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M10 GMC - Wolverines on the Eastern Front
Introduction
The Soviet Union received the M10 Gun Motor Carriage (GMC) as part of the Lend-Lease program during World War II. Known for its 3-inch M7 gun and sloped armor, the M10 was a versatile tank destroyer that provided much-needed firepower against German armored forces. Despite being originally designed for U.S. tank destroyer battalions, the M10 found a unique role on the Eastern Front, where its combination of mobility, firepower, and adaptability made it a valuable asset. Soviet crews integrated the M10 into their operations, achieving notable successes against German tanks and supporting offensive advances during the liberation of Eastern Europe. While eventually overshadowed by other vehicles like the Sherman, the M10’s service with the Red Army demonstrated its resilience and effectiveness in diverse combat scenarios.
History
The M10 Gun Motor Carriage (GMC), known as the Wolverine, was an American World War II tank destroyer developed in 1942 to counter German armored threats, using the M4 Sherman chassis with a 3-inch M7 gun in an open-topped turret that prioritized mobility over heavy armor; first deployed in North Africa during Operation Torch and later used in Europe, Italy, and the Pacific, it proved effective against early-war Panzer III and IV tanks but struggled with heavier models like the Tiger I and Panther, leading crews to rely on tactics and field modifications, while British-upgraded versions, called Achilles, mounted a more potent 17-pounder gun; despite its significant role, the M10’s tank destroyer doctrine faced criticism, and it was gradually replaced by the 90 mm gun-equipped M36 Jackson, yet its design influenced subsequent tank destroyers, and its chassis was adapted for other uses, with over 6,400 units produced and many sent to Allied nations post-war, where they served in conflicts like the Chinese Civil War, securing its legacy as a crucial yet transitional armored vehicle in the U.S. Army’s efforts to address evolving battlefield challenges during World War II.
Soviet M10 History
The Soviet Union received its first M10 tank destroyers in early 1944. By March 22, two new self-propelled artillery regiments, the 1223rd and the 1239th, were established, each equipped with 21 M10s. The 1239th regiment experienced its first combat in July 1944, fighting as part of the 16th Tank Corps, 2nd Tank Army, under the 1st Belorussian Front. Following the capture of Lublin, the regiment advanced from Demblin, Poland, to support the SU-85-equipped 1441st Self-Propelled Artillery Regiment in its push toward Aleksandrów.
On July 30, 1944, during the march, Luftwaffe attacks inflicted significant losses on the SU-85s. The M10s, however, remained intact and successfully downed a JU-88 bomber using their heavy Browning AA guns. By August, with 17 operational vehicles, the 1239th engaged in battles around Warsaw. Between August 1 and 5, the regiment effectively fended off German tank assaults, with the 4th battery alone claiming three tanks, including two Panthers, and two armored cars. Meanwhile, the 1223rd regiment, attached to the 29th Tank Corps of the 5th Guards Tank Army, participated in the liberation of Belarus, the Baltic States, and East Prussia throughout 1944 and 1945.
Although the M10 “Wolverine” excelled against heavy German tanks at medium ranges, the Soviet Union ultimately prioritized the M4A2 76(W) Sherman. By May 1, 1945, the 1223rd regiment retained 10 M10s, four of which were still fully operational.
only known photo of it in action.
Specifications:
General Information
- Origin: United States
- Crew: 5
Dimensions
- Length: 6.83 meters (22 ft 5 in)
- Width: 3.05 meters (10 ft)
- Height: 2.57 meters (8 ft 5 in)
- Weight: 29.6 tons (59,450 lbs)
Armament
- Main Gun: 3-inch M7 cannon
- Ammunition Capacity: 54 rounds
- Effective Range: Approximately 2,000 meters (1.24 miles)
- Secondary Armament:
- 1 × .50 caliber (12.7 mm) M2 Browning machine gun (for anti-aircraft and infantry defense)
- Ammunition Capacity: 1,000 rounds
Armor
- Thickness:
- Hull: 9.5–38 mm (0.37–1.5 in)
- Turret: 19–57 mm (0.75–2.25 in)
Mobility
- Engine:
- General Motors 6046 twin diesel engine (375 hp)
- Some versions (M10A1) used the Wright R-975 radial gasoline engine.
- Power-to-Weight Ratio: 12.7 hp/ton
- Top Speed: 48 km/h (30 mph)
- Range: 320 km (200 miles) on road
Images
