The U.S. M3 Lee/Grant Tank: the Twin Gunned General!

Simple History
5 Jun 202108:18
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video script discusses the historical context and development of the M3 Lee tank, a stop-gap solution during World War II. Faced with the superior German Panzer tanks, the U.S. and British forces urgently needed a response, leading to the M3's design which repurposed elements from the M2 medium tank. Despite initial British skepticism due to its compromised design and riveted construction, the M3 saw extensive use in North Africa and the Pacific, earning respect from adversaries. Nicknamed the 'Grant' by the British and the 'Lee' by the U.S., it was also known as the 'Iron Cathedral' for its size. Post-war, some were repurposed as tractors or self-propelled howitzers, with service ending in 1957.

Takeaways
  • ๐Ÿ˜€ World of Tanks is a free-to-play multiplayer tactics game for PC, offering high-impact combat gameplay and authentic vehicle models.
  • ๐Ÿ˜ฒ The US faced challenges during World War II due to the rapid advancement of German tank technology and the effectiveness of their tactics, notably blitzkrieg.
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ The US initially struggled with tank development and had to quickly adapt to match the capabilities of German tanks, leading to the creation of stopgap solutions like the M3 tank.
  • ๐Ÿšœ The M3 tank, also known as the Grant (British variant) and the Lee (US variant), entered service in 1941 and saw extensive use during World War II.
  • ๐ŸŒ The M3 tank was used by various Allied forces, including the British, Australian, and Indian armies, and earned respect for its firepower and armored protection.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Despite its flaws, the M3 tank was recognized as a deadly adversary by both Germans and Japanese, who lacked comparable firepower and armor.
  • ๐Ÿ’ฃ After World War II, many M3 tanks were withdrawn from military service, with some repurposed as tractors on farms and others converted into self-propelled howitzers.
  • ๐Ÿ›ณ๏ธ Around 1400 M3 tanks were supplied to the Soviet Union to replenish their ranks after suffering heavy casualties during Operation Barbarossa.
  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Approximately 400 M3 tanks were lost during delivery due to threats like Germany's U-boat campaign and aerial attacks.
  • ๐Ÿ‘‹ The military career of the M3 tank, nicknamed the 'iron cathedral,' ended in 1957 with its phased-out service, marking the conclusion of these twin-gun generals.
Q & A
  • What is the name of the free-to-play multiplayer tactics game mentioned in the video?

    -World of Tanks

  • What type of gameplay does World of Tanks offer?

    -World of Tanks offers high impact combat gameplay with a mix of strategy and action.

  • What special code is provided for new players to receive in-game rewards in World of Tanks?

    -The special code provided is 'tank mania'.

  • What does the code 'tank mania' grant to new players in World of Tanks?

    -The code grants a Tier 5 Excelsior tank, 250,000 credits, 7 days of premium access, and the ability to rent 3 Tier 6 tanks for 10 missions each.

  • What was the primary concern of the U.S. government regarding the Nazi regime in the early 1940s?

    -The U.S. government was concerned about the threat posed by the Nazi regime and how quickly they had overwhelmed European forces, fearing it was only a matter of time before the U.S. would have to intervene.

  • What was the German tactic that the American military recognized as very effective?

    -The German tactic was known as blitzkrieg, which involved swiftly coordinated tank columns, air support, and artillery for highly mobile warfare.

  • What was the name given to the British variant of the M3 tank?

    -The British variant of the M3 tank was nicknamed the 'Grant'.

  • How did the riveted design of the M3 tank pose a danger to its crew?

    -The riveted design was dangerous because rivets could pop loose and ricochet inside the tank after being struck by incoming fire, potentially injuring the crew and damaging equipment.

  • In which theater of World War II did the M3 tank see extensive use?

    -The M3 tank was used extensively during the North African campaign against the German Africa Corps and the Italian Royal Army.

  • What was the nickname given to the M3 tank by the Australian and Indian armies?

    -The Australian and Indian armies nicknamed the M3 tank the 'Iron Cathedral' due to its impressive dimensions.

  • How were some of the M3 tanks in post-war Australia repurposed?

    -Some M3 tanks in post-war Australia were sold off to be used as tractors on farms, while others were converted into self-propelled howitzers named 'Yarambas'.

  • What was the name of the operation during which the Soviet Union suffered heavy casualties, leading to the need for replenishing their tank ranks?

    -The operation was called 'Operation Barbarossa'.

Outlines
00:00
๐ŸŽฎ World of Tanks Promotion and Historical Context

This paragraph introduces the video as being sponsored by World of Tanks, a free-to-play multiplayer tactics game for PC. It emphasizes the game's historical and action-packed nature, allowing players to command authentic tank models in large-scale battles. Viewers are encouraged to use the code 'tank mania' for in-game rewards. The paragraph also delves into the historical backdrop of World War II, highlighting the American military's realization of the need for better tank designs to counter the German Panzer tanks. It outlines the development of the M2 medium tank and the subsequent need for an interim solution, which led to the creation of the M3 Lee tank with its unique sponson-mounted main gun and riveted construction, despite the associated risks.

05:01
๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ M3 Lee Tank: Design, Use in WWII, and Legacy

The second paragraph discusses the British and American use of the M3 Lee tank during World War II. Despite initial reservations due to its design flaws, such as the danger posed by rivets, the British ordered the tank in large numbers after heavy losses at Dunkirk. The British variant, named the 'Grant', differed slightly by keeping the radio in the turret, which was more practical. The M3 saw extensive use in the North African campaign and against Japanese forces in Asia and the Pacific. Even the Germans and Japanese recognized its capabilities. The tank was also supplied to the Soviet Union, although many were lost en route. Post-war, many M3 tanks were repurposed, with some converted into self-propelled howitzers named 'Yarambas' in Australia, where they remained in service until 1957.

Mindmap
Service phase-out by 1957
Conversion into self-propelled howitzers named 'Yarambas'
Adaptation for civilian use as tractors
Withdrawal from service and scrapping
Riveted design causing potential ricochet danger inside
Overburdened crew with multiple roles
Limited gun traverse due to sponson mounting
Use by Australian, Indian, and Soviet armies
Respect from German and Japanese forces
Extensive use in the North African campaign
Nicknames 'Grant' and 'Lee' after American Civil War generals
British initial underwhelm and subsequent large orders
British and American variants with slight differences
High-velocity 37-millimeter turreted gun for protection
Innovative sponson mounting for the main gun
Utilization of the failed M2 medium tank project
Urgent need for a stop-gap tank
American tanks of the time: M1 and M2 light tanks
German tank superiority over American forces
American military's recognition of German blitzkrieg tactics
Nazi regime's rapid advance in Europe
Promotion code 'tank mania' for new players
Command of over 550 authentic tank models
Historical authenticity and action-based gameplay
Free-to-play multiplayer tactics game for PC
Post-War and Legacy
Flaws and Design Issues
Use and Reception
Development of the M3 Lee/Grant
Historical Context
Introduction to World of Tanks
World of Tanks and M3 Lee/Grant Tank Analysis
Alert
Keywords
๐Ÿ’กWorld of Tanks
World of Tanks is a free-to-play multiplayer tactics game for PC where players engage in historical warfare with authentic tank models. It is central to the video as it is the game being advertised and the context in which the historical discussion of tanks is framed.
๐Ÿ’กBlitzkrieg
Blitzkrieg is a German military tactic that emphasizes swift, coordinated tank, air support, and artillery attacks to achieve a quick victory. It is a key concept in the video as it describes the warfare style that the German forces used, which influenced American tank design.
๐Ÿ’กM3 Lee
The M3 Lee was an American medium tank used during World War II. It is a significant keyword as the video discusses its development, design, and use in various theaters of the war, highlighting its role as a 'stop gap' tank to match the German Panzer tanks.
๐Ÿ’กTwin-Gunned General
This term refers to the M3 Lee's distinctive feature of having both a main gun and a secondary gun, which was an innovative design at the time. It is used in the video to describe the unique capabilities of the M3 Lee tank.
๐Ÿ’กNorth African Campaign
The North African Campaign was a series of battles that took place in North Africa during World War II. It is mentioned in the video as a key theater where the M3 Lee was used extensively, showcasing its effectiveness in combat.
๐Ÿ’กPanzer Tanks
Panzer Tanks were the armored fighting vehicles used by Germany during World War II. The video discusses the impact of these tanks on the development of American tank design, particularly the M3 Lee, which was developed in response to the German Panzer's capabilities.
๐Ÿ’กSoviet Union
The Soviet Union was one of the major combatants in World War II and received around 1400 M3 tanks from the Allies. The video mentions the Soviet Union to highlight the international use and importance of the M3 Lee in the war effort.
๐Ÿ’กArmored Warfare
Armored warfare refers to the use of armored vehicles, such as tanks, in military operations. The video's theme revolves around armored warfare, particularly the evolution of American tank design in response to the tactics and technology of the German Panzer divisions.
๐Ÿ’กM4 Sherman
The M4 Sherman was an American medium tank that succeeded the M3 Lee. It is mentioned in the video as the tank that the Americans developed to eventually replace the M3 Lee, indicating the continuous evolution of tank design during the war.
๐Ÿ’กTank Commander
A tank commander is the officer in charge of a tank and its crew. The video uses the term to emphasize the immersive experience of World of Tanks, where players can 'feel like a real tank commander', drawing a parallel between the game and actual tank combat.
๐Ÿ’กRivets
Rivets are the metal fasteners used in the construction of the M3 Lee's armor. The video discusses the potential danger of rivets in tank design, as they could become projectiles inside the tank when hit by enemy fire, illustrating the challenges in early tank design.
Highlights

World of Tanks is a free-to-play multiplayer tactics game for PC where players can take charge of authentic tank models and engage in massive historic battles.

The game features over 550 tanks with varied play styles, allowing players to choose how they want to conquer their opponents.

New players can enter the code 'tank mania' to receive the Tier 5 Excelsior tank, 250,000 credits, 7 days of premium access, and the ability to rent 3 Tier 6 tanks.

The M3 Lee tank was developed by the US and Britain as a stopgap solution during World War II to match the current generation of German tanks.

The M3 had a unique design with a main 75mm gun mounted in a sponson on the side of the tank, and a secondary 37mm turreted gun for all-around protection.

The British variant of the M3, nicknamed the Grant, kept its radio in the turret for better tactical communication.

The US version of the M3, nicknamed the Lee, had the radio in the hull, which was less practical.

Over 6,000 M3 tanks were produced, with nearly half assigned to British forces.

The M3 saw extensive use during the North African campaign against the German Africa Corps and Italian Royal Army.

Despite its flaws, the M3 was held in high regard by the Germans and Japanese for its firepower and armor protection.

The Australian and Indian armies also used the M3 extensively during the war.

The M3 was nicknamed the 'Iron Cathedral' due to its large size and impressive dimensions.

Around 1,400 M3 tanks were supplied to the Soviet Union, but it's estimated that 400 were lost during delivery due to German attacks.

After the war, most M3 tanks were scrapped, but some were converted into self-propelled howitzers in Australia and served until 1957.

The converted M3 howitzers in Australia were named 'Yaramas' after an Aboriginal spear-throwing instrument.

The M3 Lee was an important stopgap tank that helped the Allies during a critical period in World War II.

Transcripts
00:00

this video was made possible by world of

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tanks

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the free-to-play multiplayer tactics

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world of tanks is where history meets

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take charge of authentic vehicle models

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and feel like a real tank commander as

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you charge into massive historic battles

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with over 550 tanks featuring varied

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play styles

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how you conquer your opponent is up to

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you simple history viewers new to the

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world of tanks experience can

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enter the code tank mania to receive the

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tier 5 excelsior tank

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250 000 credits and 7 days of premium

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access

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you'll also be able to rent 3 tier 6

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tanks for 10 missions each for an extra

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boost to your combat prowess

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jump into the free online game world of

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tanks using our link in the description

00:50

the usm3 tank the twin gunned general

00:56

1941-1957

00:58

in 1940 the war in europe may have

01:00

seemed distant and ever so far away to

01:02

most americans

01:04

political and military leaders however

01:06

no doubt recognized the threat posed by

01:08

the nazi regime

01:09

knowing it would only be a matter of

01:11

time before the u.s was forced to

01:13

intervene in yet another bloody european

01:15

conflict

01:16

what was probably most disconcerting to

01:18

the u.s government was how quickly the

01:20

germans had overwhelmed the combined

01:22

forces of britain

01:23

france belgium and the netherlands all

01:26

in just a matter of weeks

01:28

at the forefront of the germans rapid

01:30

and seemingly unstoppable advance

01:32

was a new breed of tank the dreaded

01:35

panzer

01:36

chiefly consisting of the impressive

01:38

panzer iii and the early panzer

01:40

mark iv tanks divisions were also

01:42

supported by large numbers of recently

01:44

integrated czech light tanks

01:45

particularly the highly effective

01:47

ltvz-38 which was designated the panzer

01:50

38t by the germans

01:52

the american military was quick to

01:54

analyze the german success

01:55

and came to two worrying conclusions the

01:58

first was that the tactic the germans

02:00

used was a very effective one

02:02

based around the concept of lightning

02:03

war or as it was to become

02:05

better known as blitzkrieg

02:08

this new approach called for swiftly

02:10

coordinated tank columns

02:11

air support and artillery and resulted

02:14

in a new highly mobile type of warfare

02:16

in which fortifications and trenches

02:18

were rendered mostly ineffective

02:20

the second conclusion the americans came

02:22

to was that the german tank designs were

02:25

far better than expected and easily

02:27

outclassed what was currently being

02:29

fielded by the american military

02:32

although the u.s had seen the potential

02:34

in utilizing tanks as far

02:36

back as the conclusion of the first

02:37

world war they had failed to adequately

02:39

fund or develop this element during the

02:41

interwar years

02:43

in fact they only decided as late as the

02:45

1930s to start fully replacing their

02:47

cavalry units with armored vehicles

02:50

as a result when war erupted in europe

02:53

in 1939

02:54

the americans could only field a very

02:56

small number of tanks

02:58

virtually all of them were of the m1 and

03:00

m2 variety

03:01

both of which were light tanks

03:02

effectively made obsolete by the caliber

03:05

of the german opposition

03:07

the americans had been developing the m2

03:09

tank into a medium-sized model

03:11

figuring it would use many of the parts

03:13

of the existing m2 light tank

03:15

the medium model would be very easy to

03:17

produce and maintain

03:19

sadly it became apparent that this new

03:21

tank would not be much of a match for

03:22

the new breed of panzer coming out of

03:24

germany

03:25

though the upgraded m2 had an effective

03:27

37 millimeter gun

03:29

its crew of six were overburdened with

03:31

no less than 7 machine guns scattered

03:33

around its frame

03:34

along with having to fulfill the

03:35

demanding roles of commander driver

03:38

gunner loader and radio operator all

03:40

this resulting in a rather chaotic and

03:42

clumsily underperforming

03:45

so the americans hurriedly started to

03:47

develop a tank that would later become

03:49

the legendary and highly successful

03:51

m4 sherman medium tank in the meantime

03:54

however

03:54

both the americans and the british

03:56

desperately needed a stop gap tank to

03:58

match the current generation of german

04:00

tanks

04:01

in order to save time it was decided

04:03

that much of the failed m2 medium tank

04:05

project would be utilized

04:07

but the major problem with this approach

04:09

was that the turret ring of the m2 could

04:11

not hold the larger 75 millimeter main

04:14

gun required to match that of the new

04:16

panzer iv

04:17

so an innovative solution was to use the

04:19

world war one practice of installing the

04:21

main gun on the side of the tank in the

04:22

sponson mounting

04:24

this eliminated the need for a total

04:25

redesign but meant the gun had a very

04:27

limited traverse

04:28

and that the tank could not dig in in a

04:30

defensive position

04:33

a high-velocity 37-millimeter turreted

04:36

gun was also equipped on top of the crew

04:38

compartment for all-around protection

04:40

when the british first saw the m3

04:42

prototype in the summer of 1940

04:44

they were very underwhelmed they felt it

04:46

reeked of compromise at every level

04:48

and at over 10 feet tall and 27 tons it

04:51

left an impression for all the wrong

04:53

reasons

04:54

to make matters worse for ease of

04:56

production the tank was of a riveted

04:57

design

04:58

the flaw in this type of construction

05:00

was represented by the danger of the

05:02

rivets themselves

05:03

which having absorbed the shock waves of

05:05

incoming fire on the armor's exterior

05:07

could pop

05:07

loose and ricochet wildly about the

05:09

interior compartment of the tank at

05:11

incredible speeds

05:12

shredding the crew and vital equipment

05:14

to pieces

05:16

despite their misgivings the british

05:17

nevertheless felt forced to order large

05:19

numbers of these tanks

05:21

as most of their armored brigades have

05:22

been left behind during the evacuation

05:24

of dunkirk

05:25

the british variant of the m3 differed

05:27

only slightly from the us army version

05:30

notably the british model kept its radio

05:32

situated in the turret rather than in

05:34

the hull compartment

05:35

this made much more tactical sense as

05:37

the commander could communicate directly

05:39

with other tanks while

05:40

overseeing any engagement personally the

05:43

british model was nicknamed the grant

05:45

after the union general ulysses s grant

05:47

from the american civil war

05:49

whereas the u.s version was nicknamed

05:51

the lee after the confederate general

05:53

robert e lee on the opposing side of the

05:55

war

05:56

the m3 entered service in 1941 and

05:59

proved reasonably successful

06:01

nearly half of over 6 000 produced were

06:03

assigned to the british forces

06:04

they were used extensively during the

06:06

north african campaign against the

06:08

german africa corps and the italian

06:09

royal army

06:10

when the north african campaign

06:12

concluded in 1943

06:14

their frontline service ceased in the

06:15

west but they were still used

06:17

extensively against the japanese in the

06:19

southeast

06:20

asia and pacific theaters until the very

06:21

end of the war in 1945

06:25

despite its flaws even the germans came

06:27

to hold the m3 in quite high regard

06:29

recognizing it as a deadly and

06:31

well-armed adversary

06:33

japanese were similarly forced to

06:35

respect the m3

06:36

unable to field anything to match it in

06:38

terms of firepower and armored

06:39

protection

06:41

the australian and indian army also used

06:43

them in large numbers during the war

06:45

it acquired the fanciful nickname of the

06:47

iron cathedral due to its impressive

06:49

dimensions

06:50

interestingly around 1400 were supplied

06:53

to the soviet union to help them

06:55

replenish their ranks

06:56

after the horrendous casualty suffered

06:58

at the hands of the germans during

06:59

operation barbarossa

07:02

it's estimated that around 400 m3 tanks

07:04

were lost during delivery

07:06

as allied shipping vessels fell victim

07:08

to the threat of germany's u-boat

07:09

campaign and aerial attacks before they

07:11

could arrive at their destination

07:14

at the end of the war the tank was

07:16

withdrawn from military service with

07:18

most being scrapped

07:19

in post-war australia the army sold off

07:21

many of theirs to be used as

07:23

tractors on farms a number were however

07:26

kept and converted into self-propelled

07:28

howitzers

07:28

named yarambas this was done by removing

07:31

all their weaponry

07:32

and centrally mounting a 25-pound gun in

07:35

the center of an open-topped hull

07:37

its name was derived from the aboriginal

07:39

instrument used for throwing spears

07:41

and these vehicles were relatively

07:42

successful and were well liked by their

07:44

crew

07:45

they were finally phased out of service

07:47

in 1957

07:48

thus ending the military career of these

07:51

twin gun

07:56

generals

08:18

you