Osprey - Swimming Shermans: Sherman DD amphibious tank of World War II

David Fletcher examines the swimming Shermans, and their successes and tragic failures on the beaches of Normandy.

The Sherman DD (Duplex Drive) tank was a brilliant innovation; the design and development of a tank that could float and even 'swim' in water was controversial. Each tank was enveloped in a waterproofed canvas screen, launched at sea from landing craft and then 'swam' to shore, where the screens were deflated, allowing the tanks to operate as fighting vehicles. This book discusses the Sherman DD's many variants, including the prototype Valentine DD tank, including the challenge of crossing the River Rhine.