Stock Photo - World War II - FRANCE. Tanks, B1 bis, German soldiers examining knocked out Char B1 bis tank 1940. The Battle of France in World War II saw the deployment of many different types of tanks, including the French Char B1 bis tanks. The Char B1 bis was a heavy tank designed as a fortress-breaker - its thick armor could resist most explosives of the time. It was gradually replaced in 1940 by the lighter and more maneuverable Somua S35 and Hotchkiss H35 tanks. German forces made extensive use of the Char B1 bis tanks during the Battle of France. These tanks were able to engage multiple French units at once, clearing trenches and advancing German troops toward their objectives. After the battle, German forces would continue to examine and make use of the captured Char B1 bis tanks, salvaging parts and components for their own use. Some knocked-out tanks were even rebuilt and employed by the German army.