629th Tank Destroyer Bn

kerrd5 · #1 (**permalink**) September 23rd, 2009, 10:37 PM

An image from the NARA.

Caption reads:

“An American tank destroyer of the 629th T.D.
Bn., fires between two houses in Gurzenich,
Germany, to smoke out a German field entrenchment
on the outskirts of the town.”

Date: 14 December 1944

III-SC 197356, Credit NARA.

Dave

wokelly · #2 (**permalink**) September 23rd, 2009, 10:40 PM

Nice image but its a Sherman 76mm model.

wph377 · #3 (**permalink**) September 27th, 2009, 02:53 AM

Yes, an M4A3, judging by the rear exhaust louvers, and with the vertical volute spring suspension (VVSS). This would make it an M4A3(76)W.

T. A. Gardner · #4 (**permalink**) September 27th, 2009, 06:13 PM

Definitely an M4A3. The US Army standardized on the M4A1 and A3 for US service in Europe. The occasional A2, or A6 slipped in from depots as the British used these but that is very uncommon.

wph377 · #5 (**permalink**) September 27th, 2009, 06:40 PM

Not to forget the original M4, but this had an "upside-down horseshoe" rear plate with "pepperpot" exhausts. This one has the adjustable rear louvres. Cool shot, really. The guy on the turret bustle looks like he's holding on for dear life!!!

gtblackwell · #6 (**permalink**) September 28th, 2009, 02:23 PM

The tube looks like a 76mm, has the length, proportions but is missing it's muzzle brake. Did some come that way or could it be taken off? Just curious,

GB

Triple C · #7 (**permalink**) September 28th, 2009, 02:44 PM

Early 76mm gun did not have a muzzle break. This could be a M4A3(75) rearmed with the 76.

T. A. Gardner · #8 (**permalink**) September 28th, 2009, 03:18 PM

Most early 76mm guns didn't have a muzzle brake installed. You will note however that there is a tread protector on the end of the barrel over the threads for screwing on a muzzle brake.

wph377 · #9 (**permalink**) September 29th, 2009, 04:11 PM

If I remember correctly, the M1 and M1A1 76mm guns had no muzzle brake, while the M1A1C and M1A2 did. Most pictures of the M18 Hellcat, armed with the same weapon, show no muzzle brake. You can usually see the muzzle brake on the late-war M4A3E8, the "Easy Eight", with the HVSS suspension.

gtblackwell · #10 (**permalink**) October 1st, 2009, 02:26 AM

Thanks guys, learn something new here all the time. Even my dim old eyes can see the protector but did not know what it was.

A slightly off topic question. The current British 120mm is rifled but does not use a brake, are they now out of favor? Nor of course do the 120-1235 smooth bores but I assumed a brake might interfere with the fins.

GB

Chris032 · #11 (**permalink**) October 1st, 2009, 05:50 PM

awesome pic