A French artillery invention from 1906

A French officer directing the artillery fire in 1906. 

The French have always had a talent for innovations and inventions.This French artillery invention on wheels was introduced in the beginning of the 20th century. It made it easier for an artillery officer, who was standing on a 5 meter high steel ladder, to direct the artillery fire during a battle. I have not seen any information about the actual use of this early "mega Segway". One drawback, from the officer's point of view, could have been, that he was also a fairly easy target for enemy sharpshooters.

Here, and here, are a few other French inventions from the same era.