this late stage, is that the 20th’s Tank Battalions appear to have been equipped entirely with M4 and M4A1 Shermans with Continental Radial engines, as opposed to the preferred Ford V8 powered M4A3s. The Division arrived in Le Havre, France in February, 1945, and the available period photos show remanufactured M4 and M4A1(75)s, M4A1(76)s with VVSS, and a few M4(105)s with both VVSS and HVSS. This Signal Corps photo is dated 24 February 1945, and shows soldiers at the 20th AD's depot in Bouchy, France unpacking the contents of the On Vehicle Materiel (OVM) boxes in preparation for installation in and on an M4A1(76). According to the unit's souvenir history, "20th Armored Division in World War II", "Boxes were unpacked, guns cleaned, equipment and vehicles reconditioned as received. Tankers got lame backs breaking tracks, removing connectors to put on duckbills [extended end connectors] and the argument still rages as to whether they were worth the trouble". We might have expected that some of the division's M4A1(76)s would have been equipped with muzzle brakes, but at present, we have not encountered any period photos clearly showing them.  An item of interest here is the automobile style horn (1 and inset). The June 1944 M4A1(76) Technical Manual only provides details about the siren that was standard equipment from the beginning. However, it is obvious from period photos that most Second Generation Shermans were equipped with a horn. PSC appears to have replaced the siren with the horn in the Spring of 1944.


   

Pressed Steel Car used just about every type of VVSS road wheel on the M4A1(76)s it produced in 1944. In the early months, units were equipped with either the welded spoke (A) or pressed spoke wheels (B). The welded spoke with "small holes" (C) and the solid, concave wheels (D) appear to have replaced the earlier types in the Fall of 1944.




The snapshot above was found in a photo album of the 143rd Armored Signal Photo Company. It is entitled "Bridging the Wesser," which 3rd Armored Division records report was done starting 7 April 1945. We like to record turret serial numbers, when possible, but despite a close examination of the original print, we could only discern that the SN was "probably" 2165. In any case, it is pretty high. For what it is worth, the highest Union Steel turret serial number we have noted in an overseas WW II photo appears to be 2237, seen on an M4A1(76)VVSS of the 741st Tank Battalion photographed in western Czechoslovakia shortly before or after VE-Day, 8 May 1945. In the photo above, the larger diameter hubs suggest that the road wheels are the "welded spoke with small holes" type. This tank has what appears to be an armor plate attached to the front. The broken extended end connectors illustrate the problem with these fittings. The fact that this tank barely fits on the runners of the pontoon bridge illustrates why the Engineer Corps "non-concurred" with any changes that made the Sherman longer, wider or heavier than the original design..




Above shows Serial Number 67743 / USA 30125772, photographed at Aberdeen Proving Ground shortly after it was accepted in December, 1944. Towards the end of M4A1(76)VVSS production, along with the welded spoke with "small holes" wheels, PSC employed the solid, concave wheels seen here. Although “mixed” road wheels can be seen in many photos of tanks in service, it is thought that a single type was factory installed on each unit by the original builder. Also towards the end, metal tracks appear more frequently than rubber. On this unit, the Union Steel turret serial number looks to be 2103. Other items of interest include the installed rear view mirrors (1), and the installed "driver's hatch hood" (2) for use in foul weather. For power, the windshield wiper and defroster were plugged into a utility outlet on the instrument panel. When not in use, this item was stored on a shelf above the transmission.




The French Army received a small number of M4A1(76)s during WW II. These were not officially "charged" as Lend Lease but were provided as replacement tanks from US Army stocks. An example is provided in the 17 February 1945, document reproduced above. It states that 5 M4A1(76)s that came in through "Delta Base" (Marseilles) "were later reloaded and shipped to the French First Army." The USA Registration Numbers given indicate that all of these had been accepted in October 1944. During WW II, it took on average 4 to 5 months to get a newly built tank from factory into the hands of combat troops. This appears to have been the case with these M4A1s, as most likely, it would have taken another week or so for these tanks to have been shipped, processed and delivered to French troopers. Due to the logistics, very few Shermans built in December 1944 or later ever served in combat in any theater during WW II. The M4A1(76)s listed may have been issued to the 2ème Régiment de Cuirassiers since they reported receiving some on 22 February 1945.


   





Most of the world's surviving M4A1(76)s were rebuilt in the US postwar. A few examples in France and South Africa are still in close to WW II configuration. The unit shown above was photographed by Pierre-Olivier in 2009 when it was on display at the Roscoff Museum in France. It has the "serial number stamped inside a box" (inset) seen on many surviving French Shermans. SN 52370 would have been accepted in October 1944. The corresponding Registration Number for SN 52370 is USA 3084967, and this number is listed in the French transfer document of 17 February. Some clues of an M4A1(76) in WW II configuration would be the presence of spotlight (1) and smoke mortar (2) fittings, and the absence of muzzle brake and mantlet cover fittings. An original "two fingers" gun travel lock (3) would also provide a hint. The Union Steel turret serial number is 1689, and in one photo of "Rivoli II", the turret SN also appears to begin with 16. As with many surviving M4A1(76)s, the exhaust deflector is missing, but like "Rivoli II", SN 52370 can be seen with the grouser compartment reinforcing plates. This tank does not show any penetration damage, so we would guess it continued to serve with the French Army after WW II. It was probably cannibalized for parts, before being placed on display as a monument. Update: This Sherman has since been restored to running condition, and as of 2021, it was located in Saint-Méloir-des-Ondes, near Cancale in Britanny.




We have not as yet come across any documents that state the exact number of M4A1(76)s with HVSS that were produced by Pressed Steel. A handwritten note dated 9 April 1946 reads, "Crowley says that all acceptances from Pressed Steel and Fisher after 1 Jan 45 were wide track." We take this to mean that the 1255 M4A1(76)s built in 1945 were all HVSS. If accurate, it would indicate Serial Numbers 67911 and higher. This is confirmed by our "counting heads" method, although PSC may have done a few "test shots" in December 1944. For instance, SN 67901 was reported as "equipped with horizontal volute suspension (E8) and T-80 center guide tracks" and used in various tests at Chrysler's Tank Arsenal Proving Ground from January through April 1945. Above shows Serial Number 67927, a January 1945 production unit. Note that the round fender supports used on the M4A1(76)HVSS were adjustable to the contours of the cast hull. For comparison, the supports used on welded hull models are shown in the inset. PSC completed the transition from the original T66 tracks seen here to the superior T80 tracks by March or April.




Between April 6 and April 24, 1945, 169 "M4A1 (76mm gun) 23" track" are reported to have been allocated to units of the US 12th Army Group. Keep in mind that "allocation" is not the same as "reception." Considering that most of the US Army in the ETO had "ceased combat operations" before the end of April, it seems unlikely that many of these could have been shipped and processed in time to have "fought" before V-E Day, May 8th. The photo above presents an interesting possibility. It is part of a series G.I. snapshots taken in the ETO, in what was either the Spring or Summer 1945. Unfortunately our subject is undated and uncaptioned, but shows an M4A1(76)HVSS with that sort of “lived in” look of a combat tank. The M4A3(76)VVSS behind it can be seen with the tactical markings of the 17th Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division. We would note that the 17th TB was engaged in active combat operations right up to May 8, 1945. The trees are in full foliage in the photo, which may or may not provide a clue as to whether this could have been taken before the German surrender? At any rate, this tank can be seen with the same T66 tracks as in the photo of the January, 1945 production unit of the previous caption, but it differs in that it has the M3 Lee type drive sprocket (1), and the mantlet cover fittings (2), although not the cover itself. No doubt this tank would have had a muzzle brake factory installed, although here it is obscured by a cover. The M4A3(76) in the photo can be seen with a muzzle brake, but it looks kind of “German” to our eyes. In early February, 1945, the 17th TB “had an opportunity to test the comparative merits of the muzzle break (sic) on the 76mm tank gun...The gunner firing the gun with the muzzle break was able to sense every round that he fired whereas the gunner using the gun without the muzzle break could only sense about one third of the rounds that he fired due to the smoke and flash that covered his sight. All of our gunners are really sold on the muzzle break and we are anxious to get them on all the tank guns.” Indeed, the tankers of the 7th AD appear to have been anxious enough to have procured some muzzle brakes from outside of regular channels. We have seen period photos of at least six 7th AD M4A3(76)VVSS Shermans retrofitted with what appear to be German (Panther?) muzzle brakes.








A bit of minutia regarding the little "bump stops" circled in the above photo and in the inset is that they are rarely seen in period photos or on surviving HVSS Shermans made by Chrysler. On the other hand, they are almost always present on Pressed Steel Car and Fisher Body Shermans. The original Chrysler design did not include the bump stops, but since PSC and Fisher started HVSS production over 4 months later, their initial orders must have been for the revised parts, with the stops added as a safety feature. Fisher designed the alternate, fabricated HVSS suspension arms that can be seen on the middle bogie of our example on display in Rosenau, France.




A number of other changes were introduced on the M4A1(76) in 1945. It has been difficult to "count heads" on the canvas mantlet cover due to the fact that it was almost universally retrofitted to post war rebuilds. We would guess that it was factory installed by PSC starting in March 1945. At present, we have not come across a WW II "combat shot" showing the canvas mantlet cover installed on an M4A1(76). The same counting heads difficulty exists for the same reason with the grouser compartment reinforcing plates. The photo above shows Serial Number 68252, a March 1945 production unit that was the subject of an Inspection Control Test at APG. Both the reinforcing plates (1) and the mantlet fittings (2), but not the canvas cover, can be seen. Other items of interest include the single rear towing lug (3), the "framed" exhaust deflector (4) and the M3 Lee type drive sprocket (5). The chain (6) seen hanging on the upper rear hull secured the exhaust deflector in the "up" position. Despite the late date of production, SN 68252 is not installed with the armored first aid box.


   

As mentioned previously, the original quick release towing fixtures (left) were replaced at PSC with "even quicker" release T-shaped shackles around October 1944. A tow cable could be hooked on to the new shackles without removing them. This saved crews a few seconds when attempting to retrieve a tank while under fire. It was no longer necessary to have two tow lugs per side with the new shackles, but the "extra" lugs on the differential were retained since they also provided attachment points for the steps. In the rear, the examination of surviving M4A1(76)s suggests that production began with double rear tow lugs, and the transition to single lugs was completed in December 1944. Thus, we have a few of the final VVSS units made in December 1944, and all of the M4A1(76)s built with HVSS with the singles. Restorers and modelers should note that the T-shaped shackles are not seen in WW II combat photos before 1945.




Here is a page from the December 1944 issue of "Army Motors" magazine that details the installation and use of "A new rapid rig designed to save those minutes that seem like hours." Modification Work Order G1-W18 "will be out soon okaying its use." In other words, the kits would be available for requisition "soon" and could be retrofitted "on the front or back of any medium or light tank, or gun motor carriage with a tank chassis that has a one-piece controlled differential housing." The article describes the T-shaped shackle as "the "battlefield" towing hook" which seems as good a name as any. "Army Motors" was published from May 1940 through September 1945 and featured a number of cartoon characters created by comics pioneer Will Eisner who had been drafted into the Army shortly after Pearl Harbor. Most memorable was "Joe Dope...a lazy, corner-cutting goldbricking private who did everything wrong. Eisner created the character and used him (and comics) to teach the new GIs what to do and not to do with their equipment; how to use and take care of it and keep it running in combat conditions. This was a new concept to the military and took a bit of selling. It proved to be a huge success and Eisner's instructive comics appeared first in the magazine Army Motors and later in PS Monthly during the Korean War."


   

The photos above show the "hinged air exit vane" as originally designed in January 1943 by the Barber-Colman Company of Rockford, Illinois. This was a standard item of equipment on Second Generation M4s and M4A1s. Ordnance drawings refer to it as "Deflector, Exhaust." Note the hook (1) used to secure the exhaust deflector in the up position.




A more rigid version of the exhaust deflector that was reinforced or framed with metal strips around the edges was introduced into production at some point, but it has been hard to determine when due to the lack of Ordnance photos and the fact that the deflectors are missing from most surviving M4A1(76)s. Earlier, we featured the tank shown above in a comparison of D82081 vs. 7054366 turrets. It on display in Mourmelon, France and has the "serial number stamped inside a box" on the front. It is SN 51906 indicating August 1944 acceptance. We consider this tank to be in close to WW II configuration, although it does have a French rebuild plate affixed to the glacis. It may be a stretch, but if we assume that the exhaust deflector is original, it might be a clue as to when the "framed" deflector replaced the original design. Note the grouser compartment reinforcing plates. SN 51906 still has a Chester Tank Depot "comb" device on the differential housing. We think it likely that the reinforcing plates were added at CTD as a modification when the tank was processed for overseas shipment.




The "Son of Sherman" series of books describes the fitting (1) mounted at the center of the upper rear hull as a "shutter door lever and bracket...[that] housed a lever that was pulled out and rotated. This was to operate a set of shutters beneath the rear hull overhang to control the flow of air." Kurt Laughlin, one of the authors, explained that closing the shutters was "a cold weather procedure to keep warm air around the engine after shutdown to aid later starting." The June 1944 M4(105) and M4A1(76) Technical Manual does not make mention of this, although there is an "Engine Compartment Rear Bulkhead" illustration (inset) that shows the "air shutter". We suspect that this was part of the Sherman "Winterization" program since we have seen similar louvered shutters affixed to the underside of the engine deck doors of Second Generation M4A2s. In any case, we went looking for the shutters among our photos of surviving M4A1(76)s, but like the exhaust deflectors, the assemblies are mostly missing. However, we finally found an intact installation on a 1950s remanufactured M4A1(76)VVSS, Serial Number 52074 (September 1944) that Pierre-Olivier photographed when it was on display at the Pilzen Zoo in Czechoslovakia. (It has since been moved to the Patton Memorial Museum in Pilzen). The whole thing is pretty self-explanatory. The shutters are in the open position in the photo, but moving the handle to the hole on the right would close them. A very limited counting heads would suggest that the "shutter door lever and bracket" was not factory installed by PSC until March 1944.


   


   

The first tanks produced by Pressed Steel Car were M3 Grants. PSC continued to use the M3 Medium type of drive sprockets on their Shermans until the beginning of 1943, when they transitioned to what we informally call the "plain" sprocket, as shown on the left above. These were used by PSC until 1945, when a sprocket with an M3 type appearance (above right) was (re)introduced. No doubt, the "breaking teeth" problem that plagued the originals had been remedied. Period photos suggest that these were used along with the plain type to the end of production.




The armored first aid box can be seen in photos of both the M26 and M24 in Europe before VE-Day. Initial supplies were reserved for these new models. They appear to have become available for installation on both new and remanufactured Shermans starting around March, 1945. There are quite a few surviving M4A1(76)s on display in the US and Europe. The armored first aid box (circled in red) appears on some but not all of them, suggesting that there was no later production of the boxes after 1945. Our examination of extant units for the boxes or tell tale weld scars indicates that PSC began to install these beginning in March, and that all units made from April, 1945 to the end of production were factory equipped with them.


   

From the beginning, battlefield reports had mentioned that the externally mounted air cleaners on the M4 and M4A1 were vulnerable to combat damage. Some units attempted to protect the air cleaners by simply welding steel plates in front of them, such as can be seen on a pair of M4 Composites of the 44th Tank Battalion photographed during the Leyte Campaign, 24 October 1944 (left). A "protector assembly" was designed in late 1944. As with the first aid boxes, the protectors are on only some surviving M4A1(76)HVSS's, suggesting that there was no later production after 1945. Supplies of these appear to have become available to PSC in May 1945, and we would judge that not more than 250 of the last M4A1(76)s produced had the protector assemblies factory installed. Above right shows the hinged configuration of the boxes as seen on Serial Number 68975 on display in Toulon, France. This was one of the last units accepted in May 1945.


   

Above shows the M4A1(76)HVSS displayed on a bunker of the Maginot Line in Hatten, France. This tank has only "evidence" of the air cleaner protectors in the form of the various fittings (circled). The Serial Number of this unit is unknown, but the build number stamped on the left rear is "1-620", suggesting it was accepted in March 1945. This is the only example we have encountered that seems to have been manufactured before May 1945, and there are about a dozen surviving units built after this that do not show evidence of the protectors. Perhaps it was an early trial installation, or a post-production retrofit? We suspect that the factory installation of the air cleaner protectors was limited to late PSC M4A1(76)s and some of the M7 Priests produced by Federal Machine and Welder. At present, we haven't come across any documentation placing or showing them on any 1945 new production or remanufactured M4(75), M4(105) or M4A1(75).


   



   

A less common method of accommodating the infantry phone is seen more often in period photos than on surviving M4A1(76)s. In this case, only the spare track holder on the right was removed, and the entire fixture was mounted on to the turret on the right side. We suspect this method was used by either Rock Island Arsenal or Brown & Root. The M4A1(76)VVSS on display at the Pilzen Zoo in Czechoslovakia can be seen with this configuration.




An August 1948 Inventory has it that there were 1956 M4A1(76)s in the US. The vast majority were in storage depots, with only 319 "Ready For Issue." As noted earlier, 1272 were listed as "w/HVSS." Exactly one M4A1(76)HVSS was listed as in service with the troops. In late 1948, the US began a rebuilding program in order to provide tanks to its Cold War Allies. France was the principal Mutual Defense Assistance Program (MDAP) recipient of the M4A1(76), and beginning in 1950, is reported to have received 421 VVSS and 833 HVSS units by early 1954. Belgium is reported to have received 15 VVSS and 65 HVSS units during the same period, and The Netherlands is reported to have received 50, although the suspension type was not listed in the documents we examined. No doubt other countries received some M4A1(76)s. For instance, there is a surviving M4A1(76)HVSS in Portugal, which is reported to have received 5 units, listed generically as "Tank, Med, 76mm Gun, M4 Series." The above shows the scene at the New York Port of Embarkation in 1950, as some MDAP M4A1(76)s, neatly shrink wrapped, await shipment to Europe. Note the absence of sand shields on the Shermans.




Bowen-McLaughlin-York, Inc. was the principal contractor tasked with rebuilding the M4A1(76)s, and preparing them for MDAP shipment. The Signal Corps photo above was taken at the Letterkenney Ordnance Depot in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania in the Summer of 1950. The petroleum silos in the background were WW II surplus, and many of the tanks at the depot had been stored inside them. In order to reduce damage to the roads, local officials had asked that the turrets and hulls be shipped separately during the 30 or so mile trip from Chambersburg to the BMY facility in York, Pa. The matching letters and numbers painted on the hulls and turrets indicate that it was intended to restore the original components, although we doubt it would have been possible to do that in every case.






   

Although they were not part of the original design of the Sherman, from about mid 1943 until the end of production, the Ordnance Department required the factory installation of sand shields. They were NOT popular with the troops. "Experience in this theater indicates that sand shields on tanks are superfluous, and are quickly taken off or knocked off by troops. Recommend that War Department be advised and tanks be shipped without sand shields." Even so, Shermans continued to have them factory installed until the end of production. However, while not listed in the rebuild specifications, photographic evidence suggests that sand shields were eliminated from the MDAP M4A1(76)s. Above left shows USA 30126829 with sand shields on its way to Bowen McLaughlin in Summer 1950, while the photo on the right shows 30126687 without them arriving in Cherbourg later in the year.




Earlier we mentioned that, starting in the Summer of 1944, the left front of the turret was no longer machined out to provide for an antenna. Ironically, the vast majority of surviving M4A1(76)s have a steel bracket (right inset) welded on, along with a small hole in this area. The Signal Corps photo above is dated 14 June 1951 and shows US Congressmen inspecting some MDAP M4A1(76)s of the French 6th Régiment de Chasseurs d’Afrique [Armored Regiment] in Speyer, Germany. Note the antenna mast bases mounted on the brackets on the left front of these tanks. Kurt Laughlin contacted us to say that he believes that "This is a modified MP-60 antenna bracket used to mount an AB-15/GR antenna base for the AN/VRC-3 tank-infantry radio. These were versions of the SCR-300 “Walkie-Talkie” backpack radios adapted for vehicle use." The left inset is from TM 11-2748, "Installation of Radio and Interphone Equipment" dated 12 Jan 45 and shows the instructions for cutting the MP-60 bracket down to a height of 4 inches. This installation appears to have been made along with the RC-298 Infantry Phone during the early 1950s remanufacture program, and we consider the presence of the cut down bracket (or telltale weld scars) on surviving M4A1(76)s to be a good clue of a postwar rebuild.




Not all of the post war M4A1(76)s were shipped overseas as MDAP. Several hundred remained in the US. The Army's preference at the time, as during WW II, was to equip its troops with as many Ford V8 engined tanks as possible. Of course, the M26 was the most desired type, but not enough had been produced, so that the M4A3(76)HVSS was considered an acceptable substitute. These two types served in the Korean War. While the M4A1(76)HVSS was characterized as the next best acceptable substitute after the M4A3(76)HVSS, there is no evidence that any fought in Korea. They were used in the US by the Army and National Guard as test and training tanks well into the 1950s. The above shows a platoon of M4A1(76)HVSS's of the 106th Tank Battalion, 33rd Infantry Divison on a target range at Camp Ripley, Minnesota in the Summer of 1954.


   

Unlike the MDAP M4A1(76)s in Europe, the majority of the 40 or so surviving examples in the US do not show evidence of ever having had infantry phones installed, although many are seen outfitted with the cut down MP-60 antenna bracket (arrow) on the left front suggesting that they may have been retrofitted with the AN/VRC-3 tank-infantry radio at some point. A number of the M4A1(76)s on display in the US have plates affixed to the front indicating that they were "Overhauled" by Watertown Arsenal (Massachusetts) in 1950 (inset). Evidently, Watertown's contract did not provide for the installation of the phones. The above photos, courtesy of Jim Goetz, provide two views of Serial Number 68146, USA 30126125 on display in Kingman, Kansas. This is one of the few surviving Shermans that has somehow managed to retain its original USA Registration Number. This tank would have been accepted in February 1945. We don't think that ANY Shermans were built with the T84 rubber chevron tracks seen here. Most likely, the initial design, "two fingers" gun travel lock was installed on 68146 as original equipment. Like the T84 track, the more secure "clamp" type gun travel lock, which can be seen on most surviving M4A1(76)s, was designed during WW II based on user feedback. However, neither of these items appear to have been available before the end of Sherman production in July 1945.


   





Recently, we were asked by a modeler friend if we had come across any documentation that would indicate that there was a difference significant enough to mention between the hull castings made by General Steel and Continental. The answer is no. However, after having reviewed a sizeable number of photos of surviving M4A1(76)s, a comparison of the hull castings with General Steel logos to those without, presumably all Continental-Wheelings, suggests that the GS hull castings are more symmetrical and have sharper edges in the areas where they project out from the drivers' hatches. Under the right light conditions, it does appear that, on the C-W castings, the bulge in front of the bow gunner's hatch is noticeably more pronounced than the bulge on the driver's side. Furthermore, the "eyebrow" bulge above the bow machine gun aperture is "barely there," or in any case, smaller and semicircular on GS hulls. On the Continentals, it is larger and not semicircular, but curves off towards the center. Finally, we might observe that on this example and many others, the dust cover fitting appears to be an inch or so wider on the C-Ws. The upshot is that if it were possible to line up, say, 10 GS and 10 C-W M4A1(76)s in random order, and hide the GS logo, it wouldn't be hard to distinguish between the two based on the bulges.




As a matter of Sherman minutia, Pierre-Olivier has observed the "E8595" part number cast on the front of five surviving General Steel hulls that he has been able to enter. Note that there are two sets of markings (circled and inset) visible on this example and that they are reversed and upside down. P-O has been able to look around inside a small number of Continental hulls but reports that he has not seen these markings so far.


   

Ram, M3A1 Medium and M4A1 Sherman hull castings have been noted with "indentations" on the edges of the opening for the engine deck. Pierre-Olivier has done a head count of over 100 M4A1(76) hulls and has found that General Steel E8595 castings are consistently seen with "indents" on the rear corners of the engine deck opening as shown above on the left, circled in red. P-O' s shorthand for this was "bottom corners." On the other hand, C-W hulls examined did NOT have the rear indents or "no bottom corners." This "positive/negative" provides us with another minor distinguishing feature between the two companies' hull castings. Going a bit further, C-W hulls are consistently noted with indents machined out in the front corners in the configuration shown above in the middle. We are constrained somewhat by a lack of photos, but can mention that some GS hulls have been observed with straight or more frequently, half round indents on the front sides as shown above on the right.




The highest Union Steel turret serial number we have recorded is 3623, as seen above on a beautifully restored June 1945 production unit. 3623 is about 200 more turrets than would have been needed, but Pressed Steel was awarded several more contracts in 1945. One called for an additional 1560 M4A1(76)HVSS, and another was for 1030 units of a new type, the M4(76)HVSS. These contracts were let in the event that the war with Japan continued past 1945, but were terminated with the end of World War II. In October 1944, PSC had been given a contract to produce 150 M4A2(76)HVSS, and actually did manufacture a total of 21 in April and May 1945 before that contract was terminated. Three 7054366 turrets made by Ordnance Steel Foundry have been seen on surviving M4A1(76)s. Their Serial Numbers are 8, 84 and 94, which suggests they were produced in small numbers, perhaps not more than 100. They must have been introduced a month or two after the "eliminate the smoke mortar" directive was issued in January 1945, as none of them were drilled out for the smoke mortar. Our head count suggests Union Steel turrets 2721 and higher were undrilled.


   

While Chrysler and Fisher stamped the Serial Number on the rear towing lugs of their large hatch Shermans, Pressed Steel Car does not appear to have stamped it anywhere on the exterior of the AFVs they produced. However, some surviving French M4A1(76)s have been observed with the serial number stamped on the front of the hull as shown in the left side photo. PSC built M4A1s (both small and large hatch) have been noted to have a loose build sequence number stamped on either side of the hull in the rear. In the event the serial number cannot be found, the sequence number has some chronological value.


   



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