M10 Tank Destroyer 1/72 Die Cast Model, 804th Tank Destroyer Battalion, Italy, 1944, by Hobby Master HG3418

The US M10 was the most produced US tank destroyer of WWII. The British M10s were called Achilles IIC because of the modification of the main gun from a 3 inch gun to a quick-firing British 17 Pounder. The conversions took place at the Royal Arsenal at Woolwich. The Mk. IC had a diesel engine while the Mk. IIC had a gasoline engine. Even the gun of the Mk. IIC was having difficulty against the heavy armor of the German Panthers and Tigers. Gradually the M36 Jackson with its heavier armor began to take over from the M10 and Achilles. In January 1942 the 104th Infantry Anti-Tank Battalion, 45th Infantry Division became the 804th Tank Destroyer Battalion. On February 13, 1943 the battalion arrived in Oran, Algeria and began training French troops how to use the M10. Just days short of one year in North Africa the 804th landed in Naples, Italy and fought at the Gustav Line. By June 4, 1944 the unit had entered Rome and on to Livorno by mid July. Then in September 1944 they crossed the Arno River to the Gothic Line. Many commanders used the M10 as fire bases because of their vulnerability to small arms fire and preferred to use regular tanks for street fights. They finally broke into the Po River Valley and crossed the river on April 27, 1945.