The cavalry developed their armored vehicles for the purpose of performing the traditional cavalry missions of reconnaissance, screening and pursuit. As mentioned above, the cavalry developed wheeled, half- and fully-tracked vehicles.

The lightest of the fully-tracked vehicles were the AMRs-Automitrallleuses de Reconnaissance- light highly mobile vehicles for short-range reconnaissance. The first vehicles to this specification, the AMR Renault modele 1933 VM, mounted a single 7.5mm machinegun behind light armor (Table 1). The VM was standardized in March 1933. Over the next two years, 123 were built. In service the VM proved to be poorly armed and too light. An improved version a developed in 1934, the AMR Renault modele 1935 ZT. Four versions were adopted of which three were produced. The first had a small turret with a single 7.5mm machinegun as on the VX 100 were produced. The second had a larger turret with a 25mm antitank gun; 30 were produced. The third version had thicker armor and a turret mounting both a 25mm cannon and a machinegun; 70 were produced. The fourth version, which did not achieve quantity production, had a casementmounted 25mm cannon and a machinegun. Because of production delays on the 25mm cannon, some ZTs mounted a 13mm machinegun instead (Table 1).

Slightly heavier than the AMRs, the AMCs (Automitraffleuses de Combat) were more heavily armed and armored to enable them to engage enemy reconnaissance vehicles and tanks. The 1932 specification for this vehicle required a 47mm cannon for main armament. The first vehicle to this specification, the AMC Renault modele 1934 YR was not satisfactory. Production stopped after only 12 were produced. An improved version was adopted in 1935 as the AMC Renault modele 1935 (ACG-1). Because of production difficulties on the 47mm gun, a small number of AMC35s had a 25mm in place of the 47mm. These were designated ACG2, Serious suspension problems were identified during the AMC-35s service trials. These were not fully resolved by May 1940. Production proceeded anyway because of the urgent need for AMCs. Including 12 built to a Belgian order, production totalled 100.

Despite the problems, the AMRs and AMCs were issued to the reconnaissance groups of the 1re and 2e DLMs, the DLCs, the Division d'Infantrie Mecanique (DIM), and the Corps de Cavalerie (Table 2).

The next vehicle made to the AMC specification was the Char de Cavalefie Somua 1935,S (S-35). It was considered by many to be the best medium tank of its time, with its cast hull and good range and speed. More than 400 S-35s were manufactured. Small numbers of an improved version, the S40, were produced in the spring of 1940. S-35s equipped the three DLMs, and a regiment of the 4e DCR. The 6e DLC in North Africa had 50 S-35s. In early June 1940, Sbmuas were used by the 7e Cuirassier Groupe and the 4e DLM, which was the rebuilt 1re DLC (Table 2).

As mentioned earlier, the cavalry adopted the H35 series as the light cavalry tank. The Hotchkiss was to complement the S-35, and supplement the small numbers of AMCs and AMRs. By May 1940, the H-35 series was used with S-35s in two regiments in each of the three DLMs, and replaced AMRs and AMCs in a third regiment in the 3e DLM. H-35s were also used in the five DLCs in France and the reconnaissance groups of the DIMs and the Corps de Cavalerie.

More French Armor Battle of France 1940

Introduction
Infantry Tanks
Cavalry Tanks
Other Armored Vehicles
Armored Units and In Action 1940
Fatal Flaws and Bibliography
French Armor in "Fall of France" OB
Table 2: Armored Units and Equipment: May 1940