Old Sherman

[ogrejohn]

I had to go over to the courthouse today. This Sherman has been here in this spot for many, many years and this is the first time I took photos of it though I've driven past it hundreds of times. Story has it that it was driven around 10 miles from the Indiana National Guard post in Seymour back in either the late 40s or early 50s. I don't know much about Shermans but I think they said it was an M4A1(76)w. I couldn't believe how rough the texture was especially on the turret.

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I've been told that there are a few in the area that think that it should be gotten rid of and something else put in its place. I think that's sad.

[lyle]

Neat old lady!

[TOWGunner]

The HVSS suspension makes this an M4A1E8. Probably, being National Guard, from the mid-50's.

[tcoat]

We have an actual D-Day Juno beach survivor in a park here. It was just recently restored.

Story - globalnews.ca/news/8880090/holy-roller-unveiling-london-ont/  
legionmagazine.com/the-little-tank-that-could/ 



It was pretty rough for a while


And a REALLY cool thing they are doing to raise money. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/holy-roller-tank-models-1.6643471 


There are even decals including the plaques available. 

[deafpanzer]

Cool! I wasn’t aware of it and I definitely need to check it out next time I am in area. Is the texture rough from many layers of old paint or it was made that way?

[Tojo72]

Always cool to see different pieces of equipment around.

[tcoat]

Feb 9, 2024 20:01:56 GMT -5 deafpanzer said:

Cool! I wasn’t aware of it and I definitely need to check it out next time I am in area. Is the texture rough from many layers of old paint or it was made that way?

The rough texture is from the casting and heat treating process. The later cast turrets were heat treated by hitting them with high pressure water jets on the thicker sections instead of just quenching them in still water. This resulted in spalling and a rougher but harder surface. 

[tcoat]

Feb 9, 2024 20:10:11 GMT -5 Tojo72 said:

Always cool to see different pieces of equip.ent around.

We actually have two Shermans in town. One is located at what is left of our old army base that is now just a couple of buildings for reservists.





Have a hand full of older stuff including a Universal (Bren gun) carrier.

[stikpusher]

Shermans.... nice!

[kyledehart5]

I need to get to Seymour to check that Sherman out I guess. That's not far really. Very cool

[tcoat]

Feb 9, 2024 23:47:21 GMT -5 kyledehart5 said:

I need to get to Seymour to check that Sherman out I guess. That's not far really. Very cool

Got thinking about it and there are something like 8 Shermans within a 2 hour drive of me. At least 4 of those are within 1/2 an hour.

[ogrejohn]

Feb 9, 2024 23:47:21 GMT -5 kyledehart5 said:

I need to get to Seymour to check that Sherman out I guess. That's not far really. Very cool

It's in Brownstown which is about 10 miles west of Seymour on US50. Stay on US 50 out of Seymour and you will see it at the courthouse on the left. Can't miss it.

[kyledehart5]

Feb 10, 2024 4:43:43 GMT -5 ogrejohn said:

Feb 9, 2024 23:47:21 GMT -5 kyledehart5 said:

I need to get to Seymour to check that Sherman out I guess. That's not far really. Very cool

It's in Brownstown which is about 10 miles west of Seymour on US50. Stay on US 50 out of Seymour and you will see it at the courthouse on the left. Can't miss it.

oh I’ve been to Brownstown many times for sprint car races. But only to the fairgrounds which explains why I didn’t know this existed. Thanks!

[406 Silverado]

Now THIS is a REALLY cool thread starting with what you posted and then spinning off into all of these other Shermans that are on display. Hopefully the folks at the "town hall" don't remove it as these have definitely earned their place in the spotlight. Thanks for sharing this John (ogrejohn).

[TOWGunner]

"Holy Roller" is an M4 and "Angel" is an M4A3E8.

[tcoat]

Feb 10, 2024 9:58:57 GMT -5 TOWGunner said:

"Holy Roller" is an M4 and "Angel" is an M4A3E8.

The Holy Roller is a very, very well documented tank!


"Holy Roller was built at General Motors' Fisher Tank Arsenal in Flint, Michigan, in the last week of September 1942. It is an M4A2(75) model with serial number 7606 and U.S. registration number 3062855. It was shipped to England, where it was issued with the War Department number CT-152655.[2] It was not until late May/early June 1944 that it was issued to the 6th Armoured Regiment (1st Hussars), just before D-Day."

[TOWGunner]

Okay, M4A2. It's impossible to tell the difference without seeing the engine deck or exhausts.

[tcoat]

Feb 10, 2024 11:08:32 GMT -5 TOWGunner said:

Okay, M4A2. It's impossible to tell the difference without seeing the engine deck or exhausts.

LOL Well nobody appears to have taken a picture of the deck. Best I could do was before it was named but the wading trunks sort of hide everything!