Sherman Tank at the Montormel Memorial

A restored USA Sherman M4A1 tank, used by Polish troops in World War II and named General Maczek. It is at the Montormel Memorial Museum in Normandy.

Montormel, code named Hill 262, was defended by the 1st Polish Armoured Division under General Maczek during the Battle of the Falaise Pocket in August 1944. It was of great strategic importance, to both sides. The Division held its position here and was instrumental in plugging the “Falaise Gap” escape route for retreating German troops, despite being only 1500 men strong, under equipped and short of supplies, against a foe of many thousands.