Osprey New Vanguard 57 : M10 and M36 Tank Destroyers 1942-1953

The US Army had a unique tactical doctrine during World War II, placing the emphasis for tank fighting on its Tank Destroyer Command. Its early tank destroyers were flawed improvisations. The only early design with much merit was the M10 3-inch Gun Motor Carriage, based on the reliable M4A2 Sherman tank chassis. This durable and versatile vehicle saw combat service from the North Africa campaign in 1943, through the campaigns in Sicily, Italy, and Northwest Europe. It was also widely used by British and Commonwealth forces, and a few saw service with the Red Army on the Eastern Front. By 1944, its gun was not powerful enough to deal with newer German tank types. It was rearmed with the new 90mm gun in a new turret, becoming the M36 90mm Gun Motor Carriage. This new tank destroyer was introduced in the fall of 1944, and was one of the only US armoured vehicles capable of dealing with the Panther and Tiger during the Battle of the Bulge. Britain took a different route, and rearmed its M10s with the legendary 17 pdr. anti-tank gun. The M36 continued to serve on in later years, in Korea, Indochina, the Indo-Pakistan wars, and recently in the Balkans conflicts. Text by Steven Zaloga with illustrations by Peter Sarson.

Contents

• Introduction
• Design and Development
• Operation History
• Variants
• Commentary on the Colour Plates