- Yes
- No
Hello, I did say Canada used 2 Easy 8 and if you didn’t see the other suggestion this is one of the two “Easy 8” used by Canada I’m suggesting. This here is the A3 variant which was loaned to the Canadians in the Korean War being their main tank of the conflict.
History:
In 1950 the Korean War started after North Korea invaded the south, not long later the UN condemned that and passed a resolution that would get a number of nations involved including Canada. However, Canada went into with less than up-to-date amour. After WW2 ended Canada would leave the majority of their armour in Europe leaving them with less than ideal things to send to Korea. This would lead to Canada acquiring M4A3(76)W HVSS from the US stationed there, this was done by a mix of good words from American units and the fact Canada had brought the M4A2 version of the 76mm variant for training not long earlier.
The M4A3 is considered the penultimate Sherman that the US used. It uses a welded hull like most Sherman, compared to most Shermans this one’s biggest difference is the fact it uses the Ford GAA V8 engine. One of the best ways to tell it apart from the A2 variant is a lump of little in a rectangle shape sticking out of the sides on the rear deck as these are used to hold the engine covers for maintenance.
When the Korean War broke out, Canada decided they’d send an armoured unit to support the operations in the conflict. This would end up with the first unit being sent being a composite tank squadron that was fielded as half a squadron being Lord Strathcona’s Horse. This unit was originally equipped with Achilles tank destroyers with their 17-pounder cannons. So when the unit arrived in Puson, Korea on May 4th, 1951 they were equipped with the Achilles. After the Canadians landed, the decision was made to switch the Achilles for the M4A3(76)W HVSS from American stots in Korea. This led to Achilles being shipped to Japan where they were shipped to the UK to be given to other allies.
Canada would proceed to purchase 20 of the M4A3E8, with the authority to buy 10 more to replace losses if required. These tanks would receive a number of modifications during their service under Canada, these would include having their radios replaced with No. 19s from the Achilles, having the roof-mounted MG moved from behind to in front of the commander hatch, a spotlight fitted to the turret, they would also receive extra armour over time in the way of extra tracks. The last modification was giving the tank extra ammo, this would happen in a few ways: removing the co-driver seat for 65 rounds, storage on the floor for 35 rounds and wedding racks above the exhaust reflectors for 54 rounds. This would give the tanks a total of 225 rounds or 154 more rounds on top of the 71 it normally carried. Canada would refer to the M4A3(76)W HVSS as M4A3E8.
More photos
Specs:
M4A3E8 Sherman specifications
Dimensions (LxWxH) 7.54 (without gun) x 2.99 x 2.97 m (24’7″ x 9’8″ x 9’7″)
Track width 0.59 m (1’11” ft.in)
Total weight, battle ready 30.3 tonnes (66,800 lbs)
Crew 4 (commander, driver, gunner, loader)
Propulsion Ford GAA all-aluminum 32-valve DOHC 60-degree, V8 engine, 525 HP, V8 gasoline petrol engine
Maximum speed 40 – 48 km/h (25 – 30 mph) on road
Suspensions Horizontal Volute Spring Suspension (HVSS)
Range 193 km (120 miles)
Armament 76 mm (3 in) L/55 M1A12 with muzzle brake
cal .50 (12.7 mm) Browning M2HB machine gun
cal.30-06 (7.62 mm) Browning M1919 A4 machine gun
Armor Maximum 76 mm (3 in)
Spoiler
Medium Tank M4A3(76)W HVSS Sherman 'Easy Eight' in Canadian Service - Tank Encyclopedia
Sherman Tank | The Canadian Encyclopedia
Post–World War II Sherman tanks - Wikipedia
www.canadiansoldiers.com
The Sherman M4A3 Medium Tank. | The Sherman Tank Site
The Sherman M4A3 76W: The tank that would grow into the ultimate Sherman | The Sherman Tank Site
The Royal Canadian Armoured Corps: An Illustrated History by John Marteinson & Michael R. McNorgan
The Postwar Sherman in Canadian Service by Rod Henderson