Did M10c's prove themselves in Normandy?

[ajmac]

I have never read any accounts of the M10c in action, however I do appreciate that any casual ref to a 17pr could be a Sherman Firefly or an M10c. How did they fit in to the over all picture of the battle, the Fireflys and Shermans (and Cromwells) were up front but when did M10c's actually come face to face with the enemy? Were they used as mobile AT guns to secure positions once the armour had passed through?

On a similar note, if Shermans (none WS) were prone to explode due to amunition stowage what were the M10s like in this respect?

Edited October 20, 2011 by ajmac

[Tony B]

Short answer , Yes! They never actually fought as their doctrine was intially written, that is massed mobile force, but they proved themselves beyond all doubt. The M10's acted as tank destroyers, self proppelled artillery , and assualt artillery.

 

Though never specifically trained for any of these supplementary roles, the intial training of the men, similar to Ranger or Commando training allowed them to adapt , improvise and overcome. When they crews had no vehicles, their training made them invaluable as scouts, FOO and just plain highly trained infantary.

Recommended reading: The Tank Killers by Harry Yeide

[Adrian Barrell]

On a similar note, if Shermans (none WS) were prone to explode due to amunition stowage what were the M10s like in this respect?

 

With the much thinner armour and hull stowed ammunition, just as likely if hit. However, being RA equipment they were less at the sharp end than the tanks, though just as much in harms way!

[Tony B]

May not have meant to be 'front line attack' forces, that was supposed to be the tanks job. Just no one told the enemy!