Can anyone tell me if the British ever used the Sherman MkI (M4) in North Africa.
It seems all I can find are references to MkII and IIIs.

Many thanks.

Hi Patrick,
AFAIK, the US diverted some 300 M4's (which were supposed to be the core of some of their new Armored Divisions) to the British 8th Army just before El-Alamein. Since the replacements of the lost units were mostly A2's and A4's, these "original" M4's (Sherman I's) became quiet "rare" after a short while.
That's what I remember from a book I red quiet some time ago.
Cheers,
Israel

Thank you, Israel.
Your information is very much appreciated.

The first Sherman to enter production was the Mark II. The first sent to Britain was a Mark II (Michael) . The ones diverted to North Africa were nearly all Mark II. Believe it or not but the Mark I and V were going to forces in the continental US.