This tank, Model M4A2 76mm (W) HVSS serial number 69139 was built by the Fisher Tank Division, of General Motors, Detroit Michigan, in April of 1945. The Canadian Army had used earlier versions of the Sherman in Italy and Northwest Europe from 1943, but these tanks were disposed of in Europe at the end of the war. In 1946, to equip the post-war Canadian Army, 300 M4A2 Shermans were purchased from the USA at a cost of $1,460 each. They served with the Regular Force until the adoption of the Centurion tank in 1958 with the last ones retired in 1970. A number of them became range targets and several become monuments such as this one.
In 2021, the Manitoba government unveiled the latest round of projects from the Military Memorial Conservation Grant program. The Royal Canadian Legion Charleswood Branch 100 was granted $13,700 for the conservation of the Sherman tank.
The vehicle carries the marking of The Fort Garry Horse (Militia) for the period 1946-1959.
Arm of Service Sign - the left front and left rear carry the arm of service sign of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps. A square with red and yellow halves, divided diagonally. Above, a 2-inch white bar carries the unit’s abbreviated name “FGH (M)”.
Formation Sign - the right front and right rear carry the Prairie Command shield. Prairie Command was the organization responsible for Saskatchewan, Manitoba and NW Ontario. After 1959, Prairie Command was absorbed by Western Command, and the Green Western Command flash was carried until 1968 and the unification of the Canadian Forces.
Unit Name - in the mid-1950’s the unit name in the form “FORT GARRY HORSE (M)” was added to the sides of the vehicles located in Winnipeg for recruiting purposes.
Turret Markings - a yellow triangle on the turret indicated “A” Squadron of the regiment. A square was used to indicate B Squadron, a Circle for C Squadron, and a Diamond for D Squadron.
