- Yes.
- No.
- In a future Dutch/BeNeLux techtree.
- In the French BeNeLux sub-tree
- Other (Please explain in the comments).
- I said “No” in the first question.
- Yes, as seperate vehicles.
- Yes, as a researchable modification (As it is ingame right now)
- No, I don’t want Dozer Tanks in the lower Ranks.
Hello everyone, I’m on a mission to suggest every single M4 Sherman tank used by the Netherlands!
This is the Dutch M4A3E8(105) Dozertank!
A Dutch M4A3E8(105) Dozertank
Source: Foto's
History
Spoiler
A Dutch M4A3E8(105) Dozertank
Source: Foto'sUnlike almost all other Sherman Tanks used by the Netherlands, the M4A3E8(105) Dozertank is exclusive to the Dutch East Indies.
As soon as the second world war had ended, the Netherlands was in a bad shape. Years under German occupation had left it broken and without any kind of Army. Getting the Army up and running again was a top priority for the Netherland leadership.
When Japan was defeated in 1945, the Netherlands had to take control of their East Indies again (Nowadays Indonesia). And the so called “Mariniersbrigade” would be used (These were a Marine Unit of the Dutch that fought against the Japanese during the war).
At the end of 1945 a ship carrying 2.000 Dutch troops arrived in the East Indies. And more men would join them later on. And many M4A3E8(105)'s would also arrive. Sadly my sources have no mention of these tanks in the East Indies (Very oddly), but we do have a ton of photos of them there. My best guess is that these are tanks left behind, or bought from the US. Exact numbers are unknown, but going from what we see on photos, there were a decend number of them there.
And some of these were fitted with Dozer blades. (Or Dozer blade kits had been fitted to them later). These Dozer tanks were used alongside the normal M4A3E8(105)'s)The conflicts and actions that were taken in the East Indies around this time are not something I’m going to talk about here. Simply because I don’t find it necessary for the topic of this suggestion, and also because it’s a blood stained part of Dutch and Indonesian history.
On the 7th of June 1949 the “Mariniersbrigade” would be disbanded and reorganized due to reduction in personel active in the East Indies.
Whatever became of the M4A3E8(105) Dozertanks present there is unknown to me. I would imagine some ended up in Indonesian hands.
A Dutch M4A3E8(105) Dozertank crossing a bridge
Source: Foto's
Specifications
Spoiler
Mass: 31.7 tons
Crew: 5Powerplant: Ford GAA engine
Engine horsepower: 500 hp
Max speed: 42 km/h
Suspension type: Horizontal Volute Suspension System (HVSS)
Track extensions available: NoneArmour:
Hull: (47°, Large Hatch, Late 1-Piece Differential Cover)
- M1A1 Dozer blade: I think ~12.7 - 25.4 mm structural steel
- Front: 63.5 mm at 47°
- Sides: 38.1 mm at 0°
- Rear: 38.1 mm at 22°
- Roof: 19.5 mm
Turret: (105mm D78541 turret)
- Mantlet: 88.9 mm
- Front: 76.2 mm
- Sides: 50.8 mm
- Rear: 50.8 mm
- Roof: 25.4 mm
Armament:
- 1 x 1 105 mm M4 howitzer
- Ammunition storage: 66 rounds
- 1 x 1 12.7 mm M2HB machine gun
- Ammunition storage: 600 rounds
- 1 x 1 7.62 mm M1919 machine gun (The hull machine gun is removed and covered up by a Welded plate of armour)
- Ammunition storage: 3000 rounds
Ingame
Spoiler
I know what you might say, it’s just another M4 Sherman. And you’d be right! Normally the vehicles I suggest are unique vehicles I’d want to see ingame. But in this case it’s just a M4 Sherman.
The reason I’m suggesting this, and all other Dutch operated Sherman tanks, is because I feel that they are still a necessary part of a potential independent BeNeLux techtree (Not the sad sub-tree we have now). ← Written on the 29th of Januari 2025Another reason I’m suggesting this is because I find there is a huge lack of Low Ranking Dozertanks. We have Dozer blades ingame as a modification for certain MBT’s, but I find that the fast paced high Ranking battles are a terrible place for Dozer blades. I never see anyone use them really.
The more slower paced low Rank battles are a much better fit for Dozer blades. There you can try and mess around more without getting sniped by a helicopter 20 kilometers away. Also the Dozer blade itself adds some protection for the vehicle. This is not noticeablein high Ranking battles, but in the Lower onces it might just add a bit more protection.
Also the Sherman tank was the backbone of the Dutch Army just after the second world war, so they do have some historical value to the Dutch. And their active duty in the East Indies is also something unique for the Dutch.
Ofcourse the BeNeLux has been added to France, so this is now the only option where Dutch vehicles will go to. But it must be said that the Netherlands and France have nothing in common, and do not make sense to combine together ingame.
A Dutch M4A3E8(105) Dozertank going through a puddle of water
Source: Foto's
That would be all for today, see you next time!
Extra photos
Sources
Spoiler
Main source:
- “Wiel en Rups, Voertuigen van de landmacht 1945-2015” book by Sander Ruys
Extra sources:
- Pantser.net
- M4 Sherman-tank - Nationaal Militair Museum
- Mariniersbrigade in Nederlands-Indië - Wikipedia
Engine:
Photos:
