The 37 mm Gun M3 was the first dedicated anti-tank gun fielded by United
States forces. Introduced in 1940, it became their standard with its size
enabling it to be pulled by a jeep. However, the continuing improvement of
German tanks quickly rendered the 37 mm ineffective, and by 1943 it was being
gradually replaced in the European and Mediterranean theatres by the more
powerful British-developed 57 mm Gun M1.
In the Pacific, where the Japanese tank threat was less significant, the M3
remained in service until the end of the war. Like many other light anti-tank
guns, the M3 was widely used in the infantry support role and as an
anti-personnel weapon, firing high-explosive and canister rounds.
The M3 saw action for the first time during the defence of the Philippines in
December 1941. It went on to become a factor in the Guadalcanal Campaign, where
it was successfully employed against both Japanese armour and infantry.
Throughout the war it remained effective against Japanese vehicles, which were
thinly armoured and were rarely committed in large groups. The light weight of
the gun made it easy to move through difficult terrain, against enemy
fortifications the M3 was only somewhat effective because of its small
high-explosive projectile.
Its overall effectiveness and ease of use meant the gun remained in service with
the Marine Corps and with some Army units in the Pacific until the end of
the war.
- Pack contains 1 metal gun and 3 metal crew figures.
- Metal
- Requires Assembly
- This product is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue and paints not included.