Tech & Auto
These Are The 5 Best WWII Allied Tanks
By JASON PARKER
M3 Stuart
While not the most powerful tank, the American M3 Stuart tank was a favorite for British soldiers, earning the nickname “Honey” due to its speed and maneuverability.
Its 37mm main gun was no match for German tank armor. However, it was successful in the Pacific theater as its lightweight design was well-suited for jungle combat.
Comet Cruiser Tank
Built as an improvement to Britain’s Cromwell medium tank, the Comet Cruiser tank added many improvements over its predecessor, such as its 77mm main gun.
Although it didn’t enter the war until nearly the end, it was used to cross the Rhine River in the final push into Germany in 1945. It would also be used later in the Korean War.
M4 Sherman Firefly
The British M4 Sherman Firefly was based on America’s Sherman tank but had added improvements, like its powerful 77mm gun, to take down its German rivals.
Fireflies became the most-used tanks in the war, and the tank earned its name from the bright flames that would emit from the muzzle with every shot.
Crusader Tank
While the Crusader tank was one of Britain’s best tanks early in the war, its flaws ultimately relegated it to reconnaissance as German tanks evolved.
It was designed to be faster than most infantry tanks, making it lightweight. The Crusaders also had trouble penetrating German tank armor as they became thicker.
Char B1
Widely known in the early parts of the war as one of the best tanks, the French Char B1 was slow but more than made up for it in terms of power and armor.
Unfortunately, its low speeds and fuel consumption, combined with German air raids, became too much of a problem, resulting in many French soldiers abandoning their B1s undamaged.