Quote:
Originally Posted by Pibwl
11 IC Firefly - I think, that better name is Firefly IC ("IC Firefly" makes no sense, since it should be Sherman IC Firefly). Correct pic is 12801 - current is Israeli M50 or M51
12 VC Firefly - I think, that better name is Firefly VC
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Technically, it
should be "Sherman IC" and "Sherman VC"- the
firefly designator was as I recall an overall "project" designation for 17-pdr armed tanks. The name was not really much used in the field, rather the "C" designation (for a 17pdr armed version). Much the same as "Achilles" was never really used by the actual troops for the M10, 17pdr.
However, both designations
are rather popular with both modellers and wargamers. A sort of post war "invented folklore" thing amongst armour enthusiasts
. Even Wiki agrees - para 7 of the design section :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sherman_Firefly
Ditto the ones built (and issued) to the US Army:
http://freespace.virgin.net/shermani...fly/usnew.html
Quote:
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US conversions only seem to have been called, Sherman M4 and M4A3 17 Pounder. Firefly is not mentioned once in the documents. This is consistent with official British and Commonwealth practice, where the name also does not appear. As discussed in Sherman Firefly the name is only used in two captions at the IWM and in unit war diaries and soldiers recollections.
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And from the same article - conversions not issued, but some Sherman IC variants
were actually issued (but apparently given back before combat) to the US 555th tank battalion in Italy. See the paragraph beginning
Quote:
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As stated in my book Phil Dyer provided me with details of Dick Harley's discovery of a photo of US Fireflies, published in "AFV News" Vol 24, No 1 and a copy of the photo. This shows what appear to be IC Hybrids and IC's in a tank park..."
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Now - I wonder how many WinSPWW2 US Army players will now be justifying buying themselves some "captured" UK Sherman ICs in May 1945 ("Well
what if they did get some into action ....
)
Cheers
Andy