The M3 Lee, officially Medium Tank, M3, was an American medium tank used during World War II. The turret was produced in two different forms, one for US needs and one modified to British requirements to place the radio next to the commander.

Nov 28, 2014 · Large and roomy, the M3 accommodated a large transmission unit, running through the crew compartment. It was served by a synchromesh, 5 speeds forward, 1 reverse gearbox, and steering was obtained by differential braking.

Aug 12, 2018 · Tanks having US turret arrangement and a crew of 7 members was called “Lee” after Confederate General Robert .E. Lee while those having British turret arrangements and a 6-man crew were called “Grant” after Union General Ulysses.

Nov 19, 2024 · Developed by the United States in the early years of the war, the M3 Lee was a stopgap solution meant to counter German armor until more advanced designs could be fielded. Let’s dive into nine intriguing facts about this unique wartime workhorse.

Mar 16, 2017 · The medium tank M3 was based on the medium tank M2, utilizing its suspension, power train, and other mechanical parts. The M3 was called Lee I by the British, and the turret machine gun cupola was often replaced in British service with a flat rotating split hatch.

Dec 23, 2024 · This gave the Lee its 7-man ‘clown car’ crew (commander, 2x gunners, 2x loaders, driver, and radio operator). For the British and other users, a new “low-profile” turret was created with a rear bulge to make room for a radio that the commander could use, without need for the seventh crewmember.

Apr 30, 2019 · A crew of seven manned the General Lee – a commander, a driver, a radio operator, two gunners and two loaders. For the US Army the M3 Lee was largely considered as an interim tank built during the time the might of the America’s industry was gearing up to build the more sophisticated and turreted M4 Sherman tank

An American M3 and crew, posing at Souk-Al-Abra, Tunisia, November, 23, 1943. The M3 in action. With a production running only one year and a half and an obsolete, awkward design, the M3 was not supposed to be a frontline tank during the entire length of the conflict.

Jun 23, 2024 · The ungainly M3 Lee/Grant tanks, rushed into service early in WWII, served as crucial stopgaps until the Sherman arrived.

M3 Lee was an American medium tank used during World War II. British versions were known as General Grant. The M3 General Lee tank was the construction developed in a hurry after the Battle of France.