Sherman Medium Tank,
Canadian, New Zealand & South African Armies,
Italy, 1943-1945

Tank Craft 39: Sherman Medium Tank, authored by Dennis Oliver, is a comprehensive and highly engaging entry in the Tank Craft series from Pen and Sword Books. This volume focuses on the iconic M4 Sherman as used by Canadian, New Zealand and South African armies in Italy in 1943-1945, one of the most recognizable and significant tanks of World War II, offering an insightful exploration of its design, history, and evolution through the conflict. 

Vital Statistics

The historical reference section is followed by 10 pages of illustrations, displaying the camouflage and markings for these vehicles:

• Sherman V, A Squadron, 11th Armoured Regiment (The Ontario Regiment), 1st Canadian Armoured Brigade, Sicily, August, 1943
• Sherman V, C Squadron, 11th Armoured Regiment (The Ontario Regiment), 1st Canadian Armoured Brigade, Sicily, August, 1943
• Sherman V, C Squadron, 12th Armoured Regiment (The Three Rivers Regiment), 1st Canadian Armoured Brigade, Sicily, August, 1943
• Sherman V, A Squadron, 11th Armoured Regiment (The Ontario Regiment), 1st Canadian Armoured Brigade, Sicily, August, 1943
• Sherman V, A Squadron, 14th Armoured Regiment (The Calgary Regiment), 1st Canadian Armoured Brigade, Italy, September, 1943
• Sherman V, Brigade Headquaters, 1st Canadian Armoured Brigade, Italy, early 1944
• Sherman V, Division Headquaters, 5th Canadian Armoured Division, Italy, early 1944
• Sherman V, C Squadron, 12th Armoured Regiment (The Three Rivers Regiment), 1st Canadian Armoured Brigade, Italy, September, 1943
• Sherman V, B Squadron, 5th Armoured Regiment (8th Princess Louise's (New Brunswick) Hussars), 5th Canadian Armoured Brigade, Italy, December, 1944
• Sherman V, C Squadron, 3rd Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment (The Governor General's Hourse Guards), 5th Canadian Armoured Division, Italy, spring, 1945
• Sherman V, 5th Canadian Armoured Brigade, Italy, spring, 1945
• Sherman V, B Squadron, 3rd Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment (The Governor General's Hourse Guards), 5th Canadian Armoured Division, Italy, spring, 1945
• Sherman III, C Squadron, 19th Armoured Regiment, 4th New Zealand Armoured Brigade, Italy, spring, 1945
• Sherman III, Divisional Protection Troop, 2nd New Zealand Division, Italy, spring, 1945
• Sherman III, C Squadron, 18th Armoured Regiment, 4th New Zealand Armoured Brigade, Italy, summer, 1944
• Sherman III, Headquaters Squadron, 20th Armoured Regiment, 4th New Zealand Armoured Brigade, Italy, summer, 1944
• Sherman III, C Squadron, 18th Armoured Regiment, 4th New Zealand Armoured Brigade, Italy, autumn, 1944
• Sherman IC, A Squadron, 20th Armoured Regiment, 4th New Zealand Armoured Brigade, Italy, late, 1944
• Sherman VC, C Squadron, 19th Armoured Regiment, 4th New Zealand Armoured Brigade, Italy, early, 1945
• Sherman IB, C Squadron, 19th Armoured Regiment, 4th New Zealand Armoured Brigade, Italy, spring, 1945
• Sherman III Kangaroo, 28th Assault Squadron, New Zealand Engineers, Italy, spring, 1945
• Sherman VC, C Squadron, The Pretoria Regiment (Princess Alcie's Own), 11th South African Armoured Brigade, Italy, spring, 1944
• Sherman V Armoured Observation Post (AOP), 7/23 Medium Artillery Regiment, 6th South African Armoured Division, Italy, spring, 1944
• Sherman V Armoured Observation Post (AOP), 4/22 Field Artillery Regiment, 6th South African Armoured Division, Italy, spring, 1944
• Sherman V Armoured Observation Post (AOP), 4/22 Field Artillery Regiment, 6th South African Armoured Division, Italy, late, 1944
• Sherman IIA, C Squadron, Special Service Battalion, 11th South African Armoured Brigade, Italy, spring, 1945
• Sherman VC, C Squadron, The Pretoria Regiment (Princess Alcie's Own), 11th South African Armoured Brigade, Italy, spring, 1945
• Sherman V, D Squadron, The Pretoria Regiment (Princess Alcie's Own), 11th South African Armoured Brigade, Italy, spring, 1945
• Sherman II, B Squadron, Prince Alfred's Guard, 11th South African Armoured Brigade, Italy, spring, 1945
• Sherman IIA, B Squadron, Special Service Battalion, 11th South African Armoured Brigade, Italy, spring, 1945

One of the standout features of this book is its section for modelers. The builders offer guidance on how to approach building and painting models of the Sherman from three different armies. The recommendations for kits from various manufacturers are accompanied by practical tips on assembling and detailing models to achieve a historically accurate result. The section also includes helpful advice on weathering, paint schemes, and additional accessories, ensuring that modelers have all the tools they need to bring their tanks to life.

The three build articles included are:

• Sherman III, 4th New Zealand  Armoured Brigade in 1/35 scale by Gary Boxall
• Sherman V, 1st Canadian Armoured Brigade in 1/35 scale by Jordan Baker
• Sherman V and M19 Tank Transporter in 1/76 scale by Neil Craig

A brief primer on the various technical aspects of the M4 series of tanks is also included. 

Conclusion

Tank Craft 39: Sherman Medium Tank is a well-rounded and highly informative volume. It combines detailed technical analysis, historical context, and excellent visual content to create an essential resource for those interested in the Sherman tank used by the Canadian, New Zealand and South African armies in Italy in World War II. Whether you're fascinated by the military history of the period, want to learn more about the engineering of the Sherman, or are seeking inspiration for your next modeling project, this book delivers. Dennis Oliver's expertise and passion for the subject shine through, making this a must-have for anyone with an interest in military vehicles or armored warfare.

This volume is a valuable addition to any tank enthusiast’s bookshelf and stands as a fitting tribute to one of the most important tanks in history.

Highly Recommended for Beginner to Advanced builders.

Thanks goes out to Casemate Publishing for this review sample.

Reviewed by Chuck Rothman, AMPS Webmaster

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