[Epapazian]

Thanks Shawn for an interesting analysis. Although you mentioned the German Pzkpfw III, I think that this excellent tank was highly respected by the Allies during the early part of the war when it spearheaded the Nazi conquests of the low countries, France and the Balkans. The Mark IIIs got a nasty surprise when counterattacked by British Matildas at Arras in May 1940 and had trouble with British-manned General Lee tanks in North Africa, but aside from this, their only shortcoming was lack of sufficient firepower. This became apparent in Russia when the Red Army unveiled its T-34s, which were more or less impervious to the Mark III's 50-mm L/60 main gun. Since the Mark IIIs turret ring was too narrow in width to permit the required upgunning, the Germans were fortunate to have the reliable Mark IV available for this purpose. Certainly, both are candidates for most underrated tank of WW II.