KStudio Photography
Char B1 (1e Demi-Brigade Lourde, 1e Division Cuirassée)
The remains of two Char B1 heavy tanks sit alongside a road in the city of Beaumont, France. The tank in the background is “Béarn II” (number 401) and was commanded by Commandant Jean-Marie de Cissey. His crew consisted of Sergeant Bonnat (driver), Adjudant (Warrant Officer) René Morlot (radio operator), Sergeant Hubert Chabod (mechanic), Corporal René Lequeux (gunner), and Chasseur (Hunter) Bischoff (assistant gunner). This tank was delivered to the 37th. BCC (Bataillon de Chars de Combat; Combat Tank Battalion) in April 1940. It was assigned to Compagnie d'Echelon of the 37th. BCC. The tank in the foreground is “Simoun” (number 264) and was the command tank of Colonel Rabanit, commander of the 1e Demi-Brigade Lourde of the 1e DCR (Division Cuirassée; Armored Division). Built by FCM, the Char B1 was originally delivered to the 508th. RCC (Régiment de Chars de Combat; Combat Tank Regiment) sometime early in 1939. On September 22, 1939, the tank had been transferred to the 37th. BCC, Compagnie d’Echelon. When not commanded by Rabanit, “Simoun” was directed by Lieutenant Teillac with the following crew: Chief Sergeant Marcel Joly (driver), Sergeant Moreau (radio operator), Chief Corporal Gallois (mechanic), and Chief Corporal Lemaître (gunner). The 37th. BCC was part of Rabanit’s 1e Demi-Brigade Lourde of the 1e DCR.
By May 16, 1940, the remnants of the 37th. BCC gathered in the French city of Beaumont but the outlook was bleak and with little to no fuel for their tanks, the order was given to destroy the tanks by any means possible and then retreat on foot back to French lines. “Béarn II” and “Simoun” were on Rue Madame. The demolition of “Béarn II” tore off much of the front portion of the hull on the driver’s side (not visible in this photograph). As for “Simoun”, prior to the demolition order, the tank suffered an engine fire which defied attempts to put it out. Despite the men using several fire extinguishers to put out the flames, the stubborn fire rekindled five times before finally being put out. By then, the tank was a loss.
Char B1 (1e Demi-Brigade Lourde, 1e Division Cuirassée)
The remains of two Char B1 heavy tanks sit alongside a road in the city of Beaumont, France. The tank in the background is “Béarn II” (number 401) and was commanded by Commandant Jean-Marie de Cissey. His crew consisted of Sergeant Bonnat (driver), Adjudant (Warrant Officer) René Morlot (radio operator), Sergeant Hubert Chabod (mechanic), Corporal René Lequeux (gunner), and Chasseur (Hunter) Bischoff (assistant gunner). This tank was delivered to the 37th. BCC (Bataillon de Chars de Combat; Combat Tank Battalion) in April 1940. It was assigned to Compagnie d'Echelon of the 37th. BCC. The tank in the foreground is “Simoun” (number 264) and was the command tank of Colonel Rabanit, commander of the 1e Demi-Brigade Lourde of the 1e DCR (Division Cuirassée; Armored Division). Built by FCM, the Char B1 was originally delivered to the 508th. RCC (Régiment de Chars de Combat; Combat Tank Regiment) sometime early in 1939. On September 22, 1939, the tank had been transferred to the 37th. BCC, Compagnie d’Echelon. When not commanded by Rabanit, “Simoun” was directed by Lieutenant Teillac with the following crew: Chief Sergeant Marcel Joly (driver), Sergeant Moreau (radio operator), Chief Corporal Gallois (mechanic), and Chief Corporal Lemaître (gunner). The 37th. BCC was part of Rabanit’s 1e Demi-Brigade Lourde of the 1e DCR.
By May 16, 1940, the remnants of the 37th. BCC gathered in the French city of Beaumont but the outlook was bleak and with little to no fuel for their tanks, the order was given to destroy the tanks by any means possible and then retreat on foot back to French lines. “Béarn II” and “Simoun” were on Rue Madame. The demolition of “Béarn II” tore off much of the front portion of the hull on the driver’s side (not visible in this photograph). As for “Simoun”, prior to the demolition order, the tank suffered an engine fire which defied attempts to put it out. Despite the men using several fire extinguishers to put out the flames, the stubborn fire rekindled five times before finally being put out. By then, the tank was a loss.