The M4 Sherman tank was a major player for the Western Allies during World War II. Designed in America, many were powered by the wonderful Chrysler-designed A57 multibank engine, while others came with radial engines, GM 6046 diesel V12s, and even Ford GAA V8s. Approximately 50,000 M4 Shermans were built between 1942 and 1946, with some sources claiming just a few fewer came out of the factory, and others estimating well north of that figure. Production was divided between a total of 11 plants: 10 in the US and one in Canada. And it was not only American troops who used the Sherman – it was also supplied to the British, Canadian and Free French armies during the war. Even the Nazis used Sherman tanks – that is, after they stole them. With so many built, it would be natural to assume that a large portion of them still exist today, but surprisingly this is not the case.
The exact number of M4 Sherman tanks in existence is largely unknown and not as closely agreed upon as the tank’s production numbers. Some sources claim it is as high as 9,500 (via). war history online), while enthusiasts who have located and logged each type of hideout believe the true number is 2,010 at last count (via Facebook). This includes a large number of variations, such as the extremely rare “Jumbo” version, and accounts for Shermans all over the world, of which 92 are thought to be in Israel alone.
Here’s what happened to Sherman tanks after the war
The most obvious description of the Shermans lost would be the thousands that perished in the battle. There is no single official figure for total losses, but enthusiasts on forums suggest that known losses on the American side are between 4,300 and 4,400, while 2,712 is a frequently cited figure for British losses, giving a total of about 7,100. This is without taking into account any losses the French side may have suffered. This still leaves us north of 40,000 tanks, so where have they gone in the last 80 years?
As inglorious as this ending may have been, it appears that many Sherman tanks were destroyed after the war – often at a price far less than it would have cost to produce them a year or two earlier. Many were also gifted to other countries, and as covered, some of them (such as 92 in Israel) have been included by enthusiasts in the current total count. Despite many people being removed and given away and the US armed forces keeping the best for themselves, there were still many people living without a home.
To answer that problem, the US government decided to sell them for civilian use. For those wondering, owning a military tank is legal in all 50 states, so this idea isn’t as crazy as it may seem. After the turrets were removed, these Sherman tanks found homes in the construction, mining and agricultural sectors, and one was even sold to a college fraternity who claimed they had a legitimate reason for purchasing it, but decided not to disclose it at the time, according to the report. reading eagle On 22 December 1957.
