Sherman Crocodile*
*
The first prototype was competed in January 1944 and*
began trials at the end of the month with the first*
production vehicle was completed in March 1944.*
*
By August 1944, US Army officers had lost interest in*
mechanized flame-throwers and Armoured Force Officers*
opposed to any flame-thrower tanks that required a*
towed trailer.*
*
By late November 1944, 4 Sherman Crocodiles had*
been completed and they were issued to the US 9th*
Army since they were deployed adjacent to the British*
12th Army Group which was operating the Churchill*
Crocodile.*
*
These four M4 Crocodiles were formed as a platoon*
in the HQ company of the 739th Special-Mine*
Exploder Tank Battalion and were the only US*
Crocodiles ever in service and participated in the *
US 29th Division's attack on the town of Julich on*
February 24, 1945.*
*