writes:
Impressed by the performance of the Churchill Crocodile, U.S. commanders begun speculating if a similar vehicle could be developed using the M4 Sherman tank, and approached the British War Office about the possibility of fulfilling the estimated requirement of 100 M4 Sherman Crocodiles.
The first prototype was completed in January 1944, with the first production vehicles rolling off the assembly line in March of that year. The production plan called for the British to supply the common components, such as the armored fuel trailer, while the U.S. would provide the necessary Sherman parts.
The flame projector was mounted externally to the front of the vehicle, with the necessary fuel supplied via the armored fuel trailer towed behind the vehicle. The two were connected via a fuel hose that ran along the outside of the hull.
This was cause for concern amongst U.S. high command, whose change of heart meant that only four vehicles ever saw service with the 739th Tank Battalion (Mine Exploder). These examples saw limited action supporting the 29th Infantry and 2nd Armored Divisions during and following the Rhine crossings.
Designed by Evan Allen
Painted by Daniel Linder
