Panhard-Schneider P-16

Infantry divisions have Groupes de Reconnaissance de Division d’Infanterie (GRDI), or Infantry Divisional Reconnaissance Groups, to perform the traditional cavalry role of scouting and flank protection. In the motorized infantry divisions, the traditional cavalry are replaced with armored cars and motorcyclists.

When the first five motorized GRDI were formed, the only armored car available for their reconnaissance platoons was the old Panhard-Schneider P-16 half-tracked armored car.

Originally designed in 1929 as an Automitrailleuse de Combat (AMC), or Armored Combat Car, it was replaced in this role by the Hotchkiss and Somua cavalry tanks.

The Panhard-Schneider P-16, like the later Panhard AMD-35, had two drivers, one facing forward and the other backwards to drive the vehicle out of danger away from the enemy in an emergency. Like the AMD-35, it was well armed, having the same 37mm SA-18 gun as the Hotchkiss tank.

The other two motorized GRDI were equipped with Hotchkiss H-35 and H-39 cavalry tanks, as no more Panhard-Schneider P-16 combat cars were available.