Armour in Canada: Sherman M4A2(76)W HVSS Tank

Sherman M4A2(76)W HVSS tank

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3524711)

Dismantling Canadian Line Positions, General view of the Royal Canadian Regiment, 'Baker' Company area, being cleared out. In foreground, a Lord Strathcona Horse (LdSH) Sherman tank. Korea, 28 July 1953.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4234038)

Canadian Sherman M4A2(76)W HVSS tank, Petawawa, Ontario, ca. 1963.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4234039).

Canadian Sherman M4A2(76)W HVSS tank (CFR No. 78-874), Camp Petawawa, ca. 1963.  

In 1946 the first of 294 M4A2 (76-mm) Wet Horizontal Volute Spring Suspension (HVSS) Sherman tanks arrived at Camp Borden and at the Long Pointe Ordnance Depot in Montreal.  The Canadians referred to this tank as the M4A2E8.  96 Stuart tanks were also delivered at the same time.  The new Shermans were manufactured by the Fisher Tank Arsenal in Grand Blanc, Michigan between May 1944 and May 1945.  M24 Chaffee light tanks were also purchased at this time.  Compared with the Shermans used by Canadians in the Second World War, the ammunition storage in the new tanks was improved by surrounding the racks with water and etheylene glycol-filled jackets to reduce the probability of explosion in the event of penetration of the armour by enemy fire.  The tanks equipped with this protection system were designated "Wet".  The M4A2E8 was powered by a pair of side-by-side mounted General Motors 6046 diesel engines producing 375 hp mounted in the rear of the hull.  The tank could sustain a speed of 48 kmh (30 mph).  Its main armament was a 76-mm M1A2 long-barreled, high-velocity gun fitted with a muzzle brake.  Its secondary armament included one Browning .30-calibre M1919A4 machine-gun mounted co-axially with the main gun, a bow machine-gun in the front of the hull, and a Browning .50-calibre machine-gun mounted on a post between the loader's and commander's hatches for AA protection.  The HVSS system used four wheels per bogie instead of two, which allowed tracks that were wider (165-mm) to be installed, and which made for better performance on soft ground and allowed for a smoother ride.  The M4A2E8 had a five-man crew.  The driver and co-driver sat in the front of the hull with the driver on the left and co-driver on the right.  The crew commander, loader and gunner sat in the turret.  The crew commander's position was on the right side of the turret, the loader sat on his left and the gunner sat in front of the commander.  After the first batch of the new tanks went to the RCD at Camp Borden 1946, another 30 went to the LdSH at Camp Wainwright, Alberta in March 1947.  Training on the tanks by the LdSH was also conducted at Camp Sarcee in Alberta, and at Camp Petawawa when the RCD moved there in the spring of 1948.

(DND Photo)

Trooper Andy Parenteau of the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) sleeps on the back of a Canadian Sherman M4A3(76)W HVSS tank, Korea. Note the American ration box and United Nations/Canada crest on the tail.

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank preserved in Canada

British Columbia

Chilliwack

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 69301), built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30129780, “Caroline”.  This tank is still in running order.  It belongs to the 39th Combat Engineers Regiment and is currently on display at the Armoury (Old Area Support Unit facility) on Keith Wilson Road.

Kelowna

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 69132), built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30129611, No. 53, Brigadier Angle Armoury, 720 Lawrence Ave.

Sidney

M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 69087), built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30129566, “Cheetah”, Army, Navy & Air Force (ANAF) Hall, Unit No. 302, 9831 4th St.

Vancouver

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 69192), built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30129671, No. 53, “Boss”, Beatty Street Drill Hall, 620 Beatty Street.

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 69343), built by Fisher, Reg. No. unknown,  “Calgary II”, No. 51.

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 69342), built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30129821, inside the Museum.

Calgary

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank, King’s Own Calgary Regiment, Mewata Armoury, Calgary, Alberta.

Alberta

Edmonton, CFB Edmonton

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 64882), built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30122861, “Catherine”, Harvey Bldg, Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians), Edmonton Garrison.

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 65011), built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30122990, painted as 361, 350201, “Beowulf”, Harvey Bldg, CFB Edmonton, Alberta.  This tank was owned by Mr Jim Rice, it has been sold to a private collector.

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 69059), built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30129538, “Spartan”, Harvey Bldg, Edmonton Garrison.

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank Mk II, (Serial No. 19669), built by Chrysler, R/N 3019975, painted as T212123, "Alberta".  This tank is being converted into an M4A4 by the LdSH for a museum exhibit.  The hull has been stripped out and a new 75-mm turret has been acquired to make it into a Sherman V.

CFB Wainwright

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 78-851), “Catherine”.

Saskatchewan

Moose Jaw, LCol D.V. Currie VC Armoury.

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No.  69258), built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30129737, DND No. 78-696, 33, LCol D.V. Currie VC Armoury.

Swift Current

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank, CFR, 78-947, (Serial No. S64990), built by Fisher, Reg. No.  30122969.  This tank is dedicated to the 14th Hussars, Recreational Centre Memorial, 6th Ave & Sidney St East, Swift Current, Saskatchewan.

Manitoba

Minnedosa

Canadian M4A2 (76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 65019), built by Fisher, Reg. No. 3022998.  Brought to the town in 1970 from CFB Shilo, 12th Manitoba Dragoons.

Steinbach

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 69287), built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30129766.  This tank is in running condition and belongs to a private collector.

Winnipeg

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 69041), built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30129520, DND 78-864, dedicated to the Fort Garry Horse, McGregor Armoury, 551 Machray Ave.

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 69139), built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30129618, DND 78-863, Royal Canadian Legion, Charleswood Branch No. 100, 6003 Roblin Ave.

Ontario

‍Barrie

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 65034), built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30123013, Barrie Armoury, 37 Parkside Drive.

CFB Borden, Base Borden Military Museum

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 64985), built by Fisher, Reg. No.  30122964, full side skirts, MGen Worthington Memorial Park.

M4A4(75) Sherman Crab Mk. II mine flail tank with 75mm gun, built by Chrysler (Serial No. 5072)  Reg. No. 3056882, DV.  MGen Worthington Memorial Park.

Collingwood

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 69406), built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30129885, “Bun-Ben”, Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 63.

Goderich

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 65017), built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30122996, Huron County Museum, 110 North St.  The tank is painted representing the command tank of Major David Currie V.C., South Alberta Regiment.

Haliburton

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 69162), built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30129641, “Haliburton”, painted 45-7887.  This tank stands in front of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 129, 719 Mountain Street.

Hanover

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 64969), built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30122948, Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 130, 493 8th Ave.

CFB Kingston

Canadian M4A2 (76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 65171), built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30129650, 78-932, “Lad”, McNaughton Barracks gate, Hwy 2.

Kingston, Royal Military College

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 65021), built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30123000, “Athene”, mounted on a Bailey Bridge, Royal Military College, Kingston, Ontario.

London

Royal Canadian Regiment Museum

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 69199), built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30129678, “Angel” markings of the 6th Armoured Regiment, 1st Hussars.

Meaford

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 65008, built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30122987, Main Gate, Central Area Training Centre.

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 65248, built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30123227, Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 32, Legion Road, Meaford Park.

Oshawa

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 65223), built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30123202, “Conqueror”.  This tank stands in front of the Oshawa Armoury, 535 Simcoe St N, Oshawa, Ontario.

The Ontario Regiment Museum, The Ontario Regiment Museum, 1000 Stevenson Rd N.

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 65240), built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30123219, "Beowulf".  This tank is now inside the Museum hangar.

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 64993), built by Fisher, Reg. No.  30122972, “Bart”, DND 78-904.

Ottawa

National Military Cemetery, Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Ave.

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 69257), built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30129736, “Hussar”, painted DND 78-749.

Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy Place.

M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 65251), built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30123230.

M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank minus the turret, (Serial No. 645001), built by Fisher, Reg. No.  30122980, cutaway training aid.

Owen Sound

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 69393), built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30129872.  This tank stands in front of the Owen Sound Armoury, 10th St E & 8th Ave E.

CFB Petawawa, Military Museums

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 651241), built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30123220, CFB Petawawa Military Museum.  

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 69135), built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30129614, outside the North Gate.

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 64966), built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30122945, “Worthy”, Main Gate.  

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 69241), built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30129720, Worthington Barracks, Royal Canadian Dragoons.

Sarnia

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 65042), built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30123021, “Calamity”, 1st Hussars, Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 62.

Scarbourough

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank, privately owned, Scarborough, Ontario.

Shirley’s Bay, Connaught Ranges and Primary Training Centre

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank,  privately owned.  The concrete pad for this tank is in place, but the tank itself is currently missing, possibly returned to a private owner.

St Catherines

M5A1 Stuart VI Light Tank (without turret), (Serial No. 10778), combat survivor, served with the Lincoln & Welland Regiment, Serial No. WD CT271427, Lake Street Armoury, 81 Lake Street.

St Thomas

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 65032), built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30123011, and a few sections of Engineer bridging, St. Thomas Armoury, Wilson Ave & Chester St.  

Sudbury

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 65076), built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30123055, Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 76, 1553 Weller Street.

Toronto

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank, York Cemetery, 160 Beecroft Road.

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 69036), built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30129515, “Athene”.  This tank is one of two standing in front of the LCol George Taylor Denison Armoury, 1 Yukon Lane.

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 69209), built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30129688, “Ares”, LCol George Taylor Denison Armoury, 1 Yukon Lane.

Quebec

Gatineau

M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 69215), built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30129694, “Chateauguay”, Régiment de Hull, de Salaberry Armoury, 188 Alexandre Taché Boulevard.

M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 69224), built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30129703, “Kiska”, Régiment de Hull, de Salaberry Armoury.

Montréal, CFB Montréal, Longue Point Garrison, Royal Canadian Ordnance Museum, 6560 Hochelaga Street.

M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 69229), built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30129708.

Québec City, La Citadelle

M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank,  la Citadelle, The Royal 22e Museum.

Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean (CMR)

M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank,  facing the parade square from the NW side.

Stanstead    

M4A2 (76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No. 65029), built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30123008.

CFB Valcartier

M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank, 12e RBC Barracks.

New Brunswick

Moncton

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank, “Coriano", Centennial Park, St George Blvd.

Combat Training Centre, 5 CDSG Base Gagetown, Armour School

M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank, CFR 78-980, (Serial No. 1080E), 76-mm Gun, “Addy”, West of Bldg J-7.

M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank, CFR 65038, built by Fisher, Reg. No. 30123017, “Fox”, painted as CFR 78-980, New Brunswick Military History Museum, Main Gate.

Sussex

M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank, “Balaclava”, BGen Milton Gregg VC Armoury, Leonard Drive.

Prince Edward Island

Charlottetown, Queen Charlotte Armoury

M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (Serial No.  65040), built by Fisher, with full skirts, Reg. No. 30123019, standing in front of the armoury.

Nova Scotia

Halifax

Canadian M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank (CFR No. 78-778), “Hellfire”.  This tank was on display on the West side of the Halifax Armoury. It is currently stored at CFB Shearwater.

Kentville

M4A2(76)W HVSS Sherman "Easy 8" tank, previously located at Cornwallis, it is now with a private owner.

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