New Vanguard Series No.141
Author: David Fletcher
Softback, 48 pages
ISBN: 978 1 84603 277 6
Prices around: £9.99 GBP (book); £7.99 e-pub, e-book; £7.99 PDF book
Review by Bill Curtis (November 2013)
Our thanks to Osprey Publishing for supplying our review copy. Get this good reference book here now at: www.ospreypublishing.com
Initial assessment
This volume is part of the New Vanguard series No 141 and follows the standard format being 48 pages in length with artwork, a cutaway drawing and numerous photographs throughout.
This volume deals with the British endeavour to modify the Sherman to take on the German armour with a gun of equivalent hitting power. The 17 pounder was the choice which meant that the turret had to be extensively modified with the radio being mounted in a box on the turret rear.
Mr. Fletcher goes to great lengths to describe these modifications, which is remarkable considering the size of the book, just 48 pages! The narrative on the loading procedure really gives a detailed insight of the difficulties of fitting such a large gun into the Sherman turret.
Once these vehicles were used in combat they proved their worth to the British and Commonwealth troops. There are no in action reports as Mr. Fletcher deemed these as “rarely reliable”.
Conclusion
This may not be a new book but as I am researching the Firefly and have nothing on this vehicle, this was my first choice of book. Osprey volumes are always a good starting point and this is no exception as it has lots of information for a small book with some great artwork, photographs, a superb cutaway drawing and an easy to read text.
For anyone interested in the Firefly a ‘must have’ book at a low cost.
Highly recommended
Bill C.