Hotchkiss H35
Top photo: H35 with original 37mm Model 1918; Bottom photo: H35 with 37mm SA 38 gun and ER 29 radio set
The H35 was produced at about the same time as the R35, and was adopted by the cavalry just as the R35 was adopted by the infantry. The H35 had slightly better speed than the R35, although the former's armour was slightly less at 34mm as against the R35's 45mm.
From 1938 an improved version was produced with a stronger engine, the Char léger modèle 1935 H modifié 39, which from 1940 was also fitted with a longer, more powerful 37 mm gun. It was intended to make this improved variant the standard light tank, with at least four thousand produced to equip new armoured divisions of both the Cavalry and the Infantry, but due to the defeat of France in June 1940 total production of both subtypes was limited to about 1200 vehicles.
In the Cavalry, the main user at first, the Hotchkiss tanks replaced as main combat tanks the light vehicles, that for want of a better type had been used to form the bulk of the first two Cavalry armoured divisions. As the new medium Somua S35 was initially produced in very limited numbers, until early 1939 the Hotchkiss equipped three of the four divisional tank regiments.
In April 1940 the 342e CACC was sent to Norway after the German invasion of that country, having first been intended to form part of an expeditionary force to assist Finland in the Winter War. This autonomous company, equipped with fifteen "H 39"s, all with short guns, fought at Narvik, after having landed on 7 May. After the temporary liberation of that city, the twelve remaining vehicles were withdrawn to Britain on 8 June, where they eventually joined the Free French, forming the 1e Compagnie de Chars de Combat de la France Libre. In 1940 and 1941 this 1e CCC fought against Vichy troops in the Battle of Gabon and later in Syria.
According to the acceptance lists, when World War II started 640 Hotchkiss tanks had been delivered. The inventories deviate slightly: of the 300 "H 35"s allocated to the Cavalry, 232 were fielded by ten cavalry squadrons, 44 were in depot, eight in factory overhaul and sixteen in North Africa. Of the hundred used by the Infantry, ninety were fielded by the two tank battalions equipped with the type, six were in materiel reserve and two used for driving training. Of the "H 39"s, sixteen were used by the Cavalry in North Africa and six in depot; 180 were fielded by four Infantry tank battalions and fourteen were in the Infantry materiel reserve. It was decided to concentrate most Allied production capacity for light tanks into the manufacture of a single type, and the Hotchkiss tank was chosen as it had the necessary mobility to be of use in the many armoured divisions the Entente planned to raise for the expected decisive summer offensive of 1941. To this end British and Portuguese heavy industry had to assist in producing the cast armour sections. It was hoped to increase production to 300 a month in October 1940, and even 500 a month from March 1941, the sections of 75 of which to be provided by Britain in exchange for a monthly delivery of nine Char B1s. This can be compared to the planned production of the R 40: 120 per month, reflecting the little importance now attached to infantry support.
These plans were disrupted by the Battle of France. In May 1940 the type equipped in the Cavalry units two tank regiments (of 47) in each of the three Mechanised Light Divisions and served as AMR in the 9th and 25th Mechanised Infantry Division (sixteen vehicles for each), 3rd DLM (22 "H35"s and 47 "H 39"s) and in three of the five Cavalry Light Divisions (sixteen vehicles each for the 1re, 2e and 3e DLC). Furthermore sixteen vehicles were part of the 1er RCA in Morocco. In the Infantry it equipped the two autonomous battalions mentioned above and two battalions of 45 in each of the three Divisions Cuirassées, the latter with the "H 39" variant. Most Hotchkiss tanks were thus concentrated in larger motorised units, in the armoured divisions supplementing the core of heavier tanks, though they were mismatched: the slower "H 35"s fought alongside the swifter Somua S35, whereas the faster "H 39"s joined the slow Char B1s. The vast majority of these vehicles still had the short gun. Several ad hoc and reconstituted units were formed with the type after the invasion. These included 4e DCR (40 vehicles) and 7e DLM (47 vehicles). Most of these later units were equipped with new vehicles built with the long gun, but 7e DLM also deployed twenty-two old "H 35"s in its 8e dragons-chars. In May deliveries peaked at 122; a recently discovered picture of a Hotchkiss tank with series number 41200 indicates that in June at least 121 were produced for a total of at least 1200 vehicles, not including prototypes.
Characteristics and Tabulated Data
Engine: Renault 24hp, 8 cylinder, bore/stroke 75 x 120mm, 4,241cc producing 85hp at 2,800rpmGearbox: 4 and reverse
Max speed: 28kph
Sustained speed: 45kph
Range: 130km
Petrol capacity: 180l
All up weight: 10600kg
Armour: 40mm max
Crew: 2 commander/gunner in turret, driver in hull
Armament: 37mmSA18 or SA38 with 100 rounds; 7.5mm machine gun
Width of vehicle: 1.85m
Length: 4.22m
Height: 2.13m
H35 in Command Decision: Test of Battle
|
H 35 SA18 |
IV |
18/10T |
4/4S |
T:37L22 |
HE |
1 |
6(4)W |
12(3)W |
18(2)W |
24(1)W |
|
|
|
AP |
1 |
6(7) 2 |
12(5)1 |
18(3)1 |
24(1)0 |
|||||||
|
T:MG |
SA |
1 |
6(7)W |
12(5)W |
xx |
xx |
||||||
|
H 35 SA38 |
IV |
18/10T |
4/4S |
T:37L33 |
HE |
1 |
6(4)W |
12(3)W |
18(2)W |
24(1)W |
|
|
|
AP |
1 |
6(7) 3 |
12(5)2 |
18(3)1 |
24(1)0 |
|||||||
|
T:MG |
SA |
1 |
6(7)W |
12(5)W |
xx |
xx |
H35 Squadrons 10 May 1940
|
Tank Squadron |
I Cavalry
Squadron Group |
4th Armoured
Regiment (Cuirassiers) |
1st
Combat Brigade |
1st Armoured
Cavalry Division (DLM) |
|
Tank Squadron |
I Cavalry
Squadron Group |
4th
Armoured Regiment (Cuirassiers) |
1st
Combat Brigade |
1st Armoured
Cavalry Division (DLM) |
|
Tank Squadron |
I Cavalry
Squadron Group |
4th
Armoured Regiment (Cuirassiers) |
1st
Combat Brigade |
1st Armoured
Cavalry Division (DLM) |
|
Tank Squadron |
I Cavalry
Squadron Group |
18th
Armoured Regiment (Dragon) |
1st
Combat Brigade |
1st Armoured
Cavalry Division (DLM) |
|
Tank Squadron |
I Cavalry
Squadron Group |
18th
Armoured Regiment (Dragon) |
1st
Combat Brigade |
1st Armoured
Cavalry Division (DLM) |
|
Tank Squadron |
I Cavalry
Squadron Group |
18th
Armoured Regiment (Dragon) |
1st
Combat Brigade |
1st Armoured
Cavalry Division (DLM) |
|
Tank Squadron |
I Cavalry
Squadron Group |
13th
Armoured Regiment (Dragon) |
3rd
Combat Brigade |
2nd Armoured
Cavalry Division (DLM) |
|
Tank Squadron |
I Cavalry
Squadron Group |
13th
Armoured Regiment (Dragon) |
3rd
Combat Brigade |
2nd Armoured
Cavalry Division (DLM) |
|
Tank Squadron |
I Cavalry
Squadron Group |
13th
Armoured Regiment (Dragon) |
3rd
Combat Brigade |
2nd Armoured
Cavalry Division (DLM) |
|
Tank Squadron |
I Cavalry
Squadron Group |
29th
Armoured Regiment (Dragon) |
3rd
Combat Brigade |
2nd Armoured
Cavalry Division (DLM) |
|
Tank Company |
I Cavalry
Squadron Group |
29th
Armoured Regiment (Dragon) |
3rd
Combat Brigade |
2nd Armoured
Cavalry Division (DLM) |
|
Tank Squadron |
I Cavalry
Squadron Group |
29th
Armoured Regiment (Dragon) |
3rd
Combat Brigade |
2nd Armoured
Cavalry Division (DLM) |
|
Tank Squadron |
I
Mechanised Infantry Battalion |
11th
Motorised Infantry Regiment (RDP) |
6th
Reconnaissance Brigade |
3rd
Armoured Cavalry Division (DLM) |
|
Tank Squadron |
II
Mechanised Infantry Battalion |
11th
Motorised Infantry Regiment (RDP) |
6th
Reconnaissance Brigade |
3rd
Armoured Cavalry Division (DLM) |
|
Tank Squadron |
III
Mechanised Infantry Battalion |
11th
Motorised Infantry Regiment (RDP) |
6th
Reconnaissance Brigade |
3rd
Armoured Cavalry Division (DLM) |
|
Tank Squadron |
5th
Motorised Reconnaissance Battalion (GRDIm) |
25th
Motorised Infantry Division (DIM) |
|
|
|
Tank Squadron |
Motorcycle/Tank
Group |
1st
Armoured Car Regiment (RAM) |
11th
Mechanised Brigade |
1st
Light Cavalry Division (DLC) |
|
Tank Squadron |
Motorcycle/Tank
Group |
2nd
Armoured Car Regiment (RAM) |
12th
Mechanised Brigade |
2nd
Light Cavalry Division (DLC) |
|
Tank Squadron |
Motorcycle/Tank
Group |
3rd
Armoured Car Regiment (RAM) |
13th
Mechanised Brigade |
3rd
Light Cavalry Division (DLC) |
|
Tank Squadron |
Motorcycle/Tank
Group |
4th
Armoured Car Regiment (RAM) |
14th
Mechanised Brigade |
4th
Light Cavalry Division (DLC) |
|
Tank Company |
13th
Tank Battalion (BCC) |
515th
Armoured Group |
|
|
|
Tank Company |
13th
Tank Battalion (BCC) |
515th
Armoured Group |
|
|
|
Tank Company |
13th
Tank Battalion (BCC) |
515th
Armoured Group |
|
|
|
Tank Company |
38th
Tank Battalion (BCC) |
519th
Armoured Group |
|
|
|
Tank Company |
38th
Tank Battalion (BCC) |
519th
Armoured Group |
|
|
|
Tank Company |
38th
Tank Battalion (BCC) |
519th
Armoured Group |
|
|
Organisation of the Light Tank Squadron escadron de chars legers of the Combat Brigades of the Armoured Cavalry Regiments (DLM) 1940
Organisation of the Compagnie de Chars de Combat (Type 1935) of the Tank Battalions (BCC) 1940
Example H35 Organisation: 11th Motorised Infantry Regiment, 6th Reconnaissance Brigade, 3rd Armoured Cavalry Division (DLM)
|
11th Motorised Infantry Regiment (Dragons Portes)
|
Headquarters: command, car, staff radio truck, medium supply truck, support stand I Battalion: command, car. Armoured Company: command H39, 2 x H39. Motor Cycle Company: command Motor Cycle infantry, 2 x Motor Cycle infantry. 2 x Infantry Company: command infantry, infantry, Medium Machine Gun stand, 3 x light truck. Weapon Company: 2 x Medium Machine Gun stand, 81mm mortar, crew, 25L72AT, 2 x medium truck, 1 light truck. II Battalion: command, car. Armoured Company: command H35, 2 x H35. Motor Cycle Company: command Motor Cycle infantry, 2 x Motor Cycle infantry. 2 x Infantry Company: command infantry, infantry, Medium Machine Gun stand, 3 x light truck. Weapon Company: 2 x Medium Machine Gun stand, 81mm mortar, crew, 25L72AT, 2 x medium truck, 1 light truck. III Battalion: command, car. Armoured Company: command H39, 2 x H39. Motor Cycle Company: command Motor Cycle infantry, 2 x Motor Cycle infantry. 2 x Infantry Company: command infantry, infantry, Medium Machine Gun stand, 3 x light truck. Weapon Company: 2 x Medium Machine Gun stand, 81mm mortar, crew, 25L72AT, 2 x medium truck, 1 light truck. |
|
Example H35 Organisation: 1st Armoured Car Regiment (RAM), 11th Mechanised Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division (DLC)
|
1st Armoured Car
Regiment (RAM) (Lannurien)
|
Headquarters: command, car. Headquarters Squadron: command, car, ammunition 36R/w trailer, fuel 36R/w tlt, medium
supply truck, support stand Reconnaissance Group:
Headquarters: command, car. Armoured Car Squadron: command Panhard, 2 x Reconnaissance Panhard. Motor Cycle Squadron: command Motor Cycle infantry, 2 x Reconnaissance Motor Cycle infantry. Combat Group: Headquarters: command, car. Tank Squadron: command H35, 2 x H35. Motor Cycle Squadron: command Motor Cycle infantry, 2 x Motor Cycle infantry. |
|
Example Organisation: 5th Motorised Reconnaissance Group (GRDIm), 25th Motorised Infantry Division
|
5th motorised
Reconnaissance Group (GRDIm)
|
Headquarters: command, car, light staff radio truck, light baggage truck. 2 x Motor Cycle Squadron: Motor Cycle command infantry, 2 x Reconnaissance Motor Cycle infantry.
Weapon Squadron: Medium Machine Gun stand, Heavy Machine Gun, crew, 25AT, 3 light
truck. Armoured Car Squadron: command Panhard, 2 x Reconnaissance Panhard. Tank Squadron: command H35, 3 x H35. |
Detached to 1st
Armoured Cavalry Division |
Example H35 Organisation: 13th Tank Battalion (BCC), 515th Tank Regiment, attached to 1st Army
|
|
13th Tank Battalion (BCC): Headquarters: command H35, ammunition Lorraine, 2 x fuel Lorraine, medium truck, support stand. 3 x Company: command H35, 2 x H35 35th Tank Battalion (BCC): Headquarters: command R35, ammunition Lorraine, 2 x fuel Lorraine, medium truck, support stand. 3 x Company: command R35, 2 x R35 |
2-1-6 |
|
Wargaming Usage and Model Availability
The H35 was very widely used and was a common tank in France 1940 with 400 produced. As noted in the organisations above it could be found either in the DLM Armoured Cavalry Divisions (1st and 2nd DLM as the AMC tank alongside the S35s, and in the 3rd DLM in place of the AMR35s), all of the DLC Cavalry Divisions (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th) , in the GRDIms of two of the six Motorised Infantry Divisions (1st and 25th) [9th had H39s, 5th had P16s and a platoon of H35s, 12th and 15th had P16s], and in two independent tank battalions (BCC) (13th and 38th both supporting 1st Army). H35s can be used in almost any wargame featuring the French in 1940, and in some numbers if gaming the Gembloux Gap battles. This is one tank that you can have plenty of. No more than one in four should have the more powerful SA 38 gun, and these should be command vehicles.H35s are available in 20mm from (at least):
S Models in plastic: http://shop.1-72depot.com/miniatures/1-72/vehicles-1-72/s-model/s-model-720177-h35-light-tank-early-version/
RPM in plastic: http://www.onthewaymodels.com/reviews/RPM/SBrez_RPM_H39.htm
Early War Miniatures in resin and metal: http://earlywarminiatures.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=237_243&products_id=1528
Frontline in resin: http://www.frontlinewargaming.co.uk/20veh.html