Designed as a stopgap measure until the M4 Sherman tank could come on line, the M3 General Grant medium tank saw action in the North African campaign with both US and British forces battling the Afrika Korps. The M3 tank was unusual because it mounted two large caliber weapons in the body of the vehicle. A heavy 75mm gun was housed in a sponson situated on the right hand side of the vehicle while a smaller 37mm gun was placed atop the tank in a separate fully traversible turret. Most military historians view the M3 as a failure because the 75mm gun had a restricted field of fire. In fact, the tank would have to be constantly repositioned so that the gunner could train the gun on enemy targets located on the left hand side of the tank. Finally, the M3's high humpback-like profile and riveted construction made it especially vulnerable to enemy fire.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a British M3 Grant medium tank which served in North Africa during 1942. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Length: 3-1/2-inches
Width: 1-1/2-inches

Release Date: July 2006

Historical Account: "Sandstorm" - The Second Battle of El Alamein, marked a significant turning point in the Western Desert Campaign of World War II. The battle lasted from October 23rd to November 3rd, 1942. Following the First Battle of El Alamein, which had stalled the Axis advance, General Bernard Montgomery took command of the British Commonwealth's Eighth Army from Claude Auchinleck in August 1942.

Success in the battle turned the tide in the North African Campaign. Allied victory at El Alamein ended German hopes of occupying Egypt, controlling access to the Suez Canal, and gaining access to the Middle Eastern oil fields. The German defeat at El Alamein marked the end of German expansion.