Re: Historic Vehicle Assoc. E-News

Posted by Craig the Clipper Man On 2013/5/15 7:11:19

As far as Jeeps were concerned, the U.S. Department of War determined that American Bantam was too small a company to produce the number of vehicles the military would require, so Jeep production was split between Willys and Ford. Studebaker was responsible for B-17 Flying Fortress engines, US6 6x6 military trucks and the M29 and M29C "Weasel." Hudson provided the "Invader" engine that powered World War II landing crafts, 20mm cannons, and airplane components.

All of the car companies made sacrifices and contributions to the American war effort. As for the Sherman tank, it was a medium tank while the German Tiger and Panther were heavy tanks. The Sherman was successful when it had the numbers to go up against the Germans. Keep in mind, too, that the Germans are notorious for over-engineering their cars and their tanks were no exception. Unlike the Sherman and the Soviet T-34 medium tank, the German tanks were overly complex and tempermental. When they broke down in the field, it was nearly impossible to repair them, so the orders were for tank crewds to destroy disabled tanks. This meant that as the war progressed, the Germans were able to field fewer and fewer capable tanks. Then the Germans shot their wad at the Battle of the Bulge. Most of their tanks were taken out by American field pieces, but Shermans also got their share.

The Sherman was relatively inexpensive and produced fairly quickly, as well as being adaptable and reliable. The Germans overall had the best tanks in World War II, but the Americans could overwhelm the Germans with sheer numbers. Sometimes having what you need and being able to count on it is bettter than having the very best and then being forced to blow it up yourself because parts are unavailable and no one is capable of working on it.