<p>Genuine W1 French Heavy Tank
The Saint Chamond was the second French tank to enter service, but despite a large production run of some 400 between April 1917 and July 1918 it was not entirely successful. Its main armament was a 75mm gun in the nose. The extended nose, added to the small size of the tracks, would lead to considerable problems with crossing trenches. The crew of eight also manned the four machine guns fitted around the machine. They served until the end of the war in a number of roles until replaced in French service by newer British designs.
This is the sole surviving example. For many years it was part of the Aberdeen Proving Grounds Ordnance Museum in Maryland, United States, but it was gifted back to France in 1987 and is now preserved by the Musée des Blindés at Saumur. It was recently restored to running condition and is seen taking part in ‘TankFest 2017’ to celebrate 100 years since the type originally entered service.
‘The Tank Museum’, Bovington Camp, Dorset, UK.
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24th June 2017
<a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/65001151@N03">Alan Wilson</a> from Stilton, Peterborough, Cambs, UK
CC BY-SA 2.0
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