I think you have hit on an interesting point.JD wrote: ↑11 Jan 2019, 15:51After all, the Sherman had met the Tiger in Italy and done well. How was it suddenly a bad tank in France? Allied tankies had ways of dealing with German tanks that involved communication and teamwork. Some had high levels of training and were combat proven. Others were totally inexperienced. But I don't think anyone just gave up.
There is no doubt that there has been a huge fuss during and after WW2 about the perception that allied armour was inferior to that of the Germans. It started in North Africa with the British. Kasserine Pass was a nasty shock for the US. From Tunisa 88s and Tigers were all part of the tankers worst nightmare.
Questions were raised in the House of Commons by Major Richard Stokes MC MP.
But the balance of views on this forum, and to be fair, a lot of military historians, is that Shermans were pretty good tanks. Allied tankers were at less of a disadvantage compared to German tank crews in Russia in 1941.HC Deb 30 March 1944 vol 398 cc1553-4 1553
§47. Mr. Stokes asked the Prime Minister whether he will cause to be brought to the yard of this House a German Mk. VI Tiger tank and a British A22, so that Members may see for themselves the relative merits of these two weapons.
§The Prime Minister No, Sir.
§Mr. Stokes Is the Prime Minister prepared to say why?
§The Prime Minister I think the trouble and expense involved, though not very great, is still more than is justified to satisfy the spiteful curiosity of my hon. Friend.
§Mr. Stokes Is the Prime Minister not aware that great interest has been aroused in this matter in this House; and, if he cannot see his way to go to the comparatively trivial expense of bringing the machines here, will he arrange for a party of hon. 'Members to visit both machines together, on some suitable site in the country?
§Mr. McGovern Will the Prime Minister be prepared to take charge of a Churchill tank and allow the hon. Member for Ipswich (Mr. Stokes) to take charge of a Tiger tank?
§The Prime Minister I think it might be one way of settling the difference.
§Mr. Stokes May I have a reply to my question?
§Sir A. Beit Is there not the additional risk, if the request were granted, that the hon. Member for Ipswich (Mr. Stokes) might then attempt to act as technical instructor?
§Mr. Stokes In view of the interest aroused among large numbers of hon. Members, if the Prime Minister cannot see his way to bring the machines here, will he arrange for a suitable demonstration at a suitable spot in the country to which Members can go?
So which version is right? Is this a matter of analysing what happened on WW2 battlefields or what happened ion the minds of Allied tankers, the media and the public?