Russian M4A2 of the 219th Guards Tank Brigade Berlin 1945
The M4 Sherman tank, particularly the M4A2 variant, became a significant part of Soviet armored forces during World War II through the Lend-Lease program. Initially, the Soviet military expressed dissatisfaction with the M3 medium tank, but quickly showed interest in the newer M4 medium tank, specifically the diesel-powered M4A2. This variant was preferred because it used diesel engines instead of the high-octane aviation fuel required by the Continental radial engines in the M3, which was often in short supply and linked to the tendency of American tanks to catch fire.
Early Shipments and Combat Use
The first 36 M4A2 tanks arrived in the Soviet Union in September 1942 with convoy PQ.18. These were initially deployed on the Northern Caucasus Front, with some of the earliest tanks serving in the 5th Guards Tank Brigade and the 563rd Separate Tank Battalion. However, shipments were disrupted due to logistical difficulties during the Third Protocol (a phase of Lend-Lease negotiations), resulting in only 122 M4A2 tanks being issued to Soviet units in 1943.
During the Battle of Kursk in July 1943, the 229th Tank Regiment was the only unit equipped with the M4A2. Initially, Soviet crews were critical of the M4A2, but by late 1943, attitudes began to shift as Soviet tankers gained more experience with the vehicle. Though the T-34 had superior firepower, armor, and mobility, its manufacturing quality had declined drastically during the war, with only 7.7% of new T-34s passing factory durability tests in mid-1943. In contrast, the Sherman proved to be more durable and reliable, crucial for prolonged offensives in 1944–45.
Sherman in Soviet Service
By 1944, the M4A2 became more common on the Eastern Front, particularly as part of separate tank regiments and tank brigades. For example, during the advance on Lublin, Poland in July 1944, the 8th Guards Tank Corps had a mix of 42–44 M4A2s and 23–32 T-34s in each of its three brigades.
Under the Third Protocol, 2,000 M4A2 tanks were allotted to the Soviet Union. However, the US Army planned to cease production of 75mm gun tanks at the end of 1943. To meet Soviet needs, production of the M4A2 (75mm) continued until May 1944. By this time, Soviet deliveries included approximately 1,000 early-model small-hatch and 800 large-hatch M4A2s. Some tanks intended for Soviet delivery were diverted to the US Marine Corps due to an urgent need in the Pacific theater.
M4A2 (76mm) and Late-War Deliveries
In mid-1944, the M4A2 was upgraded with a 76mm gun and an enlarged turret. The Fourth Protocol called for the delivery of 3,000 M4A2 (76mm) tanks to the Soviet Union. Due to shortfalls from the Third Protocol, some early M4A2 (76mm) tanks, produced in May–June 1944, were delivered to the Soviets. The first combat use of the M4A2 (76mm) was in December 1944 with the 9th Guards Mechanized Corps of the 6th Guards Tank Army.
In January 1945, the M4A2 (76mm) production shifted to the HVSS (horizontal volute suspension system), providing better suspension and ride quality. Of the 2,073 M4A2 (76mm) tanks sent to the Soviet Union, 460 had the HVSS system. However, due to the end of the war in Europe, these late deliveries did not see combat in Europe. Many were shipped through Pacific ports in anticipation of Soviet operations against Japan later in 1945.
Post-War Use and Legacy
The Sherman tank deliveries continued under the Milepost agreement, anticipating the Soviet Union’s involvement in the war against Japan. Some HVSS-equipped Shermans were deployed with the 6th Guards Tank Army during the August 1945 campaign in Manchuria, though it is unclear if they participated in active combat.
Overall, while the M4 Sherman was initially met with skepticism, it earned respect for its durability, reliability, and usefulness in extended operations, making it an important part of Soviet armored forces by the war’s end.