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At the beginning of the Second World War, Australia could field only four obsolete Vickers Medium Mark.2 (Special) tanks dating from the late 1930s. These were pressed into service for training and served until mid-1942 when large numbers of tanks from Britain and the United States began arriving.

By far the most numerous of the tanks allocated to Australia were the M3 series supplied under lend-lease arrangements direct from the United States of America. A total of 757 were delivered in five different models: the M3, M3A2, M3A3 and M3A5 Grant and the M3 Lee. Although never firing a shot in combat, the M3 series Medium tanks formed the mainstay of Australia’s continental defence from 1942 to 1945. The M3 Grant diesel-powered tanks remained in service with reserve forces until 1956 – a very impressive 14 years of service for a type that was already obsolescent in 1942!

The Australian Army extensively experimented and modified the M3 series to improve the type’s versatility. From experimentation with electrified anti-personnel railings to flamethrower and spigot bomb throwing versions, many proposals were attempted but never entered service. There were also many successful modifications such as upgraded suspension, anti-mine wire mesh screens, deep wading attachments and appliqué armour for increased frontal protection. Australian variants included the Armoured Recovery Vehicle, bulldozer, and Yeramba SP gun. Australia also conducted trials in Australia and New Guinea of the M4 Sherman tank as a possible replacement.

This volume details the acquisition, use, modification and disposal of the medium tanks used by Australia during the Second World War. The text is lavishly illustrated with more than 450 images and drawings, many not previously published, and includes thirteen appendices.

Hardbound

Michael K Cecil & Keith Webb

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