Sherman IC Firefly
Armor PhotoGallery #21
By Wojciech J. Gawrych
Published by Model Centrum Progres, Warsaw, Poland
ISBN 978-83-60672-10-5
Review by Peter Brown
British conversions of Shermans to mount the 17pdr gun initially used the M4A4 Sherman V covered in APG #13. As M4A4 production had ceased, M4 Sherman I were converted using both all-welded hulls and combination or Hybrid version with the cast front hull section. Production figures do not give the number of each type converted, IC Fireflies were in service from mid-1944 and were widely used from then until the end of WW2.
This book is split into three sections. The first offers 158 colour photos of the IC Hybrid on display at the South African Museum of Military History in Johannesburg. A brief history of this tank follows it from its production in 1943, issue to 6th South African Armoured Division in Italy then shipment to and service in South Africa post-war.
The photos show it in great detail both outside and in with most items shown from several angles. Captions point out details such as what the various casting marks mean, the different patterns of roadwheels fitted plus a few missing items and the added South African pattern stowage boxes. One page shows a Wright radial engine on its own for extra detail.
Second section has drawings and manual extracts, with colour illustrations of 17pdr ammunition and boxes, plans in 1/48th and 1/35th scales showing both welded and combination-hull IC tanks from front, rear, side and top with an additional view underneath.
Also included are original Stowage Diagrams for the IC, extracts from American TM's with sectional views and detailed halftone photos of hatches, suspension, engine and transmission and instrument panel. Additional photos and drawings cover the British All Round Vision Cupola fitted to some Fireflies.
Finally there is an historical section. Text describing M4 design and production, shipments for British use and the Firefly conversion is complemented by 89 period black and white period photos of the IC. These show a trials vehicle under test as well as tanks in service with British, Polish, South African, New Zealand and Czech units in NW Europe and Italy.
The selection is well chosen to give us a variety of finishes, captions provide details of units including information on markings as well as when and where taken.
Highly recommended.
