M4 High-Speed Tractors with M1A1 Anti-Aircraft Guns in Cherbourg — Normandy, June 30, 1944

July 20, 2025 - Reading time: 7 minutes

M4 High-Speed Tractors with 90mm M1A1 anti-aircraft guns move through Cherbourg, France, on June 30, 1944, during the Battle of Normandy.

This powerful image shows a column of American M4 High-Speed Tractors towing 90mm M1A1 anti-aircraft guns along the streets of Cherbourg, France, on June 30, 1944, during the Battle of Normandy. The M4 High-Speed Tractor, primarily designed for artillery towing, was a vital asset for the U.S. Army during World War II, especially when paired with the powerful 90mm M1A1 anti-aircraft guns. These guns played a significant role in defending the advancing Allied forces from Luftwaffe air raids.

The photo shows the movement of this critical artillery through the streets of Cherbourg, as the Allied forces secured key positions in Normandy. Cherbourg, located in the Manche department, was a crucial port for the Allied invasion and needed to be cleared of German forces to facilitate the unloading of supplies and reinforcements. The 90mm M1A1 anti-aircraft guns, mounted on M4 tractors, were essential for defending the port and the Allied beachheads against any air threats during the operation.

This image not only captures the strategic importance of American artillery during the Normandy campaign, but also highlights the logistical challenges the Allied forces faced as they pushed deeper into Nazi-occupied France.

Technical photo data:
📝 Source of information: www.re.photos
📍 Location: Cherbourg, Manche department, France
📅 Date of photo: June 30, 1944
📷 Photographer: Unknown

• M4 High-Speed Tractor

• 90mm M1A1 anti-aircraft guns

• Cherbourg Normandy

• U.S. artillery

• Luftwaffe defense

• Battle of Normandy

• Allied forces WWII

• American military equipment

• D-Day liberation

• Normandy campaign

• American artillery Normandy

• U.S. Army WWII