Origins: The Citroën M23

Citröen, the French car manufacturer, worked with the Russian engineer Adolphe Kegresse after the war, conceiving several half-tracked vehicles with outstanding mobility and speed for the time. The Kegresse suspension, featuring a unique solution of fully rubberized metal tracks, was also thought to be an ideal solution for the cavalry, since law forbade this unit from using of tanks since 1922.

The denomination itself, AMC for "Auto Mitrailleuse de Combat" ("Combat Armour ed car") was a disguise for this purpose. Citröen devised a military model derived from its successful 10cv P4T. This gave birth to a contract for a small series, the M23 (or "Modèle 1923"). These first 16 units were far from perfect and will ultimately replaced by a improved model, the P16.

Design of the Schneider P16 M28

The AMC P16 (named after the first engine, the Panhard 16 CV), was designed for the cavalry corp as well. The first preseries of four were built by Citröen in 1925 as enlarged, more powerful M23s. These preseries vehicles were named after completion Citröen M28. They also had improved Kegresse type suspension, wheels and tracks. Each comprised a front drive sprocket, two bogies (leaf sprung) each with a set of double small rubberized roadwheels, sitting on the central axle, a single return roller and a rear, large idler wheel. The chassis was entirely fitted and armored by Schneider. Armor was at most only 11.4 mm (0.45 in), only providing cover against infantry fire.

The chassis received a Panhard P16 four cylinder 3178 cc air-cooled gasoline engine, developing 60 hp. Thanks to the low weight and the suspensions, speed was up to the cavalry requirements of 50 km/h (31 mph) on road and an average 20-28 km/h (12.4-17.4 mph) off-road depending of the terrain. Consumption was 250 km/125 liters. The vehicle could cross a 40 cm (1.3 ft) obstacle and climb a 40% slope. The two drivers sat in opposite directions with redundant steering, in case the vehicle had to reverse quickly, a standard-issue feature for the twenties. The commander stood into a relatively small turret, fitted with a low-velocity 37 mm (1.46 in) Puteaux gun at the front of the turret and a single 7.9 mm (0.31 in) Hotchkiss in the rear ballmount.

Production of the P16 M29

But the main production was assumed by a later model, the M29. A more powerful Panhard P17 replaced the former engine, an extra superior return roller was added, a more sturdy fixation and a larger front unditching drum roller were fitted, providing a 50 cm (1.64 ft) climbing capability. The turret was modified, shortened, squared, with all the armament now fixed on the front, comprising the same Puteaux SA16 gun coupled with a more modern, fast-firing coaxial Reibel MAC 31 7.5 mm (0.295 in) machine gun.

The gun was provisioned with 60 HE and 40 AP shells, and the machine gun with 300 rounds, comprising AP bullets, capable of piercing 12 mm (0.47 in) armor plates. The hull was fitted with two new storage boxes also serving as mud-guards for the rear tracks. 96 in all were delivered between 1930 and 1931. They were all put into service with the cavalry and served until 1940.

The P16 in action

In 1932 all AMC P16s were placed in eight autonomous "Escadrons d\'Automitrailleuses de combat", allocated to four cavalry divisions as reconnaissance units. They were then transferred to the 1ere Division Légère Mécanique (1st DLM) attached to the 1st Armored Division. By 1937 they were replaced by SOMUA S35s and 14 were transferred to the 2e Régiment de Chasseurs d'Afrique, a colonial unit based in Tunisia, the others being spread among infantry divisions, both for support and reconnaissance, in 16-strong GRDIs (three platoons and a reserve).

It is estimated that around 54 were available at the time of the battle of France in May-June 1940. Many were worn out, placed in reserve or used for training. These existing units fought well, although many were abandoned after engine breakdowns due to over stress. None were captured and none has survived to this day.

Links

Trackstory n12, a compehensive monography about the Citroen-Kegresse AMCs GBM, Histoire & Collection, about WW2 French tanks
The Schneider P16 on Wikipedia

Schneider AMC P16 M29 specifications
Dimensions (l-w-h)	4.83 x 1.75 x 2.60 m (15.8 x 5.7 x 8.5 ft)
Total weight, battle ready	6.8 tons
Crew	3 (2 drivers, commander/gunner)
Propulsion	Panhardt 17 gasoline 4-cyl, 3.2 L, 60 bhp
Speed (road/off road)	50/28 km/h (31/17 mph)
Range (road/off road)-fuel	250 km (155 mi)-100 L
Armament	1x 37 mm (1.46 in) SA18 Puteaux gun 2x 7.5 mm (0.295 in) Reibel machine guns
Armor	6-11.4 mm (0.24-0.45 in)
Total production	100

Citröen Kegresse P16 modele 28 shortly after delivery in 1929. Most had the peacetime uniform factory olive green livery.


Schneider Kegresse P16 m29, 18th dragons, 1st DLM, France, 1936.


Schneider Kegresse P16 m29 radio command version, 3rd GRDI, France, 1939.


Schneider Kegresse P16 modele 29 of the 1st GRDI, Northern France, May 1940.

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