Tanks of France
Videos
French development into tanks began during World War 1 as an effort to overcome the stalemate of trench warfare, and largely at the initiative of the manufacturers. The Schneider CA1 was the first tan
The Renault FT, the first "modern" tank to enter production
Schneider CA1, the first French tank
French Saint-Chamond tanks had long bodies with a lot of the vehicle projecting forward over the short caterpillar tracks, making them more liable to get ditched in trenches.
Renault FT tanks being operated by the US Army in France. Light tanks with a crew of only two, these were mass-produced during World War I.
SOMUA S35
Videos
The SOMUA S35 was a French cavalry tank of the Second World War. Built from 1936 until 1940 to equip the armoured divisions of the Cavalry, it was for its time a relatively agile medium-weight tank, s
Tanks of France
…or Automitrailleuses de Combat), a medium tank that sacrificed some armour for speed, and had similar armament to the infantry tanks (AMC 34, AMC 35, SOMUA S35). Armoured Reconnaissance (AMRs or Automitrailleuses de Reconnaissance), essentially light tanks (AMR 33; AMR 35), but specifically intended for general…
A SOMUA S35 at the US Army Ordnance Museum
SOMUA S35 at the Bovington Tank Museum
The S35 tank displayed in the museum building at Saumur. The cupola hatch added by the Germans is clearly visible
SOMUA S35 in running condition with a Char B1 in the background at the annual Carrousel in Saumur