M5 Stuart

The M3 and M5 Stuart was the light tank counterpart of the M3 Lee medium tank. It featured 37 mm Gun M6 (L/56.6) main armament, with three .30 (7.62 mm) Browning M1919A4 machine guns. The main gun could fire both anti-tank and anti-personnel rounds (including canister). Allied forces in North Africa found this type effective against Axis tanks, and it 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 U.S. forces in the Pacific Theater. A crew of four operated the vehicle. Air-cooled radial engines powered the M3 and M3A1 variants, while twin Cadillac V8 automobile engines powered the M5 and M5A1. These all had a maximum speed of 36 mph. The M5's armor differed from the M3 by having a redesigned hull and sloped glacis plate. General Motors and other manufacturers produced 8,885 M5 and M5A1 Stuarts during World War II (and 13,859 M3 and M3A1s). This unit represents the M3, M3A1, M5, and M5A1 variants.