Hi folks,

Was the above tank used in France in 1940 or 1944 or both?

Thanks

Al

I guess so Alan :

Epinal, June 1940 :



This one belonged to the 6.Panzer-Division and was hit 3 times by a 25mm anti-tank gun (more info here )...

Another one (Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-769-0236-23, Frankreich, Panzer 35t und Panzer IV) :





H.P.

According to Wikipeadia "In 1939, following the German occupation of Czechoslovakia in March 1939, 244 vehicles of the Czechoslovak Army were seized by the Germans[25] where they were known as the L.T.M.35 until January 1940.[26] In German service, they were used as substitutes for the Panzerkampfwagen III medium tank. They were assigned to the Panzer Battalion (Panzerabteilung) 65 (39) of the 1st Light (leichte) Division and the independent Panzer-Regiment 11 (81) where they participated in the Invasion of Poland.[27] 77 of these were lost during the campaign, mostly due to mechanical breakdowns, but only 7 of these were irreparable.[28] From 1940 on there had not been any spare parts available and tanks had to be completely rebuilt to remain operational.

The 1st Light Division absorbed the 11th Panzer-Regiment and was redesignated as the 6th Panzer Division on 18 October 1939[29] It took 132 Pz.Kpfw. 35(t)s into the Battle of France where it was assigned to XXXXI Corps (mot.) for Panzergruppe von Kleist's attack through the Ardennes[30] 44 of these had been lost by the end of May. 35 replacements were issued on 3 June in preparation for Fall Rot, the attack on the remnants of the French Army that began the following day.[31] A total of 62 Pz.Kpfw. 35(t)s were either total write-offs or were damaged beyond the ability of the field maintenance workshops to repair during the campaign."

I can't confirm how realiable that is though.

Paul

As ever Frenchy is correct and first with an answer. They where retired off and sold on in 1942.

Thanks for the replies guys, I was looking at the new Bronco kit and it would seem to suit the bill for France in 1940 which is excellent.

Many thanks for the info.

Al

How about mounting one on a low side rail car used by a late war anti- partisan unit . I'm thinking of doing one minus wheels and tracks and engine as rail mounted gun turret .

You could also mount just the turret on a 'Tobruk' type bunker.