Char B1 V Panzer III | Size doesn’t matter - it’s how you use it!

Two tanks that fought against each other in the early part of World War Two. On one side, the heavily armoured French Char B1… On the other, the mobile German Panzer III. On paper it's no contest - but what actually happened when these two tanks fought it out in 1940?
Join Paul Famojuro, aka @Famthetankman, in the first of a new series for The Tank Museum KZbin channel…. Tank V Tank.
Put your suggestions in the comments below for tank engagements to cover in the future!
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00:00 | Intro
00:49 | Char B1 History
02:16 | Radio Communications
02:45 | Panzer III Crew
03:43 | Char B1 Crew
5:16 | Char B1 V Panzer III
This video features archive footage courtesy of British Pathé.
#tankmuseum

[@oliverlonergan2800]

I like the premise of this new series. While tank vs tank skirmishes were relatively uncommon at the start of the war, it’s always interesting to learn about specific battles when this did occur. At the point of engagement it was often the men behind the machine that made the difference over steel.

[@aymonfoxc1442]

Quite right and this reality is often overlooked... no matter how many times it is laid bare before the world.

[@bigblue6917]

This is true in so many cases and not just tanks.

[@orionsalt8288]

Pfp

[@adamhbrennan]

Local superiority is crucial; to wit, mobility and reliability/repairability are difficult to overrate.

[@MasterN64]

The composition shot that shows the number and location of the crew is something i have been wanting to see for a good long time. This needs to be a feature of every internal showcase of a tank because it is so much easier to see just how cramped and how it is oftentimes nearly impossible to work effectively. Stuff like the internals of the T34 with its notoriously bad crew comfort just isnt shown very well with a single guy sitting in a seat.

[@RichWhiteUM]

Unless it's Nick Moran, aka The Chieftan. He can sit in the gunner's position and almost reach and use the commander's cupola! 😁

[@jg2072]

This comment was my first thought. It is so helpful in understanding the space inside a vehicle.

[@Cervando]

Completely agree. Puts it into a much better perspective.

[@MachDoch74]

i liked that too

[@thetankmuseum]

Hello Tank Nuts! Let us know what you think of our new series. Feel free to give us some suggestions for tank engagements to cover in the future.

[@osmacar5331]

the tank museum doing historical engagements. while personally i prefer the tank itself, i do still just as equally enjoy hearing how said tanks performed. paper is great, but if paper and practice do not coincide then... maybe redo it.

[@madaro504]

too short

[@StuSaville]

M4's V Type 97's at Luzon.

[@osmacar5331]

@@Iwishiwasanoscarmeyerweiner BEHAVE!

[@osmacar5331]

@@madaro504 i mean tankers at that time often where. i mean what?

[@86PaciFist86]

I really like the view, when you showed the Host in all positions in the PZ3 at once. It really showed how different the space inside a tank is when compared to its crewed state. Also nice new host!

[@jaredashford357]

I believe he also runs the tiktok account

[@williamcaton8432]

Agreed on all points. As a former TC, I can tell how small that space becomes in your first battle. You do get used to it, although some guys get a bit jittery after awhile.

[@cameronhilburn5628]

Loved how you used editing to show what a full turret with the commander, gunner, and loader would look like. Excited to see more from this series!

[@Spartan902]

When I first got a model of this tank I didn't think much of it but at that stage I didn't know its war history. I basically thought it was a tank made shortly after WWI that was still around when WW2 kicked off. Now I am much older and wiser and know a lot about this tank. Cheers Guys and I really love the channel.👍🇦🇺

[@kayb9979]

I bought the Matchbox 1/76 model several years ago with the Renault. I still have it among my wargaming gear. Got rid of the tank crew figure though as it was terrible.

[@Spartan902]

@@kayb9979 I have the 1/76 that I made and a diecast 1/72 that I bought a few years ago. It came in a 52 series of diecast models and a booklet with the tank stats and a bit of war history. It was called the Military Vehicle series. I am working on 1/35 scale KV-5 at the moment.

[@kayb9979]

@@Spartan902 Oh yes! I remember the military Vehicle series. I think I have a Tiger and a Buffalo from that. I got rid of all of my 1/35th stuff to concentrate on other genres. Good luck with the KV-5. I hope it puts together without too much trouble.

[@waynemayo1661]

This new series is an excellent idea. Paul is another in your line of your excellent presenters. Keep up the good work!

[@eponra8988]

Great bit of history! :) Your new presenters are all great and very likeable fellows that seem to know their stuff and can present very well. I also liked the cadence and clarity of this new presenter. Looking forward to seeing more. :)

[@DropB3arZ]

Awesome Paul, wouldn't mind seeing a few on the tanks used in the Arab Israeli Wars (Centurion v T55 etc) and North African Campaign (Valentine or Crusader v Panzer 3 or 4 or Italian M40 etc) Eastern Front (Tiger and Panther v T34/76 and 85 and IS2)

[@jmc7034]

Great new series. Would love to hear about the Churchill vs king Tiger

[@AlexPeace246]

Not even 15 second self-promo and they still put an “ad time bar” at the bottom? I gotta respect it. All about the quality content with them, and they never fail to deliver. 10/10 probably the best military museum on the planet.

[@umjackd]

Great format, really enjoyed the host, editing and presentation. Good job!

[@MrHanslustich]

Everything you listed, a well rounded package to present aspects

[@FB-qp8eo]

I like this fellow, and I love the idea of covering tank vs tank IN THE FIELD...how they actually performed as opposed to their numbers. Could we get an intro for your new host?

[@OLLE3770]

Excellent. A wealth of information in a perfect pace. Looking forward to see more from Paul (and the rest of you guys at THE Tank Museum).

[@boltmonkey6869]

Really excellent new series. Paul does a super job. I really liked how he filled all three positions in the Panzer. Always wanted see what the inside of these tanks filled with the crewman. How about the Grant tank vs Panzer IV in the desert.

[@rrrripbing]

I really enjoyed Paul's presentation in this new series. Looking forward to seeing more of him.

[@crazylocha2515]

Definitely enjoyed and learned a bit more about each tank. The highlighted guns etc, the multi-layering crew spots, and different communication style all worked well to fantastic. Quality will only get better as they keep coming. Very glad to see updated styling and techniques to reach more generations and draw them in. Bravo Zulu

[@hungryhank6044]

Great video! I think this new, Tank vs. Tank series looks amazing. Can't wait for more content! Cheers!

[@the7observer]

great presentation, really like the edit of the multiple crew to give perspective on how tight space it is

[@stephank9172]

the editing to show the crew positions of the Pz 3 is ingenious

[@doc.j.7246]

This is fantastic video - loved the presentational skills of Fam the Tank Man - well done mate!

[@eduardobenito7043]

Superb presentation, really effective and fascinating - can't wait for more like this 👍

[@petercabanillas244]

Most excellent presentation, I look forward to your next installment.

[@mattcavanaugh6082]

This looks like a neat new series! The Tank Museum keeps churning out highly informative & entertaining content.

[@PzVITiger131]

What a superb film - extremely informative with great combat examples which illustrate the strengths and weaknesses of both tanks and why the skirmishes ended with the results that they did. Fam is also a brilliant presenter and I look forward to seeing him present more excellent content from the worlds best armour museum

[@wayfaringman8418]

Smashing good video, explaining the differences the tank crews faced. I shall enjoy this excellent series!

[@Gillymonster18]

I don’t think comparing the Char B1 and the Panzer III is the best example of “size isn’t everything.” They’re two tanks developed for disparate roles. The B1 was built to advance towards a mostly static enemy. Capt Billote did this while attacking Sonne and it obviously did it’s job very well: targets and enemy fire coming from the same general direction where the Char B1 controlled the pace of the engagement against a dug in opponent. Literally what it was built to do if WWII had devolved into trench warfare as France thought it would. Conversely at Sonne: the faster and more coordinated but lighter armed and armored Panzer IIIs and IVs at couldn’t use their greatest advantage because they had to largely remain in place. When Germany invaded France with Panzer IIIs and IVs setting the pace, the table is turned: the Char B1 has to remain in place against a much faster enemy that is coming from multiple directions. I think the lesson here needs to be “if a tool is used for a task it wasn’t built to perform, expect it to fail.” Same lesson with the Tiger I. It was built as a breakthrough tank, meant for relatively short engagements. When it was out on the defensive for long periods of time, it was largely insufficient.

[@seanmalloy7249]

And it would have been better if they'd used a PzKpfW III from the same period; the early versions had a 37mm L/45 main gun, not the 50mm L/60 of the Ausf. J-M they did show.

[@emberfist8347]

@@seanmalloy7249And even then it was a pea-shooter. The FlaK 88 was first used by the Germans in the anti-tank role because nothing else could kill a B1.

[@dicebed]

Wow - I loved this episode - the most informative episode about the Char B1 and the problems it had in fighting the German tanks - I've always wanted to know what it was like fighting inside one of those things, and this episode laid it all out - it's amazing they held out as long as they did - For tank vs tank - perhaps the British at Arras with the Matilda - the first use of the M3 Lee/Grant in North Africa - similar to the Char B1, somewhat successful but soon outclassed

[@BigMeechEJ25]

This new series can be something good, I enjoyed this and having an actual talk about tank comparison is refreshing. Mostly when people start comparing tanks, everyone gets dragged down into stats and it just becomes a numbers war when doing tank comparison. From research and talking to people, reality has a funny way of kicking stats in the butt and I appreciate this more nuanced approach to the comparison. Prime example that most people can probably recognize is the Jagdpanther at Munster. Multiple glancing shots from 17lbers off the front slope and a 6lber shot through the mantlet is what disabled it.

[@ianbell5611]

Great video Thank you for posting

[@imomedvidek]

great video as always. First time I see Join Paul Famojuro and I love his style of story telling. Also, this is a great example how soft factors beat hard factors every time.

[@theapostatejack8648]

An engaging presenter and slick editing. Great episode Tank Museum.

[@e8poo]

Excellent presentation, well scripted and well visualised. Let’s see more of Paul please! 👏

[@russwoodward8251]

Excellent narration. Thanks again!

[@michaelguerin56]

Thank you for a nice quick summary of the pertinent issues.

[@ArmIessIoveseat]

This video was very well written and informative keep it up!!!

[@lelanderickson1045]

Well presented and thoughtful, yes, do continue with this series! Next up I for one would like to see you cover the SOMUA S35 vs Panzer III in May-June 1940, specifically at the Gembloux Gap battles.

[@l.o.c.k.s.9827]

This is the best format yet!! Great video and presenter

[@neilf5961]

Great video, really well done!

[@LmgWarThunder]

I complimented the editing showing the crew arrangements, but great work by the host as well!

[@jimmy12347654]

Loved the comp shots!

[@robertmorey4104]

Informative! Cool series!

[@pauld6967]

That was nicely informative. Thank you. I will have to put on my thinking cap to answer your question about what Tank versus Tank comparison that I would like to see.

[@andrewfanner2245]

Excellent presentation, really well done.

[@muddymontyburn3150]

This is awesome, really good visuals supported up with good dialogue, more please 😊

[@siegfriedpreller]

Good video. Well made and informative.

[@ZeroBoyComedy]

Great Video and Paul is superb! Keep 'em coming!

[@renesiegburg8955]

I love the format of this video, and props to the man in the video, really loved his presentation.

[@johnnyzippo7109]

Great video , much appreciated , as always true professionals.

[@maximilianw9671]

Great Video, well done!

[@chuck2998]

Cool new series, the crew members quickly eating up the available space inside as their roles are explained is very informative

[@MachDoch74]

Paul is a very likeable presenter, and he has the right speed to the point while narrating. Please more of this number and position of the crew..thing. greetings from germany

[@darthioan]

Very cool approach, comparing tanks which faced each other. Also glad to see younger people also being given a chance to talk about tank history.

[@robertmoore2049]

Mr. Famojuro did an excellent job! I admire his enthusiasm and the love of the subject. Brilliant job, mate! I’d like to see the Panther vs. the T-34/85. Thank you for your consideration.

[@thestoicsteve]

A very clear and detailed representation of the conflict between these two vehicles. Good presentation by the young guy.

[@willgraham8124]

Love seeing a full length video with Fam the tank man!

[@Hillbilly973]

Great presenter, great new content concept. Love it! JT from Australia.

[@cupcakewrx3476]

Welcome Paul! I really like the style of the video and the kind of presentation. There is just one thing that a former German army officer may want to add: I think you mix up strategy and tactics. Tank deployment in confined environment of the battlefield is tactics. Strategies are used on the political level or, in a military context, in a campaign or theatre. So we're talking about higher ranking generals at least who make strategic decisions.

[@balthazar011]

Well done on the effect showing crew occupying their posts simultaneously. More of this please. Top stuff.

[@stevefreeland9255]

Love this new host! Sherman versus panther next pls. Firefly v tiger

[@AenusGaper]

This is a reallt fun series to watch. You can go through so many and still enjoy the visuals and story telling

[@svgproductions72]

Love the new series! Would love to make my way over to the UK to come visit. Keep on rocking and rolling! Would love to see M4 Sherman vs. Pz IV?

[@svengoessens7283]

Love this new concept. Love the new guy. Keep it up.

[@mcfontaine]

A brilliant episode. Looking forward to more shows.

[@Vespuchian]

4:47 It's all right, you can say 'shambles'🙃 Great new series format and presenter! Looking forward to more.

[@rrl4245]

Brilliantly done

[@stnylan]

I haven't seen this presenter before (don't watch every video) but I love his energy.

[@marioacevedo5077]

I liked the use of after effects to highlight components of the tanks and ghosting crew members inside the Panzer III turret.

[@Ghostmaxi1337]

What many dont know is, that its not all about Tank vs tank but often also Tank vs infantry and their guns. While the 37mm gun was less then ideal the german infantry had other guns, such as but not limited to 7,5 cm FK 16 L/36 (6,78 kg K. Gr. Rot Pz at 650m/s) 10,5 cm LeFH 16 L/22 and 18 L/28 (14 kg Pzgr. At 405 and 480m/s and Pzgr Rot 15,56kg at 390 and 470 m/s) and the 8,8 cm Flak guns (8,8 cm Pzgr 9,5 kg 810m/s.) Which all could deal with even the heavy targets (which is not limited to penetrating the tank, but also generally disableing them)

[@3tacoman]

Great video my dude 🤘🏼🤌🏼🔥

[@frostergaard]

Excellent presentation!

[@michaelporzio7384]

This was an excellent presentation! Very well done by the narrator/presentor. The radiator grills on the sides of the Char B1 were one of its few vulnerable areas, and the Germans learned to aim for it. Sherman vs. Panzer IV next please.

[@gordonglover6912]

Isreali Shermans vs Syrian Pz IV's perhaps?

[@mashedpotat9565]

I really like the filming in the turret if the panzer III the way it shows the different crew positions being filled at the same time

[@user-uq8vj8fg3o]

I can really appreciate the commentator of this documentary. I give him 4.5 Stars and look forward to watching him in the future 🇺🇸

[@DaveScurlock]

Great video, very informative

[@dal1648]

That was awesome! Merci beaucoup ! Excellent presenters

[@nutmeg8363]

Great episode. I miss Fletchers Tank chats ab bit, but I am a huge fan of the variety of different content you made since then

[@edevans5991]

This was excellent and the idea certainly has a lot of potential.

[@mattw785]

This is a great start!

[@01ZombieMoses10]

The editing job to show a man in each position simultaneously is inspired: It is very clear what the interior could have been like in action.

[@BombatGeneral]

Great vid 👍🏼

[@M45KY]

Been looking forward to this video since the WoT stream last week! 😊

[@Mr.Shellshocked]

Finally, somebody that explains that armor doesn’t matter as long as you have good tactics. It’s 100% worth to sub for

[@BravoOne.]

Great work!

[@familievanophalvens-demaey9290]

Really excellent presentation

[@alexbenn6343]

Paul Famojuro, aka '@Famthetankman' has done a great job in researching and expressing this 'Tank-on-Tank' You Tube video ... well done ... look forward to the many others you create. :)

[@michaelamos4651]

Great new series and i must say a very accomplished new presenter 👍

[@preserveourpbfs7128]

The video effects and shots are quite good!

[@andrewcarter7503]

Thanks. I enjoyed this. I knew that in theory the Char was formidable but learning about its defects explained a lot. A well designed tank - for the wrong war.

[@Martin-on2pp]

Great presentation👍

[@takingiteasy173]

Very impressive presentation. I like this new style.

[@Alex-fi2bf]

Great video!

[@markpomerleau6308]

More of this content please. Paul Famojuro is an excellent host.

[@michaelditto5469]

Outstanding video.

[@KFO6666]

Awesome video!

[@ronyeahwiggie729]

Well done! Paul's (Is that his name) narration is rather pleasing to listen too.

[@user-nj6yb3ob5j]

Good to see younger folks taking an interest in tanks. Younger being a relative term.

[@terrysparrow2180]

I liked this video, it was a good breakdown of an interesting armored matchup. I would be interested to hear about tank battles dueing the Yom Kippur War, such as when IDF Centurions took on SAA T-55 and T-62.

[@GymChess]

Many people underestimate the potential of the French army at the time. It was actually larger, more sophisticated and more capable than the German counterpart. But many outdated ideas about warfare ruined it.

[@gunmasterx1164]

nice to see the legend Fam on the tank museum youtube channel :D