New Vanguard No.123: Swimming Shermans - Sherman DD Amphibious Tank of World War II by Flecther, David - 2006

Botley, Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing Ltd., 2006. 1st Edition 1st Printing. Soft cover. Very Good/No Jacket. 250mm x 185mm x 5mm. Bryan, Tony. 48 Pages with Black/White Photos and Colour Plates. The Sherman DD (Duplex Drive) tank was a brilliant innovation; the design and development of a tank that could float and even 'swim' in water was controversial. Each tank was enveloped in a waterproofed canvas screen, launched at sea from landing craft and then 'swam' to shore, where the screens were deflated, allowing the tanks to operate as fighting vehicles. This book discusses the Sherman DD's many variants, including the prototype Valentine DD tank and examines the successes and tragic failures on the beaches of Normandy and further into North-West Europe, including the challenge of crossing the River Rhine.