Tanks on the A556

Sherman Tanks on the A556!

The Hartford blue bridge was constructed in 1938, just before World War II. The bridge was built to replace a single span stone bridge so that boats could make their way to the Weaver Navigation more easily, the road was widened at the same time. The bridge has Art-Deco style abutments and its blue paint colour has given it its local name.

This section of the A556 was not opened immediately as it served as a storage area for Lend-lease Sherman tanks and other artillery in early 1944 in preparation for the Normandy landings. The storage area was believed to be a last minute build as it did not appear in the earlier 1943 Bolero planning.

It is quite likely that the Sherman tanks were shipped from the USA into Liverpool docks from where, because of German raids, they were transported by rail into the Cheshire countryside. The tanks heavily greased and may not have been a in combative state in transportation.

It is known that American’s who were involved in the manufacture of the tanks hid gifts and letters for the soldiers to find when they prepared the tanks for combat. The white star on the sides or turret of the tank was for identification during combat.