The B1 Bis joins our remarkable collection of armoured vehicles
This unique French tank, lent by the Musée des Blindés in Saumur for a long-term loan, can be admired in the Mechanised Warfare exhibition hall.
At the outbreak of the Second World War in 1940, the French B1 Bis tank played a significant role. The French army deployed these tanks across four armoured divisions in an attempt to halt the German advance during the Battle of France. These tanks also saw action in Belgium: several were destroyed on Belgian soil. Although they were of high quality for their time, they were ill-suited to stop the mechanised German offensive known as the Blitzkrieg.
The tank was christened “Rhône” during its restoration. The original tank bearing this name has a special connection to our country. As part of the 37th Tank Battalion, under the command of Lieutenant Marsais, the “Rhône” arrived in Roux, near Charleroi, on 11 May 1940. From there, the unit moved on to Lambusart, east of the city. After fighting around Charleroi, the crew was ordered to proceed to Avesnes. However, they never made it that far: the unit became encircled in Beaumont, where the crew decided to destroy the tank to prevent it falling into enemy hands.