The Sherman DD tank was devised as an amphibious tank that didn’t need to be brought to shore in a landing craft, reducing the risk of vital landing ships becoming easy targets during the initial phase of the landing. The swimming tanks could arrive at the beachhead before or with the first infantry wave offering essential fire support against the defenders positions.
The Sherman DD wasn’t the first tank to be fitted with the unique Duplex Drive (DD) system. The Nicholas Straussler idea was initially tried on a number of British tanks during its development from 1941. In fact many of the US, Canadian and British Sherman DD crews on D-Day had trained initially with Valentine DD tanks. By 1944 it was decided that the Sherman was a more suitable tank for conversion to the DD system.
The Duplex Drive system worked by the combination of normal tracks and two propellers to increase propulsion while swimming. A rudder was fitted for steering. For buoyancy a folding screen of water-proofed canvas was fitted around the hull mounted on horizontal metal hoops, further buoyancy, support and rigidity was added by 36 rubber tubes that could be inflated by the crew with a compressed air system.
In Flames Of War
The Sherman DD tank has obvious applications in the new Hit The Beach mission from D-Day. A British Armoured Platoon or US Tank Platoon equipped solely with 75mm gun Sherman tanks may fit them out as DD tanks at no extra cost. The platoon retains all of its previous ratings. However, Sherman DD tanks cannot use their hull MG due to the collapsed screen covering its position.
- Deployment L: Can be deployed at late stage of war
About Flames of War:
Flames of War is a tactical miniature wargame produced by Battlefront Miniatures.
Re-create the tension and excitement of real battles using a vast array of elements including infantry, tanks, artillery, terrain and aircraft.
The models are intensely researched by the Flames of War team and they are committed to producing the most detailed range of WWII models available. The models are made from either polyester resin or cast metal to give both robustness and sharp details.
Flames of War is popular with WWII experts and novices alike as the Flames of War rulebook gives all the information you need to enjoy the game, from assembly and painting instructions to historical background information, game rules and scenarios.
There are many scenarios you can follow, whether it’s an all-out battle or highly tactical objective taking missions. You can battle it out against a single opponent or team up with friends to form groups.