WW2 French trucks, tractors & staff cars
Summary
-Berliet DGRA, GDC, GDM, VDCA, 30
-Bernard fuel carriers.
-Citroën Kégresse P14, P17, P19, T23, 32U, 45
-Delahaye 140 Armee
-Ford France
-Hotchkiss PKW Typ680, 686, 686 PNA.
-Isobloc buses, W843M medical bus
-Laffly V15R, S15R, S20TL, W15T.
-Latil TAR H2
-Lorraine 37L and 38L tractors
-Matford (Alsace) F917
-Peugeot 202, 402, DMA, DK, DK5
-Renault AHS, AHN, AHR, AGC, ADK, ADH, AHSs
-Saurer type 3CT
-Simca 5, 8
-Somua MCL, MCG
-Unic TU1, P107
-Trippel (Alsace) SG6
-Willeme DU10
Overview of Interwar French trucks production
Work in progress !
Major manufacturers
Delahaye
A major car manufacturer, also main provider of firetrucks in France but less well known for military trucks. At least one should be considered, though: The Delahaye 140A:
The Delahaye type 140 A fitted with a light tarpaulin was manufactured to just 200 units for the French Army. Built with care, it was reputed to be flexible and pleasant to drive. Like all Delahayes, the steering wheel was on the right. Several Type 140 versions were purchased by the Army: sanitary, transport and reconnaissance station wagon.
The Delahaye 140 were available in 2 engine versions:
- 140: 4 cylinders, 2151 cc
- 140/103: 6 cylinders, 3227 cm3.
Release year: 1936, 200 manufactured and delivered by May 1940.
Technical sheet:
-Rear-wheel drive transmission
-3.35 to 3.85 m wheelbase chassis.
-4-cylinder in-line engine, 2151 cm3 rated for 42 hp (10 taxable hp).
-Drum brakes on all four wheels, controlled by cables.
-The total laden weight 4.2 tons.
Fate: They served indeed with the army during the 1940s campaign, and likely captured but not pressed onto Wehrmacht use on the frontline due to the small numbers produced and lack sof spare parts. Probably ledt in France close to the source factory for various roles. Photos are rare.
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Unic Half-Tracks
Somua Half-Tracks
Citroën
Citroën-Kégresse Half Tracks:
K1 (1921-1924)
Based on the Citroën B2 10 CV automobile, it was the first model used by the French and other armies. It was also made in a wide variety of civilian tourist (winter travel) and agricultural use setups. Five specially equipped K1s were used in the first crossing of the Sahara, in 1922.
P4T (1924-1925)
Based on the Citroën B2, B10 and B12, it was the direct successor to the K1. Easily distinguishable from the latter due to the flat grille with 9 separate elements, otherwise it differed little from a technical and design point of view. It was marketed in both military and civilian versions and was the protagonist of the famous Black Cruise; for this mission the cooling was improved with a larger central radiator and two large additional radiators on the sides. In 1923 the M3 armored car was presented with a Schneider et Cie armored body and K1 engine, with a three-man crew. In January 1925, sixteen Citroën-Kégresse P4T/M23 armored cars were delivered to the French cavalry; initially intended for service in Morocco, they were finally sent to Syria and Lebanon, where they remained in use until 1941. Equipped with revolving turret armament and a crew of three men, only one example currently survives, discovered by the US Army in Afghanistan in 2004 .
P6 (1924-1925)
Model never marketed, designed specifically for the "Citracit" company (Compagnie Transafricaine Citroën), which was supposed to use it in Saharan tourism. Only a few examples were made, with a 2.8-litre 4-cylinder Mors engine (15 HP). The driving wheels were enlarged, with a diameter increased to 700 mm, but the rolling train was later replaced with that of the P4T. The project proved to be a 15 million franc failure and the vehicles built were eventually sold to the French army.
P2T (1924-1925)
Another model for the "Citracit" never marketed, based on the FS car, with a 15 HP Mors engine. The rolling train differed profoundly from previous models, as the driving wheel was the front one, a feature later adopted on subsequent models. The number of P2Ts achieved was extremely small.
P7T (1925-1927)
The project was very similar to the P4T, however the rolling system was practically rotated 180°, with the drive shaft driving the front wheels instead of the rear ones; as a result the rear axle was moved forward and the drive shaft was shortened. The engine was that of the Citroën B12. Otherwise the chassis was the same as the P4T, with the rubber track molded in one piece. Like its predecessors, it was available in various bodywork configurations, for both military and civilian uses.
P7bis (1927-1928)
With this model a new era opens: the Kégresse system was completely redesigned. The new track was made of metal links with rubber inserts on the outside and three parallel rows of rubber blocks on the inside. The central row guaranteed the centering of the track on the wheels and rollers, while the blocks of the two external rows engaged the special recesses of the front driving wheel. All the blocks were screwed to the rubber structure. Other than that, there were no differences from the P7T (the name P7bis was not an official name).
P10 (1928-1929)
This model was considered the first representative of the second generation of Citroën-Kégresse half-tracks. Based mainly on the touring version of the Citroën C4 (6-cylinder versions based on the AC6 also appeared for the first time in 1928). The body line of the first P10s resembled that of the Citroën Type B14, but later the components of the new C4 were adopted, such as the grille, bonnet, etc. The engine was that of the Citroën B14G, 1,539 cm³, 70x100 mm bore. Other components were taken from Citroën B14 and Citroën B15 trucks. The Kégresse system was identical to that of the P7bis, to which an upper track support roller was added during the evolution that would lead to the subsequent P17.
P17 (1929-1934)
The same topic in detail: Citroën-Kégresse P17. This model did not differ externally from the last P10s, but was the first to integrate all the most important aspects introduced on the C4, including the 1,628 cm³ (72x100 mm) engine. The rolling train (including the drive wheel), fixed on the P10, was instead articulated on this model, so as to allow vertical excursion. Having been produced for over 5 years, the vehicle goes through an evolution that passes through the P17A and the P17B. Although primarily based on the C4, these models were built on the chassis of the Citroën B15, a light truck derived from the B14. The weight of the bare chassis, without bodywork, was 1,200 kg. The P17C made its appearance in 1932, with the 1,767 cm³ C4G (75×100 mm); it was in this phase that a new ad hoc frame was probably created, lower and weighing 1,470 kg naked. The P17D and P17E versions followed, introducing minor changes. The P17 was the model with the highest production numbers. According to some sources, Citroën delivered over 1,700 examples to the French army, in addition to those delivered to armies of other countries. A P17 half-track was also tested by the US Army with satisfactory results, so much so that James Cunningham, Son and Company purchased the Kégresse license and in 1932 presented a half-track armored car derived from the M1 Armored Car. The Polish Army received the vehicle, assigned to various units as an artillery tractor, radio vehicle and for towing anti-aircraft photoelectrics. The Wehrmacht used French P17s as war booty under the designation Transportkraftwagen Ci 301(f). The vehicle was also used in other activities, such as agricultural work, forestry and public services.
P15N (1928-1934)
This model was the only Kégresse specifically designed for use on snow (N=neige, snow). The P15N, which appeared, was easily recognized by its extremely long tracks, 40 cm wide, with two track rollers. These large tracks provided reduced pressure on the snow and good grip; they also guaranteed a comfortable ride, as their length reduced the need for suspension. Standard equipment included two skis to be mounted under the front wheels and a large curved sheet under the front of the vehicle, to prevent it from sinking into the snow. The P15N was the first Kégresse half-track on which the 2,442 cm³ 6-cylinder engine was installed. The majority of chassis elements were those of the AC6 sedan. The vehicle was built in various versions, including buses and tourism, with both open and closed bodywork, but was never used as a base for armored cars. Three P15Ns were used by Admiral Byrd on his Antarctic expedition in 1934. In 1932 the P15NK appeared, larger and heavier (1,900 kg for the chassis alone), with a 4-speed gearbox and a 3,015 cm³ engine. The P15NB, also known as the P15N75, replaced the original P15N from 1933, with a chassis weighing 1,575 kg and the modern 2,650 cm³ overhead valve engine from the Citroën Rosalie.
P19 (1929-1935)
The same topic in detail: Citroën-Kégresse P19. The P19 was the 6-cylinder engine brother of the P17. The engine (as well as other components) came from the AC6. The P19 was considered the lightest and relatively fast Kégresse model, with a cruising speed of over 40 km/h. The weight of the chassis was 1,200 kg. The P19B version, from 1931, was 110 mm longer and weighed 1,620 kg. Compared to the P17, the tracks were of the same length and of the same type, while the driving wheel had a larger diameter and the rear idler was smaller; another difference with the predecessor was the bonnet, borrowed from the AC6. It was made in different bodywork versions. The majority of P19s were used by the armies of France, Belgium and Poland.
P20R (1936)
Technically identical to the P19, except for the engine, the 2,650 cm³ 6-cylinder overhead valve engine from the Citroën Rosalie, with 15 HP. However, according to some sources, the running train was also modified. Little is known about its marketing: it certainly had to be the successor to the P19 and was probably used by the French army.
P14 (1930-1940)
Another model equipped with the AC6 engine, but very different in weight and speed from the P19. The P14 was a heavy tractor, built on a very solid chassis, weighing 3 tonnes. The driving wheels were made up of 11 spokes (instead of the 8 of the P19), the tracks were wider and more solid. The vehicle was used both in public service and as a heavy artillery tractor by the French, Belgian and Polish armies. A P14 served as a radio tank for the Pamir group in the Croisière jaune. The examples captured by the Germans were designated Zugkraftwagen Ci 306(f).
P26 (1932-1936)
This model was based on the popular Citroën C6 2-ton truck, based on the car of the same name, with a 2,650 cm³ 6-cylinder engine and 4-speed gearbox. The P26 was offered as a convertible vehicle, with the possibility of replacing the tracks with normal wheels with a few hours of work (which included the complete replacement of the rear axle and differential, excluding the reduction gear). The rolling train was decidedly different from the previous ones, with only two supporting rollers, as wide as the track. In 1934 the P26B was made, slightly heavier (2,900 kg), with a modified running gear arm. Advertisements of the time showed various bodywork subversions, including or an armored vehicle. It is believed to have been manufactured in small numbers.
P107 (1935-1940)
This half-track was a heavy-duty towing tractor. It was equipped with the most powerful engine of all Citroën-Kégresse half-tracks, a 4-cylinder Unic P39 with 3,454 cm³ and 62 HP, which allowed a maximum speed of 46 km/h. Like most Citroën-Kégresse, it was used by the armed forces. It remains the model produced in greatest quantity by the Unic workshops as well as by Citroën, with a total of 3,276 pieces made between 1937 and 1940.
P21 (1931-1936)
This was the famous 6-cylinder (2,650 cm³) engine model based on the C6G, used in the Croisière jaune by the Cina group between 1931 and 1932. It was a vehicle weighing almost 3 tons. The special track train, later used on the P26, which appeared a little later, had only two supporting rollers, which ran on the central part of the track. In 1936 Citroën obtained approval from the mining service (Service des Mines); this suggests that the acquisition of the P21 (P21E?) was planned, but there is no evidence of the eventual sale.
P122 (1936)
A hybrid, based on the Citroën T45 truck, with metal (not rubber) tracks and rear-wheel drive. The tracks were lowered to the ground when necessary. Very little is known about this vehicle and it was probably an experimental vehicle for the army.
P16 (1928-1929)
Armored car with chassis train identical to that of the P17. The first engine installed was the Panhard 11, a 60 HP 4-cylinder. Although designed by Citroën, it was nevertheless produced by Schneider et Cie with the official name AMC Schneider P16. She was armed with a 37 mm Puteaux SA 18 cannon (100 rounds on board) and a 7.5 mm MAC 1931 Reibel machine gun (1,950 rounds on board).
P28 (1931-1932)
Armored car with a 2,442 cm³ 6-cylinder AC6 engine, later replaced by a 3,015 cm³ one. The running gear was identical to that of the P26, if not exactly the same. Fifty units were acquired in 1933 by the French army and three were sold to Uruguay.
P104 (1934)
Half-tracked troop transport vehicle with 6-cylinder 3,015 cm³ engine and P28 running gear.
P103 (1935)
Prototype of fully tracked light reconnaissance tank (Automitrailleuse de Reconnaissance, AMR), designed as a competitor to the Renault AMR 33. Remained in prototype status.
The minor players
Bernard
ELMAG
Fiat France
38R
Ford France & Matford
Matford F917
Hotchkiss
PKW Type 680, 686, 686 PNA
Isobloc
W843M medical bus
Saurer France
Type 3CT
Simca
-Simca 5 & 8 staff cars.
Somua
-Somua MCG, MCL
Talbot
Talbot staff car
Unic
-Unic P107
Trippel
-Trippel SG6
Willeme
DU10
French trucks in German service, production and use
A Renault AH on the Italian front in 1944
Work in progress !
Free French lend-lease allied trucks
A Free French GMC CCKW 353 open top in Nimes (Anvil Dragoon).
Work in progress !
Src
Vauvillier, François; Touraine, Jean-Michel; Jeudy, Jean-Gabriel (1992). "The nouveaux camions Renault allèges". L'Automobile Sous l'Uniforme 1939–1940
Colombet, Jean-François (1999). "Les utilitaires Renault 1945–1952" Paris: Histoire et Collection (HS 15)
Característiques techniques Renault AHS (in French), Boulogne-sur-Seine: Renault, 1941
"Renault AHS AHN AHR" (in French). Camion Club de France.
Lepage, Jean-Denis (2007). German Military Vehicles of World War II: An Illustrated Guide to Cars, Trucks, Half-Tracks, Motorcycles, Amphibious Vehicles and Others. McFarland.