Meyenheim Half-Track

A vehicle symbolic of the Liberation, a gift from the Chad Marching Regiment to the town of Meyenheim, can be seen at the northern entrance to the village.



The concept of a lightly armored, semi-tracked troop transport capable of operating in all terrains emerged in the early 20th century. Military leaders, particularly in France and the United States, recognized the military value of such vehicles. The Americans purchased two Citroën half-tracks in 1925, which they tested in Aberdeen, Maryland. The White Company produced a series of prototypes between 1938 and 1941. In September 1940, the T14 half-track was finally selected under the designation HT M3.

Several dozen variants were produced to serve as chassis for self-propelled anti-aircraft weapon systems or motorized artillery pieces. The troop-carrying version was armed witha 12.7 mm machine gun mounted on a pivot or circular rail, and possibly one or more 7.62 mm machine guns. The crew consisted of 3 men. It could carry an additional 10 soldiers seated on benches.

Total production of the M3 and its variants amounted to approximately 54,000 vehicles, including 6,818 in 1941–1942. To equip the Allied nations, the vehicle was also produced under the Lend-Lease program.

An iconic vehicle of World War II and the Allied armies, the half-track was powerful and agile across all terrains but vulnerable to mines—its floor was insufficiently armored—and to projectiles due to its open-top design.




The vehicle on display in Meyenheim was donated to the town by the Chad Marching Regiment.

This unit was formed in 1943 from metropolitan personnel of the Senegalese Rifle Regiment of Chad (RTST) and metropolitan and European elements who had joined the cause in North Africa, under the command of Colonel Dio.

Composed of three battalions and equipped like an American mechanized regiment on half-tracks, the RMT became the infantry regiment of the 2nd Armored Division, commanded by General Leclerc.

Since July 1, 2010, it has been stationed in Meyenheim, between Colmar and Mulhouse, at the former 132nd Air Base.