FCM 36 French Light Tank in German Service

ICM 1:35

The FCM 36 or Char léger Modèle 1936 FCM, was a light infantry tank designed for the French Army prior to World War II. It had a crew of two and was equipped with a short 37mm main armament and a 7.5mm coaxial machine gun.

The FCM 36 was developed from 1934 onwards as part of a programme to replace the obsolete Renault FT.
As it was more expensive to produce than competing designs, only a
limited production of a hundred was authorised. It featured some
advanced technologies such as a diesel engine and extensive use of
welded sloped armour. 

German use

The Germans captured 37 FCM 36s, using the administrative designation Panzerkampfwagen 737 FCM (f) for them. After some improvised use by units in May and June 1940, they were not as such employed by them. In 1943 ten were rebuilt as Marder I tank destroyers, with the 75mm PaK 40 anti-tank gun and officially called 7.5cm PaK40(Sf) auf Geschützwagen FCM(f). These were employed by 21 Panzerdivision in the Battle of Normandy in 1944. Twelve were in 1942 rebuilt as self-propelled artillery, the 10.5cm leFH 16/18 (Sf) auf Geschuetzwagen FCM (f).