re: Latest from the model bench

Very well done!

I just finished reading a book on the Sherwood Rangers in WWII, Britain's most highly decorated tank unit. A few fun facts about the 17 pounder Firefly:

1. The biggest issue with the 17 pounder was its backblast. It kicked up so much dust and crud that the gunner could only see to get off one shot. The commander would often get out and move a considerable distance away to shot spot for the gunner.

2. Because of this, the Fireflies were never placed in the front of the column. Shermans with either of the other two guns could fire up to 20 RPM with a good crew, and would get off several shots first. Even veteran German crews tended to bail out after the first couple of hits. The Brits would alternate HE, which wouldn't penetrate but caused both noise and smoke/flame intrusion into the German tanks, and AP, which would do damage even if it didn't penetrate.

3. In the Ranger's entire time in combat from Italy through D-Day to VE Day, they encountered exactly two running Tigers, defeating both with regular Shermans. In each case, the Shermans got off several shots before the Tiger got off one. The Fireflies did come in handy though for knocking out the occasional Jagdpanther.

4. Although the book mentions TDs, the author apparently wrote the book so late that all of the TD drivers had either passed or were not available. He also relied a LOT on personal correspondence.