Introduction
The M10 Wolverine was a tank destroyer used by the United States during World War II. It was based on the chassis of the M4 Sherman medium tank, but featured a larger, open-topped turret mounting a 3-inch (76 mm) M7 gun capable of defeating the armor of most German tanks of the time.
Design and Development
The M10 was designed to be a fast, lightly armored vehicle that could hunt down enemy tanks. Its open-topped turret allowed for a larger gun than could be mounted in the turret of the M4 Sherman, but also left the crew more vulnerable to enemy fire. The M10’s thin armor was compensated for by its speed and the power of its main gun.
Production and Variants
Over 6,000 M10s were produced between 1942 and 1943. They saw action in North Africa, Italy, France, and Germany. The British used the M10 under the name “Wolverine”. They were used in the Italian Campaign and in Northwest Europe. The British M10s were equipped with a 17-pounder anti-tank gun in place of the standard 3-inch gun.
Battle of Normandy
The M10 played a key role in the Battle of Normandy, where its 76mm gun was crucial in defeating German Panther and Tiger tanks. The M10’s mobility allowed it to maneuver on the battlefield and engage enemy tanks from advantageous positions.
Successor and Legacy
The M10 was succeeded by the M36 Jackson tank destroyer, which mounted a 90mm gun. However, the M10 remained in service until the end of the war. Its combination of mobility, firepower, and relatively low cost made it an important part of the American tank destroyer force.
Crew and Armament
The M10 had a crew of five: a commander, gunner, loader, driver, and assistant driver. The main armament was the 3-inch (76 mm) M7 gun, which was capable of penetrating the armor of most German tanks at normal combat ranges. The secondary armament consisted of a .50 caliber (12.7 mm) M2 Browning machine gun mounted coaxially with the main gun.
Armor and Mobility
The M10’s armor ranged from 0.5 to 1 inch (12.7 to 25.4 mm) thick, which was relatively thin compared to contemporary tanks. However, its speed and mobility compensated for this. The M10 was powered by a Continental R-975 C1 9-cylinder radial engine, which provided 400 horsepower. This allowed the M10 to reach a top speed of 35 mph (56 km/h).
Deployment and Combat Record
The M10 saw action in several major campaigns and battles of World War II, including the North African Campaign, the Italian Campaign, the Battle of Normandy, and the Battle of the Bulge. It played a crucial role in defeating German tanks and supporting infantry operations.
Variants and Upgrades
Several variants of the M10 were produced, including the M10A1, which had a different engine and transmission, and the M10A1C, which was equipped with a 76mm M1A1 gun. The M10 was also upgraded with additional armor protection for the crew compartment and the engine deck.
Conclusion
The M10 Wolverine was a significant tank destroyer used by the United States and its allies in World War II. Its combination of firepower, mobility, and relatively low cost made it an important part of the American tank destroyer force. The M10 played a key role in several major campaigns and battles of the war, and its legacy continues to be felt today.
FAQs
- What was the main difference between the M10 and the M4 Sherman?
- The main difference was the M10’s larger, open-topped turret that mounted a 76mm gun, compared to the M4 Sherman’s 75mm gun.
- How effective was the M10’s 76mm gun against German tanks?
- The 76mm gun was capable of penetrating the armor of most German tanks at normal combat ranges, making it an effective weapon against enemy armor.
- What was the M10’s top speed?
- The M10 could reach a top speed of 35 mph (56 km/h).
- How many M10s were produced during World War II?
- Over 6,000 M10s were produced between 1942 and 1943.
- What was the M10’s successor?
- The M10 was succeeded by the M36 Jackson tank destroyer, which mounted a 90mm gun.
