Stanford Battle Tank

Tanks & the Battlefield: A Case-Study of the M4 Sherman

mathewcrichton — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 23:32:58 +0000

Our design portfolio is an unpacking of the M4 Sherman tank through the perspective of the users of this artifact, the soldiers of World War II who utilized them on the battlefield. Through an in-depth study of the relationships surrounding the interplay between the technology, materials and users of the M4 Sherman we uncovered many unexpected and surprising insights related to this tank.

This project is dedicated to the brave men and women who served in WWII
and their continuing legacy.

Project Proposal

mathewcrichton — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 23:32:11 +0000

With the entry of the modern tank, or Landships as they were originally called, on the battlefield the face of warfare changed.

We wish to conduct an integral case study of the M4 Sherman tank, one of the most notable and socially relevant vehicles on the Allied side of World War II. To provide general foundation, we will analyze the initial invention and conception of tanks, from Da Vinci’s design sketches to the advent of Little Willie on the battlefield of World War I.

The central question of our research is focused on the experience of the user, in this case the veterans of World War II and their thoughts and feelings regarding the M4.

We will explore this inquiry through several different approaches. Most importantly, we will investigate how it altered the battlefields of WWII and its effects, both directly and indirectly, on war strategy on the ground. Interviews with veteran military personnel (e.g. tank operators, designers, and engineers) will allow a better grasp of tanks’ social aspects in action during World War II and at in our society today. Visits to the Littlefield Tank Museum in Portola Valley will provide first-hand evidence of how society chose to commemorate and celebrate tanks and those involved in their development and use.

We expect many surprises to surface in the course of our research and we can’t wait to share them with you!

Resources

mathewcrichton — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 23:31:55 +0000

Our research was mainly based upon the personal interviews we were able to have with the WWII veterans of the 12th Armored Division and our two visits to the Littlefield Tank Museum. The online and textual resource material we utilized was a supplement to our first-hand and in-person research.

Resources (Full Version)

mathewcrichton — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 23:31:07 +0000

The Conception of Tanks: From Da Vinci to the Little Willie

The Dawn of the Sherman

12th Armored Division Interview

The Changing Sherman on the Battlefield

Off the Battlefield: The Legacy of Tanks

Closing Thoughts: Our Individual Discoveries Regarding Tanks

Supplementary Materials

mathewcrichton — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 23:30:37 +0000

Our Photos – Pictures we took from the Littlefield tank museum!

About This Site – A synopsis about the purpose of the site and why it isn’t on the STS 112 wiki!

M4A1 Sherman Walk-Around – See some pictures taken of the M4 from all angles!

Tribute to Tanks – See some more modern tanks in action!

Stanford Battle Tank

Tanks & the Battlefield: A Case-Study of the M4 Sherman

Project Proposal

Resources

Table of Contents

Supplementary Materials