Just recently the picture below was sold on ebay and I was the lucky winner. I have never seen before a French de Dion Bouton auto-canon in German service. So, I wonder when and where this piece fell into German hands! Is there anybody out there aware of a similar photograph or any detail which could help to answer this question?
As well every additional information about the development of this French Flak over the years (technical changes) and information about use in different theatres of war and locations would be of interest for me. TIA.
It is not the french de Dion-Bouton auto-canon, it is a german 7,7-cm M 1913 Krupp, lightly armored vehicule with BAK gun.Not officially adopted but a small number served in german Army. I have read no mention about one de Dion-Bouton captured by germans in 1914-1918, I have seen photographs of de Dion-Bouton auto-canon destroyed by german artillery as well of german similar vehicules destroyed by french artillery but no photograph or archives on the subject of the capture of any of these vehicles in 1914-1918. Yours sincerely, Guy François.
I was told the photograph was taken in WWI but I could not find the type among the typical German Kraftwagen-B.A.K and attributed it to the French DCA.
However, a view at the list of so-called "Ankaufflak" (Purchased Flak) seems to prove that this is a picture of one of only two "7.7 cm B.A.K. auf Kraftwagen L/27" (Krupp, Model 1913) which were bought by the Army at the start of the war and pressed into service (inspite being outdated at that time).
Now, a search for any captured B.A.K. is unnecessary. Thanks again!
-- Edited by K-Flak on Thursday 2nd of June 2011 10:55:44 PM
-- Edited by K-Flak on Thursday 2nd of June 2011 10:58:23 PM
