This awesome book Includes a vast amount of information with a very complete description of the Sherman tanks from the early M4s through the M4A6. The book is profusely illustrated with black & white and color photographs, color illustrations, charts, and diagrams. Modelers, historians, and those interested in tanks in general will find this book to be an invaluable enjoyable resource. The text is informative and easy to read, and the illustrations are beautifully done.

Contents

1. A Tank Named Sherman - Provides a history of the different variations of the Sherman tank from the M2 through the M7 including some discussion of the preceding T6 tank. This section also describes service of the M4s in World War II in the many countries where it saw service.
2. Production - This chapter uses charts, text, color illustrations, detail photos, and a detailed cross-section to illustrate the differences between the various Sherman versions.
3. The Chassis - This chapter describes the different hull types from the rounded cast hull of the M4A1, the early riveted M4s, and the later hulls made up of welded armor plates. Excellent color illustrations show the placement of interior equipment and black & white photos are used to describe the fuel and steering systems. Running gear is described in a series of illustrations with color photographs of the various suspension elements. Differences in the rear decks of the M4s are also shown in color illustrations. The various engines used in the Shermans are described and includes black & white photographs.
4. Turrets - This section uses color illustrations and black & white photos to describe the various turret configurations and equipment.
5. Armament and Ammunition - Small arms and equipment are illustrated. Cannon shells are covered in detail with photographs, color illustrations, and charts with statistics on the shells and armament for the different M4 versions.
6. The Sherman Crew - The duties and crew positions are called out and shown in photographs and illustrations. Detailed illustrations show various driver dashboard configurations. The working conditions of the crew are spelled out as well as the steps necessary to prepare the tanks for operation. Combat and environmental conditions are also discussed.
7. Evolution of the Sherman - Further descriptions of the Shermans are described in their development of different versions. Color profiles are provided for many of the types.
8. The Sherman family - One of the longest chapters with over 50 pages, this section describes Sherman variants such as dozer, command, headrow cutter, mine clearers, flamethrowers, deep wading Shermans. The section also describes preparations of Shermans for the landings at Normandy on D Day. Diagrams and charts illustrate the planned use of tanks as part of the D Day invasion. The section goes on to cover Sherman rocket launchers, the Sherman Firefly and Shermans configured as artillery and prime movers. The tank destroyer Shermans are covered with color illustrations.
9. Logistics, Supply, and Backup - This section focuses on the Red Ball Express used to supply allied forces as they advanced. Color illustrations of vehicles comprising an ordinance battalion are shown. Vehicle maintenance, fuel management, and ammunition management are described.
10. Numbering and Markings - This section uses color photographs and illustrations to show foundry markings, and technical, tactical, and traditional markings for vehicles. Markings for British, Canadian, and French Shermans are shown in extensive color illustrations.
11. Unit Composition and Organization - US tank battalion and tank destroyer battalions are described in color illustrations showing the composition of vehicle types. The section also describes Soviet, British, and French unit compositions. The section includes many more clear, sharp, black-and-white photographs.
12. The Success of the Sherman - The importance of Shermans in many WW2 landing operations. The use of Shermans after WWII is also described.
13. The Sherman Since 1945. - This section describes use of the Shermans by military forces around the world after World War II.

Appendix I Military Operations – ETO - Lists the military operations during World War II.

Glossary and abbreviations - Describes many of the major terms used in the book

Sources and bibliography - Lists books, technical documentation, photo credits, and websites used as sources for the book.

Summary

Sherman, the M4 tank in World War II, is an excellent reference for Sherman aficionados and modelers alike. The black & white photographs are sharp, very clear, and the color illustrations are very informative. This book is a handy reference for identifying the various Sherman types and variants. The book includes detail photos, in-action photos, and current photos of surviving Sherman tanks.

Comparison to R. P. Honeycutt’s classic reference, Sherman: a History of the American Medium Tank.

At 240 pages, Estève’s Book is obviously not as comprehensive as Honeycutt’s almost 600-page book. However, the color illustrations and photographs in Estève’s Book are much clearer and easier to understand than those in Honeycutt’s book. Estève’s book should provide more than enough information for all but the most detail conscious modeler or Sherman buff.

Sherman, the M4 tank in World War II is an excellent reference packed with information and highly descriptive illustrations and should be in every Sherman modeler’s library.

Many thanks to Casemate for producing this excellent book and providing the review sample to IPMS.