Gents:
We were discussing the M24 Chaffee a few months back and their employment at DBP. Although I am still trying to track down the French history of the Chaffees – nicknamed “Bisons†(buffaloes in French) – and their crews at DBP, I have found another great read on the armour in French Indochina.
The books is called “Vietnam Tracks, Armour In Battle 1945-1975†and was written by Simon Dunstan and published by Osprey under ISBN 1-84176-833-2. It includes an account of the 10 Bisons involved in the final battle of DBP and the fate each of the 10 tanks.
It states “the ‘Bisons’ performed admirably throughout the battle and from the tactical point of view, Capitaine Hervouët's gallant squadron played a decisive part in the defence of Dien Bien Phu. Because of their small numbers and their distribution between two widely separated positions it was never possible to employ more than six tanks in any one action. Nevertheless, in the determination of its attacks, the accuracy of its fire support and the risks taken in assisting other arms, the conduct of the squadron was outstanding, and in the highest traditions of cavalry.â€
The courage of the tenacious defenders and the grievous suffering of their wounded was to no purpose. Dien Bien Phu was overwhelmed on 7 May. All the tanks, without exception, were destroyed by their crews that evening.
The Bisons at DBP:
Escadron de Marche du 1er Régiment de chasseurs à cheval
SHQ tank Capitaine Yves Hervouët (1er RCC): WIA, 31 March.
Conti- Badly damaged by mine on 5 April during counter-attack at Huguette 6. Recovered and used as a pillbox south of the airstrip.
Peleton Carette (RICM), Adjudant-Chef Carette: WIA, 31 March: Platoon under command of Segent Boussrez from 2 April until 5 April, when sous-lieutenant (2nd Lt) Mengelle took command.
Mulhouse- Bazooka'd in turret during counter-attack at Éliane 2 on 31 March, but continued to fight and remained serviceable to the end.
Bazilles- Bazooka'd in same action as Mulhouse; burnt out and abandoned.
Douamont- Received direct hit from 105mm shell which penetrated assistant driver's position killing three crewman, 29 April. Used as pillbox at Huguette 3.
Peleton Guntz (1er RCC). Sergent Guntz: KIA, 15 March. Became Peleton Ney until 5 April, when maréchal-des-logis (Sergeant in the Cavalry) Ney was WIA. Chef Landois took command of platoon on 12 April, KIA 15 April. All tanks at CR then under command of S/Lt. Mengelle.
Smolensk- Struck twice by 57mm recoiless fire during action at Éliane 2, 31 March. Subsequently suffered gearbox failure, and out of action by 7 May.
Posen- Bazooka'd in turret on 24 March while securing road to Isabelle, but serviceable to the end.
Ettlingen- Struck 6 times by 57mm recoiless rifle fire during action at Éliane 2 on 31 March. Bazooka'd in turret 15 april, two KIA. Available to the end.
Peloton Préaud (1er RCC). Strongpoint Isabelle
Auerstaedt- In action to the end.
Neumach- Bazooka'd in turret at Ban Kho Lai on 31 March during sortie from Isabelle. Available to the end.
Ratisbonne- Hit twice by 105mm shells at Isabelle on 29 April. In action to the end.
Please forgive the lack of appropriate French accents as my French Canadian keyboard doesn't want to assist me on this (ndlr : corrected)
Steve