L'EBR Panhard

In the aftermath of the Second World War, Panhard successfully fulfilled an ambitious programme launched by the army for an armoured reconnaissance vehicle, known as the EBR for short. In doing so, the company effectively made the acronym ‘EBR’ its own by providing the armoured cavalry with a vehicle that was both original and innovative. In post-war France, the almost avant-garde nature of this combat vehicle was all the more remarkable given that it was based on studies begun as early as 1938 and interrupted by the German invasion. Ahead of its time, its introduction into service was not without difficulties, but its characteristics – exceptional in many respects – enabled it to overcome these challenges and become, until the early 1980s, the benchmark vehicle for our reconnaissance units.

Until now, the EBR had never been the subject of such a comprehensive study, covering both technical and operational aspects. This book, the result of the author’s meticulous work and richly illustrated with archive photographs, brings this exceptional vehicle out of the shadows.

The author

By choosing the Armoured Corps upon graduating from Saint-Cyr in 1983, Thomas Seignon immediately demonstrated his interest in armoured vehicles, an interest that has remained unwavering throughout nearly forty years of service. From the rank of platoon commander to that of regimental commander, he has successively held the various levels of responsibility offered by the regiments in which he has served. As his postings took him from place to place, his expertise was also utilised by the Armoured Cavalry Training School, the Army Technical Section, the Joint Centre for Concepts, Doctrines and Experimentation, and the International Division of the DGA.

Outside military life, he is also a member of the board of trustees and the technical committee of the Saumur Armoured Vehicle Museum, as well as the scientific committee of the Arquus Heritage Foundation.

This gives an idea of the patience and kindness his wife and three children must show on a daily basis. As for the three cats that live in the family home, their interest in military matters remains very limited.