After the fall of France the German army captured around 550 French Hotchkiss H35 tanks. 48 were converted into self-propelled artillery pieces using the 10,5 light field howitzer. German designation Sd.Kfz. 135/1.
10,5 cm leFH 18 auf Geschützwagen 38H(f)
The 10.5 cm leFH 18 auf Geschützwagen 38H(f) was a German self-propelled artillery piece used during World War II, combining the powerful 10.5 cm leFH 18 field howitzer with a tracked chassis for mobility. This weapon was mounted on the Geschützwagen 38H(f), a French Hotchkiss H35 light tank chassis, which the Germans repurposed after the Fall of France in 1940.
The vehicle featured a 105 mm leFH 18 howitzer, capable of firing high-explosive, smoke, and anti-tank shells at ranges of up to 14 km (8.7 miles). This provided effective fire support for infantry and tanks, delivering devastating bombardments during both offense and defense. The open-topped design of the superstructure allowed the gun crew to aim and fire with flexibility, though it also exposed them to enemy fire.
The base chassis of the Hotchkiss H35 had thinner armor, typically around 30 mm, offering only limited protection. Powered by a 90 horsepower engine, the vehicle had a top speed of 20 km/h (12 mph) and a range of 150 km (93 miles). Its relatively slow speed limited its operational effectiveness but allowed it to provide vital artillery support in static positions.
The leFH 18 auf Geschützwagen 38H(f) was used primarily on the Eastern Front and during the Normandy campaign, where it contributed to German artillery efforts until the end of the war.
