ABSTRACT
Perhaps the most common explanation of the failure of Allied armour to impose itself more forcefully on the Normandy campaign is that centred upon technological inferiority. The prevailing view remains that the Allies had to persevere throughout the fighting in 1944 with obsolete and inadequate armour, against the much superior German Tigers and Panthers. Those with even just a passing interest in the history of the Second World War are likely to know that the M4 Sherman was hopelessly outclassed by the formidable Tiger tank with its deadly 88mm gun and almost invulnerable armour plating. Moreover, such views are becoming reinforced by the plethora of satellite and cable television history channels that focus all too often on technological explanations of battlefield performance and effectiveness. Indeed, film footage and sophisticated computer graphics of armoured vehicles carry far greater appeal than involved discussion and debate over doctrine, planning and strategy. Consequently, technologically driven explanations of complex issues are more popular than ever.
