3 Of The Lesser-Known Allied Tanks

Throughout World War II, the Allies developed a wide variation of armored vehicles to gain an edge on the battlefield. While some tanks became icons of military power, others played crucial, though less recognized, roles. This article will look into three such lesser-known tanks: the Soviet IS-3 Pike, the American M3 Lee, and the British Crusader MK III. Each of these tanks offers a unique glimpse into the design and strategic thinking of the Allies during the conflict.

Soviet IS-3 Pike

The Soviet IS-3 Pike, introduced late in World War II, was a formidable response to the heavy German armor. Unlike its predecessors, the IS-3 included several design enhancements that set a new benchmark for tank design. Featuring a distinctive sloped armor, which was effective at deflecting incoming shells, and a powerful 122mm gun capable of penetrating thick armor, the IS-3 was built with future conflicts in mind.

Although the IS-3 arrived too late to participate extensively in WWII, it marked a significant step in tank technology. Its influence was not limited to its immediate impact in battle but extended into the Cold War era, shaping how tanks were designed in the subsequent decades. The IS-3 demonstrated the excessive costs and maintenance issues associated with heavy tanks, a lesson that would weigh heavily on future Soviet tank designs.

American M3 Lee

The American M3 Lee, which first saw action during Operation Torch in North Africa, was an early war tank that played a pivotal role in the development of American armored vehicles. The M3 Lee was unusual, featuring a sponson-mounted 75mm gun along with a smaller turret-mounted 37mm gun. This configuration was a response to the urgent need for tanks, adopting a design that could be quickly produced using available tools and techniques.

Despite its odd appearance and less-than-ideal gun placement, the M3 Lee was critical in the early stages of the North African campaign. It was particularly known for its high speed and reliability over rough terrains. However, its exposed riveted armor and high profile made it vulnerable to anti-tank fire. The experience gained from the deployment of the M3 Lee was instrumental in the development of the more famous M4 Sherman, which addressed many of the M3’s design flaws.

British Crusader MK III

The British Crusader MK III was another key player in the North African theater. As an evolution of earlier Crusader models, the MK III was equipped with a more powerful 6-pounder gun, which significantly improved its effectiveness against German armor. The Crusader MK III was lighter and faster than many of its contemporaries, characteristics that suited the desert warfare conditions of North Africa.

However, the Crusader MK III was plagued by mechanical reliability issues that hindered its operational effectiveness. Despite these challenges, the Crusader MK III provided valuable insights into mobile tank warfare under harsh conditions. The lessons learned from the use of the Crusader tanks were applied to later British tank designs, contributing to improvements in reliability and firepower.