Char B1 bis (n° 361) “Silvaner”: Knocked Out Near Pommery Farm

     From June 9-10, 1940, French forces were in action against German advances along the Asine and Retourne Rivers. In the effort to relieve beleaguered French troops in the town of Perthes, a two-pronged counter-attack to throw back the Germans was conducted. From the south, Lieutenant-Colonel Salanié led a mixed group of forces consisting of light tanks from the 45e BCC, elements of the 31e Régiment de Dragons Portés, and 1st. Company of the 41e BCC. The latter formation consisted of ten heavy Char B1bis tanks of which “Silvaner” was one. 

     The tank, built by AMX, was incorporated into the 1st. Company, 41e BCC on June 6, 1940, having started with the 3rd. Company, 49e BCC. At this time, the tank was commanded by Lieutenant Jean-Marc Dives and crewed by driver Sergeant Jean Rochet, radio operator Bocacci, and gunner Bois. On June 10, north of Juniville, the French force ran into elements of the 1st. Panzer Division and 2nd. Panzer Regiment. 1st. Company (commanded by Capitaine Billotte) rolled into action but was soon encircled by 2nd. Panzer Regiment forces near Pommery Farm. Surrounded and taking fire from German tanks, anti-tank guns, and even field guns using direct fire, the French tanks had little choice but to fight their way out and in so doing, lost four tanks in the skirmish of which “Silvaner” was one. 

     One shot went right into the driver’s cupola while another (not visible in this view) completely caved in the side armor around the driver’s compartment. Perhaps not surprisingly from such hits, Sergeant Rochet did not survive. The remainder of the crew was able to abandon the tank. All in all, the French launched the counter-attacks without the support of artillery or air support. The latter, due to the Luftwaffe having complete air superiority, allowed the Germans to bring French forces under fire and allow effective aerial reconnaissance which granted the Germans the ability to blunt and push back the French attacks.