In 1940, the Char B was the principal medium tank of the French army. Having fought against the Panzers in the Battle of France, the Germans were able to capture a number of Char B tanks after the French capitulation. In March 1941, an order was placed for a series of flame-thrower tanks making use of the captured Char B-1. The modifications called for the original 7.5cm gun mounted in the hull to be removed and replaced by flame-thrower mounted on a special ball mount.