The Somua S35 was a French tank which was considered to be one of the best in the French army in 1940, and certainly was more than a match for any opposing German tank.
Design began in 1934 for a medium tank with good armour, a good main gun and relatively good speed both on road and cross country. The Somua was the result, and all three aims were met, with thicker armour than any German tank of the time, a better gun (47mm L32) and top speed of 25mph. But, as with all French tanks of the time, the turret could only house the commander, who had the task of loading and firing the main gun in addition to his other duties.
As a medium 'cavalry' tank it was considered a success, with just under 440 built by the end of the campaign in France in 1940.
With the German conquest, the Somua both on the western and eastern fronts continued active service, both with the Germans as well as the Italians, Hungarians and Bulgarians.