'Sgt. Arthur Cook's tank, knocked out of action on the Etteville [sic] Ridge', Normandy, July 1944

Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944.

According to the war diary of the 3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), the unit's Sherman tanks, with infantry support from the Seaforth Highlanders, were heavily engaged with German infantry and tanks near Eteville. The war diary reports a number of casualties on 10 July but no tanks were lost. On the and 11 July the following is recorded, 'C Sqn under command of Capt. Murray destroyed 1 Tiger. Our loss was 1 Sherman destroyed, the crew of which escaped alive'.

The Sherman in this picture may well be this tank. On the side of the turret, almost centred on the triangular tactical sign, is a hole where it appears an enemy round has penetrated.

From an album containing 210 photographs compiled by Major W H J Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe (1944-1945).