Schneider P16 AMR

The AMC Schneider P 16, also known as the AMC Citroën-Kégresse Modèle 1929 or the Panhard-Schneider P16, was a half track designed for the French Army before World War II. Originally it had been intended for the AMC role but, as tanks became available and the limitations of the P16 were recognised, it was reallocated to the GRDIm battalions in the AMR role.

The P 16s first served in eight of the autonomous Escadrons de Automitrailleuses de Combat (EAMCs), which in 1932 were allocated to four of the five Cavalry Divisions. Later they were used by the 1er Division Légère Mécanique (DLM or mechanised light division), France's first armoured division, as main battle vehicles until being replaced by the S35 from 1937. Fourteen were then transferred to the 2e Régiment de Chasseurs d'Afrique in Tunisia and the remainder to the Infantry divisions who deployed them as Automitrailleuse de Reconnaissance (AMR, a term indicating a support AFV for motorised infantry, not a pure reconnaissance vehicle) in the Groupes de Reconnaissance de Division d'Infantrie, the reconnaissance units, provided by the Cavalry, of the motorised infantry divisions: 1er GRDI, 3e GRDI, 4e GRDI, 6e GRDI and 7e GRDI each had during the Battle of France a nominal strength of sixteen (four platoons of three in their Groupe d'Escadrons de Reconnaissance or GER, and a reserve of four) for a total of eighty. In reality the number was lower: on 2 September 1939 these units had 74 P 16's.

On 10 May there were 54 P16 still operational serving with five of the seven GRDIms in the motorised Infantry Divisions: eight at the 1er GRDI (5th Motorised Infantry Division [2 platoons P16, 1 platoon H35]); twelve at the 3e GRDI (12th Motorised Infantry Division); nine at the 4e GRDI (15th Motorised Infantry Division); a maximum of thirteen at the 6e GRDI (3rd Motorised Infantry Division) and twelve at the 7e GRDI (1st Motorised Infantry Division); in the last two units they were part of two mixed AMR/AMD squadrons. Sixteen were at that moment in repair or used for driver training, 22 were listed in the general matériel reserve — these had in fact broken down and were considered beyond repair. Some GRDIs accommodated by reducing the number of P 16 platoons from four to three.

All vehicles of the type were by this time completely worn out and close to being phased out in favour of light H35 and H39. Of some units the crews had already departed to be retrained in the use of the tank and had to be hastily recalled when the invasion came. They nevertheless fought with some effectiveness against the invading forces: e.g. on 14 May two P 16's of 1er GRDI were crucial in retaking Haut-le-Wastia from German infantry belonging to 5th Panzer Division. Due to the long distances the motorised divisions had to cover, most P 16's eventually had to be abandoned after a mechanical breakdown.

Characteristics and Tabulated Data

Engine: Panhard PK 4 E 3, sleeve-valve 4 cylinder, bore/stroke 85 x 140mm, capacity 3,178cc producing 50hp at 2,200rpm and a maximum of 60hp at 2,700rpm

Gearbox: 6 + 6 reverse using inverser

Max speed: 47kph

Sustained speed: 30kph

Range: 250km

Petrol capacity: 125l

All up weight: 6300kg

Armour: 11.5mm max

Crew: 3 commander in turret, driver and reverse driver in hull

Armament: 37mm SA with 100 rounds; 7.5mm MAC 31 machine gun with 3,000 rounds

Width of vehicle: 1.75m

Length: 4.815m

Height: 2.475m

AMR P16 in Command Decision

P16 Tank Squadrons 10 May 1940

Tank Squadron	7th Motorised Reconnaissance Battalion (GRDIm)	1st Motorised Infantry Division (DIM)
Tank Squadron	4th Motorised Reconnaissance Battalion (GRDIm)	3rd Motorised Infantry Division (DIM)
Tank Squadron	1st Motorised Reconnaissance Battalion (GRDIm)	5th Motorised Infantry Division (DIM)
Tank Squadron	3rd Motorised Reconnaissance Battalion (GRDIm)	12th Motorised Infantry Division (DIM)
Tank Squadron	4th Motorised Reconnaissance Battalion (GRDIm)	15th Motorised Infantry Division (DIM)

Example AMR 16 organisation for Command Decision: Tank Squadron, 7th Motorised Reconnaissance Group, 1st Motorised Infantry Division (DIM)

7TH motorised Reconnaissance Group (GRDIm)

Headquarters: command, car, light staff radio truck, light baggage truck. I Armoured Car/Motorcycle Group: command stand, car Armoured Car Squadron (AMD): command Panhard, 2 x Reconnaissance Panhard. Motor Cycle Squadron: Motor Cycle command infantry stand, 2 x Reconnaissance Motor Cycle infantry stands. II Armoured Car/Motorcycle Group: command stand, car Armoured Car Squadron (AMR): command P16, 3 x reconnaissance P16. Motor Cycle Squadron: Motor Cycle command infantry stand, 2 x Reconnaissance Motor Cycle infantry stands. Weapon Squadron: Medium Machine Gun stand, Heavy Machine Gun, crew, 25AT, 3 light truck.

Det to Groupement SOUBEYRAN

Wargame Usage and Model availability

The P16 was a fairly rare beast but makes an interesting addition to any wargame. Its usage with five of the motorised infantry divisions makes it appropriate for inclusion in any of the initial actions as these divisions advanced into Belgium. There was a particularly famous action at Haut-le-Wastia, the subject of one of my wargame scenarios: 'Scenario 11. Spearhead.'

The P16 is available in Resin from Retrokit:

http://www.warwheels.net/Retrokit1_72Panhard_SchneiderP16_MAC.html

http://www.tracks-n-troops.eu/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14_1&products_id=3714

and may still be available from Crusader Models

http://testofbattle.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=3145&sid=681bdbb231860ee434c17713feaeeccc

It is available from Early War Miniatures
Schneider P16 Half track armoured car - Early War Miniatures