H2K35008 Sherman Vc 'Firefly' Polish 1st Armoured Division.

The set features the British Sherman Vc tank (a modified version of the M4A4 Sherman) with three painting options from the 1st Armored Division in 1944.

Set Includes:

Plastic parts (Ryefield Model)
Cartograf decals - three painting versions:

• 1st Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Division, T228699, August 1944, Battle of Falaise
• 2nd Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Division, T228615, June 1944, Yorkshire, Great Britain
• 24th Lancers Regiment, 1st Armored Division, August 1944, Battle of Falaise

Sherman Vc Firefly (M4A4 / 17 pdr)

History and Technical Characteristics

The Sherman Vc Firefly is a British modification of the American M4 Sherman medium tank, developed to enhance its anti-tank capabilities. The most significant aspect of this modification was the installation of the British 17-pounder gun (76.2 mm), one of the most effective anti-tank guns of that period.

Basic Technical Data:

• Weight: Approximately 33 tons
• Crew: 4 members (commander, gunner, loader, driver)
• Armament: 17-pounder gun (76.2 mm), Browning M1919 machine gun (7.62 mm)
• Armor: From 15 to 76 mm
• Engine: Chrysler A57, multi-bank gasoline engine
• Maximum speed: Approximately 40 km/h
• Range: Approximately 193 km

The 17-pounder gun was the key element of this tank, enabling effective engagement of German heavy tanks such as the Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger and Panzerkampfwagen V Panther. The introduction of this gun required the turret to be redesigned to accommodate the longer barrel and larger rounds. The assistant driver's (hull gunner's) position in the hull was removed to make room for additional ammunition.

Use in the Polish Army in the West

The 1st Polish Armored Division, commanded by General Stanisław Maczek, was one of the units that utilized Sherman Firefly tanks in combat operations in the West. These tanks were used in key operations, such as the Battle of Falaise in August 1944, where they played a crucial role in breaking German armored forces.

Composition of the 1st Polish Armored Division in 1944

The 1st Polish Armored Division, commanded by General Stanisław Maczek, was one of the most important Polish units fighting in the West during World War II. In 1944, this division was well-organized and equipped, allowing it to play a key role in the liberation of France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Below is a detailed description of the composition of the 1st Polish Armored Division and the basic combat equipment used by its units.

Division Structure

The 1st Polish Armored Division consisted of the following units:

10th Armored Cavalry Brigade

• 1st Armored Regiment
  • Tanks: Sherman V M4A4, Sherman Vc Firefly, M5A5 Stuart
• 2nd Armored Regiment
  • Tanks: Sherman V M4A4, Sherman Vc Firefly, M5A5 Stuart
• 24th Lancers Regiment
  • Tanks: Sherman V M4A4, Sherman Vc Firefly, M5A5 Stuart
• 10th Dragoons Regiment
  • Armored personnel carriers: Universal Carrier, Half-Track M5

3rd Rifle Brigade

• 1st Rifle Battalion
  • Armored personnel carriers: Universal Carrier, Half-Track M5
• 8th Rifle Battalion
  • Armored personnel carriers: Universal Carrier, Half-Track M5
• 9th Rifle Battalion
  • Armored personnel carriers: Universal Carrier, Half-Track M5
• 1st Independent Machine Gun Squadron
  • Armored personnel carriers: Universal Carrier, Half-Track M5

Divisional Units

• 10th Mounted Rifle Regiment
  • Tanks: Cromwell IV and VI, M5A5 Stuart
• 1st Motorized Artillery Regiment
  • Self Propelled Howitzers Sexton: 25-pounder
• 2nd Motorized Artillery Regiment
  • Towed Howitzers: 25-pounder
• 1st Anti-Tank Artillery Regiment
  • Anti-tank guns: 6-pounder, 17-pounder
  • M10 and Achilles tank destroyers
• 1st Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment
  • Anti-aircraft guns: Bofors 40 mm
• 1st Engineer Battalion
  • Engineering and transport equipment
• 1st Signal Battalion
  • Communication and radio equipment

Basic Combat Equipment

The 1st Polish Armored Division was equipped with a variety of combat equipment, including tanks, artillery, and armored personnel carriers. The most important equipment included:

• Sherman V (M4A4) Tanks: The main tank of the division, used in most armored regiments.
• Sherman Vc Firefly Tanks: A modified version of the Sherman V, armed with a 17-pounder gun, effective against German tanks.
• 25-pounder Howitzers: The basic armament of the divisional artillery.
• Universal Carrier and Half-Track M5 Armored Personnel Carriers: Used for transporting infantry and equipment.

Thanks to its well-organized structure, training, morale, and modern equipment, the 1st Polish Armored Division played a key role in many military operations, including the Battle of Falaise, where it contributed to the encirclement and destruction of a significant part of the German 7th Army.