M10 Gun Motor Carriage

The M10 Gun Motor Carriage, also known as the Wolverine, was a tank destroyer used by the United States during World War II. Developed in 1942, the M10 was designed to provide a mobile, armored platform for the 3-inch (76.2 mm) M7 gun, which was the primary armament of the vehicle. The M10 played a significant role in the Allied forces' efforts to counter the German panzer divisions, providing a much-needed mobile anti-tank capability.

Development and Design

The development of the M10 Gun Motor Carriage was a response to the United States’ need for a mobile, armored anti-tank platform. The M10 was based on the M4 Sherman tank chassis, with the turret and hull modified to accommodate the 3-inch M7 gun. The vehicle had a crew of five, consisting of a commander, gunner, loader, driver, and co-driver. The M10 was powered by a Ford GAA V-8 engine, which provided a top speed of approximately 25-30 mph (40-48 km/h). The vehicle’s armor was composed of welded steel plates, ranging in thickness from 0.5 to 2.5 inches (13-63 mm), providing protection against small arms and shell splinters.

Armament and Fire Control

The primary armament of the M10 was the 3-inch (76.2 mm) M7 gun, which was capable of firing a variety of ammunition types, including armor-piercing, high-explosive, and smoke rounds. The gun had a muzzle velocity of approximately 2,600 ft/s (792 m/s) and was capable of penetrating up to 3.5 inches (89 mm) of armor at a range of 1,000 yards (914 m). The M10 also featured a.50-caliber (12.7 mm) M2 Browning machine gun, mounted on the turret roof, for anti-infantry and anti-aircraft defense. The fire control system consisted of a M8A1 telescopic sight, which provided a magnification of 3x, and a M19 panoramic sight, which allowed the gunner to traverse the gun quickly and accurately.

Operational History

The M10 Gun Motor Carriage saw extensive action during World War II, serving in various theaters, including North Africa, Italy, and Europe. The vehicle was used by the United States Army, as well as by other Allied nations, such as the United Kingdom and France. The M10 was often used in conjunction with infantry and armor units, providing supporting firepower and anti-tank capabilities. The vehicle’s mobility and firepower made it an effective counter to German panzer divisions, which were often heavily armored and heavily gunned.

Tactical Employment

The M10 Gun Motor Carriage was typically employed in a tactical role, providing supporting firepower to infantry and armor units. The vehicle was often used to engage enemy armor, as well as to provide suppressive fire against enemy infantry positions. The M10’s mobility and firepower made it an effective asset on the battlefield, allowing it to rapidly respond to changing circumstances and to engage enemy forces at range. The vehicle’s crew was trained to work in coordination with other units, using radio communication and visual signals to coordinate their actions and to achieve tactical objectives.

The M10 Gun Motor Carriage also played a significant role in the development of the United States' tank destroyer doctrine, which emphasized the importance of mobility, firepower, and coordination between armor and infantry units. The vehicle's design and operational characteristics influenced the development of subsequent tank destroyer designs, such as the M18 Hellcat and the M36 Jackson.