I search for markings and cmouflage of R-35 that were not in french use. I already found pictures of romanian and italien R-35 but I'm searching for more, especially colored pictures and drawings for painting my models.
Thank you.
Renault R-35
For Yugoslav R-35 you have one article here (i belive you already have this one):
http://stef124.tripod.com/reno35.htm
German R-35/39 in Yugoslavia a lot of pic's and huge topic:
http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic. ... &start=450
http://stef124.tripod.com/reno35.htm
German R-35/39 in Yugoslavia a lot of pic's and huge topic:
http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic. ... &start=450
There were interesting variations in R-35 armament depending on the user. The Romanians for example, replaced the short 37mm guns with Russian 45mm ones(see http://mailer.fsu.edu/~akirk/tanks/romania/RomR35.jpg and http://mailer.fsu.edu/~akirk/tanks/roma ... 5-45mm.JPG ), and there is at least one R-35 captured by the Russians that had its 37mm gun replaced by a 20mm ShVAK cannon (see http://rkkaww2.armchairgeneral.com/gall ... 5_pic1.jpg ).
Again I search for some information:
I need a detailed picture (s) of the mounting of the Reibel-MG at the back of the turret of the R-35 as it can be seen here:
(by the way: is this R-35 above a yugoslav one?)
Then I would like to know, what version this is:
And at last I search for camouflage color-plates of the R-35 with the long 37mm canon, also known as R-39.
Would be great if you were able to help me!
I need a detailed picture (s) of the mounting of the Reibel-MG at the back of the turret of the R-35 as it can be seen here:
(by the way: is this R-35 above a yugoslav one?)
Then I would like to know, what version this is:
And at last I search for camouflage color-plates of the R-35 with the long 37mm canon, also known as R-39.
Would be great if you were able to help me!
The lower photo shows a fascine carrier version, more details in the Trackstory book here
http://www.minitracks.fr/r35.htm
HTH
http://www.minitracks.fr/r35.htm
HTH
-
David Lehmann
- Member
- Posts: 2863
- Joined: 01 Apr 2002, 11:50
- Location: France
Hello,
Both photos display French R35 tanks.
I don't think I have close-up views of the mounting of the spare MG as AAMG but I will have a look.
For the camo schemes, there will not be a real difference between a R35 and a R39 IMHO. You will generally find both in the same battalion, the 38mm SA38 gun being then issued to company and platoon leaders. The best option about camo would be to buy the Trackstory booklet. It is not expensive and is both in French and English. You can pay easily by PayPal.
Concerning the second photo, it is the R35 tank #50425 from Sergent Henri Lemarié according to Antoine Misner's website. During the Phoney War, several tests were performed with fascine carrier devices (to fill in trenches etc.) in different units like the 10e BCC and the 2e BCC.
Typically during the May-June 1940 combats, when you see a R35 tank with the slide bars like on your 2nd photo it is a tank from 2e BCC.
RENAULT R35
In 1933 the French High Command called for the design of a 6-ton tank as a replacement for the aging Renault FT17. The vehicle was designed to have a crew of two and to be armed with one or two 7.5mm MGs or a 37mm gun. Renault, "Forges et Chantiers de la Méditerranée" (FCM) and the "Compagnie Générale de Construction des Locomotives and Delaunay Belleville" took part in the design process. The first prototype was manufactured by Renault at the end of 1934 and was based upon the AMR 1935 type ZT. The armor specifications were increased to 40mm after tests with the 25mm SA34 AT gun. The vehicle was called the Renault ZM (prior to acceptance) and immediately sent into trials in the winter of 1935. By spring, an order for 300 was placed. The tank was now called "char léger modèle 1935-R" (R35). On May 10, 1940, the Renault R35 was the most common tank in the French army with about 945 R35 tanks in combat units in metropolitan France and 125 R35 tanks in the French colonies. More of them were pressed into service in May/June 1940. If the exported R35 tanks and the tanks in the schools are counted, about 1,500 R35 were produced until the armistice. The tank was equipped with the APX-R turret (cast) and the hull consisted of three cast sections that were bolted together. The side plates carried bogies and front driving sprocket. The final drive and differentials were housed under nose plates. It was steered through a Cletrac geared differential and brakes. The driver was located to left side and had 2 splits and an episcope. The turret had 3 episcopes and a domed cupola with binoculars. There was a seat for the commander and the hatch in the rear of the turret that opened down could be used as a seat. The machine-gun spent cases went down a chute through a hole in the floor. The engine was to the right in the rear with the self-sealing fuel tank (168 liters) on the left. The electrical system was a 12 V system with 2 cadmium-nickel batteries (80 AH) but the turret was hand cranked.
The Renault R35 had no radio set (except the 24e BCC, the single R35 battalion in which all the tanks have the ER54 radio set) and the 37mm SA18 L/21 gun was rather inefficient against other tanks. The 37mm SA18 gun could be used at 300m against the Panzer I and Panzer II but to knock out a Panzer III Ausf.E/F (the previous models were less armored and easier to destroy) or a Panzer IV Ausf.C/D they had to get as close as < 25-100m, whereas the enemy could destroy them at about 300m (3.7cm KwK) to 500m (7.5cm KwK).
Several tanks were rearmed with a 37mm SA38 L/33 gun in May/June 1940 and named Renault R39 (only a few tanks for platoon and company leaders). During travel the spare MG stored in the tank was sometimes dismounted and put on the AA mount on the rear of the turret. The main gun was then facing the rear of the vehicle.
The tank is rather slow even compared to the heavier Renault B1bis and the suspension is poorly designed. The tank lacks mobility and crossing capacities in difficult off-road terrain because it is too short and the weight distribution is uneven. The crossing capacity was sometimes enhanced by the addition of the AMX Mle1938 crossing tail. The main advantages of the Renault R35 tank are its 40mm armor and the fact that it is exceptionally robust and sturdy. This tank could cross 500 km without a single maintenance or oiling operation if needed.
The Renault R35 tank has also been exported to Romania (200 ordered, 41 delivered in September 1939 + later 34 ex-Polish R35s. About 30 R35s were rearmed with Soviet 45mm tank gun in 1943-1945), Turkey (50), Poland (50) and Yugoslavia (54).
Weight : 10.6t
Length : 4.02m
Width : 1.87m
Height : 2.13m
Crew : 2 men
Maximum armor : 43mm (APX-R turret is cast and hull is cast armor + RHA bolted elements)
Maximum speed : 20-23 km/h (Renault engine, water cooled, 4 cylinders, petrol, 85 hp, 5880 cc, 2200 rpm, Zenith type 42 UDD carburettor, magneto ignition, Scintilla Vertex NV4)
Diameter of turning circle at 6 km/h : 8.50m (Jentz)
Transmission : 4 forward, 1 reverse
Autonomy : 140 km
Ground pressure : 0.86 kg/cm² (compared to 0.73 for PzIIc, 0.92 for a Pz III e/f and 0.83 for PzIVd)
Armament : a 37mm SA18 L/21 gun and a 7.5mm MAC1931 CMG (100 shells with at least 10 AP shells* and 2400 cartridges - elevation of -16/+20° and traverse of -5°/+5°, but could be blocked to aim only with the turret rotation).
* The Renault FT17, Renault R35 and FCM36 infantry light tanks, which were not included in an amored divisions had often only a dozen AP shells, illustrating their infantry support role seen as primary task. They were depending from armies' HQs and were attached to various infantry units for support. They only had AP shells for self-defense against tanks but were not thought to be engaged in big tank battles. In the case of Renault R35 tanks included in an amored division like it was the case with the 4e DCr (2e BCC and 24e BCC), the ammunition loadout included more AP shells (about 40 probably). The situation was also different with e.g. the Hotchkiss cavalry light tanks, which had 60 HE and 40 AP shells and of course with all the heavier tanks like the Somua S35 or the Renault B1bis which had more numerous AP shells. The Somua S35 had 40 APC and 78 HE shells. The Renault B1bis, in the last loadout type had 72x 47mm shells (APC and HE) and 74x 75mm shells (7 APHE and 67 HE).
Detailed armor thickness (mm) :
Turret Front : 40mm/5° and 28° + gun mantlet
Turret Sides : 40mm/28°
Turret Rear : 40mm/30° (rear hatch is 40mm thick)
Turret Top : 25mm/90°
Copula : 40mm/round
Hull Front, Upper : 43mm/37° (driver’s hatch is 40mm/23°)
Hull Front, Lower : 40mm/round
Hull Sides, Upper : 40mm/10°
Hull Sides, Lower : 40mm/0°
Hull Rear : 32mm/24°
Hull Top : 25mm/90°
Hull Bottom : 10mm/90°
The surface of the front (turret and hull) really exposed to the enemy fire : 2.00 m2 with only 0.65 m2 with a slope inferior to 30°
1st gear – speed : 3.5 km/h
2nd gear – speed : 5.5 km/h
3rd gear – speed : 10 km/h
4th gear – speed : 20 km/h (23 km/h according to Russian data measured on a captured Polish R35)
Top Speed in medium difficult off-road terrain : 8.7 km/h
Maximum slope to climb 23° on soft ground.
Renault R35/39/40 and Hotchkiss H35/39 tanks vision means
Hull :
1x E2B episcope (early models) (28° vertical field of view) OR 1x PPL RX 180 P episcope (30° vertical field of view)
2x lateral slits
APX-R or APX-R1 turret (1350 kg with 37mm SA18 gun and 1540 kg with the 37mm SA38 gun) :
1x L.713 / L.739 sight (37mm SA18 gun) OR 1x L.767 sight (37mm SA38 gun)
3x diascopes (28° vertical field of view) (early) OR 3x PPL RX 160 episcopes (68° horizontal field of view and +3° to -21° = 24° vertical field of view))
1x slit in the rear turret hatch
Cupola :
1x slit (150mm x 7mm slit protected by a 15mm thick armored shutter) (early) OR 1x PPL RX 180 P episcope (APX-R1) (30° vertical field of view)
After action reports involving R35 tanks :
1) 35e BCC
During the battle of Gembloux (May 14-15, 1940) in Belgium, the 15e DIM and the 1e DM are supported respectively by the 13e BCC (45 Hotchkiss H35) and the 35e BCC (45 Renault R35). One infantry battalion of each division is kept in reserve with a tank battalion attached to it for future counter-attacks. The tank commanders are ordered to launch on their own immediate counter-attacks against German tank incursions. They are facing Hoepner's XVI.Panzerkorps (3.PzD and 4.PzD) which leads the attack against Gembloux. In addition, Hoepner disposed of the 20.ID (mot) and 35.ID.
The 35e BCC is supporting the 1e DM and is led by battalion commander Ragaine (1 tank). The tank companies are commanded by :
• 1/35e BCC : capitaine Pelletier (13 tanks)
• 2/35e BCC : capitaine Murati (13 tanks)
• 3/35e BCC : capitaine Richard (13 tanks)
• the reserve company (compagnie d'échelon) : capitaine Maury (5 reserve tanks)
During the 1939/1940 campaign, the battalion will loose 14 KIA, 35 WIA, 14 MIA and 18 POWs. The 45 tanks will be lost. The battalion will earn 1 citation and its men will be awarded 68 individual ratified citations, 5 Legion of Honor medals and 4 Military Medals.
A combat command is constituted with the III/2e RTM (capitaine Saut) and the 35e BCC. This tactical combat group is placed under the command of battalion commander Ragaine and used to launch counter-attacks on the Gembloux-Ernage railroad, forcing the Germans to retreat. The Germans will never break the French lines at Gembloux but largely because of the excellent French artillery and the inability of the Luftwaffe to silent this artillery.
2) 10e BCC
40 Renault R35 of the 10e BCC were engaged with the newly created 7e DLM around Juniville (south of Rethel and Aisne River) against the 1.PzD (+ elements of 17.ID and 21.ID). There were only 65 French tanks including only 20 with the 37mm SA38 gun against the advancing 1.PzD.
The 37mm SA18 of the Renault R35 was insufficient against the Panzers, they had to close too much (25-50m) at a range were the good armor was not sufficient anymore. On 10th June evening, from the 27 Renault R35 tanks engaged by the 2/10e BCC and 3/10e BCC (two companies of 13 tanks and the battalion commander's tank) : 10 have been destroyed, 10 are damaged but recovered and under repair and 7 are fully operational. The 1/10e BCC has 13 more tanks and there are also the 5 replacement tanks (manned then by the surviving crews) of the battalion for a total of 20-25 operational tanks.
3) 3e BCC and 23e BCC
Renault R35 tanks from the 3e BCC and 23e BCC were also engaged for example on 9th and 10th June with the 14e DI and the 2e DI on the Aisne River.
--- FRONT OF THE 14e DI (east of Rethel) : from Thugny-Turny to Attigny
The German assault (73. and 86.ID) begins at 4h20 after a 35 minutes long artillery preparation. The 170.IR (73.ID) manages to cross the Aisne River at Thugny-Trugny and begins to infiltrate in the French lines. The 31e BCP is very close to be encircled in the town. De Lattre sends colonel Paraire to counter-attack with elements from the 25e GRDI, the 2e BCP and 9 Renault R35 tanks coming from the 3e BCC. They pull the German regiment back inflicting them heavy losses. On all the front hold by the 14e DI the attack of the XXIII.AK is a failure.
--- FRONT OF THE 2e DI : from Château-Porcien to Thugny-Turny (including Rethel)
The 2e DI is attacked by the 17.ID and the 21.ID, leading to heavy street fights in Château-Porcien and the southern part of Rethel. No German bridgehead can be established; at each attempt the French troops launch a vigorous counter-attack that defeats the Germans. About 500 German POWs are captured by the 2e DI.
During the afternoon two breeches will be opened and enlarged in the French lines. West of Rethel 6 assault groups from the 3.IR (21.ID) crosses the river on a lock in Nanteuil despite heavy losses. This breakthrough allows the Schützen of the 3.IR to take some hills south of Nanteuil and to cut the Avançon-Rethel road. Immediately the engineers of the 21.ID build a bridge over the Aisne to allow the tanks to cross the river.
A second breech is made east of Château-Porcien which is now threatened to be encircled by the two breakthroughs. The front is broken in this area despite the resistance of the II/31e RI. The garrison in Château-Porcien will fight until being out of ammunition and surrendered only after violent close combats, delaying the building of an engineer bridge for about 6 hours.
A counter-attack is rapidly organized with the 1st company of the 23e BCC (Renault R35 tanks), two infantry platoons and two dismounted cavalry platoons but it fails due to heavy bombardment from the German artillery and aviation as well as a very efficient anti-tank artillery destroying 9 from the 13 R35 tanks. At 7h00, the German have achieved a bridgehead south of the Aisne River, deep of about 5 km from Château-Porcien to Avançon. The engineers build bridges for Guderian in Château-Porcien and Taizy.
4) 12e BCC
The 12e BCC south of Amiens on the Somme River is split : 2/12e BCC with the 16e DI and 3/12e BCC with the 13e DI. On June 5, 1940, the 2/12e BCC is on the Essertaux plateau with the mission of stopping German armored elements. One Renault R35 is destroyed by a Panzer IV during an ambush on the move to the deployment area. The first platoon (lieutenant Provoost) faces a German tank attack. The 3 Renault R35 tanks are hit by numerous 3.7cm projectiles which do not penetrate the armor of the tanks. 2 R35 tanks are immobilized by the fire of Panzer IIIs and IVs. The crews continue to fire until all the shells have been used and then they evacuate their tanks and join the French lines. The 3rd tank (caporal Devies) is scattered with 3.7cm impacts and retreats in the French lines. On the evening the 2 abandoned R35 tanks are recovered and towed in the French lines too.
For the 3/12e BCC the things are harder in the Essertaux - Ailly-sur-Noye area and several R35 tanks are destroyed or damaged (5 tanks) by 75mm shells from Panzers IVs.
During this day the 12e BCC took part in blocking the German advance. The battalion had lost 5 WIA/KIAs, 3 destroyed tanks and 3 damaged and later recovered tanks transferred to the repair company.
To illustrate the facts in a larger context the German attacks in the area are largely defeated by the French AT guns, AT mines and field artillery batteries (especially 75mm Mle1897 guns) firing in direct AT fire. The French flanking fire proved to be very efficient. A German testimony from a tanker illustrates how a whole tank platoon has been quickly destroyed. The French guns targeted at first the last tank of the platoon to avoid to warn directly the first ones. On June 5, the German XIV.Panzerkorps (9.PzD, 10.PzD, 13.ID (mot), 9.ID and "Grossdeutschland" infantry regiment) assault the French positions south of Amiens on the Somme River. The 14-20 km front is hold by the 16e DI supported by 2 tank companies (26 Renault R35 tanks) of the 12e BCC. About 250 German tanks (the German Panzerdivisionen involved had already only 50% operational tanks available) and about 60,000 men are launched against about 15,000 French troops and 26 tanks. The French troops are organized in strongpoints in the towns and woods on a depth of about 10 km. The hedgehogs (360° defense) include infantry, MGs, 25mm and 47mm AT guns but also 75mm field guns used in AT role, AT mines etc. The advancing German tanks are rapidly cut from their supporting infantry and confronted on the rears to French artillery batteries. On June 7-8, the 16e DI rears are reinforced by the 24e DI. After 5 days the German operation is stopped in that area, it failed and the Germans sustained heavy losses. The initial push was planned to enable a breakthrough of 35 km. It was not the case and the Panzerkorps had been delayed for several days. The XIV.Panzerkorps is then moved and engaged behind the XVI.Panzerkorps in Péronne. At the end of the battle on June 8, the 10.PzD is left with 60 tanks only and the 9.PzD with 30 tanks only. About 135 German tanks had been lost. These losses includes many definitively destroyed tanks, especially against French artillery batteries firing directly on the enemy tanks. The 2 French divisions have lost 60-70% of their strength but they managed to face a Panzerkorps, which was finally directed against a neighboring part of the front. Unlike in Gembloux the French troops had no strong indirect artillery support since the artillery was mainly engaged in direct fire missions. In this battle, like during the battle of Gembloux, the German tank/aircraft couple had been checked by the French infantry/artillery couple.
5) 24e BCC
On May 16, the battalion is integrated to the 4e DCr but unlike several other units of the 4e DCr it was not constituted in the emergency with everything that was available. This BCC had been created in August 1939 and participated already to the attack on the Sarre area in September 1939. The platoon (3 tanks) of Sous-Lieutenant Jeanney (from 3/24e BCC) is ordered to defend the bridge of Chivres. At 19h30 a German column with 3 armored cars and motorcycles is destroyed. During the night 2 additional side-cars are destroyed. On May 17 around 5h00, an other German column (Artillerie Abteilung 615) is attacked and destroyed: 31 KIAs, about 30 POWs, 18 trucks destroyed, 5 motorcycles and side-cars destroyed or captured and numerous radio sets captured. The 24e BCC takes part to the attack on Montcornet (except this platoon). The town of Lislet and Montcornet are reached as well as the bridges on the Serre River, but the French tanks in Montcornet lack infantry support. Several tanks are destroyed by AT mines but they resist to the 3.7cm PaK except to the close range shots. Finally the battalion looses 7 tanks.
For the probe on Montcornet (May 17) around 5h00, the 4e DCr engages only 80 tanks:
• 1/46e and 2/46e BCC (with 22 Renault B1bis tanks but only 17 engaged, 5 remained blocked in marshes at the beginning of the attack) [+3/46e BCC during the afternoon only]
• Elements of the 2e BCC and of the 24e BCC (49 Renault R35 tanks)
• 14 Renault D2 tanks from the 345e CACC
• Infantry from the 4e BCP (650 men)
They face German troops from various units including:
• AA 90 (10.PzD) – armored cars and motorcycles
• 6 tanks from the 10.PzD coming just out of the repair unit (including 1 Panzer IV)
• 666.Pionier battalion
• 59. Flak battalion + additional 8.8cm AA guns reinforcement during the day
• Luftwaffe (Stuka dive bombers attacks)
The French units advance on 25 km, destroy German vehicles and guns, attack several towns like Lislet and Montcornet at the spear of the French attack and finally goes back. From the 80-90 French tanks engaged during the day, 18 are lost due to enemy action (4 B1bis tanks, 2 D2 tanks and 12 R35 tanks). At least 2 Renault B1bis and 2 Renault D2 have been destroyed by 8.8cm AA guns. 2 Renault B1bis are indirectly lost because of air attacks, immobilized in big bomb holes. Many of the Renault R35 tanks are destroyed by AT mines and at short range by 3.7cm AT guns in the towns of Montcornet and Lislet, which were attacked without infantry support.
After the day 5 additional Renault B1bis are unavailable: 1 due to mechanical breakdowns, 3 blocked by elements of the terrain and 1 which will be scuttled, leading to 5 B1bis tanks destroyed.
The French human losses are nonetheless weak: 14 KIAs, 6 WIAs and 9 MIAs. On the German side the detail of the losses in not known but concerning the human losses there are about 100 KIAs and the French went back with about 120-130 POWs.
On May 18, the 24e BCC is in defense in front of Laon and on 19th May it takes part to the attack on Crécy-sur-Serre and looses no tank this day. On 20 May the battalion is attacked by the Luftwaffe and at 10h00 it defeats a German cavalry unit which sustains heavy losses. The 24e BCC defends then various accesses at Aubigny, Corbeney and Ville-au-Bois. The 1/24e BCC and tanks of the 3/24e BCC are ordered to rescue a French motorized column encircled in La Ferme d'Hurtebise. They attack the German AT defenses and manage to rescue most of the French troops but 1 Renault R35 is lost and the crew MIA. The battalion is then retreating and during this time 10-11 tanks are destroyed or abandoned for various reasons.
The battalion is then resting in Compiègne and takes part with the 4e DCr to the attack on the Abbeville bridgehead. Later it will fight during the retreat to the Loire River.
6) 44e BCC
The 44e BCC is engaged against the bridgehead of Abbeville as part of the 4e DCr but the French tanks are defeated by 8.8cm and 10.5cm guns used in AT role.
7) After the 1940 Western campaign, one can for example mention Operation Exporter (invasion of the French Levant = Lebanon + Syria) from 8th June to 11th July 1941.
In May 1940 in the Levant (Syria + Lebanon) there were the 63e BCC (40+5 Renault R35) and the 68e BCC (40+10 Renault R35). There were also the 56 former Renault FT17 tanks from the 63e BCC. Most remained in parks but the CACL (compagnie autonome des chars du Levant was created) with 3 groups of 10 tanks (9+1 replacement tank = = 3x FT17m, 6x FT17c, 1x FT17BS) in the cities of Beyrouth, Alep and Damas for a total of 30 Renault FT17 tanks. In June 1940, the CACL is reinforced by 6 FT-17 tanks (1x FT17c in each groups and 3 FT17m for the protection of the airbase in Estabel in Lebanon).
Therefore about 90 Renault R35 and possibly about 36 Renault FT17 tanks from Vichy saw action against the allies who had a lot of difficulties when facing the Renault R35 tanks because they lacked proper AT guns to counter them. This tank was the stongest one in the area. The Boys AT rifles were powerless against the Renault R35 tanks and the 25 Pdr field guns had to fire point blank to have a chance to knock them out. During this campaign, the Renault R35 tanks fought with great success and all their counter-attacks succeeded. At Kouneitra for example they forced the 1st Battalion, Royal Fusiliers to surrender for the first time of its history (470 POWs). It was cut off by a Vichy counter-attack and the entire battalion was lost.
RENAULT R40
The Renault R40 is the final variation of the R35. Renault was well aware of the limitation of the suspension of the Renault R35 and on the Renault R40 the suspension designed by the Atelier de Construction d’Issy-les-Moulineaux (AMX) is a completely modified and largely improved version. This suspension has a strong resemblance to the D2 one and solves most of the weight distribution issues. The track looks like a B tank variant and the suspension includes 12 pairs of small road-wheels on each side mounted in pairs and vertical coil springs. The suspension is protected from projectiles and mud by 8mm thick armored skirts.
This vehicle mounted as standard the long barreled 37mm SA38 L/33 gun in the APX-R1 turret and had an AMX Mle1938 skid tail. About 130 tanks had been built in May and June 1940. They equipped the 40e BCC (30 R40 and 15 R35), the 48e BCC (29 R40 and 16 R35), the reconstituted 28e BCC (24 R40 and 21 R35) in beginning June the Free Polish armored brigade in France.
The final evolution of the Renault R35 (the R40) had as short a career as it was eventful. The 37mm SA38 L/33 gun gave it a true anti-tank capacity unlike with the 37mm SA18 L/21 gun of most of the French tanks. The completely new suspension compared to the R35 enabled it to fulfil its intended role and gave him a far better mobility. A testimony speaks of a Renault R40 struck by no less than thirteen 37mm shots from short range, including 4 in the suspension, without impairing the tank fighting capacity !
Weight : 12t
Length : 4.02m
Width : 1.87m
Height : 2.13m
Crew : 2 men
Maximum armor : 43mm (APX-R turret is cast and hull is cast armor + RHA bolted elements)
Maximum speed : 20-23 km/h (Renault engine, 4 cylinders, gasoline, 85 hp, 5880 cc, water cooled)
Transmission : 4 forward, 1 reverse
Autonomy : 140 km
Armament : a 37mm SA38 L/33 gun and a 7.5mm MAC1931 CMG (100 shells and 2400 cartridges - elevation of -16 to +20° and traverse of 5° right and 5° left but could be blocked to aim only with the turret rotation).
Regards,
David
Both photos display French R35 tanks.
I don't think I have close-up views of the mounting of the spare MG as AAMG but I will have a look.
For the camo schemes, there will not be a real difference between a R35 and a R39 IMHO. You will generally find both in the same battalion, the 38mm SA38 gun being then issued to company and platoon leaders. The best option about camo would be to buy the Trackstory booklet. It is not expensive and is both in French and English. You can pay easily by PayPal.
Concerning the second photo, it is the R35 tank #50425 from Sergent Henri Lemarié according to Antoine Misner's website. During the Phoney War, several tests were performed with fascine carrier devices (to fill in trenches etc.) in different units like the 10e BCC and the 2e BCC.
Typically during the May-June 1940 combats, when you see a R35 tank with the slide bars like on your 2nd photo it is a tank from 2e BCC.
RENAULT R35
In 1933 the French High Command called for the design of a 6-ton tank as a replacement for the aging Renault FT17. The vehicle was designed to have a crew of two and to be armed with one or two 7.5mm MGs or a 37mm gun. Renault, "Forges et Chantiers de la Méditerranée" (FCM) and the "Compagnie Générale de Construction des Locomotives and Delaunay Belleville" took part in the design process. The first prototype was manufactured by Renault at the end of 1934 and was based upon the AMR 1935 type ZT. The armor specifications were increased to 40mm after tests with the 25mm SA34 AT gun. The vehicle was called the Renault ZM (prior to acceptance) and immediately sent into trials in the winter of 1935. By spring, an order for 300 was placed. The tank was now called "char léger modèle 1935-R" (R35). On May 10, 1940, the Renault R35 was the most common tank in the French army with about 945 R35 tanks in combat units in metropolitan France and 125 R35 tanks in the French colonies. More of them were pressed into service in May/June 1940. If the exported R35 tanks and the tanks in the schools are counted, about 1,500 R35 were produced until the armistice. The tank was equipped with the APX-R turret (cast) and the hull consisted of three cast sections that were bolted together. The side plates carried bogies and front driving sprocket. The final drive and differentials were housed under nose plates. It was steered through a Cletrac geared differential and brakes. The driver was located to left side and had 2 splits and an episcope. The turret had 3 episcopes and a domed cupola with binoculars. There was a seat for the commander and the hatch in the rear of the turret that opened down could be used as a seat. The machine-gun spent cases went down a chute through a hole in the floor. The engine was to the right in the rear with the self-sealing fuel tank (168 liters) on the left. The electrical system was a 12 V system with 2 cadmium-nickel batteries (80 AH) but the turret was hand cranked.
The Renault R35 had no radio set (except the 24e BCC, the single R35 battalion in which all the tanks have the ER54 radio set) and the 37mm SA18 L/21 gun was rather inefficient against other tanks. The 37mm SA18 gun could be used at 300m against the Panzer I and Panzer II but to knock out a Panzer III Ausf.E/F (the previous models were less armored and easier to destroy) or a Panzer IV Ausf.C/D they had to get as close as < 25-100m, whereas the enemy could destroy them at about 300m (3.7cm KwK) to 500m (7.5cm KwK).
Several tanks were rearmed with a 37mm SA38 L/33 gun in May/June 1940 and named Renault R39 (only a few tanks for platoon and company leaders). During travel the spare MG stored in the tank was sometimes dismounted and put on the AA mount on the rear of the turret. The main gun was then facing the rear of the vehicle.
The tank is rather slow even compared to the heavier Renault B1bis and the suspension is poorly designed. The tank lacks mobility and crossing capacities in difficult off-road terrain because it is too short and the weight distribution is uneven. The crossing capacity was sometimes enhanced by the addition of the AMX Mle1938 crossing tail. The main advantages of the Renault R35 tank are its 40mm armor and the fact that it is exceptionally robust and sturdy. This tank could cross 500 km without a single maintenance or oiling operation if needed.
The Renault R35 tank has also been exported to Romania (200 ordered, 41 delivered in September 1939 + later 34 ex-Polish R35s. About 30 R35s were rearmed with Soviet 45mm tank gun in 1943-1945), Turkey (50), Poland (50) and Yugoslavia (54).
Weight : 10.6t
Length : 4.02m
Width : 1.87m
Height : 2.13m
Crew : 2 men
Maximum armor : 43mm (APX-R turret is cast and hull is cast armor + RHA bolted elements)
Maximum speed : 20-23 km/h (Renault engine, water cooled, 4 cylinders, petrol, 85 hp, 5880 cc, 2200 rpm, Zenith type 42 UDD carburettor, magneto ignition, Scintilla Vertex NV4)
Diameter of turning circle at 6 km/h : 8.50m (Jentz)
Transmission : 4 forward, 1 reverse
Autonomy : 140 km
Ground pressure : 0.86 kg/cm² (compared to 0.73 for PzIIc, 0.92 for a Pz III e/f and 0.83 for PzIVd)
Armament : a 37mm SA18 L/21 gun and a 7.5mm MAC1931 CMG (100 shells with at least 10 AP shells* and 2400 cartridges - elevation of -16/+20° and traverse of -5°/+5°, but could be blocked to aim only with the turret rotation).
* The Renault FT17, Renault R35 and FCM36 infantry light tanks, which were not included in an amored divisions had often only a dozen AP shells, illustrating their infantry support role seen as primary task. They were depending from armies' HQs and were attached to various infantry units for support. They only had AP shells for self-defense against tanks but were not thought to be engaged in big tank battles. In the case of Renault R35 tanks included in an amored division like it was the case with the 4e DCr (2e BCC and 24e BCC), the ammunition loadout included more AP shells (about 40 probably). The situation was also different with e.g. the Hotchkiss cavalry light tanks, which had 60 HE and 40 AP shells and of course with all the heavier tanks like the Somua S35 or the Renault B1bis which had more numerous AP shells. The Somua S35 had 40 APC and 78 HE shells. The Renault B1bis, in the last loadout type had 72x 47mm shells (APC and HE) and 74x 75mm shells (7 APHE and 67 HE).
Detailed armor thickness (mm) :
Turret Front : 40mm/5° and 28° + gun mantlet
Turret Sides : 40mm/28°
Turret Rear : 40mm/30° (rear hatch is 40mm thick)
Turret Top : 25mm/90°
Copula : 40mm/round
Hull Front, Upper : 43mm/37° (driver’s hatch is 40mm/23°)
Hull Front, Lower : 40mm/round
Hull Sides, Upper : 40mm/10°
Hull Sides, Lower : 40mm/0°
Hull Rear : 32mm/24°
Hull Top : 25mm/90°
Hull Bottom : 10mm/90°
The surface of the front (turret and hull) really exposed to the enemy fire : 2.00 m2 with only 0.65 m2 with a slope inferior to 30°
1st gear – speed : 3.5 km/h
2nd gear – speed : 5.5 km/h
3rd gear – speed : 10 km/h
4th gear – speed : 20 km/h (23 km/h according to Russian data measured on a captured Polish R35)
Top Speed in medium difficult off-road terrain : 8.7 km/h
Maximum slope to climb 23° on soft ground.
Renault R35/39/40 and Hotchkiss H35/39 tanks vision means
Hull :
1x E2B episcope (early models) (28° vertical field of view) OR 1x PPL RX 180 P episcope (30° vertical field of view)
2x lateral slits
APX-R or APX-R1 turret (1350 kg with 37mm SA18 gun and 1540 kg with the 37mm SA38 gun) :
1x L.713 / L.739 sight (37mm SA18 gun) OR 1x L.767 sight (37mm SA38 gun)
3x diascopes (28° vertical field of view) (early) OR 3x PPL RX 160 episcopes (68° horizontal field of view and +3° to -21° = 24° vertical field of view))
1x slit in the rear turret hatch
Cupola :
1x slit (150mm x 7mm slit protected by a 15mm thick armored shutter) (early) OR 1x PPL RX 180 P episcope (APX-R1) (30° vertical field of view)
After action reports involving R35 tanks :
1) 35e BCC
During the battle of Gembloux (May 14-15, 1940) in Belgium, the 15e DIM and the 1e DM are supported respectively by the 13e BCC (45 Hotchkiss H35) and the 35e BCC (45 Renault R35). One infantry battalion of each division is kept in reserve with a tank battalion attached to it for future counter-attacks. The tank commanders are ordered to launch on their own immediate counter-attacks against German tank incursions. They are facing Hoepner's XVI.Panzerkorps (3.PzD and 4.PzD) which leads the attack against Gembloux. In addition, Hoepner disposed of the 20.ID (mot) and 35.ID.
The 35e BCC is supporting the 1e DM and is led by battalion commander Ragaine (1 tank). The tank companies are commanded by :
• 1/35e BCC : capitaine Pelletier (13 tanks)
• 2/35e BCC : capitaine Murati (13 tanks)
• 3/35e BCC : capitaine Richard (13 tanks)
• the reserve company (compagnie d'échelon) : capitaine Maury (5 reserve tanks)
During the 1939/1940 campaign, the battalion will loose 14 KIA, 35 WIA, 14 MIA and 18 POWs. The 45 tanks will be lost. The battalion will earn 1 citation and its men will be awarded 68 individual ratified citations, 5 Legion of Honor medals and 4 Military Medals.
A combat command is constituted with the III/2e RTM (capitaine Saut) and the 35e BCC. This tactical combat group is placed under the command of battalion commander Ragaine and used to launch counter-attacks on the Gembloux-Ernage railroad, forcing the Germans to retreat. The Germans will never break the French lines at Gembloux but largely because of the excellent French artillery and the inability of the Luftwaffe to silent this artillery.
2) 10e BCC
40 Renault R35 of the 10e BCC were engaged with the newly created 7e DLM around Juniville (south of Rethel and Aisne River) against the 1.PzD (+ elements of 17.ID and 21.ID). There were only 65 French tanks including only 20 with the 37mm SA38 gun against the advancing 1.PzD.
The 37mm SA18 of the Renault R35 was insufficient against the Panzers, they had to close too much (25-50m) at a range were the good armor was not sufficient anymore. On 10th June evening, from the 27 Renault R35 tanks engaged by the 2/10e BCC and 3/10e BCC (two companies of 13 tanks and the battalion commander's tank) : 10 have been destroyed, 10 are damaged but recovered and under repair and 7 are fully operational. The 1/10e BCC has 13 more tanks and there are also the 5 replacement tanks (manned then by the surviving crews) of the battalion for a total of 20-25 operational tanks.
3) 3e BCC and 23e BCC
Renault R35 tanks from the 3e BCC and 23e BCC were also engaged for example on 9th and 10th June with the 14e DI and the 2e DI on the Aisne River.
--- FRONT OF THE 14e DI (east of Rethel) : from Thugny-Turny to Attigny
The German assault (73. and 86.ID) begins at 4h20 after a 35 minutes long artillery preparation. The 170.IR (73.ID) manages to cross the Aisne River at Thugny-Trugny and begins to infiltrate in the French lines. The 31e BCP is very close to be encircled in the town. De Lattre sends colonel Paraire to counter-attack with elements from the 25e GRDI, the 2e BCP and 9 Renault R35 tanks coming from the 3e BCC. They pull the German regiment back inflicting them heavy losses. On all the front hold by the 14e DI the attack of the XXIII.AK is a failure.
--- FRONT OF THE 2e DI : from Château-Porcien to Thugny-Turny (including Rethel)
The 2e DI is attacked by the 17.ID and the 21.ID, leading to heavy street fights in Château-Porcien and the southern part of Rethel. No German bridgehead can be established; at each attempt the French troops launch a vigorous counter-attack that defeats the Germans. About 500 German POWs are captured by the 2e DI.
During the afternoon two breeches will be opened and enlarged in the French lines. West of Rethel 6 assault groups from the 3.IR (21.ID) crosses the river on a lock in Nanteuil despite heavy losses. This breakthrough allows the Schützen of the 3.IR to take some hills south of Nanteuil and to cut the Avançon-Rethel road. Immediately the engineers of the 21.ID build a bridge over the Aisne to allow the tanks to cross the river.
A second breech is made east of Château-Porcien which is now threatened to be encircled by the two breakthroughs. The front is broken in this area despite the resistance of the II/31e RI. The garrison in Château-Porcien will fight until being out of ammunition and surrendered only after violent close combats, delaying the building of an engineer bridge for about 6 hours.
A counter-attack is rapidly organized with the 1st company of the 23e BCC (Renault R35 tanks), two infantry platoons and two dismounted cavalry platoons but it fails due to heavy bombardment from the German artillery and aviation as well as a very efficient anti-tank artillery destroying 9 from the 13 R35 tanks. At 7h00, the German have achieved a bridgehead south of the Aisne River, deep of about 5 km from Château-Porcien to Avançon. The engineers build bridges for Guderian in Château-Porcien and Taizy.
4) 12e BCC
The 12e BCC south of Amiens on the Somme River is split : 2/12e BCC with the 16e DI and 3/12e BCC with the 13e DI. On June 5, 1940, the 2/12e BCC is on the Essertaux plateau with the mission of stopping German armored elements. One Renault R35 is destroyed by a Panzer IV during an ambush on the move to the deployment area. The first platoon (lieutenant Provoost) faces a German tank attack. The 3 Renault R35 tanks are hit by numerous 3.7cm projectiles which do not penetrate the armor of the tanks. 2 R35 tanks are immobilized by the fire of Panzer IIIs and IVs. The crews continue to fire until all the shells have been used and then they evacuate their tanks and join the French lines. The 3rd tank (caporal Devies) is scattered with 3.7cm impacts and retreats in the French lines. On the evening the 2 abandoned R35 tanks are recovered and towed in the French lines too.
For the 3/12e BCC the things are harder in the Essertaux - Ailly-sur-Noye area and several R35 tanks are destroyed or damaged (5 tanks) by 75mm shells from Panzers IVs.
During this day the 12e BCC took part in blocking the German advance. The battalion had lost 5 WIA/KIAs, 3 destroyed tanks and 3 damaged and later recovered tanks transferred to the repair company.
To illustrate the facts in a larger context the German attacks in the area are largely defeated by the French AT guns, AT mines and field artillery batteries (especially 75mm Mle1897 guns) firing in direct AT fire. The French flanking fire proved to be very efficient. A German testimony from a tanker illustrates how a whole tank platoon has been quickly destroyed. The French guns targeted at first the last tank of the platoon to avoid to warn directly the first ones. On June 5, the German XIV.Panzerkorps (9.PzD, 10.PzD, 13.ID (mot), 9.ID and "Grossdeutschland" infantry regiment) assault the French positions south of Amiens on the Somme River. The 14-20 km front is hold by the 16e DI supported by 2 tank companies (26 Renault R35 tanks) of the 12e BCC. About 250 German tanks (the German Panzerdivisionen involved had already only 50% operational tanks available) and about 60,000 men are launched against about 15,000 French troops and 26 tanks. The French troops are organized in strongpoints in the towns and woods on a depth of about 10 km. The hedgehogs (360° defense) include infantry, MGs, 25mm and 47mm AT guns but also 75mm field guns used in AT role, AT mines etc. The advancing German tanks are rapidly cut from their supporting infantry and confronted on the rears to French artillery batteries. On June 7-8, the 16e DI rears are reinforced by the 24e DI. After 5 days the German operation is stopped in that area, it failed and the Germans sustained heavy losses. The initial push was planned to enable a breakthrough of 35 km. It was not the case and the Panzerkorps had been delayed for several days. The XIV.Panzerkorps is then moved and engaged behind the XVI.Panzerkorps in Péronne. At the end of the battle on June 8, the 10.PzD is left with 60 tanks only and the 9.PzD with 30 tanks only. About 135 German tanks had been lost. These losses includes many definitively destroyed tanks, especially against French artillery batteries firing directly on the enemy tanks. The 2 French divisions have lost 60-70% of their strength but they managed to face a Panzerkorps, which was finally directed against a neighboring part of the front. Unlike in Gembloux the French troops had no strong indirect artillery support since the artillery was mainly engaged in direct fire missions. In this battle, like during the battle of Gembloux, the German tank/aircraft couple had been checked by the French infantry/artillery couple.
5) 24e BCC
On May 16, the battalion is integrated to the 4e DCr but unlike several other units of the 4e DCr it was not constituted in the emergency with everything that was available. This BCC had been created in August 1939 and participated already to the attack on the Sarre area in September 1939. The platoon (3 tanks) of Sous-Lieutenant Jeanney (from 3/24e BCC) is ordered to defend the bridge of Chivres. At 19h30 a German column with 3 armored cars and motorcycles is destroyed. During the night 2 additional side-cars are destroyed. On May 17 around 5h00, an other German column (Artillerie Abteilung 615) is attacked and destroyed: 31 KIAs, about 30 POWs, 18 trucks destroyed, 5 motorcycles and side-cars destroyed or captured and numerous radio sets captured. The 24e BCC takes part to the attack on Montcornet (except this platoon). The town of Lislet and Montcornet are reached as well as the bridges on the Serre River, but the French tanks in Montcornet lack infantry support. Several tanks are destroyed by AT mines but they resist to the 3.7cm PaK except to the close range shots. Finally the battalion looses 7 tanks.
For the probe on Montcornet (May 17) around 5h00, the 4e DCr engages only 80 tanks:
• 1/46e and 2/46e BCC (with 22 Renault B1bis tanks but only 17 engaged, 5 remained blocked in marshes at the beginning of the attack) [+3/46e BCC during the afternoon only]
• Elements of the 2e BCC and of the 24e BCC (49 Renault R35 tanks)
• 14 Renault D2 tanks from the 345e CACC
• Infantry from the 4e BCP (650 men)
They face German troops from various units including:
• AA 90 (10.PzD) – armored cars and motorcycles
• 6 tanks from the 10.PzD coming just out of the repair unit (including 1 Panzer IV)
• 666.Pionier battalion
• 59. Flak battalion + additional 8.8cm AA guns reinforcement during the day
• Luftwaffe (Stuka dive bombers attacks)
The French units advance on 25 km, destroy German vehicles and guns, attack several towns like Lislet and Montcornet at the spear of the French attack and finally goes back. From the 80-90 French tanks engaged during the day, 18 are lost due to enemy action (4 B1bis tanks, 2 D2 tanks and 12 R35 tanks). At least 2 Renault B1bis and 2 Renault D2 have been destroyed by 8.8cm AA guns. 2 Renault B1bis are indirectly lost because of air attacks, immobilized in big bomb holes. Many of the Renault R35 tanks are destroyed by AT mines and at short range by 3.7cm AT guns in the towns of Montcornet and Lislet, which were attacked without infantry support.
After the day 5 additional Renault B1bis are unavailable: 1 due to mechanical breakdowns, 3 blocked by elements of the terrain and 1 which will be scuttled, leading to 5 B1bis tanks destroyed.
The French human losses are nonetheless weak: 14 KIAs, 6 WIAs and 9 MIAs. On the German side the detail of the losses in not known but concerning the human losses there are about 100 KIAs and the French went back with about 120-130 POWs.
On May 18, the 24e BCC is in defense in front of Laon and on 19th May it takes part to the attack on Crécy-sur-Serre and looses no tank this day. On 20 May the battalion is attacked by the Luftwaffe and at 10h00 it defeats a German cavalry unit which sustains heavy losses. The 24e BCC defends then various accesses at Aubigny, Corbeney and Ville-au-Bois. The 1/24e BCC and tanks of the 3/24e BCC are ordered to rescue a French motorized column encircled in La Ferme d'Hurtebise. They attack the German AT defenses and manage to rescue most of the French troops but 1 Renault R35 is lost and the crew MIA. The battalion is then retreating and during this time 10-11 tanks are destroyed or abandoned for various reasons.
The battalion is then resting in Compiègne and takes part with the 4e DCr to the attack on the Abbeville bridgehead. Later it will fight during the retreat to the Loire River.
6) 44e BCC
The 44e BCC is engaged against the bridgehead of Abbeville as part of the 4e DCr but the French tanks are defeated by 8.8cm and 10.5cm guns used in AT role.
7) After the 1940 Western campaign, one can for example mention Operation Exporter (invasion of the French Levant = Lebanon + Syria) from 8th June to 11th July 1941.
In May 1940 in the Levant (Syria + Lebanon) there were the 63e BCC (40+5 Renault R35) and the 68e BCC (40+10 Renault R35). There were also the 56 former Renault FT17 tanks from the 63e BCC. Most remained in parks but the CACL (compagnie autonome des chars du Levant was created) with 3 groups of 10 tanks (9+1 replacement tank = = 3x FT17m, 6x FT17c, 1x FT17BS) in the cities of Beyrouth, Alep and Damas for a total of 30 Renault FT17 tanks. In June 1940, the CACL is reinforced by 6 FT-17 tanks (1x FT17c in each groups and 3 FT17m for the protection of the airbase in Estabel in Lebanon).
Therefore about 90 Renault R35 and possibly about 36 Renault FT17 tanks from Vichy saw action against the allies who had a lot of difficulties when facing the Renault R35 tanks because they lacked proper AT guns to counter them. This tank was the stongest one in the area. The Boys AT rifles were powerless against the Renault R35 tanks and the 25 Pdr field guns had to fire point blank to have a chance to knock them out. During this campaign, the Renault R35 tanks fought with great success and all their counter-attacks succeeded. At Kouneitra for example they forced the 1st Battalion, Royal Fusiliers to surrender for the first time of its history (470 POWs). It was cut off by a Vichy counter-attack and the entire battalion was lost.
RENAULT R40
The Renault R40 is the final variation of the R35. Renault was well aware of the limitation of the suspension of the Renault R35 and on the Renault R40 the suspension designed by the Atelier de Construction d’Issy-les-Moulineaux (AMX) is a completely modified and largely improved version. This suspension has a strong resemblance to the D2 one and solves most of the weight distribution issues. The track looks like a B tank variant and the suspension includes 12 pairs of small road-wheels on each side mounted in pairs and vertical coil springs. The suspension is protected from projectiles and mud by 8mm thick armored skirts.
This vehicle mounted as standard the long barreled 37mm SA38 L/33 gun in the APX-R1 turret and had an AMX Mle1938 skid tail. About 130 tanks had been built in May and June 1940. They equipped the 40e BCC (30 R40 and 15 R35), the 48e BCC (29 R40 and 16 R35), the reconstituted 28e BCC (24 R40 and 21 R35) in beginning June the Free Polish armored brigade in France.
The final evolution of the Renault R35 (the R40) had as short a career as it was eventful. The 37mm SA38 L/33 gun gave it a true anti-tank capacity unlike with the 37mm SA18 L/21 gun of most of the French tanks. The completely new suspension compared to the R35 enabled it to fulfil its intended role and gave him a far better mobility. A testimony speaks of a Renault R40 struck by no less than thirteen 37mm shots from short range, including 4 in the suspension, without impairing the tank fighting capacity !
Weight : 12t
Length : 4.02m
Width : 1.87m
Height : 2.13m
Crew : 2 men
Maximum armor : 43mm (APX-R turret is cast and hull is cast armor + RHA bolted elements)
Maximum speed : 20-23 km/h (Renault engine, 4 cylinders, gasoline, 85 hp, 5880 cc, water cooled)
Transmission : 4 forward, 1 reverse
Autonomy : 140 km
Armament : a 37mm SA38 L/33 gun and a 7.5mm MAC1931 CMG (100 shells and 2400 cartridges - elevation of -16 to +20° and traverse of 5° right and 5° left but could be blocked to aim only with the turret rotation).
Regards,
David
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David Lehmann
- Member
- Posts: 2863
- Joined: 01 Apr 2002, 11:50
- Location: France
-
David Lehmann
- Member
- Posts: 2863
- Joined: 01 Apr 2002, 11:50
- Location: France
Following photo is a cropped/zoomed view of a photo showing a Hothckiss H39 from 14e BCC published in Histoire de Guerre Blindés et Matériel issue #77 (June-July 2007).
Of course it's not a R35 but the turret is the same. I will look in my files once I get to my computer, I porbably have 1 or 2 additional photos but no real close view. Try to contact Pascal Danjou (Trackstory and modelling magazine minitracks) or Antoine Misner ... Ther is a chance that they have plans for this mounting or better photos.
Regards,
David
Of course it's not a R35 but the turret is the same. I will look in my files once I get to my computer, I porbably have 1 or 2 additional photos but no real close view. Try to contact Pascal Danjou (Trackstory and modelling magazine minitracks) or Antoine Misner ... Ther is a chance that they have plans for this mounting or better photos.
Regards,
David
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- H39 14eBCC (GBM 77).jpg (96.92 KiB) Viewed 9585 times
Again I search for photos and blueprints of the following German conversions of the R-35. I didn't really find useful pictures yet.
-Munitionspanzer 35R (f), Munitionsschlepper 35R(f)
-10.5 cm Le FH 18 auf Gw 35R (f)
-Mörserträger 35r (f)
And: I already asked this in another part of the forum but maybe I get a response here:
What color did the turkish version of the R-35 have? On the fotos I have it seems to be painted in only one color.
Thank you!
-Munitionspanzer 35R (f), Munitionsschlepper 35R(f)
-10.5 cm Le FH 18 auf Gw 35R (f)
-Mörserträger 35r (f)
And: I already asked this in another part of the forum but maybe I get a response here:
What color did the turkish version of the R-35 have? On the fotos I have it seems to be painted in only one color.
Thank you!
-
Carl Schwamberger
- Host - Allied sections
- Posts: 10063
- Joined: 02 Sep 2006, 21:31
- Location: USA
Here you will find several photos and a painting of the R35 in French colors. also some links to other web sites for tanks.
http://www.chars-francais.net/archives/renault_r35.htm
http://www.chars-francais.net/archives/renault_r35.htm
Again I have a question on the R-35:
I saw pictures of the tank in a museum. The interior is painted white but the engine is olive green. Was it painted in this color originally or did they use other colors?
And:
What uniform was worn by the crew of the German Panzerjäger-version? Normal Wehrmacht-uniform, Panzer-crew black uniform or the Stug-crew uniform? Any information?
Thank you.
I saw pictures of the tank in a museum. The interior is painted white but the engine is olive green. Was it painted in this color originally or did they use other colors?
And:
What uniform was worn by the crew of the German Panzerjäger-version? Normal Wehrmacht-uniform, Panzer-crew black uniform or the Stug-crew uniform? Any information?
Thank you.