CenturyTracks: French Sherman Tanks of the Liberation 1943-1945

In 1943, the reborn French Army raised three armoured divisions with American assistance. As with other Allied nations, the spearhead of this rearmament was the Sherman tank. From Normandy to Alsace for the 2e DB, and from Provence to the Vosges for the 1e and 5e DBs, this legendary tank took part in every engagement fought to liberate France, and led the 1st French Army into Germany and Austria. Throughout its build-up and battles, the French Army received virtually every variant of the Sherman. This is why it is essential to understand how the United States selected this tank and put it into production. In this first issue of Centurytracks, the author focuses on the technical aspects that shaped its design and evolution, its various variants, before turning to the battles and presenting the complex markings of the three DBs in full detail.
 

1943, the reborn French Army raises 3 armoured divisions with the help of the Americans. As for most other Allied countries, the tip of their spear is the Sherman tank. From Normandy to Alsace for the 2e DB and from Provence to the Vosges for the 1e and 5e DBs, this mythical tank will take part in all their fights to free France and lead the 1st French Army into Germany and Austria. During its build-up and battles, the French Army will receive nearly every model of the Sherman. This is why it is important to understand how the United States chose this tank and built it. In this first volume of Centurytracks, the author describes the technical aspects that took part in its design and evolution, as well as the different variants, before turning to the battles and detailing the complex markings adopted.