M3 Stuart

The Stuart was the light tank counterpart of the M3 Lee/Grant medium tank. It featured 37 mm Gun M6 (L/56.6) main armament in a fully-rotating turret, with three .30 (7.62 mm) Browning M1919A4 machine guns. This family of 37 mm guns could fire both anti-tank and anti-personnel rounds (including canister). The vehicle required a crew of four, and had a maximum speed of 36 mph. Allied forces in North Africa found this type effective against Axis tanks, and the type also served effectively in the Pacific theater. With limitations in both its main gun and armor, however, the Stuart's combat role in Western Europe was limited, as it was not capable of surviving tank-on-tank battles with late-war German tanks. Instead, light tank companies were often paired with cavalry reconnaissance units, or used for guarding, screening, and supply or messengers roles for medium tank units. British and Commonwealth forces made extensive use of this type in the North African campaign, and the Soviets also received the type via Lend-Lease; it also served with American forces in the Pacific Theater. American industry produced approximately 13,800 M3 Stuarts from 1941 into 1945.