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Forums - Research / WW2 |
This WW2 forum is intended for asking and discussing reference or historical related issues pertaining to WW2 (1939-1945) subjects. |
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| Subject: | Re: Ram developement |  |
| Date: | Mar 15, 2006 |
| From: | Blair Quinn | |
Hello Dave;
I quote Chamberlain and Ellis in "British and American Tanks of World War II". "The serious shortage of tanks in Britain (in 1940) meant there was no chance of any equipment (cruiser tanks) being provided from the United Kingdom (to equip two Cdn armoured divisions). At the same time, American tank production, though about to be increased was insufficient to provide Canada's needs."
As for not making Shermans from the get go, Ram I production started in early 1940 and was based on the US M3 design. Ram II production started in late 1941 prior to the outbreak of the war in the Pacific and well before February 1942 when M4A1 production started.
The Sentinal evolved from the need to provide a tank for an impending war with Japan. It was thought that the Sentinal would be ready by August of 1941 but due to an "over-optimistic and unrealistic estimate", production did not start until August of 1942 by which time "the tank supply situation had changed and the USA was able to provide all vehicles necessary for equipping the 1st Austrailian Armoured Division".
Many of the changes which took place in the Ram evolution were those which would naturally take place during a design and production process. The side doors were from the M3 and early M4 design, the 6lb Ram II gun was superior to the 2lb Ram I gun.
Interesting to note that the Cdn designed CDP track used by the Ram was considered to be superior to the US tracks as it was "easier and cheaper to produce and offering better traction" when compared to the M4 tracks. (By the way, does anybody make an after-market CDP track set?)
When faced with the overwhelming numbers of M4's being produced and the logistics nightmare of having numerous tank designs in the field at the same time (re: German supply logistics problems), it made sense to relegate Rams and Sentinals to training or other duties. Many Rams became a specialized vehicle known as the Kangaroo APC.
Hope this helps.
Blair |
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