No Somua 35 tanks on the Western Front 1944-45? (Allied side)

[Texas Jäger]

Obviously the Germans used ‘Beute’ Somua 35s in Normandy, but the latest I can find their combat use by the Allies is Tunisia. What about the French 1st Army? They didn’t use any in Alsace or Baden-Württemberg? It was still useful as a French equivalent to the Chaffe in the late-war IMO, even if the Sherman’s replaces it in the regular units the Spahi regiments could use them right? And if not what did they use?

[ROLAND1369]

I believe that you will find that the use of S-35. These as confined to the former FFI underground. The FFI forces were used primarily to contain the German fortress ports on the French coast such as Royan, St Nazaire. This would have been done as it is doubtful that the S 35s would have been in very good condition after being used for 5 years. In addition there were probably few spare parts available. You would not want such equipment in a war of movement nor to introduce such equipment into a war of movement. Aside from the condition you would not want to introduce a different vehicle into the maintenance system. Using all British or more importantly US equipment meant that many parts were interchangeable among vehicles. Introducing a relatively small number of vehicles of requiring non standard parts down to and including Metric screws, nuts, and bolts would have unnecessarily complicated the already strained supply system for minimum gain. Added to this you would have to have to have to maintain a specially trained maintenance system of mechanics.

[jopaerya]

Here a picture from Alain Chazette from a Somua 35 at Royan 1944/45 , maybe from the 2 French Arm. Division ??

Regards Jos

[Sheldrake]

Here a picture from Alain Chazette from a Somua 35 at Royan 1944/45 , maybe from the 2 French Arm. Division ??

Regards Jos

That is a weird combination of vehicles. The other vehicle looks like a British universal carrier, not supported by the American supply system, that equipped and maintained the 2nd Armoured Division and FEC. It may be some FFI unit or possibly the 1st First Free French Division which was equipped initially by the British.

[Loïc]

Nothing to do with 2e DB basically equiped from the US nor the 1st Motorised Infantry Division in the East then in the Alps

it was the 13e Régiment de Dragons equiped with such SOMUA in its 1st squadron and B1 bis for the 2nd squadron and sent to the Atlantic pockets

there are several series of pictures in Antoine Misner's chars-français website
the case of the 13e Dragons explained here
https://www.chars-francais.net/2015/ind ... 9-1944-ffi

[Sheldrake]

where did they find these tanks? Where had they been hidden between 1942 and 1944?

[ROLAND1369]

If you look at the commanders cupola you will see that it has been modified with a split hatch. This means that these are former German operated tanks. So the answer to your question is they were abandoned, captured, or found in former German depots/workshops.

[Carl Schwamberger]

Here a picture from Alain Chazette from a Somua 35 at Royan 1944/45 , maybe from the 2 French Arm. Division ??

Regards Jos

That is a weird combination of vehicles. The other vehicle looks like a British universal carrier, not supported by the American supply system, that equipped and maintained the 2nd Armoured Division and FEC. It may be some FFI unit or possibly the 1st First Free French Division which was equipped initially by the British.

France acquired some Bren Carriers in 1940. This may be one of those left over, or was one of the British vehicles captured in 1940 & kept around in a German depot.

http://www.chars-francais.net/2015/inde ... iew&id=676

Theres also a chance its some species of Chenillette. But, I'm not seeing a match with the common models.

[ROLAND1369]

You are correct, however as you say the Germans captured enough Universal Carriers to put in service as Anti tank vehicles with 88 MM PZB 43 and Panzerfaust as well as other uses so a capture/recovery cannot be ruled out. As the picture shows the use was more than a local use of 1 or 2.

[ROLAND1369]

Another point the Universal carrier in question has been equipped with a French 7.5 MM MAC 31 tank or Fortress MG further strengthening the probible recovery from the Germans.

[Texas Jäger]

Nothing to do with 2e DB basically equiped from the US nor the 1st Motorised Infantry Division in the East then in the Alps

it was the 13e Régiment de Dragons equiped with such SOMUA in its 1st squadron and B1 bis for the 2nd squadron and sent to the Atlantic pockets

there are several series of pictures in Antoine Misner's chars-français website
the case of the 13e Dragons explained here
https://www.chars-francais.net/2015/ind ... 9-1944-ffi

I really do love the Somua's unusual proportions (looks-wise) for some reason, even if it is less "cool" looking than a contemporary Pz III or Matilda II.

[Texas Jäger]

Can anyone answer my other OP question? If they didn’t use S 35s, what did Free French forces have in the role of light armor in the late war period on the western front?

[Ironmachine]

Well, regarding light armor they have the M 3 and M 5 Stuart.

[Loïc]

There were not at all any Free French Forces at that time, it is totally anachronistic,
the 8 Divisions "Anfa" mainly with 1st French Army raised in North Africa in 1943 were armed from US Army equipts, so obviously AM 8 and Scout Cars, light tanks Stuart M3 M5 in the light tanks squadrons and reconnaissance regiments
for the others Divisions raised in metropolitan France, often under-equiped, that was an other matter

[Carl Schwamberger]

the difficulties in supplying parts, and locating the mechanics trained to repair these things argues against much late war use of the S35 by the French. Sure they had a few running, but they also fielded a company of Panthers and similar ad hoc units of other recovered tanks.