Landships II

Date: Aug 3, 2005

Schneider CA2

Date: Aug 3, 2005

I dug some info on it, but from what I see the tank did not move beyond the prototype and into combat, So I am not sure if it faught in the summer offensive in 1917, but maybe a few did even though the bulk of the attacking tanks were the original Ca1 Schneidlers

Date: Aug 3, 2005

I know it seems odd they would have used a prototype during the offensive, but maybe it was a trial by combat, to see if they worked any better than the CA1, or maybe troops were training with them, and there was a urgent need for more tanks at the front???

But I cant wait to find out!!!!

All the Best

Tim R.

Date: Aug 4, 2005

I concur with Eugene - it it very unlikely indeed this prototype was used in action, particularly in the 1917 Spring Offensive.

If it had been present then I would expect at least one of the following would have mentioned it.

It is not mentioned in the 5th Corps report to 10th Army on the use of tanks, dated 24th April 1917, or the GAN report on the employment of tanks by 3rd Army. Nor is it mentioned in Estienne's report to GQG of 18th May 1917 or GAN's report to GQGon the employment of tanks in the battle of the Aisne, dated 30th June 1917. In addition, there is not mention of it in Dutil's Les Chars d'Assaut. Leur Cr�ation et leur R�le pendant la Guerre (1915-1918), (Paris: Berger-Levrault, 1919). Dutil was one of Estienne's staff officers and his book is particularly comprehensive.

Date: Aug 7, 2005

"There were several projects for the production of more Schneiders with turrets and/or better guns: the CA2, 3 and 4. Only prototypes were made of the CA2 and CA3. The CA4 remained largely a paper project. Because of the project designations, later books would name the original tank CA1."

I have never seen a single picture of the CA2 or any of the others, and I thought I knew of pretty much every WWI tank!!! I'm baffled. Can someone please find some pictures ?

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Date: Aug 8, 2005

Vilkata

I have two very bad pictures of the CA2,I will post an article soon. I on the other hand have never herd of a prototype of the CA3 nor have I herd anything on a CA4, I do no there was a Schneider design for a vehicle three times as long as the CA1, with three secection of tracks per side, I will look that up as well, it should be interesting to note it might be the CA4. Do you have any other information on either vehicle above.

all the best

Tim R.