Although it makes for a dramatic picture, the .50cal machine gun mount on the front of this M6 was a field modification added by the Headquarters Company of the 5th Armored Maintenance Battalion. The machine gunner's feet are resting on the self-recovery winch. The fuel tank pressure cap is visible below the axe handle, and a reflector light is aft of the fuel tank cap. Scant protection was offered by the gun shield, but this was the only armor available on the vehicle. An ammunition rack was placed at each corner of the fighting compartment, and the white star is painted on the exterior of one of these racks. A ration box is just in front of this ammo rack, and a fuel container is on the running board in front of the ration box. The windshield is folded forward onto the hood. Note the reversed tread on the front driver's tire. (Picture taken 6 Jun 1943 by Pvt. J.F. Albert; available from the U.S. Army Center of Military History.)
This more stock example has not had a machine gun added, and the 37mm gun is facing forward. (Picture from TM 9-2800 Standard Military Motor Vehicles.)
Seen from the opposite side with the ordnance traversed behind, the gun overhang to the rear can be gleaned. (Picture from FM 30-40 Military Intelligence Identification of United States Armored Vehicles.)
The rear view mirror helped the driver see around the gun shield. The shield design seen in this image was replaced by one that offered overhead protection and that had the bottom corners filled out as seen above. (Picture from FM 30-40 Military Intelligence Identification of United States Armored Vehicles.)
The necessity of the rear view mirror is well illustrated by this picture taken from the rear; the revised fuller gun shield would further hamper the driver's rear vision, though the added protection was doubtlessly appreciated. (Picture from FM 30-40 Military Intelligence Identification of United States Armored Vehicles.)
The layout of the fighting compartment can be seen in this top down view. Ammunition racks were located at the four corners of the fighting compartment, and their covers are closed here. (Picture from FM 30-40 Military Intelligence Identification of United States Armored Vehicles.)
The ammunition rack covers are open here. Additionally, a water bucket is stowed on the passenger fender, and rolled blankets for the crew can be seen on the passenger running board. (Picture from Catalogue of Standard Ordnance Items, second edition 1944, volume I: Tank and Automotive.)
