Firefly Vc is a Canada Tank unit in Steel Division II.
Background[ | ]
The ubiquitous M4 Sherman medium tank evolved from the M3 Lee medium tank pressed into service as a stop-gap model in 1941. Designed by the U.S. Army Ordnance Department, the tank built upon proven technologies developed for American tanks of the 1930s, combining them with British experiences in tank design. The result was a versatile, reliable, and cheap tank much like the Soviet T-34.
The M4 entered service in late 1942, outperforming its older sibling in every aspect, the Sherman went on to become one of the most widely produced armored fighting vehicles of World War II. It was well armored, relatively fast, and cheap to produce, becoming the backbone of Allied armored divisions across the world and a major element of the Lend-Lease program for the Soviet Union. Nearly 50 000 tanks were produced before production ended in 1945 and were used across the world.
The M4A4 is a sub-designation indicates a Sherman equipped with 75 mm M3 L/40 gun and Chrysler A57 multibank 30-cylinder "cloverleaf" petrol engine.
The Firefly conversion combined the powerful Ordnance Quick-Firing 3-inch (76.2mm) 17-pounder anti-tank gun inside a revamped turret with the versatile Sherman chassis, giving Allied forces a tremendous advantage in combat with the Axis. The 17-pounder was capable of reliably destroying Panthers and Tigers in combat.
Officially, the conversion was identified by appending c to the hull designation (i.e. M4 was the Ic, M4A1 IIc, M4A2 the IIIC, M4A4 the Vc etc.) The Firefly or Mayfly nickname was given to it by tank crews and soldiers, due to its highly visible, distinctive muzzle flash.
2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade that supported the 3rd Canadian Infantry were equipped with one Firefly supporting three Sherman III.