The M5 Satan Flamethrowing Tank – A Terrifying Beast In World War Two

The M5 Stuart was a light tank and one that was utilized as a battle tank in the Pacific for a lot longer than in other areas. It was considered to be much better than the Ha-go light tank (Japanese Type 95).

The Chi-ha medium tank (Type 97) might have had a more powerful gun (47mm), but its armor was much thinner, at its thickest 25mm, so the M tanks (M5 and M5A1) could easily be matched with it.

The M5 tanks were kitted out with Ronson flamethrowers; these replaced the main guns that were usually fitted to the tanks. In 1943 the US Marine Corps managed to get 20 of these converted tanks, complete with flamethrowers.

The flamethrowing tanks were extremely effective against the Japanese and their strongholds, which were usually difficult for the advancing Marines to get past.

Crews that manned these flame tanks were treated quite differently than other tank crew members if they happened to be captured by enemy troops. Their treatment was far less humane because the tanks were considered to be inhumane.

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It was not unusual for the crew of flame tanks to be executed immediately upon capture by the enemy troops.

Flame tanks also drew immediate fire upon itself wherever it went, as well as troops armed with flamethrowers; this was due to the fear the weapon had upon the enemy.

The tank in this video is an ultra-rare recreation of the Satan Tank. It is quite an infamous vehicle, and it tours around America on the show circuit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjJxcs_LiFk

Joris Nieuwint: Joris Nieuwint is a battlefield guide for the Operation Market Garden area. His primary focus is on the Allied operations from September 17th, 1944 onwards. Having lived in the Market Garden area for 25 years, he has been studying the events for nearly as long. He has a deep understanding of the history and a passion for sharing the stories of the men who are no longer with us.
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