Osprey - Sherman Crab Flail Tank

By David Fletcher

This is a detailed exploration of the history of this powerful and innovative machine and the deadly mines it faced.

Among the first tanks ashore on D-Day, the story of the Sherman Crab Flail is told here using rare sources and photographs. The 'Crab' proved its worth both in its mine-clearing role and as a fighting machine, this title recounts some of its more glorious moments with the famous British 79th Armoured Division and the US Army. From the beginnings of the design in the Matilda Scorpion and Baron flails, developed for the Valentine and M3 Grant tanks, through to the Sherman and particularly the Crab version.