Sherman Crab Flail Tank New Vanguard 139 - The Ultimate Demining Machine

When it comes to demining operations during World War II, the Sherman Crab Flail Tank emerged as the ultimate demining machine. The military engineering marvel became an essential asset for clearing deadly landmines and creating safe paths for the advancing troops. In this article, we dive into the specifics of the Sherman Crab Flail Tank as depicted in New Vanguard 139.

History

The Sherman Crab Flail Tank was developed by the British just before the Normandy invasion in 1944. Its primary goal was to tackle the lethal German landmines and make the beachheads safe for the Allied forces. Inspired by agricultural machinery, the tank was fitted with a rotating drum equipped with chains and flails that smashed through the ground, detonating landmines before they could harm the troops.

Sherman Crab Flail Tank (New Vanguard Book 139)

by David Fletcher(Kindle Edition)

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9951 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	48 pages

FREE

Features

The Sherman Crab Flail Tank was based on the reliable and battle-tested M4 Sherman chassis. It featured numerous modifications to fulfill its dedicated demining role:

• Flail Mechanism: The defining feature of the Sherman Crab Flail Tank was the flail mechanism. A large drum with chains and flails was rotated at high speed, with the chains hitting the ground and detonating buried landmines. This unique mechanism allowed for efficient and relatively safe mine clearance.
• Armor Protection: The tank's hull and turret were reinforced with additional armor to withstand the potential blast effects of detonated mines. Though not invincible, this extra protection significantly reduced the chances of catastrophic damage to the tank and its crew.
• Limited Crew: Since the primary objective was mine clearance, the Sherman Crab Flail Tank had a reduced crew size compared to other tanks. This allowed for more space inside the tank, accommodating the complex machinery needed for flail operation.

Effectiveness in Combat

"The Sherman Crab Flail Tank revolutionized demining operations during World War II. It significantly reduced casualties caused by landmines and greatly contributed to the success of the Allied invasion plans." - General Winston Churchill

The Sherman Crab Flail Tank proved to be highly effective in demining operations. During the initial assault on the Normandy beaches, the tank efficiently cleared paths through the minefields, providing safe routes for soldiers and vehicles. Its ability to detonate multiple mines at once allowed for faster progress, minimizing the risk for the advancing forces.

Furthermore, its presence acted as a psychological advantage for the soldiers. The sight of the Sherman Crab Flail Tank advancing confidently, defying the deadly threat of landmines, boosted morale and instilled a sense of security among the Allied troops.

Legacy

Despite being a specialized vehicle, the Sherman Crab Flail Tank left a lasting impact on military engineering. Its unique flail mechanism served as the foundation for subsequent demining machines, such as the modern-day flail tanks used in clearing minefields across the world. The enduring legacy of the Sherman Crab Flail Tank showcases its significant contribution to the development of demining technology and the safety of countless lives.

The Sherman Crab Flail Tank, as depicted in New Vanguard 139, stands as a symbol of human innovation and resilience during the challenging times of war. Its remarkable effectiveness in demining operations revolutionized military strategies and saved countless lives. The legacy of this groundbreaking machine continues to inspire modern demining efforts, showcasing the profound impact of the Sherman Crab Flail Tank in shaping history.

Sherman Crab Flail Tank (New Vanguard Book 139)

by David Fletcher(Kindle Edition)

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9951 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	48 pages

FREE

The Sherman Crab Flail tank was the powerful culmination of a series of mine-clearing flail tanks developed during World War II. Here, David Fletcher recounts how the Sherman Crabs were among the first tanks ashore on D-Day and as the war progressed they were in constant demand both for formal attacks and more incidental operations. Following the development of the tank and its use in the war, he details the US Army's initial lack of interest in the flail, but how after cooperative actions with the British, they too decided to adopt the type themselves. In addition to its special mine-clearing role the Sherman Crab was also capable of fighting in tank duels, and this book includes dramatic accounts of its use by the famous 79th Armoured Division and the US Army. The author explores the beginnings of the design in the Matilda Scorpion and Baron flails, developed for the Valentine and M3 Grant tanks, through to the Sherman, and particularly the Crab version. This detailed account of one of the most interesting tanks in the Funnies series is a delight for any modeller or tank enthusiast.