The Sherman Vc - FIREFLY
This was a UK variant and produced as an attempt to out-gun contemporary German tanks such as the Tiger Panther and Panther tanks. It was issued to both regiments in time for the Normandy campaign.
The main change was a redesigned turret fitted with a 17pdr anti tank gun. Supplies of a new AP round – called Armour Piercing Discarding Sabot (APDS) were beginning to reach the regiment. They were capable of taking on German tanks on an even par.
Although a very effective weapon it had some drawbacks: Ammunition carrying capacity was significantly reduced; and the rate of fire was as low as two rounds per minute – mainly due to the obscuration created when the gun fired which impared visibility. Reloading with the larger round was difficult.
There were only four Fireflies issued to each squadron and they deployed one per troop.