Citroen-Kegresse and related vehicles

[Stellan Bojerud (RIP)]

I don´t know much about the Citroen-Kegresse halftracks. What I have learnt so far is that they were produced in large numbers during the 1930-ies. There seems to have been several types:

* Artillery tractor for the 75 mm field gun
* Recce vehicle
* Support weapons carrier (MGs and mortars)
* Ambulance
* Armoured cars

A related type seems to have been produced in Belgium. According to Nuyt in Overvalwagens such cars were built by Minerva 1935 and Fabrique Nationale 1936-40 (FN-Kegresse).

But what I do not know at all is:

1. Were they used during WW 2.
2. Were such vehicles captured by the Germans used by the Wehrmacht ?

So here is a photo of a Citroen-Kegresse towing a 75 mm field gun M/1897 - the soixante-quince of WW 1 fame.

[Stellan Bojerud (RIP)]

Here as troop carrier. Or is it a Belgian vehicle?

[Stellan Bojerud (RIP)]

I have come across these specifications.

Produced by Citroen & Co, France.
Crew: 2 on front seat, 4-6 on rear seats
Dimensions: 14 ft long, 5 ft 2½ inch wide, 6 ft 6½ inch high.
Weight: 4.130 lbs.
Wheels: Front wheels single pneumatic tires.
Tracks: 8 3/4 inch wide, 73 inch length.
Engine: Citroen 4-cyl 30 HP, forced water cooling
Speed: 20 mph
HP/ton: 14,4 empty
Transmission: Sliding gear, 5 forward, 2 reverse
Fuel: 10 gallons

[Richard Farrant]

Originally posted by Stellan Bojerud
I don´t know much about the Citroen-Kegresse halftracks. What I have learnt so far is that they were produced in large numbers during the 1930-ies. There seems to have been several types:

Stellan,

My grandfather drove one in his capacity as a chauffer for an invalid gentleman in order that he could get round his estate. I am sure this was in the 1920's. They were supplied for civilian use as well as military. I have a photograph of it, but not being a military vehicle it is not really relevant here.

Richard

[Stellan Bojerud (RIP)]

Thanks Richard,

I found another picture. A Belgian FN-Kegresse (?) towing a 155 mm howitzer M/1917 Schneider.