The M3 "Lee" was America's first mass-produced combat tank. Its unusual configuration of hull-mounted 75 mm gun and turret-mounted 37 mm cannon was a result of the rush to get the vehicle in production following Nazi Germany's rapid advances in Europe. Following heavy British tank losses in France, the Commonwealth turned to the U.S. to bolster their tank stocks, and the M3 was adapted, through the use of a different turret style, to fill this need. Later, as more-advanced tanks became available, notably the M4 "Sherman", the M3s were adapted to fill other roles. This book chronicles the development and use of these vehicles from concept to combat. Through dozens of archival photos, many never before published, as well as detailed photographs of some of the finest existent examples of surviving vehicles, these iconic armored fighting vehicles are explored, and their history is explained.
Following heavy British armoured losses in France, the Commonwealth turned to the USA to replenish their own tank stocks and the M3 was adapted by using a different turret style to meet this need. Later, as more advanced tanks became available, notably the M4 'Sherman', the M3s were adapted to fulfil other roles. This book describes the development and deployment of these vehicles from concept to combat use. Using dozens of archive photographs, many of which have never been published before, as well as detailed photographs of some of the best existing examples of surviving vehicles, it explores these iconic armoured fighting vehicles and explains their history.
Group
Books (first-hand)
Author
Doyle, David
Title
M3 Medium Tank. The Lee and Grant Tanks in World War II