A number of Char B1's (161) were captured by the Germans during the Fall of France. These were later pressed into service as second line and training vehicles under the name of Panzerkampfwagen B-2 740 (f). Sixty became platforms for flamethrowers as Flammwagen auf Panzerkampfwagen B-2 (f). Sixteen were converted into 105 mm self-propelled artillery. Ordinary tank versions were also frequently modified. For example, additional armour was placed above the main gun, and a winch mechanism was added behind the turret. One unit, Panzer-Abteilung 213, was equipped with the Char B1 bis and deployed on the Channel Islands from 1941 to 1945. One of their tanks is displayed by the Bovington Tank Museum, though repainted in French colours. In German service, the tank saw action in the Balkans Campaign and the Eastern Front during Operation Barbarossa.[5]

The principal German units that used the Char B1 bis:[6]

Panzer-Brigade 100
Panzer-Regimente 100
Panzer-Ersatz-Abteilung 100
Panzer-Abteilung (F) 102
Panzer-Abteilung 213
SS-Panzer-Abteilung "Prinz Eugen"
Panzer-Kompanie z.b.V. 12
Panzer-Abteilung 223
Beutepanzer-Kompanie 223
I./Artillerie-Regiment 93 of 26. Panzer-Division
II./Panzer-Regiment 1 of 1. Panzer-Division
Panzer-Regiment 2 of 16. Panzer-Division
I./Panzer-Regiment 36 of 14. Panzer-Division
Panzer-Abteilung 205
Panzer-Kompanie 206
Panzer-Kompanie C (ND) 224
Panzerjäger-Abteilung 657 (PK 224)