Laffly W15 TCC

Derived from the W15T, this vehicle was characterized by the same general 6×6 configuration, with a pair of rollers at the front and another in the middle, between the two axles. Neither was suspended and were meant only to provide additional ground pressure when crossing trenches or high obstacles. After an idea of general tank inspector Keller, rather than tow the 47 mm (1.85 in) antitank gun, the latter was carried directly in the cargo bay, facing the rear of the vehicle. Such a conversion was ordered for trials early in 1940 by the general staff, with the intention of providing mobile antitank capability to motorized divisions. TCC meant “Tracteur Chasseur de Chars”, tank hunter tractor. The original prototype was entirely armoured but was rejected, apparently because its silhouette was higher than the wheeled gun. The series vehicles were mostly identical, except for the fact that the cabin and the 47 mm (1.85 in) SA mle 1937 gun were not fully enclosed anymore. The gun had -13°/+13° elevation and 60° traverse. Production vehicles only retained the lower part of the armour and a new shield for the gun. The armour plate was taken from scrapped FTs. After successful trials at Vincennes and in the camp of Mailly, the conversion was only approved on May 17. Between May 24 and June 17, 62 TCCs were delivered of the 100 ordered.

The W15 TCC were the first vehicles of this kind and proved very efficient in service with the Batteries Antichar Automotrices (BACA) n°51 to 61 of the 11th RA and the 305e RA2 10th battery. Despite their numerous kills, they could do little to reverse the situation and, by the end of June, all had been lost in action or abandoned.

Characteristics and Tabulated Data W15 TCC

Engine: Hotchkiss 680 2.3 liter, 4 cyl. petrol, 65 HP

Max speed: 48/34 km/h

Range: 300km

Petrol capacity: 120l

All up weight: 4,960kg

Armour: 12-15mm

Crew: 4 driver, commander, gunner, loader

Armament: Main: a 47mm SA37 L/53 AT gun (-13/+13° elevation and 60° traverse towards rear, 30 shells)

Secondary: FM 24/29 7.5 mm (0.29 in) machine-gun (1000 rounds)

Width of vehicle: 1.9m

Length: 4.5m

Height: 1.8m

W15 TCC Characteristics for Command Decision

W15 TCC Batteries 10 May 1940

No batteries existed on 10 May 1940. All were formed during the campaign on the dates shown.

Organisation of a W15 TCC Battery

Example Organisation for Command Decision of a Self Propelled Anti Tank Battery (Batterie de Chasseurs de Chars)

1 command stand

1 ammo truck

1 car

1 W15 TCC

1 25mm AA stand

1 crew

1 W15 light truck

Wargame Usage and Model Availability

The W15 TCC was only used in the second part of the campaign in France and only in scattered detachments. Despite this the batteries managed to rack up a considerable number of kills. Here is an example of one such battle:

On 6th June, the 54e BACA is deployed to block the Abbeville road. The 1st Laffly W15 TCC commanded by adjudant Marchal spots about 50 German tanks. He destroys 3 German heavy tanks (Panzer IVs probably) and then retreats, attracting the German tanks towards the 2nd and 3rd ambushed Laffly W15 TCC tank destroyers. The 3 French self-propelled AT guns open fire resulting in 6 German tanks burning and 4 other ones knocked out. The German crews of these 4 tanks bail out and begin to sneak towards the French vehicles. The French crews defend themselves with their SMGs. About 10 German soldiers are hit and the others are forced to retreat, surprised by the resistance. According to their usual tactic, the Germans avoid the area where French troops are resisting. They move back to start a renewed attack on a different axis.

According to the testimony of battalion commander Decoux, leading the 7e Régiment de Dragons, also operating in this area, 18 German tanks have been knocked out by the 54e BACA during these combats. Sous-lieutenant Brussaux on its side could personally witness only 9 burning and 4 knocked out German tanks.

The model is available from at least:

ACE in plastic: https://www.scalemates.com/kits/941792-ace-72537-french-tank-hunter-6x6-w15t-cc

Early War Miniatures in metal: http://earlywarminiatures.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=237_247&products_id=1611

Alby also made one in resin; good luck finding that!