The Mystery of Champagne: What Happened to the Last Char II Tank?
Okay…. French tanks don’t get talked about much, and when they are discussed, there is one tank that usually comes to mind.
Designed right after WW1, the Char was a total monster. Weighing 69 tons and armed with a 75mm Canon de 75 modèle 1897, it was unquestionably one of the heaviest tanks to see “action” during WW2. But the Char II was a product of its time, where many believed “Bigger is Better” and believe me, the development of the tank is a whole messy situation I don’t have time to get into.
The Char II and Its Deployment
Anyway, 10 of these monsters were built and they were soon being used to show the “power” of the French Military in newsreels that were made by the government. But when WW2 broke out, it soon became clear that the Char II would have been no match for the German tanks that were blitzing across the border, and an attempt was made to get them to safety. They were all loaded up on a train and ordered south to Neufchâteau. Unfortunately, the train carrying them was blocked by another destroyed train carrying fuel.
Unable to offload them and with the Germans advancing quickly, the order was given to destroy them to prevent capture. Charges were placed and set off, but one of the Char IIs only suffered minor damage and was eventually captured by the Germans.
The Fate of “Champagne”
This particular tank, named “Champagne,” was shipped back to Berlin, where it was shown off as a “War Trophy” for the German cameras. But what happened to Champagne afterwards is kind of sketchy. It is believed the Germans may have used it to defend the city as the Red Army rolled in, and it was captured by Soviet forces. But after that, there is no trace or record of what may have happened to it.
While most believe that it was scrapped by the Soviets, there is a theory (I am NOT saying this is true) that the Soviets may have actually shipped Champagne back to the USSR to study. Some believe it could still be there today, held under lock and key at the Kubinka Tank Museum. But until someone comes forward with evidence, we may never know just what happened to the last Char II.
~NC
