DD Shermans

Were any DD Shermans used in the Pacific

 

This will show a lack of knowledge on my part, but what is a DD sherman? A different variation?

 

there was a British Regiment of the"Royal Tank Regiment" training with DD's ,I believe in the Indian Ocean some where for the planned invasion of Japan, the dropping of the "Bomb" meant that they were never used I'm pleased to say.
Brian.S711. Queens Bays (2nd.Dragoon Guards)/1st.Kings Dragoon Guards.)

 

PLEASE!!! as an ex CAvalry man!!NOT Private!!
TROOPER!!
and did have family member served on DDay with the 13/18th Hussars
who were launched three miles of shore and I believe only lost two DD's
in the launch.(one of which was hit by a landing craft and sunk.

 

DD stands for Duplex Drive.
Basically a sherman with a ship-type propeller mounted on the rear. A collapsable canvas screen allowed it to float.

It was designed (and used) as an amphibious tank, mainly for beach assaults (D-Day) but also river crossings (?).

lots were lost at Omaha, as they ended up approaching the beach at an angle, and the motion of the sea collapsed the canvas screen.

 

The best book that I have read re. Duplex Drive Shermans is called
"Young Man in a Tank" written by Patric Hennesey 13/18th Hussars ,Cpl.
at the time (D DAY) June 6th.44, later Grp.Capt,RAF. Possibly obtainable from Museum of "The Light Dragoons".
TROOPER, Brian.S711. Leicestershire ENGLAND.

 

Ok, I've seen pictures of those and knew of them, but didn't know the abbreviation. Thanks

 

Hi tankpark, welcome to the forum. If you don't feel like being a private, then post post post! You'll be a corporal soon.

The DD Sherman was also used during the Rhine crossing by 21st Army group, but I don't know any other occasions...

 

Thanks for offer of promotion!Don't want it! Been a trooper since 1945,
Once a Trooper always a Trooper.

 

Apparently WW2 veterans are eligable for a 'medal' rather than a rank.
(see Gerry Chester for an example)
Admitedly it is an American award, but hey!

 

It's about the 'honour' part in 'medal of honour'.
Second-generation soldiers don't count though, sorry...

 

check this out:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/2016280.stm

 

It has always been my understanding the main problem at Omaha was an LST ship captain who panicked (because of shore battery fire) and disembarked his DD tanks far earlier planned. This extra distance to be travelled just made it that much more difficult.

 

Weren't they supposed to come to something like 300 yds from the beach and then disenbark, but instead it was 1000-2000 yds? don't know if the numbers are right, but the concept is the same.

 

Pictures
http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=51645

 

DD Shermans of the 13/18th Hussars launched three miles out, lost two if I remember correctly, one was ran into just after launch by landing.
see "Young Man in a Tank" by Patrick Hennessey, from 1st.Light Dragoons Home HQ, family member also there.

 

They have one of these at Bovington TANK museum in England. Most interesting looking at it close up. Shame that most of these would have been mere target practice for the Tigers in Normandy!! (Only joking folks!!! :lol: 8) )

 

As an infantryman in an LCVP slowly moving toward that beach, nothing would make you happier than the idea that you had some kind of tank support, IMHO.

 

A Sherman 75 can still do a fair bit of damage to machinegun nest etc, which can slaughter infantry. Overall, the Sherman DDs were an asset - no question.

(Please don't make me defend the Sherman any more... )

BTW- weren't DD Shermans used in Northern Italy, to cross a lake?

 

Of course, in its intended role as an IFV the Sherman/75 could do some damage and the DD Sherman was actually the only varient which got to show this quality, because in amphibious ops you are hardly ever faced woth enemy armour. But around the corner over the beach wall, if you meet an AT gun you're in operation certain death.