They did indeed. These were called 'Duplex Drive' (or DD) tanks, not only
because of the shrouds, but because they had a rudimentary propeller-driven
propulsion system as well, to get them to the beach. The idea was when the
tanks encountered a solid bottom on the beach itself, they would drop the
shroud, cut over to track propulsion, and roar in fighting. The truth is
that many of them, if not most, were lost in the heavy surf on D-Day.
However, some did make it to the beach, and were of inestimable help in the
early going before subsequent waves of troops and vehicles could be landed.
There's a complete DD Sherman at Bovington. I don't know about your museum
in France, but it sounds fascinating! Email me with the info, if you would.
I've done a little diving, and I've always fantasized about exploring the
Channel floor...
Regards, Geoff
Hayes-Holgate, Shaun wrote:
> Didn't they try that stunt in Normandy on D-Day? i've seen photos of
> Sherman tanks with a complete canvas curtain that could be propped up
> around it
> and then the whole tank would supposedly happily motor its way to the
> beach! I
> don't think many made it. Incidentally there is a very nice salvage museum
> in
> Normandy that has on display a number of amazing artifacts that have been
> recovered
> from under the water off the beaches. Theres a sherman sitting outside
> with a dozer
> shovel on the front. Most of the tanks had either fallen off the ships or
> sunk
> trying to get to the beach. The museum has an eerie photo of a bomber
> lying on the ocean floor. Cool place but I forget what its called.
> Probably something like: Le Museum du Salvage Pour les Tanks 'n' stuff. If
> any one is interested I'll dig up the actual information.
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