| In WWI the French had the most advanced tank program next to the UK. After the war tank production and development lagged like the programs in so many other countries. By the mid 30's however, France revitalized its programs and began turning out some world class tanks. However, these tanks had several inexplicable weaknesses. While it was standard practice for light tanks to be crewed by 2 or 3 men, most tank developers realized that when room was available, a tank required at least 4 crewmen. Two of these crew men would be dedicated to the operation of the main gun, while another would have the important task of commanding the tank. Strangely enough even French medium and heavy tanks left the task of commanding, targeting the main gun, and loading the main gun to a single crew member. This severely limited the ability of the tank, and some reports indicate that French commanders were so busy just working the main gun, that they completely failed to notice approaching German tanks. These crewing deficiencies, combined with a flawed employment and terrible communication, meant that while tanks like the S-35 where superior to anything the Germans fielded at the time, they�re defeat on the battlefield was inevitable. |
