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Large deslroye"l£ FANT ASQUE prepares 10 come alongside the cruiser GEORGES LEYG'UES for refuelfifig plJfposes.
FRENCH WARSHIPS or
WORLD WAR II
JEAN LABAYLE COUHAT
-
IAN ALLAN
--_
First published 1971
CONTENTS
Preface IJoge 6
The French avy at the outbreak of World War IT .. 7
The French Navy during World War IT 10
Old Battleships 20
Fast Battleships .. 24
Ai:rcraft Carri ers 31
Seaplane Carrier 34
Heavy Cruisers 37
Light Cruisers 43
Large Destroven 50
Destroyers. . 62
l...ig;bt Destroyer 69
Corsair Submarine 72
First Class Submarines 75
Second Class Submarines 79
Minf'tayi'ng; Submarines 88
Frigates 90
Corvettes ... 93
Destroyer Escorts 95
First Class Sloops. . 95
Old Firsl Class. Sloops 98
Second Class Sloops 100
Old Second Class Sloops. . 104
Patrol Boats 106
8ubcbasers 110
Awilliary Patrol Boats . . 114
Harbour Defence Mawr Launches 12.2
Ex-British Motor Launches 124
Requisitioned Harbour Defence Launches 124
Coastal Minesweepers 124
Auxiliary Minesweepers j 27
MOlor Torpe-do Boals 127
River Gunboats .. 12&
Surveying Vessels. . . . 133
Armed M erehant Cruisers . . . . 135
Submarine Depot Ship and Minelayers A 38
NeLlayer.. .. .. .. J41
Target Vessel . . . . . • . . . . 142
Utile Seaplane Support Ships and Seaplane Tenders. . 142
O~ l~
Transports."Suppl; 'Ships'~nd R~frjger~;or Ships .. 148
Naval Weapons .. . . .. . . " 150
Wat'La e 158
[odex 171
SBN 71 no 0153 7'
Pubh'shed hy {an Alia», Ltd., Shepperfon, Surrey. and printed ill' the Unired Kingdom by Tindal Press Ltd., London and Chelmsford.
© Ian Allan, 1911
PREFACE
THIS short book docs not claim to be a complete historical survey of France's participation in World War IT. It is intended primarily to acquaint British readers with the French warships of the period. The story of these ships being inseparable from that of the avy, it was decided. to include a brief account of the activities of the French Fleet during the war.
The author wishes to expre his grateful thanks to those who assisted him with the task of writing mis book, especially to Jean Meirat, the well-known naval historian, who kindly undertook the provision of much valuable informaiion and Henri le Mason the famous author of Les Planes de Combat, the French Jane.
e
The French Navy at the outbreak of World War n
In spite of her maritime interests, long coastline,. w.eaLthy coloma! empire and the envy it roused! Prance seldom paid much attenuon 00 her Navy. When she did experience pt:r~o.ds of Naval strength It was due LO a small number of forceful,
clear-sigbted pclitician . .. .
The French Navy came out of World War I greatly weakened but II was fortunate enough 'in the 19~05and 19305, to have ai. il~ head some very dynamic per analities. ~.be most emtne~t of ~hom. were certainlv Gl;:orge. L.eygues and Francois Pietri, They were asSIISLed Ir;t their task ~Y a score of ~nlhaJll.leader whO demonstrated II remark~bie c0!ltll:luny of acuon,. Names whIch particularly stand out are those of Admirals Violette, Durand VIe] and! Darlan, Their task. of rehabilitation Wall not all easy one, for as well as the indifference of the French people they had to overcome British detennination to achieve peace without vast show of arms,
After World War I, the British Government resumed us policy of trying for a balance of power in Europe, and did not want to ee one European country with a stronger hold on the Cominent than the others. France still saw Germany as a porenrial enemy but Great Britajn was more concerned with the increasing maritime ambirteas of Japan. and would not agree LO France's demands for a buffer state in the Rhineland and all increase in her Naval tonnage, Lloyd George believed that Internatinnal co-operation within the framework of the League of Nation would CDSUI"e peace in Europe. Britain's attitude was maintained throughou; tile numerous disarm:;Lltitllt conferences which took place d.u;ing the late ]920s and wTiy 1930s until 1936, when Hiller had made his ambitions obvious and Italy invaded Ethiopia. General re-arrnarnem now began,
In spite of the obstacles, however, the French avy managed tQ achieve a degree of strength during the inter war years, which had eldom been equalled during its long 'and eventful ruslory. The warships on strength in 1939 totalled J 7S vessels wblch oonstinned approximately 554,000 tons, divided into the followlng t"tasmlcalwns;
2 old baHleships-COURBET and PARIS
l old battleships extensively refitted-BRETAGNE, PROVENCE and
LORRAl E
2 new fast ballles.hips-DUNKERQUE and STRASBOURG 2 old aircraft carriers-BEARN and eDT TESTE
7 heavy cruisers
12 liglu cruisers
32 large destroyers; rated as cantre-torptileurs 26 destroyers, rated as rorpNlellrs d' escadre
12 light destroyers, rated as torpillerrrs
11 submarines :
The SURCOUF, at that time the greatest submarine afloat 3B first class submarines
32 econd class submarines 6 minelaying submarines,
K~P~ for the five old battle hips. all the vessels bad received their first cernmlSS10n after 1926 and lew were more than 1] or 14 years old. In ,addilion
7
to these warships, a large number of minor craft-sloops, minesweepers, motor torpedo boats patrol boats and trawlers, etc., were requisitioned."
Thi auxiliary F]eet varied in its eornpesition from lime to time.
The aval ail- arm was composed. of approximately 160 carrier-borne aircraft and 200 land-based air-craft. as well as a maritime co-ordioauon unit, i.e .• aircraft assigned to the Navy by the Air Force.
France had taken fuU advantage of re-armament and in 1939 the following ships were under construction or had been ordered:
4 fast 35,OOO-lon battleships-lUCHELIEU, JEA -BART, CLEM.lEN-
CEA U and G ASCOGNE
2 fast aircraft carriers-JOFFRE and PAINLEVE 3 light cruisers of the de Grasse Cla s
4 large destroyers, of the Mogador Class 12 fleet destroyers
40 submarines;
g first class submarines
28 second class submarines 4 rninelaying submarines.
These 65 ships represented an overall tonnage of 271,500 tons. Generally speaking French snips were of good design, well-planned ami built; the large contemporary-designed destroyers were the swiftest and possibly the most powerful afloat. However, they had been designed for the Mediterranean theatre and because of this like most light warships were seriously lacking in radius.
As. it was envisaged that ber main opponent in any conflict would be Jtaly, who bad (10 alrcr.ut carriers. France had been slow in ordering two light carriers to replace the aged BEARN. Although another cause for the delay was that. in common with other seamen (except the Japanese), Fren b ailors did not trust the aircraft-carrier. which they deemed! a very vulnerable essel, They were convinced that victory .3.t sea could ouly be achieved by destroying the enemy forces during baule and such engagements required high calibre guns. Although other weapons were not neglected, most officers, particularly those of the Naval Staff who had a major interest in the development of the Navy as a fighting Force. were deeply convinced that the battleship was truly the backbone or the Fleet,
The French submarines were most useful on the surface, Although fast-diving and handy when submerged, they were somewhat fragile. The 1,5QO.lon submarines ordered as fleet escorts proved themserves too slow for the task and in the event the minelaying submarines were probably the ones most uited for their intended work. The 550mm torpedoes of the 24V type were good on linear trajectory but uncertain on gyro angling: the 400mm torpedoes were a total failure.
Naval ordnance was generally quite satisfactory, but some armaments turned out to be fragile and other: required delicate handling because of their complex mechaai Ill. French naval engineers sometimes displayed a tendency to seek the boldest solutions, but as the saying goes, "striving to better, oft we mar what's well".
The French Navy had developed ill process to impregnate COiOLLf into shells, which was discharged Oil impact, making it easier to adjust the range when everal ships were firing 01] the same target simultaneously. This Invention was also licensed to British manufacturers.
l A1 th« beginning (1[ Wwld War 11 lilt! Pre n c/. Nov] reqlli5iliC)I1td tIle f(JUo~'inFi vessrls: 2'9 t:1~iliarJ~: cruisers, cable ,sMp's. and mmsporls; 2 110..,,;/(1 sllips; 66 uuxifful'Y PQI'ro/ boeus; 376 Qu_"t/tal')I nunesweepers; 87 insbor« minl"SWf!I!peq 01' lirlfbour deft1l« motor !aulfl:f,t's.
8
A ',sOO-ton deslrQyer {Omng at sea.
[JLC Colledion
9
, i
Like other Navies the French had greatly underestimated the threat of the aeroplane and it became necessary during the war to increase the anti-aircraft armament on most vessels. To this 'end all available equipment was used to improve the fire power of the Vichy-controlled Navy and this resulted in most heterogeneous armaments. Later on, ships which were re-assigned LO duty received modern equipment from the Allies.
Insofar as electremagnctie and underwater detection equipment were concerned, the French lagged behind the Royal avy. Interest In radar had begun in 193:5 and tests had been undertaken, which revealed the usefulness of metric waves, in aircraft approach warning. A radar construction programme was initialed for the protection of the harbours at Brest, Cherbourg, Toulon and Bizerte, In April 1939 several exchanges of Intorrnauon took place with the British, but they had to be suspended due to the prevailing circumstances of war. However, during the German occupatlon of France, research on prototype equipment (both shore- and ship-based) was carried on clandestinely. in spite of difficulties, until the Fleet was cuuled in November 1942.
In the same way ~he French found themselves out-distanced in the field of sonar research, although French scientists and engineers had participated [0 a great extent in the development of underwater detection apparatus using ultrasonic waves, A number of asdic units had been purchased from Great Britain La equip the French A.SW vessels.
Like most Navies-except perhaps "hal of the United States-the French avy did not believe in sea-borne attacks on the coastland. Attempts of this kind in the past had never met with any real success, and the failure of the Dardanelles campaign connrmed this belief. The Americans followed a different doctnoe: [liey were convinced that the failure was due to a Jack of means and POOf leadership. rather than insurmountable difficulties, The following stages of the war affirmed their views on this subiecr,
In spite of its imperfections, the French Navy was still a workable war 1001 in 1939. Its organization was remarkable in overall principle as well as in detail. The commuriicatious system always operated most efficiently: even during tile darkest hours before 111e flnal collapse the government and military command relied solely on the Navy to dispatch their orders. The men had been well-trained and morale was excellent. they trusted their leader, and their unquestioning faith in him in the midst of the worst hardships is surely the best token or French naval gallantry.
The French Navy during World Wa.r n
In September L 939 Britain and France believed that Italy would join forces with Germany. The French Navy, therefore, was given Lile task of conducting operations to protect shipping ill the Bay of Biscay and [he western Mediterranean. Consequently her Naval forces were divided into two group:
(0) A raid force based in Brest composed of the fast battleships DUNKERQUE arid STRASBO RG. three Light. cruisers andeighr large destroyers' of the raster type.
(b) Based in the western Mediterranean were three battle hips of the older type, seven heavy crui ers, three Ligbt cruisers ami some fifty contre lO,.pmellr~· and torpilleur:r.
The raid force which could achieve a speed of 30 knots. was at that time matched by no other force in the world.
However, as Italy decided 10 remain neutral, the French a well as the Royal avy gave priority to the protection of hipping from the submarines and
., LeJli/i'f! l(jrpiff~ur.r
10
Alpine troops board il troop transport at Brest tor the Narvlk. landings.
[E. C. Arm~es
Alpine tr,oops and dogs en route for Narv;".
[ECA
11
A slranded French desiroyer at Dunhirk.
CIECA
surface raiders which the KriegsmarilU!- deployed ill all European waters. Between September 3, 1939 and June 25, 1940 the French alone escorted ! 7S French convoys totalling L,437 ships (seven lost) and 56 British convoys with a total IQf 2.157 ships.
In ovember 1939 the German introduced a new and terrible weapon, the magnetic mine. The Allies soon learned to overcome this threat by using minesweepers and dernagnetising the ships. The French rninesweeping and escort vessels were re-equipped to meet [his serious hazard on the open sea. and the French Navy was active 11'1 bunting enemy submarines and escorting valuable convoys.
Oil November 30, ]939 Soviet troops Invaded Finland, after Ibtis small but courageous. country refused to yield tc certain demands made by the USSR. Meanwhile. the Western From was going through a somewhat quiet period and the Allies grasped the opportunity to open a Second! Front. They decided ro occupy the northern Norwegian ports and the Swedish iron-fields. ofortunately, a certain hesitancy 011 the part of the Allies gave Germany the opportunity to out-manoeuvre them and she rapidly invaded orway. The Allies did nor give up their plans, however, and made several landings at Trondheim and Narvik, The armed merchant cruisers EL BlAR, EL MA SOUR, VILLE D'ORAN and VILLE O'ALGER landed ball a brigade of alpine troops in Namsos but Ihey were overwhelmed by the enemy and this Anglo. reneh expeditionary force had to re-embark, The French fm-ces left on May 3, 1940 and the operation resulted in the 10 s of the BiSON j ,:1 }arge modern destroyer. ]n Narvlk the troops, led by General Bethouart captured! thlil city and its environs, but 1,1 was too late to lake any strategic advantage of the success, and the situation in France had become so desperate [hat the troops had to' be pulled OUl.
The days that followed May 10 were decisive in the outcome of the West em campaign. All the counter-artack failed to stop the Panzer Divisions advancing towards the Channel. The only air-craft in France able to perform dive-bombing
12
issioIlS were land-based, normally caITier-bo:D~, bombers, These were vainly ~crific;cd to checkthe German troops,' .s~ll1l1lgly inevitable advance towards Boulogne and Dunkirk. The Pan7ier DIVISIOns attacked the coastal ~defences from the rear and compelled the French Navy .~o engage HI heavy fighung bO~lh in sea and Olll land. The Navy carried supplies to the Army,. supported Its
peratioDS and finally participated in the evacuation of the Dunkirk bridgehead.
OUTing this tragic event ~~ Navy .fought bravely but slJista.lned heavy losses. Along with the 224;000 British soldiers, UO.OOO French soldiers. were taken off the: beach. Despite desperate resistance on the Semme and Alsne rivers, the Frelllch Front was broken. The Navy made a cencerted effort to salvage all tbat was possible from th~ ports threatened by the German ad~ance: A Iew d;ays lalll:r the in aders closed In on Le Havre and Cherbourg, and In spite of valiant defc.ncel.b.ese ports were seized. liUie later Brest and the other Atlanl.ic ports were to fall An seaworthy vessels were dispatched towards Great Britain Or
orth Africa. The remainder were destroyed or scuttled and tile material Jesses
were tremendous. . .
France was now practically non-combatant and Italy bad decided to ent,;r
the war on the side of Lh~ enemy, although its Naval forces :-"ere seldom In aelion. However, the remains of the French fleet ~ very ae.lIve! During the night of JLl:1l6 13, an attack was launched agalnst military and .LDdlustrtal larg.els in t:he Vado-Genoa area; on June ]6. the sloop LA CURIEUSE sank an Italian slJIbml;l,!'iDe and on June 22 ILA_ LORRAINE and two Bri~sll cruisers shelled Bardla in Cyrenaica. By June 25 Prance was defeated and signed. the Armistice
agreemt:n1, burt G~t Britain continued with the fight.. . .'
In spite of official "!uarantees and the French seamen ~ prormses that ~elr ships would never fallinto enemy hands, Winston Churchill ordered the seizure of all French ships which had found shelter in Great Britain and the destrucuon r all remaining vessels. his resulted in tragic fighting on July 3 and 6 at
Me:rs~el-K.ebir; the BRETAG wassum and the DUNKERQUE,
Fast bl11t1eship STRASBOURG {iring on British destroyers a1 Mers-El-Kebir. CIECA
13
I
I III
II
Old baWeship PROVENCE pro'tlfdes CO'i'ering (ire as' the fast baoWeship STRAS· BOURG sUps her moorings at Mers·f./·Kebir.
MOGADOR and PROVE C were very seriously damaged .. The STRAS~ BOURG and several destroyers managed to escape DO Toulon. This regrettable engagement cost the French Navy more than a thousand casu ali ties. In Alexandria, Lordi Andrew Cunningham=one of the most famous Admirals of the Royal Navy-a-agreed on a ettlementwith the French Admiral commanding the forces stationed there, The LORRAINE, three cruisers and several smafler ships were disarmed, but remained under French control. But in Dakar on July 8 the RICHEUEU was attacked and damaged.
The French Navy was extremely shocked by these actions which resulted in the major part of the Fleet being locked in Toulon harbour tinder cover of the surrounding forts: this brougbt (ne Fleet closer to the enemy who were then tempted into trying 10 'Seize it. Although indignant, the French refrained from retaliating against the' British ships so as not 1.0 aggravate their plight, but Admiral Varian decided that any of their ships coming within 20 nautical miles of the ree French homeland or colonial coastlines should be attacked, On September 23, 24 and 25, 19'40 a small French force sailing from France was engaged against General de Gaulle and! ships of the Royal Navy off Dakar. This time the balance of power was more eveoarid they sl..lflered severe punishment but French losses were also heavy.
From then until 1943, when they resumed their figh; against the enemy, the Navy personnel who remained under Vichy command endeavoured to defend the Empire against all attempts to obtain control of it, in order 10 prevent the Germans from breaking the Armistice before France was ready to take up the fight again. As a result of this the French Navy exchanged blows with the British three times and once with Thai and American forces,
Encouraged by the Japanese, Thailand made claims on several Cambodian provinces. Border fighting began without any formal declaration of war, [0 January 1941, a decisive operation was planned against the small but very modem and powerful Siame e FJ.eeL However on January 17 the Fleet was
14
I
I
Larg'e destroyer L',AUDACfEUX after being damaged at Dakar by ,the Australian crulse« HMtfSAUSTRALfA.
large battleship RICHEUEU comes under BrlUsh {ir,eat Dakar.
15
taken. by surprise at Koh-Chang by the small French force stationed ill lndochina and !he former was eliminated almost instantly.
Several months later, on JUIle 8 British and Free French forces invaded Syria on the pretext that the Vichy regime was about to anow German planes which were bound for Iraq to support a rebellion. to refuel there. Vichy troops resisted firmly but only a month later. and after some very rough skirmishes they agreed to ign an armistice with General Wave!!. During lhis short campaign, the small, skilfully commanded Middle East Naval Division came out of several encounters with the much stronger British forces very favourably.
In the spring of 1942, after the sWJifl succession of Japanese victories, Great Britain suffered a dark period; India and Australia seemed threatened and Madagascar appeared as a vital posidon which had to be taken before the Japanese could gel there. TIle operation to achieve tbi:; ,goal WIl5 prepered with great secrecy and after a heroic resistance against undoubtedly stronger forces, Diego Suarez Iell to the Brio h. During the fighting the Vichy Fleet lost two avisos and three submarines. Later in 1942 came the large scale landings in Nom Afrlea but due to lack of strength rhe Allies could only attack Morocco and Algeria, neglecting Tunisia, and this was to have important consequences in the future.
The Americans had, by now, acquired local support in Algeria and Morocco, but these partisans were unable to playa very important part ill the invasion as nlley were insufficiently informed and 100 late for [he meeting with the Americans. Basically tile French fighters favoured the Allied cause and only resisted the invasion for discipline's sake; (hey also had the idea in the back of their minds that the operation might not have been sufficiently well planned, as had been the 'case ill Greece and Crete. and could lead the Germans to inter-fere in orth Africa-s-this had to be prevented at aJlJ COSLs. During the fighting in Algiers, Oran and Casablanca, the Vichy Naval forces, although inferior in numbers and material, were placed .iI1l difficult moral conditions, in pite of which they demonstrated great discipline and valour. Their losses were severe, one light cruiser and several destroyers and submarines being sunk,
On November J 1. General Eisenhower and Admiral Darlan, who happened. to be ill Algeria at the time, signed a truce to stop the fighting. The French forces joined the Allies in their struggle against the Germans. but the latter retaliated promptly. The Nazi forces invaded Tunisia taking advantage IQf tile confusion of orders and countermands issued by Vichy HQ and the Algerian Government. The Germans occupied Bizerte where they seized and later scuttled several ships. The final conquest of Tunisia cost the French and their Allies six rnemhs of continual fighting. Also on November] 1, the Germans, infuriated by the turn of events in North Africa, invaded that area of France which had remained unoceupied since J9401. qn. tile 27th of that mOl?th a Dlvision of SS troops tned to capture the remams of the French Fleel In Toulon harbour. but there was just enough time to scuttle the ships and the in'lOading Germans were !efl fuming and powerless at the sight of sinking and exploding vessels, About sixIY ships-225,OOO tons-were Jost,
While most of the French Naval personnel had, believed its duty \VdS to stay loyal to Mar hal Petain, some of the earnen bad! answered the call of General de Gaulle and decided to continue t:he fighl. against the enemy. In 1940 and 1941. the Free French Na,vall Force (FNFL) began increasing and by the end of 1940 it numbered 3,250 men; at the end of 194) a total of 4.700 men had been reached. During 1940 the Force had controlled 23WMSbips;' in 1941 they possessed seven ships of French origin and 11 [lew units given by Great Britain. The FNF'L participated gallantly in the conliie], especially in the Channel and Allallitic areas.
I'
II
16
SCllW'ed F,rrmch ships in Toulon harbour.
[ECA
By June 1943, the Force bad 7,600 men and 63 nips; they acted as escorts to a great many convoys, attacking and damaging everal U-boats. The falJ!lOllS corvette ACONlT sank two submarines and the LOBELIA was credited with a third. Submarines of the FNFL were extremely active and sank several enemy merchant ships and coastal vessels. The submarine RUBIS attained fame as a minelayer and the JUNON accomplished. several special missions along the enemy-occupied coast. The FNFL also took part in land lighting; on July 14, 1940 the first battalion of the Fusilters Marins was formed. It fought brilliantly in Egypt, Cyrenaica, Tunisia and later in Italy and France. However. lhe Free French aval forces suffered heavy losses tOO---Lhe corsair submarine SURCOUF. the corvettes AL YSSE and MIMOSA the patrol boat VIKING, the subehaser & and the large; destroyer LEOPARD were all lost.
On December 24,1942 Admiral Darlan was murdered in Algiers, and General Giraud look over command, At that lime the French forces ill Africa had only one abjectiv,e, 10 fight the German occupation force. Unfortunately the French colonies were Sill! divided into Giraud followers and de Gaulle partisans .. However, May 2:1, 1943 saw the ships which had been blocked in Alexandria join the ze t of the Fleet and on June 3 General Giraud and General de Gaulle agreed to form 11. French Committee for National Liberation. In July the Caribbean Territories made the decision to join the Algerian Government and the ships stationed there began taking part .in the fight. The Empire had been pulled together against the Axis and from then 01!1 FNFL and Vichy seamen fought together towards final victory. The larger ships which bad survived beaded for [be United States where they underwent modernisation and refitting. 'fhe French Navy also received additional ships from the Allies: six: destroyer escorts, several minesweepers and subcbasers from the US Navy: six frigates, three submarines and a number of minesweepers from the British,
. The French Navy participated in the liberation of Corsica, It was also active In Normandy with the cruiser: GEORGES LEYG ES.and MONTCALM, the FNFL destroyer :lA COMBATIANTE, four frigates and several corveues,
17
mine weepers, torpedo-boats and ubrnarine chasers. Two FNFL groups of Fusilters Marins were involved in the first engagement at Ouistreham. A battalion of these famou troop was incorporated in Leclerc's forces, and were present at (he liberation of Pads and Strasbourg,
On the coast of Provence. the French Navy played a major role in tile Patch Army landing, which included General de Tassigny's six divisions. Its contribulion to this operation was very important; it comprised the cruisers G LOIRE , GEORGE L -YGUES, MONTCALM, EMILE BERTIN, DUGUAYTRQUfN: the light cruisers LE FANTASTIQUE, LE MALIN, LE TERRIBLE, plus destroyers, sloops and iii large number of other ships. The first regiment of Fusilter« Marins and tbe Naval assault group also took part in the action,
On August 28, 1944, French troops, including the first regiment of Fuslliers Marins, entered Toulon after surmounting fierce resistance, During the Naval bombardment the French ships exchanged close-range fire with the enemy in a brilliant fashion. The French Fleet made a thrilling and hi torlcal entrance into Toulon harbour on September 13, 1944. After Marseilles and Toulon had! been liberated. de Lattre's army proceeded farther up th.e Rhone valley to free Alsace and later 10 conquer south Germany. French ships were still supporting the Allied operations onthe Cote d'Azur and the Italian Riviera and 11 naval unit, known as the flank Force, under the command of a French Admiral was fanned to assist these operations. LIS missions were to give fire support to the Alps Army, to protect Allied shipping in the western Mediterranean and attack the enemy in the Gulf of Genoa. The FOl1Ce sank 18 enemy ships and destroyed some 400 mines with only superficial losses.
Unable to control the Allied advance in France, the Germans decided to ti .. hten their hold in the Atlantic and North Sea ports and to block the arrival of supplies but they never totally achieved their objective. Even before taking
herbourg which was rapidly accomplished, the Allies bad established a lifeline through the Normandy beaches and artificial ports. St Malo was liberated on August 17. 1944. followed on September R 8 by Brest after a great deal o,f heavy fighting. Le Havre was opened on September 12, but almost totally destroyed in the process. However, the Germans held on grimly to Dunkirk, Lorient, La Rochelle and Royall. Several avy units were active in the fighting which took place in these areas. In April 1945, .Allied Command decided to take Royan and Pointe de Grave to clear an access to Bordeaux. The old battleship LORRAINE, the heavy cruiser DUQUESNE and several escort ships and minesweepers supported these operations from the sea. After a brilliant assault both these cities were taken with the assistance of gallant naval shore units,
Meanwhile, the powerful. modernised fast battleship RIeBEl] U was very acti e with the British in south-east Asia,
The war in Europe ended on May 8" 1945 and the Navy now comprised 350 ships (370iOOO tons), compared with 240 ships (590,000 tons) in September I939. With tile exception or a few large vessels (he Fleet was now composed almost entirely of small ships, who nevertheless rendered great service. The major tasks aheadwere to clear the harbours and their accesses of the innumerable mines Laid by the enemy; to clear the same of the many wrecks left by the Germans and to rebuild the almost totally-destroyed shipyards.
In conclusion. it must be stated that the 1940 defeat drove the: Navy lmo a most unenviable position, but during the events which followed, the seamen who had remained loyal to Vicby France alway showed great courage and a tremendous spirit of self-denial, It was a great relief for them to enter the war on the side of the FNFL, who had never ceased to fight the enemy, even during the darke r hours,
II wa now ready to rebuild a new and modern Navy.
18
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19 OLD' BATTLESHIPS Courbet class-2 sbips
Displacement:
Dimensions:
Machinery."
Radius if I Namiea! Miles .. Protection:
Armament:
Complement:
Programme 1910
1910
name COUlUlET PARIS
23 189 tons standard; 25,850 tons full load 168m (oa) I' 2S.2m (full load)
21. to 24 Belleville boilers, Parsons 4-shaft geared Turbines, 28,000 HP
Speed. 21 knots (Hi knots only in 1939)
Coal: 906 tons (normal), 2,700 Ions (maximum)
uel oil': 310 tons 8,400/10 knots
Main belt: 270rnm (amidships), 160mm (Iore and aft) 12-305mm (2 x '6}1, 22-D8mm (JI . 22),7-75mm AA 2-47mm AA guns;501!1_lln TT (submerged) ] ,069 Officers, 21; Men, JI,042)
hili/del' Lorient DY F. ell. de la M6diterranee
laid down 9/10 11}11
lalJJlclied 112/9/H 2819/12
campleted 9/13
8/l4
Netes: First Dreadnoughts of the French Navy to be launched.
OCEAN (ex-JEAN BART) was disarmed in 1938 for training purposes. A rourtlt Dreadnought of l~e same type, FRANCE, foundered in Quiberon Bay In August 1922. The ships were reconstructed during 1928-29; COURBET was transformed into a gunnery training ship and PARIS was attached LO a signa] training school.
COURBET look part ill the defence of Cherbourg, but was ill Portsmouth when France w~ defeated. She was captured by the British on July 3, J940 (catapult operation); was later returned to the FNFL and used asa breakwater during the Allied invasion of Normandy. P'AR1S was also in Plymouth and taken over Oil the same occasion by the British: eventually she was used as a barracks for Polish Naval personnel. Site had previously taken part in the defence of Leo Havre where she. was damaged by 3. bomb on June II. 1940. She was returned! to the French and towed to Brest on August 21. 1945.
Bretagne class-2 ships
Displacement ; Dimensions:
Machinery:
Radius in Nautica! M[fes:
Proteet ion:
, 1910 morM.
22, 189 ton standard: 23,549 tons full load 16~m (oa) x 17m x ROOm (9.20m full load)
6 Indret small lube boilers, Parsons 4-shaIl geared turbines. 43,000 HP
Speed: 2].4 knots
Fuel oil: 2,600 tons
7,OOO/tO knots
Main belt: 240mm (amidships), 160mm (fore and aft) Protective decks: 30mm, 40mm and 40mm
Forward and after turrets: 340mm. Central turret; 400mm. Upper turrets: 290mm
Battery: 180mm. Calming tower: 314mm
20
Armamenl,· lO-340mm (2 5)\ 14-B8rtlm {I ;( 14),8-75mm
A , 12-13.2mm AA HOlChki s heavy machine-guns
CVlYlplemenl: 1,190 (Officers, 57; Men, 1,133) as Flagship
progl'(lfTlme name builder laid down launched completed
1912 BRETAGNE Brest DY 7/12 21/4/13 9/15
19~2 PROVENCE Lorient DY 6/12 20/4/13 6115
Notes,· After World War I tripod foremasts and directors were fiued. They ~e:re converllcd LO partial oil:~urning ill 1 ~'2:7-30 and dunng1932-.JS were extensively refiued and ~lVen iIl;ddltlO~lal machine-guns, Improved armour .protecI10.n and 'mrul-tu'be, oil-burning boilers. They could make :W knots eontinuously ;u sea. Torpedo Lubes were removed A 931-32.
SRETAGNE blew up and capsized during action against Admiral Somerville
al Mer-el-Kebir Oil July .3,. 1940. .
PROVENCE during the same action was so badly damaged that she had to
be beached in the harbour. She was brought LO Toulon overnber 1940) and
scuuled there on November 27, 1942.
Lorrame class-l ship'
Displacement: 22,189 tons standard; 23,549 tODS fu 11 load
Dimells"ons: 166m (oa) x 27m X 8.90m (9.20m full load)
Mllc/Jiner.l': 6 Indret small 'lube boilers, Parsons 4-shaft geared
Turbines, , HP
Speed: 21.4 knots Fucl oil: 2,600 tons
Radius in Nautiea} Miles: 7,000/10 knots
ProteC'l;on: Main belt: 270rnm (amidships) 160mm (fore and aft) Protective decks: 30mm, 40mm and 40mm
Forward and! after turrets: 340mm. Upper turrets: 250111111
Battery: 1801l1m. Conning tower: 314mm
Armament: 8~340 (2 v 4)'. 14--1 38mrn (J x 14), 8-100mm AA (2 x 4), 8-37mm AA, 12-13.2 AA machine-guns One catapult, .2 aircraft
Complement: 1,190 (Officers. 57; Men. ] ,133) as Flagship
ProOl'OlIlme name buNder laid down launched ClJmp/f!ted
1912 LORRAINE Penhoet 11/1.2 30/9/13 7116
Nates: LORRAINE was extensively reconstructed if! 1934-35-the centre turret was removed to make (OOm for a catapult and aircraft, Vide sister ships
BRET AG E and PROY CE for further details.
The LORRAINE, the cruisers HMS ORION and HMAS SIDNEY with a screen of destroyers. shelled I he Lybian coast 011 J une 2], 1940. When France signed the Armistice she was still in Alexandria Roads whit the "X" Force, which also included the heavy cruisers DUQUES E, TOURVILLE and SUFFRE • the light cruiser DUGUAY-TROUTN, the destroyers LE FORTUNE, BASQUE and FORBf and the J,500-ton submarine PROTEE. By agreement with Admiral Lord Andrew Cunningham, the Commander of the French Naval Force Vice-Admiral Godfrey disarmed the ships but they remained under French conarol, 011 May 30. 1943, Admiral Godfrey agreed to turn the vessels over to the Algerian Government In 19M LORRAINE wok part in the liberation of Toulon and later, in April 1945. whh the DUQU ESNE fired the German positions at Ruyan and Pointe de 'Grave prior to tile azi surrender.
, 19J3 ",od,d.
21
o U
U ...
::.
Old baWeshfp PROVENCE.
Old battleship LORRAINE as she was rigged when she shelled the french coast in
1945. .
22
23
FAST BATTLESIDPS Dankerque class-2 ships
Disploeemem ." Dimeusians:
Machinery:
26.,500 tons standard; )],000 tons full Joad 214m (oa) x 31m x 8.S6m (mean)
6 Indrec small tube boilers, Parsons 4-shaf!. geared Turbines, 100,000 H.P (trials: 136,900 HP)
Speed: 29.5 knots (trials: 31.5 knets]
7,500/15 knots
Main belt: 225mm (at waterline), 180mm (at main deck)
30mm longitudinal torpedo bulkhe-ad
2 protective decks: 125mm. and 50Q1m (lower) Main turrets and Conning tower: 355 mm
8-330mm (4 x 2), 15-IJOmm dual purpose (4 x 3, 2 x 2). -37mm AA, 32-13.2 AA
One catapult. Aircraft: 2 Loire 130 flying boats J ,431 (Officers, 66; Men, 1,365)
Radhts in Nautica! Miles:
Protection:
Armament:
Complemes«:
Programme 1931
1934
I
I
blli/del' Brest. DY Penhoet
81 Nazajre
Noles; These Ships were modelled all the British elson Class. The Quadruple turret were finally adopted after a variety of other gun dispositions bad been considered, ibis grouping bad also been selected for the pre-World War I ships of the ormandie and Tourville Classes. The turrets were widely separated 10 localise the effect of shell fire. The bridge structure followed that of HMS
ELsa . Ouadruple turrets were also adopted later by the Royal avy on the King George V Class, The DUNKERQUE was built in dry dock, but as she was e rremely long, the forward section was constructed separately and attached to the hull after launching, STRASBOURG's bridge details differed from the DUNKERQVE rsee PhoIOS).
In. July 1940, Admiral Gensoul's French SQuadron was moored in the Roads of Mers-el-Kehir and in accordance with the terms of the Armistice, disarmament of the ships was begun. The heavy vessels, it battleships PROVENCE, BRETAG ,DUNKERQUE and STRAS.BOURG, were anchored with their sterns [01 Hie pier. This position was not favourable for firing (rom the latter two ships. whose main armament was installed forward.
During the morning of July 3, tile British destroyer HMS FO- HOUND entered the harbour and her Captain bore a note from Vice-Admiral Sir James Somerville, Commander of the heavy Naval force which had been concentrated at Gibraltar a few days before. The force included the battle cruiser HMS HOOD, the battleships J-[MS RESOLUTION and :HMS BARHAM. the alrcraft carrier HMS ARK ROYAL, two heavy cruisers and eleven destroyers. The ncte offered Admiral Gensoul the foHowing ultimatums:
(a) ail with the British and continue to fight for victory against Germany and ltaly,
(b) Sail with reduced crews under Royal Navy control 10 a Britisl1 port.
(c) Sail under British con irol to French ports in the West Indies or nil the United States Where Ilhe ships will be disa:mled.
If all the terms were rejected Admiral Somerville explained that he had orders
laid dmllll Iwmched 24/12/32 2/1 0/35
25/11/14 12/12/36
completed 4/37 12/38
name
DUNKERQUE STR)\SBOURG
24
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25 to sink l);le Fren~h ships. It is not possible here 10 remind readers of the difficult ne,go~lauons whlc~. followe~ and unfortunately did not succeed. Urged by we Admiralty. the B,r~llsh Admiral was forced to open fire at 16.56 GMT. Just after the outbreak or firirsg the DUNKERQUE was hit as she let go her mooring lines. One 380mm direct hit, then three shells of the same calibre from which serious damage resulted, brought her to a standstlll, Her guns were stopped due to lack IOf electric pow~r, but not beforeshe had managed '1:0 lire 40 rounds at HMS HoOOD, Slu:.dnfled to the extremity of the Bay where she moored in the shelter
of Santon .HiH. . -
On July 6 the British came back to complete their task. At the beginning of the day to!ycdo planes from HMS ARK ROYAL attacked the DUNKERQIJE in three slmuJtan~o.lIls waves. Many small vessels were moored alongside her to unload amrnunmon but there wa~ no tune to protect her with nets. The patrol boat P.18 TERRE ,EUV was hit by t~o torpedoes which caused the explosion of her depth charges, and she was tom m two. A large breach was made in the hull of the baHI~s~p. Casualties for this encounter and the one 011 July 3 amoumed to l,297, including 150 illed.
~he_ D~RQUE was later refloated and repaired and <?tl February 20, 19~,2. ~~e sailed back to Toulon 'where she was dismantled during the scurtling while stili under refit.
The STRASBOURG, under skilful command and protected by the destroyers and guns of tbe Santon stronghold, escaped the British fire, She sailed into the open sea and arrived ill Toulon on July 4. although she had been attacked three
ume by aircraft from riMS ARK ROYAL. .
F:ast battleship STRASBOURG as she was In July 1!J4D after tbe Mers-EI-Keblr sciton. 26
II
Ricbelieu c1ass-3 sbips
35,000 tons standard; 41,500 tons fuAl load 248m (oa) x 33.lOrn x 9m (mean)
6 Indret-Sural boilers, Parsons 4-shart geared Turbines. 150,000 HP
Speed: 30 knots (in service RICHELIEU has reached 32.S knots with L 79,00) SHP)
RadiuS ill Nalllical Miles: 8,500/14 knots; 6,900/20 knots: 3,4'00/30 knots
Prl:lliiclion: Main belt: 400mm. 225mm
Decks: (upper): I]Omm, J70mm; (lower): 40mm Mai 11 turrets; 430mrn., 270mm, 170mm. Secondary turrets: 130rrmt. Conning tower: 340nnrn RICHELl-U: 8-380mm (4 x 2}, 9'-152mm DP 1(3 J.)I 12-100mm AA (2 6), 16-37mm AA i(2 ~ g). '2&-ll.2mrn AA, to Browning machine-guns
,JEA BART in June 1940: 4-90mm AA (:2 x 2), 6-37mrn AA (2 -c 3), l Jmrn AA (4 x 2 and 1 x 2). In November 1942: 4--380mm 4 I), ~90mm AA
(2 x 2)
RICHEUEU: ],670 (Officers, 70: Men, 1,600)
Displacement; Dimenaiofls:
MariJill(!/,)';
ArnlC1ml"nl :
Complemrlli:
Programme: 1935
19]5
1938
name b/lildel'
RICHEUEU Brest DY
JEAN BART Peniloe'l
CLEMENCEAU Brest DY
.laid down 22/WI35 ]/39 17/1/39
Im1/lched 17/1/39 6/3/40
completed 7/40
See notes See notes
totes: RICHELIEU and CLEMENCEAU were built in the dry d~ck at Brest, The incomplete hull of the CLEME CEAU was sunk there by Allied bombers: it was ':refloated by the Germans and launched in order to clear lhe dock of
wreckage. . ..
The RICHELIEU escaped 10 Dakar in June 1949 and on Jul.y 7 the British offered her Captain the same alternatives they had given to' Admiral Gensoul at Mers~et-Kebir. All these terms were refused. Afler dark. a motor launch from the aircrait carrier HMS HERMES entered the harbour, slipped over the defence boom. crept along the pert side or the battleship and dropped fOUT 4000 lb depth charges under [he stern. For some reason th_eSie did 1l0U explode. On July 8, at day-meak. six torpedo planes from the HERMES attacked the RICHELTEU. One torpedo struck under the tern of the ship and she sank down to rest ?n the bottom of [he shallow harbour. The breach was patched LIP but the ship was unable to' sail. She used her guns togreat advantage in warding oR' the combined British/General de Gaulle Iorces that attempted to' Lake Dakar in September 1~40. During the action three of the ?,8 mm gUM ~ere out of order for technical reason. In January 1943 she sailed to' the Unlted SLates for repair and refit, Her catapults and hangar were removed and her quarterdeck, main deck. and
uperstructure were studded with anti-aircraft guns. The three 38-Omm guns Were replaced by those from the damaged .IE~N BART. Her re~lI.i1dillg was completed in August. 1943 and before she sailed rOT North Aftica her new armament was: 8-]80Il1m (4 x 2.). 9-152mm DP (3 x 3)" 12-100mm AA (2 :< 6), 57-40mm AA (4 x 1.4 and I . 13), 50-20mm AA In November she made for the Home Fleet and on March 14, 19.44 fo~ ~he Eastern. Fle~t via Algiers and Suez. On July 25. 1944 she took: part, WIth Brielsh battleships, 11.'1 the aUack on the shore installations at Sabang. She sailed for France on August 25
1 /936 nrrxJ~/.
27
Fast baltfeship RJ'CHElIEU mor::J(I'Jr/ in Casab'anc'" 11 "·b"· . ~, ... (i ,. "
- - - ... g, "IN 8",er Her Irs. mission tn tile Far fasi.
[ECA
An aerial view of fast battleship JEAN BART anchored in Casablanca harbour prior to the Allied invasion.
[JtC Coil.
arriving in Toulon On October I Hying a 52m-long war pennant, indk:ating that number ~r ~ol1lihs away from France. From October 1944 to January 1945 she w~s refitting In Casablanca and all February 27 she sailed for a econd campaign with tile Eastern Fleet. April 4, 1945 found her joining' yet another bombardment at Sabang and she later shelled! shore installations ill. the Nicebar Islands, She sailed for Indo-China in October 1945.
The JEAN BART was built in a Loire dock at 8t Nazaire but eonstruction was shared by Pef!boet. WhiJe still building she succeeded in escaping, in June 1940. before the arrival of German troops. ~he_was in an incomplete Slate and no trials had been run, but she arrived safely m Casablanca where she remained for the duration of the w~. ~uil!dillg was resumed ,in 1945 at Brest Navy Yard, and she ran her first sea (rials 10 January ]949. During her Slay in Casablanca a forward quadUip!~ turret w~ sec-retly acquired .by the ship's company. As it was out of ~he quesnon to ohtain a gunnery direction system, a geodesical firing device was installed from which sights could be taken from three different positions. While
he ~as. moored at a q~lay she foughl back against US forces using this turret conunuing LO fight until she had been to:rpedloed by aircraft and hit by eight 406mm shells fired from the battleship USS MASShCHUSElTS. Then completely ablaze she W<lS forced to cease firing. and retire from com bar.
Gascogm€ class-3 ships
Displacement:
Dimensions:
Machinery:
Radius in Nautical Miles:
Protection:
Armament:
35,000 tons standard. 4J,OOO tons full load
8-380mm (4 X 2)" 9-152mm A.A (2 x 3), 16- lOOmm AA (2 X 9), 20-31mm AA (2."< 10)\ 36-13.2mm AA (4 9)
One catapuh ; two floatplanes or flying boats,
Complemeut:
Programme name
1938 GASCOGNE
builder {aid down launched completed
Penhoet and See notes
A. Ch. de la Loire
I ~ I
Notes: Three fast balUesb!ps of the. Gaseogne class were projected but never began bUlldmg. ~n these ships the mam armarnem disposition was to be different from that of their predecessors, ccmprislng one forwarrl380mm quadruple turret an~ another astern. The order for the GA'SCOGNE had been placed with the builder of the JEAN BA~T. The .other two were only authori ed by April 15, 1940. They wen: to have different displacernent and armament. Three alternatives bad been studied:
(0) Displacement: 40,000 tons. Main armament: 9-J80mm (3 3)
(b) D!splacement: 42,000 tons. Main armament: 9 .06mm (3 3)
(e) Displacement: 45,000 tODS. Main armament: 12-380nll1il (4 3,)
The secondary armament was to be similar to that of the G SCOGNE. 1 1915 mode].
1 Qf ,Ir" 1(!!ec""''''UI,d~d 1J."P.e.
30
AIRCRAFT CARRIERS BealD cIass--l ship
22146 !ODS standard; 28,400 tons full load
IS2.6rn (oa) X 35.2m (oa) x 9.3m. .
12 diu Temple- ormand small tube boilers, 2 Turbines on inner shafts (for main propulsion) .totallmg 22.200 SHP and 2 sets of reciprocating engines (for
cruising and manoeuvring only). 4 shafts, 36,2.00 HP Speed: 2] .. 5 knots
RadiutinNauricalMiles: 7,000/10 knots. 6POO/l.5knots. 4,500/18 knots
Pf(Juu;rit'm: Side armour: 80mm, flight deck 25mm, main deck 25I1llll. lower deck 60mm
8-155mm (1 x ,8)\ 6-75mm AA, 8-31mm AA,
4-55011ml IT
Aircraft: 40 of the Loire Nieuport 41 or Chance Vought
type (see notes)
Complement: 865 ~Officers, 45; Men, 820)
Progrumme flame bljildel" laid down fmlTlched ~olllph!led
BEARN JLa Seyne 1/14 4/20 )/17
Note'S: This vessel was _laid G<!wn in 1914 asa ,?alUesb~p o,j the Norrnandie class. Launclling took place 10 April 1920, COI:ISl;IUctIOIl. having been suspended during World War T; site was redesigned as an aircraft ca.r~ler and converswn,begao at La Seyne in August 1923. She.was fulally completed lII. May 1927. Her fllghl,~eck was !BOrn and hangar l24m m length, The latter was connected 10 the deck by
electric. Lifts. . b d .
At the outbreak of World War II, three dive-born oer squa_foDS were In
commission: AB 1, AB 2 and AD 3 .. They were attached to the B~Rt:'l and funned the FIA Flotilla. As the ship was employed tn. transporung ,aircraft purchased from the USA the three squadrons were never involved U1 shipborne
operations. . . In S t b I n39 '.
All 1 was shore-based at Lanveoc-Pol.llnll;: near Brest. ~p em er ::' . It
was equipped! with Chance Vought dive-bombers. A month late~ It was transferred to Cher'bonrg and the!'! to Boulogne Aiprech. In ,_I\1:arch ]940 It was retu~ned to Lanv,eoc-Pol'l1ni:c and directed to Hyeres for l1"3!nmg aboard the BEARN. In May 1940 due to the prevailing circumstances, 11 was again transferred to the north. of Fronce. The AB I Squadron received orde~s all. May 20 ~o destroy the Orig;ny~St Benoite bridge <!ver the Sarnbre and .Olse nvers, which was .use~ extensively hy the enemy. With tile su_~!vmg aircraft of squadr.ol1s AB2 ~nd AIl 4. AS a flew to attack the target but wa intercepted by Me, 109 fighters. Six Vought aircraft were shol. down, but two others and thre,e !LOIre. Nieuport from AS 2 and AS 4 succeeded in destroying the bridge. On!? ~Ireleupor~ was shot down and the other aircraft made for Alpreeh. The .Bntlsi] fighters which should have covered this operation, as they did the one at Berlaimcnt, wef(~ unable to make the rendezvous. The .rernaining aircraft of AB 1 also t~ok part in the defence of
DUnkirk. but because of its. heavy losses i~ was I~ter disbanded. . .
AB 2 was also based at Lanveoe-Poulnic and Its equipment comprised Lo!re NieupoIl4'1 dive-bombers. By May 10, )9'!'O" A'S 2 was based at Berek and With lhese aircraft had already undertaken sorues over the Walc~e(en and Beveland Islands, On May .19, with AB 4 (formed only a few days prevtou I)' With LN 4is)
DisplacemenT:
Dimellsions:
Machinery:
Armame.nt:
11921 mod"'l.
31
the squadron auacked a. Panzer concentratlon near the Berlaimout cross-roads . Because of the intensive enemy flak arid lack of pilot-training, losses in the two squadrons were very heavy. By May 22, tile decimated units had regained some operarieoal strength and were directed to the south ju t prior 10 the outbreak of war with Italy and were based at Hyeres, All 2 performed a number IOf reconnaissance missions over the Italian coast and on June 17 protected Frcneh aval squadrons engaged ill the Genoa-Vado acrlon. 0111 June J B. AB 2 participated with AB 4 in a ni,ght attack on Imperia and Nevi Ligure harbours. The unit new to North Africa on June 19.
AB 3 was formed on December 1, 1939 with Vought dive-bombers. It arrived at Berek on Mrurch 22, 1940 and was later diverted to Alpreeh to relieve AB 4 transferred to Hyeres for ship-board trials. On M.ay 10 all the aircraft were destroyed by enemy ground straffing. Re-equipped, the unit took off for the Mediterranean theatre just before the war with Italy began, One aircraft was, shot down by Italian fighters and six others were destroyed On the ground on June 15, 1940.
AB 4 was a supplementary squadron, formed in May 1940. with Loire Nieuporl 41s from the Armee de ['Air. and was based at Chetbourg ; it joined AB 2 at Berek on May 17 and took part irl1 the Beriaimont raid. Three of the aircraft wlticl1 had not flown on this sortie attacked the Origny-St Benolte bridge with AB 1. Re-equipped with only six aircraft, the squadron was then transferred to the Mediterranean theatre where it took part in the attack on Imperia harbour: h later joined. the other AB quadrons in North Africa,
All the dive-bomber squadrons were disbanded after the Armistice. The aircraft carrier HEARN was at Fort de France, Martinique, when French resistance collapsed in June 1940 and she came under the control of tile. Governor of that island, who remained loyal to Marshal Petain. By agreement withthe US Government (May n. 1942) the Governor disarmed the HEARN, the light cruiser EM1lLE BERTIN which was. also at Fort de France and thecruiser JEANNE D'ARC, which. was at Guadeloupe. The Governor resigned on June 30, 1943, turning the island and the warships over to the Algerian Government thus making the vessels available for further war effort.
The BEAR sailed to the US for a refit at this time, but because of her slow speed she was only employed as an aircraft transport ship. Her armament was modifie.d so that it comprised 4---1 24mm AA (l x 4) of US type, 24-2Bnnn AA in quadruple mountings and 20 single 20mm AA Oerlikon guns.
J offre c1ass~2 ships
Displacement: 18,000 tons standard
Dimensions: 236m (oa) x 22,Sm (wateeline) x 35m (flight deck)
Machfner_v: 2-shaft geared Turbines, 120,000 H"P Speed: J} knots
Radius ill Ntllllicai Miles:
Protection: Side armour of 105= protecting engine, munition store and gasoline tanks
Armoment: 8-130mm AA (2 'o( 4), 8-37mm AA (2 x 4), 28- Il2mm AA. Hotchkiss (4 x 7) machine-guns Aireraft : 40 (fighters 15, attack 25)
Complement:
Programme 193
NOles: The
name buitder laid down launched complefed
{JOFFRE '\ Penhoet {U /38
PAINLEVE f 1919
two aircraft carriers, were designed as the result of extensive studies
32
Afrctafl carrier BEARN be{ofe he'r refit.
[MB
Aircraft csrrie« BEARN after her .bIg rem in the US.
[JLC cen
1
B
33
Line drawing of aircraft carrier JOFFRE.
concerning this type: of vessel undertaken from ] 9]1 onwarcs. The designers selected the Brjtish system or incorporating the flight deck into the main hull and having two hangars. However. an effort was made [0 increase the size of the upper hangar (which was rather small on some of the Brirish ships) by extending it to the port side (see diagram). The upper hangar measured 195m X 20.8m >c Sm and the lower one 79m x 15.6m x 4.4m. The 200m X 28m flight deck was of the new and ingenious "angled" construction. which was later to revolutionise the tactical use of the aircraft carrier. This was designed originally to bypass the starboard island by being angled towards the port side. Two riffs of "T" construction were to befitted and there were nine arrester wires,
The A.47 Programme Tecbniqae being used for these carriers called for a shipborne. twin-eugined torpedo and reconnaissance bomber, with a maximum speed of 186 mph pius and a loaded weight of between a,a20-H 025 lb. For the reconnaissance role it had to accommodate three crew members and carry two ] 65 lb G.2 bombs; as a torpedo bomber it had to carry a crew of two and a 1,433 lb torpedn, and as a level bomber, a crew of three' and four 330 lb bombs" two 496 lb bombs or (]IIIe 992 III bomb.
Two aiTcraft companies put forward designs: the former Dewoitine team of the Societe Nation-ok de Constructions Aeronul'{tiqu6s du Midi submitted the D.750 and the Societe Nationale de Constmctl'01IS Aeronalltiqll,es de I'Ooes: offered the C.A.O.600. Only one prototype of each was buill but they were dlestroyed just before the Armistice.
The JOFFRE which was only a quarter built when war broke out, was dismantled on the slipway. Before the building of JOFFRE and PAINLEvE was begun, the Naval Staff had contemplated. in 1935. the possible conversion of the heavy cruisers DUQUESNE and TOURVILLE into Lighl aircraft carriers.
SEAPLANE CARRIER Commandant Teste----l sbip
Displacement .Dlmf!1lSiolls." Machinery:
10,000 Lons standard; aboull1.500 tons full load 167m (oa) x 27m (oa) x 6.93m
4 Yarrow-Loire small tube boilers (mixed firing).
34
RadiuS ill NOllt.icaf MUe.f." protect/on,'
Armamerl't:
Schneider-Zoelly 2-sbtaft geared Turbines, 21,000 H P Speed: 20.5 knots (21.77 knots maintained during the trials)
Fuel oil: 290 tons. Coal: 72.0 tons 6,.000/ W knots
Side armour: 50mm
Protective deck over engine and boHer spares: ]Omrn 1:2-I00mm AA (] x 12), 8-37mm AA guns 12- l3.21l1m H,otCilkiss machine-guns (2 X 6)
642 (Oflicen>, 42; Men, 6(0)
Complemellt .. Progrumme name
1926 COMMANDANT
TESTE
/}1Ii1del' laid dewn launched completed
F. Ch. de la 5/27 12/4/29 1932
Gironde
Notes; COMMAI;IDAN'f TES carried. fOUI catapults (Peahoet 3-ton type) wilh aooommodauon for 26 seaplanes In a hangar measuring 84m x 27m x 7m. A stern ramp was also fitted to, receive 'the aircraft. At the beginning of the war the aircraft complement of ~bis carrier included! one torpedo-carrying seaplane
quadr0l"! (H.B' 1) an;d ODe fiymg boat squadron. (HS 1). The r ormer was equipped With La~ecoef,e 298 floatplanes and the latter with Loire- ieuport 1308 probably
lhe most widely-used of all French wartime flying boats. '
Another Latecoere 298 squadron, the HE 2 was abo intended for the CO~ANDANT TESTE, but was nevec embarked as the ship was relegated to aircraft transport duties, HB J. HB 2 and HS 1 Squadrons were shore-based in January ~940. In June of that year len seaplanes of HE 1 and three of HB 2 based in orth Africa, received orders .l? attack the Italian Navy's 7th Squadron: but because of very bad weather conditions only the leader of HB 1 managed to
pOL and unsuccessfully attack the second cruiser of the line.
Renamed! OD! August 1 1940, I NT and 2 HT respectively the two : eaplane squadrons .were later disbanded and the aircraft transferred t~ other squadrons.
Th~ Lateroere 298 was a remarkable aircraft, owing to its exceptionalstruetural stw:diness and manoeuvrability, It was employed with success as a dive-bomber against the advancing enemy cojumn .
Seaplane carTier COMMANDANT TESTE.
[MB
35
Heavy cruiser TOU.RVILLE befare her le(it in N,oyemDef, 19'37.
[M8
Heavy cruiser TOURVfllE aft.er her leftt in Ihe US.
[.JLC Coli
I I
I 1
I
\
36
HEAVY CRUISERS Duquesne elass-2 sbips
10,000 tons standard; ll,900 Ions full load
191m (oa) 19m:< 7m
9 Guyot boilers, 4 Rateau-Bretagne geared Turbines, 4-shaJls. 120,000 HI' (DUQUES E 131,800,
TOURVILLE 126,900)
Speed: J3 knots (on trials: DUQUESNE 35.3 knots, TOURVILLE 36. t5 knots)
Puel oil: 1.800 tons
RadlIJ in Nautical Miles: 5,000/15 knots
Protection: Practically nil except fOT thin gun-shield ami a splinter-proof Conning [ower.
8-203mm (2 < 4)1, 8-7S.mrn AN, 8-37mm AA, 12-13.2mm AA Hotchkiss machine-guns 6-550mrn
IT in triple mountings onthe deck
1 catapult; aircraft: 1 Loire 130 flying boat
Complement: 61)5 (Officers, 30; Men, 575)
programme . nome builder laid dowlI launched camp le red
t924 {DUQUESNE Brest DY 14/4/25 17/12125 1928
TOUR VILLE. Lorieru DY 30/10/24 24/8/,1.6 1928
ote«: These two ships were immobilrsed al Alexandria after the fall of France.
They rejoined Allied forces on May 30, 194J (see notes On bauleship LORRAINE). Torpedo tubes and catapults were removed in 1943 and [heir light AA armament modernised to 8--40mm (I ;< 8) and J6-20mm Oerlikon (1 J< 16).
DUQUESNE and LORRAINE fired on the German shore installaricns at
Royan and Pointe de Grave just before the Nazi surrender.
Displacemcm:
Dim(!llsiolls:
Machinery:
Armament:
Algerie-l ship
Dfsplacemrtrlf .' J) ;menslon~:
Machinery:
10,000 tons standard; 13.900 tons fLlII load 185.70m (03.) x 20m x 7.10m
8 Penhoet boiler, 4 Rateau-Bretagne geared Turbine'S, 3-s.hans. 84,000 Hll·
Speed; I knots
5,500/15 knots
Main belt: ]10rnm
Protective deck: 76mm
Internal bulges with hull thickness of 30mm TOLal weight or armour: 2,660 tons
8-203mro (2 x 4)1, ]2-JOOmm AA l2 x 6)~, 8- 37rnm AA (2 x 4), 16-13.2mm AA machine-guns, 6~550mm IT en triple mountings on I he deck
2 cata pults j aircraft: 2 Loire no flyi ng boats
616 (729 as Flagship)
Radius ill NaUTical Miles:
Prosection:
Al"mnnrent "
Complemen,: j 1924 mode! • lS/j} ",od~/
37
38
programme nome builder laid down lawlched completed
1930 ALGERlE . .BrestDY B/3{31 21/5/32 1934
oles: TIle AlJGERfE sailed ill October 1939 with the STRASBOURG and DUPLElX to chase the German battleship GRAF SPE . In June 1940, as flag
hip of 'the First ~quarn:oll, she fired on the industrial shore i,nstallations of VadoGenoa. She sailed with the STRASBOURG, four cruisers and five large destroyers on from Novemb~r 5~8, [940 to escort t~e battI~h.ip PROVEMC~ rC(Ufn.i:ng from Mers-e:l-Ke?if after temporary repaIrs: During January-April 1942 she bad tirs~ radar equipment 8!ld later a. new device was fitted to Improve pcrfolil1lll,?-ce. This same year the mainmast 8:11d catapult were removed and the airCrafl du.embarlcJed. One heavy platform was buih to' support ltght AA guns compTising ~6-37mm (2 x 8). 16-13.2mm Hotchkiss (4 x 4) and four Browning heaVY machl.11if:-guns. She was scuttled at Toulon on ovember 27, 1942.
Suffreo class-4 ships
J)i.~plact!melll: 9,938 tons standard: 1J.000 tons full load
Dim{!ns.iolls: SUFFREN: 196m (oa) X 20m x 730m OOLBERT: 1 94.20m (oa) X 19.40m x 7.30m FOCH: 194.20m (os) X 19.30m X 7.S0m DUPLE[x: 194m (oa) x 19.30m x 7.20m
I} Guyot boilers, 3 Rateau-Bretagne gear-ed Turbines, 3 shafts, 98,300 to 101.,900 UP Speed: 33 knots
Fuel oil and coal on SUFFREN ano COLBERT Fuel on only 0011 FOCH and DUFLEIX
Radius in NaUTical Miles: 2,000/U knots (SUFFREN and COLBERT) with only 2: coal boiJers,]]] function, 5,000115 knots
A patch of thin armour over engine and boiler spaces, with HWT bulkheads carried up W Lipper eleele. Flued with internal bulges
8-203m (2 x 4)1, 8-75mm AA (I x 8 on SUFFREN)~. 8-90mm AA (I 8 on COLBERT and FOCH)S, 8-90mm AA (2 x 2 on DUPLEIX)\ 8- 37mm AA, 12-13.2nun AAmachine-g\JlIlS, 6-550mm IT in triple mountings (l2~5501lllJ1 IT on S UFFREN)
SUFFREN: 1 catapult; aireraft: 2. Others: 2 cata-
pulls : aircraft: 2 Loire 130 flying boars except SUFFRfN which had 1 Loire 130 and FOCH and D1IJPLElX which each had 2: Gourdou 8J 1 and later 2 Loire 130
605 (Officers, 30; Men. 575)
PrtJgral1V11€ name builder laid dOI'll11 laUfu:ned completed
1915 SUFFR N} {51'J6 315/17 1930
1926 COLBERT Brest DY 6/27 20/4/28 1931
1927 FOCH ' 6/28 24/4/29 1931
1928 DUPLElX 10/29 9/10/30 1932
'10 res: These beautiful ships possessed excellent sueaming capabilities. ~l!FFREN was at Alexandria ill June 1940 and was temporarily disarmed. She JOined' the Allied Naval forces Of! May 30, 1'943. Her light armament WII.50 modeynised during 1943-44 [0 8--40mm M" 20--20mm Oerlilmn AA and 13-13.2mm AA guns. Two Tl' triple mountings were removed.
COLBERT, FOCH and DUPLEIX fired on the industrial installations of ado-GeuDa in June 1940. Ail! three were scuttled at Toulon on November 27, 1942. Prior to this COl. BERT had been fitted with radar equipment.
Machinery:
Protectioll ~
,rmament;·
1 19104lmod~l. I J9211Ilod~l. • lff'JI5 modd:
I 191()/JO mrJfM.
39
Heavy cruise" SUFf.REN In 1939.
[JLC Coil.
Heavy cruiser FOCH b9fore ihe war.
[JLC Coli.
40
41
42
L1GHT CRUISERS Doguay- Trouin class-3 ships
Displacement: 7,249 tons standard: 9,350 tons full load
DImensions: LIl1.30m (oa) x 17_50m x 6.14m (6.30m full load)
Machinery: 8 Guyot boilers, 4 Parsons. geared Turbines, 4 shafts, 102,000 HP
Speed: 33 knots
Fuel oil: 500 tons normal, ],500 tons maximum Rot/ius ill No'at lea! Mile .. : 4,500/15 knots, 1,290/30 knots, 3 000[20 knots. 900/3) knots
Practically nil, except for thin gun shields, splinterproof Conning tower and double-armoured deck. :S-155mm (2 >< 4)1, 4-15mm AN· 4-13.2mrn AA, J2-550mm 17 in four triple mountings on the deck I catapult; aircraft: I or 2 flying boats (Loire 130) 578 (Officers, 27; Men, 551)
laid dowli 4/8/22 17/8/23 17/1/23
Protecfion:
,4 r",amenl.·
Complement:
Pro-
gramm!' 'W.In!!
{DUGUAY TROUJN
1922 LAMOTI'E~PICQUET
PRIMAUGUET
com/aJlncil.ed pteted 14/8/23 10/9/26
2]/3/24 ]110/26
21/5/24 1/9/26
bl~ilde,. Brest DY Lorient DY BrestiDY
J ores: DUGUAY TROU1N was in Alexandria harbour when France fell and was disarmed. She rejoined the Allied forces on May 30.1943. Torpedo tubes ami catapults were removed in 1945 and light armament increased to ,6---40mm AA and 20-:20mm Oerlikon AA guns. She also took part in the Allied invasion of Provence and later joined the Flank Force.
LAMOITE-PICQUET was part of the French Squadron based in Indo-China which remained loyal to the Vichy government after the fall of France. She took part in the battle of Koh-Chang on January 17, 1941 aad was 10SI in US bombardmerit from Task Perce 38 111 Saigon on January l2, 1945.
Tile FRIMAUGUET was at Casablanca when the Allies invaded North Africa in November 1942. She resisted. but was, disabled and forced 10 beach on November 8, 1942.
1 J91] model,
I HID model,
La Tour D-Auvergne (lex Pluton}-l ship
Di.~plaC'~melll .Di mensions : ,,'rluchilcery:
Radius ill Nautical Mlfes:
Prorectr'o,,:
4,773 tons standard
152.5[[1 (ea) x l.5,6{)m x 6.70rn
4 small tube boilers. 2 BI'eguet geared shafts, 57,000 HP
Speed: 30 knots
Fuel oil: 1,200 tons
il
Turbines, 2
43
Armament:
138mm (J ',4)1, 4-75mm AAa, 2-37mm AA, 12-13.2rnm AA. filled as minelayer
39'7 (Officers. 16; Men, 381)
Corl'1'plemlml.' " 19.27 "'0,/",1. :! 1922 model,
Programme 1925
builder laid down /cJlmched
LorienL DY 4/28 10/4/29
complete.d 4/3]
name
LA TOUR O'AUYERGNE
NOles.' LA TOUR D'AUVERGNE was renamed and refitted lor service in 1939 as an additional sea-going training vessel for midshipmen. She was lost as the result of an internal explosion wllile at Casablanca on September 1:8, 1939.
Ughl cruiser LA TOUR D'AUV£RGNE (e<x-PWTON).
Jeanne D' Arc-l ship
Di:splacemem Dimellsions:
Machinery:
6,496 tens standard
nOm (oa) >. 17.5001 " 6.30m
4 PenboiH bailers, Parsons geared. Turbines 2 shafts,
32,500 HP
Speed: 25 knots
Fuel oil: 1,400 tons
5,1000/14.5 knots
Protection deck and light plating; to gunhouses and
Conning Lower
8-155mm (2 '" 4)\ 4--75mm AN', 4-37rnm AA. J2-13.2mm AA. 2-550mm TI (1", 2)
Aircraft: ] flying boat, without catapult
505. As schoolshin could accommodate 156 midshipmen and 20 instructional officers in addition to ordinary complement
Radius in Nautical Miles.' Protect ion:
Armamem.-
Complemem.:
1 }9~1 /fwd,,'. • 1921 m<>d~f.
Programme /lame
1927 lEA. E D'ARC
blli!det· laid down lawlclied
Peahoet [92& 14/2/30
44
complered 9/31
,tJghC cruJser JEANNE D"ARC in 1939.
Ught cruiser JEANNE D'ARC after her rem in 1945.
45
Nates: The J A - E D·ARC was in Martinique in June 1940 and was therefore immobilised and disarmed in accordance with the agreement igned by Admiral Robert, Governor or Martinique, on May 1,1942 (see aircraft carrier BEARN). 011 June 3, 1943 We Governor changed! his mind and turned the country over to the Algerian Government, thus making the JEANNE D'ARC availsble, after £'efining, to the Allies. The torpedo tubes were removed during Ibis refit and the light armament modernised and increased by 6-----40mm AA and 20-20mm AA guns. She look part in the operations off Corsica and was later incorporated in the Flank Force which shelled enemy positions along the Italian R.ivi.era.
Emile Bertin-l ship
D;sp/.aremem; Dimensions:
Machinerv :
5,.886 tons standard
.I. 17m (oa) x U .. 84rn X 5.44m
6 Penhoet boilers, Parsons geared Turbines, 4 shafts, j 02 000 ffi'l
Speed: 34 knots (39.8 knots OD Lrials) Fuel oil: n,soo tons
6,000/15 knots
Protective decks
9-1S2mm (3 x 3)1,4-90rnmAA (2 x 2)'it,8-37mm AA, S-I3.2mm AA, 6-550rnm IT in triple mournings 0111 the deck. Rigged to mlndaying.
1 catapult: aircraft: 2 flying boats (Loire 130) 567 (Officers, 36; Men, 531)
Radius in Nauttea! Mlles:
Proteetion:
Armament:
Complement:
Programme nume builder
1930 EMILE BERTIN Penhoet
laid dowlI lalJrll:i!.ed completed
8/31 9/5f33 1934
Notes; The EMfLE BERTfN was in Martinique in June 1940; was lmmobilised and disarmed (see aircraft carrier BEAR ) and rejoined the Allies in 1943. Her torpedo tubes and catapult were removed and AA armament increased during at refit ill 1944-5. The new AA armament was 8-90mm (2 x 1, J X 2}, 16--40mm and 2~20mm Oeriikon guns. She look part in the liberation of the
outh of France and was later assigned 1.0 the Flank Force, l 193() ",,,rIll}.
I 1926/30 ,..,odel.
Ug'ht cruiser EMIt£. BERTIN afler rhe liberation of Toulon, 'With new Increased armament. [MB
46
La Galissonniere c1ass-6 sbi _PS
Dlsp/(u."emem:
DlmellSt'orrs.:
J\lfacnil1i!r}' :
7,600 tons standard: 9,120 tons full load 179m (oa), 17.48m x 5.28m
4 Indret small tube boilers, 2 Rateau-Bretagne or Parsons geared Turbines, Z shafts, 81,000 liP Speed: 31 knots (all reached 35 knots), sea speed: about 30 knots Fuel oil: 1.50() tons 5,440/15 knots. 4,850/18 knots. 3,900/21 knots, 3,380/24 knots. 1,680/34 knots
Main bell: 75 to 120mm
Protective deck: 50mm
Turrets: 130mm (faces), 75rnm (sides)
9-152mm (3 x 3)1, 8-90mm. AA (2 x 4)~:, 8- H.2mm AA 4-550mm IT (1 x 2) on the deck
I catapult mounted Oil after turret; aircraft: 2 Loire 130 flying boats)
540
ROBills in Nautica; Mi'ies:
Protection:
Armtlmem:
Complement:
Pro-
laid com ..
dow" launched pleted
27/10/31 170 tiD 31/12j35
L2m 31./5/35 15/4/37
1933 28/9/35 4112/37
1933 17/1/35 25110f37
n133 2600/35 4/]2J37
1933 24/3/36 4/12/37 gramme name builder
1931 LA GAUSSONNrtRE Brest DY
JEAN DE VIENNE Lorient DY
GLOfRE F. Ch .. de la Gironde
MARS ILLAISE A. Ch. de la
1932 Loire
MONTCALM E Ch, de Ia Mediterranee
GEORGES lEYGUES Penhoer
NOIe.s: By and large the design of these fine cruisers was a remarkable success for French Naval designers. Their sea-going characteristics were very good and the artillery was excellent, After June 1940 light AA armament was increased in
ertain ships to 2-37mm (2 1), 2-2:5mm (2 >( 1). 12-B.Zmm Hotchkiss and
4 Browmng heavy machine-guns.
LA. GALISSONNIERIE, JEAN DE VIENNE and MARSEILLAISE were euttled at Toulon on November 17. 1942. The two former ships were reflcated by the talians and renamed FR.12 and FR.tl but were later seized by the Germans and finally sunk by Allied bombardment.
The three others left Toulon on September 9, 1940, to pass with three large destroyers through the Straits, of Gibraltar on September J n; they proceeded (0 Casablanca for refuelling and [hen saile-d at full speed for Dakar the following ~ay. The cruisers left Dakar on September 18 .. intending to go south, but were irnercepted by Briush 'aval Forces. GLOIRE consented to return to Casablanca beealWie she hac! engine trouble but MONTCALM and GEORGE LEYGUES eswed to Dakar and defended the port against the unsuccessful attempt made by the British and General de Gaulle to take over the colony on September 23-25;, ~940. Dakar joined the Ames on November 2] 1943. G ORO LEYGUES mtercepted a German surface raider near the EqURlOJr: she sank the vessel and Wok 90 prisoners. The three cruisers arrived in Philadelphia in February 1943 f9.1l overhaul and refit in preparation for Iurur fighting. During this refit (he aircnd"t hangars and catapults were removed; radar equipment installed and
'-(9JI) model.
I JPi!1i13:O model.
47
I';ght cruiser GEORGES LEYGUES In 194(J.
Ught cruiser GEORGES LEYGUES a(ter liberation of Toulon, with new light AA armament installed in the US. [IECA
48
eMS
A "Loire 130" (lying bQ.1lt on the catapult movnted on after tuuet of the Ilglll cruiser GEORGES l.EYGIJES. [JlC CIlII. 49
light AA armament increased to 24-40mm (4 <: 4,2 X 4) and 16-20mm glIDS. During a further refit in 1945 a pedal radar mast was installed abaft the forward tripod.
GEORGE LEYGUES and MONTCALM fired at shore installations on Omaha beach during the invasion of ormandy. Later with GLOIRE, DUGUAY TROUIN, EMILE B RTlN and other ships [hey participated in lite landirtg._q in the south of France, and eventually joined in (he Flank Force operations.
De Grasse elass-3 ships
Displacement:
Dimensions:
Macltinery:
8,000 tons standard
180.70m (oa) X 18,40m X 5.54m
Indret boilers, Rateau-Bretagne geared Turbines, 2 shafts, 120,000 HP'
Speed: 33 knots
Radills in Nautical Miles:
Pro teetion:
Armamem:
'0 details available
As designed; 9-152rnm (3 x 3)1, 8-90rnm AA (2 X 4)%, 8-37mm AA, 4--5S0mm TT (2 x 2) on the deck
As designed: 580
Complement:
Pro-
com~ larlllciled plete.d 11/9/46 See notes
laid do 11.'11 11/38
gramme name builder
1937 DE GRASSE Loriea! DY
{CHATEAU RENA LT F. Cb ... deja
1938 Mediterranee
G UICHEN F. Ch. de la
Gironde
ores: Construction of the DE GRASSE was suspended during the German oceupariou, bur was resumed in 1946 and she was launched. Building slopped again pending study of new AA armament and radar equipment, Building was again resumed on January 9" 1951 and she was completed in Brest dockyard as an anti-aircraft cruiser and commissioned on September J. 1956.
The eoastrueiion of the other ~"'O cruisers of this class was rrot started.
t HIJO ",odIC1.
• 19J6/3IJ modet,
LARGE DESTROYERS (Rated as Contre Torpilleurs) Chacal class-6 ships
Oisplacemellt:
2,126 tons standard; 2,700-2,500 tons normal; 2,950- 3,050 tons fullload
126.7Sm (03) X U.40m x 4.lOm (normal displacernent)
5 Du Temple small tube boilers, 2 Raleau-iBretagne or Breguet geared Turbines, 2 shafts, 50,000 HP
peed: 3.5.5 knots Fuel oil: 530 tons
3,000/13 knots. 1,000/28 knots. 600/34 knots
50
D.ime~rl'icms ..
Machi/wry:
Radills ill Nalltical Miles:
51
l
I
II
,I
I
I
Armament: As designed: 5-130mm (1 • 5)1, 2-75mm AA (l x 2)2, 6-550mm IT (3 i\ 2), 4 DCT, 2 racks
In September 1939: 4-130mm 0 . 4), 8-13.2rnm AA 6-550mm IT (3 )( 2),4 DeT 2 racks
Complemem: 195 (Officers" 8; Men, 187)
PrQ8ramme{lXG'UAR t~~~~t DY ic::g/own ~~':li3d ~9;t(!ted
PANTHERE Lcrient BY 1922 28/10/24 1'926
1922 LEOPARD Ch. de 1.3 Loire ~ 923 29/9/.24 1927
LYNX Ch, de 1a Lone 1'92.3 2312{25 1927
CHACAL Penhoei ] 923 27/9/24 19'26
TIGRE 0. de Bretagne h923 2/8/24 1926
Notes: J[1I the spring of 1940 a projected conversion in armament was made to the e ships (lOOmm guns) so that they could provide anti-aircraft protection for the battle squadrons.
JAGUAR was torpedoed by the German MTBs S.21 and S.23 on May 23,1940 and CHACAL was sunk by aircraft lire off Cap d'Alprecht during the Dunkirk
operations on May 24, 1940. .
The LEOPARD was In Portsmouth on July 3,1940 and was taken over by the British Navy. She was returned to the FNFl. 0[1 August 31, 1940, and her AA protection was increased with one ~02mm and several other Light gUI1S, During the following winter L OPARID look part in convoy escort duties ii'll the North Adantic. She was disarmed in June 194]. To compensate her lack of radius, the first boiler was removed and a f uel tank installed in its place. The 102mm AA gun and the fore funnel were removed; anti-aircraft armament was further increased to 2-40mm, 7-20rnm, 2-13.2.rnm and4 machine-guns, She was recommissioned in March 19'42. In company with HM shjps S.PEY and PEUCAN she sank the German submarine U.136 on July 21, 1942 .. On May 27, 194:> she had to beach near Tobruk after being badly damaged.
PANTHERE :and LYNX were scuttled at Toulon on November 27, 1942. On March .23,1943, PANTHERE was towed by the Italians LO La Spezzia as FR.22 and scuttled in this port on September 9, 1943.
TIGRE was disarmed at Toulon in 1940. She was captured almost intact before she could be scuttled and lneorporated into the Italian Navy under the designation FR.23. On October 23, \943 she was returned 10 the French Navy, After being recommissioned she was damaged on April 20.1944 by the; explosion of flying-bombs and badly shaken while escorting a convoy to Corsica. She was refined during 1944-45 and as her sister ship LEOP'A RD, bad the fore boiler and corresponding funnel removed and a fuel tank added. One torpedo mounting was also removed and her AA armament was modified to 2-40mm and 10- 20mm guns.
1 T924 model. I 1922 modeJ.
Radlus in Nautlca! Miles: 2.,800,3,000-14 knol..S:75IJ-max:imum speed
,Ari"lIanU'llr: 5-1 38mml (I x 5), 4-37mm AA (l x 4), 4--
B.2mm AA 12 X 2) .. 6-550mm TI (3 2),4 DCT.
1 rack
Complem('.I1r: 230 (Officers, 10; Men: 220)
builder laid down launched completed
programme1~~Sib, Loriem DY 3/27 29'/10/28 10/30
1925 GUEPARD Lorient DY 3(27 19/4/2& 8/29
LION A.Ch.de France 7/27 5/8/29 1/31
VAUBAN A.Ch.deFranoe 3/29 1/2/JO 1131
1926 VERD UN Ch.de la Loire 8/27 4/7/28 4/30
VAlMY Penhoet 5(27 19/5/2.8 1130
Noles: The BISO was sunk by air attack Oil May 3, 1940 while escorting a convoy of troop carriers transporting men evacuated Irom Namsos, orway, The VALMY, in company with two British destroyers ank the German
lIbmaflne U.:5:S on January 3D, 1940. . . . . .
The GU EPARD and VALMY engaged British Naval forces during the Syrian campaign and damaged the destroyer HMS JANUS.
All except 81S0 were scuttled at Toulon on NovernberZ", 1.942. UO and VALMY were refloated by the Italians and under the designations FR.21 .and F.R.24 joined their Fleet They were towed .10 Italian ports but were nor officially recornrnlssioned and were eventually scuttled ..
1 1924 model,
Guepard c1ass-6 ships
Displacemellt: 2.436 10!llS standard; 2,700 tons normal; 3,200 tons fuli load
DO.20m (oa) x 11.7601 x 7.68m
4 small lube boilers, 2 Parso-ns or Zoelly geared Turbines. 2 shafts, 64,000 HP
Speed: 35.S knots (on trials: BISO 40.06 knots, G UEP A RD 38.4 knots, l.ION 40.0 knot )
Fuel oil: 580 tons
Dimew~i(ms .' Machirlery:
Large desiroyer GUEPARD liS she was ill 1941.
[MB
52
53
.;:
.2'
~
'l.
E
~
t:
.!.';I
...
~
-
...
e
.0::::
'"
III
:S
Ol
-E:
....
::,
"t:I
"5
'--
Q;
!C
.....
0
-
...
0
Q.
III
s
. ~
"2
'-
0
~
~
I:!:
""
)...
~
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'<li:
:..
'-
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e
-.;
{5
<10
to,
...
.:l
54 Aigle class-6 ships
Displacement: 2,441 tons standard; 2,660 ton normal; 3,140 tons, flllj] load
Dim-ellSio1ls' 12K.SOm (oa) x lL84m . 4.97m. MILAN and .EPERV1ER 129.3Om x 11.84m -, 4.97m
Mac},{nsry: 4 small tube. boilers, 2 Parsons or Rateau-Bretagne geared Turbines, 2 shafts, 64,000 HP M[LA and EPER VIER developed a major power: 68.()()O lIP Speed: 36 knots (all bad! exceeded largely this speed)
RadillS ill Nautical Miles: 2.500., 2,700/14 knots: 7(]'O, BOO/maximum speed-ill
war condition. MILAN and EP R VIER had a
sligblly larger radius
Arm(1mem: 5-138mm1(1 x 5),4--.37mm AA (I 4),4-13.2mm AA (2 x 2), ~55Omm TT (3 " 2), 2, racks and 4 DCT (EPERVlER and MILAN)
CDmpiemellt: 230 (Officers, 10; Men, 220)
Programme
laid dowl! launched
10/28 1212/31
2/29 2618/30
completed 9/32
12-131
builder
A. Ch. de France F. Ch. de la Medit.erranee
ALBATIROS Ch. de la Loire 1129
GERFAUT A. ell. de 5/29
Bretagne
MILAN Lorient DY 12/30 13/10/31 4/34
EPERV1ER Lorient DY 8/30 14{8/31 4/34
Notes: The AfGLE. VA TOUR and GERFAUT were scuttled at Toulon on ovember 21, t942.
The MILAN was at Casablanca wb.en [he Allies invaded orth Africa. She got underway LO attack but was subjected to severe shelling from. US Task Force 34, hit by a 40timm shell and bad to be beached on ovember 9,1942.
Tile lifER VIER was attacked off Oran by the British. cruiser HMS AURORA and badly damaged; she also had to be beached 0111 November 9,1942.
The ALBATROS was sJigbUy damaged by an Italian shell during the Genoa bombardment on June 14, 1940 and was later seriously damaged in resisting the US landings at Casablanca. She hac! to be beached but was refloated a month later and was towed to Toulon after Lhe war co be converted into a gunnery training ship .
name
AIGLE VAUTOUR.
27/6/30 14/6/30
12/31 1/32
1927
'1911 model.
VauqueJin class-6 ships
Displacement .'
2,441 ton standard; 2,660 IOns normal; 3,140 tons rllilload
1 29.30m (oa) X 11.84m X 4.97m
4. small tube boilers" 2 Par om; or Rateau-Bretagne geared Turbines, 1 shafts, 64,000 HP
Speed: 36 knots (alllargely exceeded 38 knots) Fuel oil: 585 tons
2,500, 2,800/14 knots; 100. 800/34 knots (in war condition)
Dimensions:
Machinery:
Radius iT! Nautical Miles:'
55
Aerial "liew of the large de'slroyer At.BATROS sailing off Casablanca in January 1941.
Large destroyer VAUQV£t.IN in 1939.
[Me
56
5-HSmml (1 x 5), 4-37mm AA (1 ;.< 4), 4- 13.2mm AA (2 x 2), 7-550mm IT (3 x I, 2 .-: 2),
-4 DeI, 2 racks. Mines (50) could be embarked
Compfemem.- 230 (Officers, 10; Men, 220)
Pro- . laid
gramme name builder down
J V A'UQUELIN A. Ch. de France 3/30
KERSAlNT A. Ch.deja Loise ]0/30
CASSARD A. Ch. de 4/30
1928- Breiagne
19191TARTU A.Ch.delaLoire 9/30
MAILLE BREZE Penhoet 10/30
CHEV AllER F. Ch. de la 10m
PAUL Mediterranee
Notes: The VAUQUELIN, KERSAlNT. CASSARD and TARTU were eutrled at Toulon on November 27 1942.
The MAtLLE BREZE torpedoed herself and sank as a result of the explosion and ensuing fire while on the River Clyde on April 30, 1940. Her central torpedo mounting was [rained fore and aft when ODe of the lubes was accidentally fired. The torpedo bit the bridge. wrecked the entire forward section of the vessel and set the fuel ablaze.
The CHEVALlER PAUL was torpedoed and sunk by a British aircraft off the Syrian coast 011 June 16, 1941 while she was going to Inc aid of the small Vichy French Naval Division during the Syrian campaign.
The anti-aircraft armament of this class was augmented in J 940. 1 J9)7 model.
2,569 tons standard; 2,724/2,800 tons normal; 3.300/3.400 tons full load
131.40m (oa) -<' 12.35m x 5m
4 small tube boilers, :2 Parsons or Rateau-Bretagne geared Turbines, 2 shafts. 8],400 BP
Speed: 37 knots (all had exceeded 40 knots)
Fuel oil: 580 tons
3,000/14 knots, 2,000/25 knots. 1,300/32 knots, 700/37 knots
As designed: 5-U8m.m~ (J < 5), 4--37mm AA (2 x 2),4- 3.2mm AA, 9-550mm TT (3 .< J}. 2 racks Eventually mines (50)
210 (Officers, 13; Mell. 197) laid dawn 11/31 11/31 J 1/3!
11/31 8/31 2/32
Armamelll.'
Le Fantasque class-6 ships
Dlsplacemen t.'
Dimellsions,' Mac.lIlRf'rY:
RDdi.llS ill Nautical Miles;
Armament:
COlllplermmt .Pro-
gramme
buiider Lorient DY Lorient DY F. Ch, de la Medlterranee
A. ell. de la Loire A. Ch. de France , .01. de la Mediterranee
kuinched 20/3/31 14/1I{31 8/11/31
completed 7/33 11/33 7/303
1930
name
LE FANTASQUE l.'AUDAG.EUX LE MAUN
7/12}3J 9/11/31 2J 13/32
12/32 2/33 6/34
LE TERRmLE
LE TRIOMfHANT L "fNDOM~T ABLE
57
lauuched 1513/34 15/3/34 11/8/)3
JO/ll/3J 16/4134 7/12/33
compiNed 3/36 ]1/35 11/35
10/35 5/36 9/36
Lar,g'e deslroyer LE. TERRIBLE as she was jus! before the war.
[MB
~
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::S
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e
.s
!i
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~
Iii
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0
E
:n
0:::.
<II
~
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....:
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2
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OIl
...I
58 Larg,e destroyer L£ TERRIBLE after big refit in tile US. After modernisation, r,ated as light cruiser, she tool< part in the operations in Eastern Mediterranean in f!J44-UJ45.
[JLC Coli.
59
NOles: At the outbreak of hostilities these very fine ships. were attached with VOLTA and MOGADOR to the Force de Raid and took part in several sorties in the North Atlantic and off the African coast 1[1 se-arch of the German battleship GRAF SPEE. During ollie of these trips, LE:F ANTASQUE and LE T RRIBLE captured the German cargo ship SANT A~FE. Even more spectacular was a raid accomplished by the S DCT (L'r DOMPTABLE, LE MALIN and LE TRIOMPHANT) in the Skagerrak at the beginning of Ihe Norwegian campaign.
On September 9,1940, LE FANTASQUE, LE MALIN and l..'AUDAClEUX sailed with Force "Y'Jand proceeded ro Dakar. During the action with Brilish and General de Gaulle's forces, L'AUDACIEUX was set on fire and so badly damaged on September 23, 1940 by the cruiser HMAS AUSTRALlA that she had to be beached, She was later refloated and taken to, Bizerte roc repairs but was unfortunately sunk during the Tunisian campaign.
L'INDOMPTABLE was scuttled at Toulon on November 27,1942.
LE MALIN was seriously damaged during the US operations at Casablanca. LE FANTASQUE and LE TERRIBLE left Dakar for New York in February
194] and then proceeded to Boston for overhaul and refit. LE MALI joined them later. In the refitting (he three ships were given radar equipment and a powerful new AA armament of 8-40mm (2 x 4) and 10-20mm guns but the after platform of torpedo tubes was removed. After this modernisation [hey were rated as light cruisers" Their activity ill the Mediterranean was memorable until theend of the war; as due to, their higb speed, Allied Command chose them for several raids, especially [0 the Aegean Sea.
LE l"RliOMPHANT was ill Portsmouth in June l 940 and was captured on July 3 by the British; she joined the FNFL on August 28. 194(). Her armament was Increased with a British I02mm gun, two pom-poms and tel'! heavy machineguns. Later, [OJ!' political reasons she sailed to the Pacific where she remained until April 1941. In December L943 she was caught in a heavy storm but reached the US where from April 1944 to March 1945 she underwent the same refit as her sister ships.
Large destroyer VOLTA in 1938.
[JLC Coil.
large destroyer VOLTA as she was rigged In 1941, with AA armament increased. [MB
Disp/Clcement:
Mogador cl:ass-6 ships
Dimensions:
Macbiner}l:
Radius ill NaUTical Miles:
Armament:
Complement:
Pro-
gramme name
1936 ~ MOGADOR
VOLTA
una KL BER DESA[x
1938 {MARCEAU
HOCHE
, J 9)4 moa('! I>! /'Ist!WQ rllrrer •.
2,88:4 tons standard; 3.500}J,600 tons normal; 4,mS tons full load
D7'.50m (oa) x 12,67m Y 6.57m
4 Indret small rube boilers, 4 Rateau-Bretagne geared Turbines, 2 shafts, 92,000 H P
Speed: 39 knots (trials: 4] knots)
Fuel oil: 7101 tons
3;000/20 knots
8-USmm1 (2 -( 4), 6-J7rnm AA (2 2), 4- IJ.2mm AA, 1O-550mm IT (3 .' 2,2 c 2),2 racks 264 in wartime (Officers. 15; Men, 249)
builde.r Lorient DY
A. Ch. de Breragne A. Ch. de France A. Ch, de France A. Ch. de Bretagne A. ClJ. de Bretagne
{"iri down launched
12/34 9/6/37
12/34 26/11/36
completed 1 L/38 11/38
60
61
DIes: These magnificent ships were the epitome of the French contre tor-pillellf at the outbreak of war, but their main artillery was fragile due to its complexity.
The MOGADOR was disabled in the Mers-ej-Kebir action when he was bit astern by a 380mm shell, Depth charges exploded and desrrored a quarter of the ship but after temporary repairs she was towed to Toulon and reconstructed. Her after turret was not replaced but the AA armament was increased by 8-37mm (2 x 4) guns of the latest model. Anti-aircraft armament of the VOLTA was also increased in 194] to 2-37mm and 2-25mm plus eight heavy Browning or Hotcbkiss machine-guns.
The VOLTA ami MOGADOR were scuuled arToulon on November 27,1942.
The other ships of this class were never begun. It bad been suggested that their radius be enlarged and the armament modified because of the fragility of the artillery on the two' existing vessels,
DESTROYERS
(Rated. as Torpilleurs d'Escadre) Beurrasque dass-U ships
Dispiacemfmt:
1.319 tons standard; 1,500 tons normal; 1,800/2,000 tODS full load
lO5.17m (oa) x 9,64rn X 4m or 4.30m
3 small tube boilers, 2 Parsons, Rateau-Bretagne or Zoelly geared Turbines, 2 shafts, 31~OOO lIP
Speed: 33 knots (28-29 knots in war condition)
1 500/15 knots in war condition
As designed: 4-UOmm (1 x 1)L, 1-75mm AAI Oster 2-37mm AA), 2 Of 4 machine guns. 6-550mm
IT (3 2), 2 ncr and 2 racks
138 (Officers, 7; Men, 13 »
Dimensions:
Macliinrt:r}''-
Radius in Nautical Miles:
Armament:
Complement:
Pro·
laid down
con;r,-
iatlllc/1ed pleted
5/8/25 1926
24/1/25 1927
6/6/25 1927
30/8/24 12/26
6/P/24 1/27
3/6/24 &/26
3/10/25 5/27
U/2/25 7/26
] 3/3/25 1928
29/11/24 1927
29/12/25 1927
22/5124 L928 builder
A. Ch. de France F. Ch. de la Mediterrallee
F. Ch, de la Mediterranee
Ch, Navals Francais ell. Navals Francais Penhoet
Penhoer
Dubigeon
Dyle et Bacalan
F. ell. de La Gironde F. Ch. de la Gironde F. Ch, de la Gironde
lIume
BOURRASQUE CYCLONE
M1STRAL ORAGE OURAGAN SIMOUN SlROeO TEMP~TE TORNADE T.RA.lv10NTANE TROMBE TYPHON
gramme
April 1923
1922
NOles: Armament of these destroyers was drastically modified dUl[ing the war. Their third L30mm gun was removed at the beginning of hestiliries and before
, 19J9 mode], • /912 model,
1942 a number had r:eceiv,ed one 25l1IlJ]] AA gun and rwo heavy machine-guns (Browmng or Hotchkiss). The ships of the 7t.h Division, based in Bizerte in 1942 retatned their original main armament but TORNADE had two torpedo lub~ and TRAMONTANE one triple mounting fitted, From 1943 sbips based in the UK and North Africa received radar and asdic systems. Their AA armament was also modified ito 1---40mm and 8 or Hi-20mm Oerlikon guns. The SIMOUN also had her torpedo tubes removed; she received 80 depth charges.
SJMOUN rammed and sunk the German submarine V.54 0111 February 23
1940. •
SIROeO vainly attacked U.49 on November 20. 1939.
The Class suffered heavy losses.
GRAGE, BOURRASQUE and SIRoeo were sunk during the battle of Dunkirk.
To prevent her falling into enemy bands, CYCLONE was scuttled at Brest on June 18, 1940, where she was repairing. arlee she had been torpedoed by the German MTB 8.24 in the Channel during the Dunkirk fighting.
TRAMONTANE and TORNADE were disabled by British action at Oran on November 8, 1942,
TYPHON scuttled herself after sinking the US sloop HARTLAND during an engagement with several ships at Oran,
TROMBE was sCIJLlJe~ at Toulon, towed to It.aJy as FR.31 and then given back to the French at Bizerte on October 2B, [943. She was hit and seriouslv dia!nag.ed oft' Cannes by an Italian MTB on April 16, 1945. .
MISTRAL and OURAGA were in British ports in 194J(). and were taken ove-r on July 3. The former was manned by at Royal Navy unit until 1944 and Was re-armed with British guns because of the lack of French ammunition. Her new. cmnamen~ was 4-1~lmm (1 x 4), 1-76mm AA, 3-20mm AA and she reamed ODe triple rnoummg torpedo tube. OURAGA was handed over to the Polish Navy and! later manned by the FNFL.
L'Adroit c1ass-14 sbips
Displacemerrl:
] ,378 tons standard; 1,500 tons normal; L ,800-2,000 tons full load
107.20m (oa) ;.;, ?80m x 4m (D -1,500 tons}
3 small tube boilers, 2 Parsons, Rateau-Breragne or Zoelly geared Turbine-s, 2 shafts, 31,000-34,000 HP Speed: 33 knots (28-29 knots in war condition) 1,500/15 knots ill war condition
As designed : 4-130mm (1 x 4)1. 1-75mm AA ~ (later 2-37mm AA), machine gun , 6--550mm IT (3 < 1), 1-DCT and] 2 racks
13& (Officers, 7; Men, 131)
Dimlfflsj(},,~:
Madrillery ..
Radius in Nawic,al Miles:
Armament:
Complement:
Pro·
laid down
}'~5
completed 1929 1929 1928 1928 1928 1928
~:'m.{[~gflk
LE MARS LA PAlME
LA RAILLEUSE
bllildel'
A. Ch, de France
F. Cb. de fa Gironde Cb. Navals de Caen Ch, Navals de Caen Dubigeon
Dubigeon
launched 1/4/27 26{6/26 15/11/26 28{8/26 30/6/26 9/9126
l}9U model, • 1922 mode I.
63
---< ...
.
64
BASQUE BORDELAIS BOULONNAIS BR:ESTOrS FORB IN
FOUDROYANT FOUGUEUX FRONDEUR
Ch, Sisne Maritime F. Cb. de la Gironde Ch, Navals Francais Dyle et Bacalan
F. Ch. de la Mediterranee
Dyle et Baealan
A. ell. de Bretagne Ch. Navals Francais
25/5129 23/5/21 J/6/27
] 8/5/27 ] 7/7/28
24/4/29 4/8128 20/6/29
1930 1930 1928 1928 1930
1930 1930 1'931
1925
1926
192,1
]927
Notes: For alterations to the armament of these ships, see notes On the Bourrasque Class.
This class also suffered heavy losses,
LA PALME. LE MARS and LE BORDELAIS were scuttled at Toulon. L'ADROIT and LE FOUDROYANT were slink during the battle of Dunkirk, BOULO AIS and FO GUEUX were sunk by gunfire off Casablanca. On
November 8. 1942. BRESTOIS and FRONDEUR suffered heavy damages in the same fighting and later capsized in the aarbcur.
LA RAlLLEUSE was destroyed by an internal explosion at Casablanca on March 27, 1940.
Le Hardl class-12 ships
Displacemellt; 1,772 tons standard: 1,936 tons normal; 2,417 tons full load
Dimellsiolls.- 117.20m x U.lOm x 420m (full load)
Ma('hin,e,y~ 4 ural-Penhoet boilers, 2 Parsons or RateauBretagne geared Turbines, 2 shafts. 58,000 HP Speed: 37 knots
Fuel oil: 470 tons
Radius in 'autica! Miles: As designed; 2,160/20 knots, J ,100/30 knots 7901 6 knots (but less m war conditions)
i.arge deslloyer LE HARD/in 1942.
[MS
c
65
As designed: 6-130mml (2 3), 2-37mrn AA~ (.2 >< I), 4-13.2mm AA, 7-550mm IT (3 _ 1,
2 x 2), J rack l1930 mod'd.
181 (Officers, 10; Men, 176) '1915 model.
la;d COnf-
down launched pleEe{1
20/5}36 4/5/36 6/40 1818/36 28/7/JS 6/40
Notes: These were very fine ships but their main artillery was fragile. When they were commissioned. their AA armament was increased and comprised for example on LE HARDI: 2-37mm (2 x J) of (he semi-automatic 1933 model, 2-25mm (I x 2), 8-1:l.2mm. (2 x 4) Hotchkiss and Bve light machine-guos.
tE HARD[ took part in (he Dakar fighting. The ships if] service were scuttled ar Toulon. but the Italian refloated them immediately afterwards and a number were impressed into their Fleet. LE HARD!, renamed FR.37, was towed to Genoa on September 7. 1943, where she was captured by the Germans after the collapse of Italy. She was finally scuttled in LIDS port on April 24, 1945.
LE FOUDROYANT, renamed FR36, was also captured by tbe Germans and
in August J944 she was sunk to block the southern end of Toulon barbour.
L'ADROIT (FR.33) was also captured and broken up. MAMELUCK and CASQUE were also broken up after salvage.
LE CYCLONE (ex-LANSQUENEn wa towed to Imperia as FR.34 Oil August 31 t 1943. where she was seized by the Kriegsmarh,« and named TA.34. She was scuttled au Genoa just as the city was liberated and although salvaged and towed to Toulon. She was later scrapped.
SIROCO (FR.32) was also towed to Genoa. She was later utilised by the enemy to blOCK the western approach (0 the port.
The incomplete BrSO became FR.35 in the Italian Fleet lin September .1943 she was seized by the Germans and converted into a smoke-making platform for use in Toulon. The hull was later torpedoed by II U-bcaton June 28,. 1944.
The Germans captured the unfinished hulls of T MERArnE and l'INTRE.PIDE but construction of the two hips was later abandoned.
66
Armamelll;
Complement:
Pro-
gro(ll.me 1932
builder
A. Ch. de 181 loire F. Ch, de Ia Mediterranee
F. Ch, de la Gironde
name
LE HARD[ FOUDROYANT (ex FLEURET) L'ADROlT
(ex L'EPEE) MAMELUCK CASQUE
19.35
F. en. de Ia Mediterranee
L'OPINIATRE F. Ch, de la Gironde
E TEMERA'IRE F. en. de la Mediterranee L'AVENTURIER F. Ch, de 13 Gironde
A. ce. de la Loire F. Ch. de Ia Mediterranec
F. Ch. de la Gi.ronde
1937
LE CYCLONE (ex LANSQUENEll SIROCO
(ex.
LE CORSAIRE) BISON
(ex: LE
FlJIlB U STIER) L'lNTREPIDE
F. Ch, de la Mediterranee
F. Ch, de la Mediterranee
1938
1939
15/10/36 111/37 30/11/36
6/40 6/40 6/40
6/40
e.i
",.
."
-
.~
!I::
v
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i:i:l
~
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~.
....
""
E'
<;;
~
""
~
." .
....
67 26/10/38 18/2/29 2/11/38
17/12/36 2015/39
31/3/38
14/11/39 6/40
11/3138
14/12/39 6/40
Ug.hl destroyer l'/PH/GENIE.
light d,eslroyer LA POURSUIVANTE.
68
61.0 tons standard; 900 tons full load SOo.70m (oa) x 7.96rn x 3 .. 07m (mean)
2 small tube boders, 2: Parsons or Rateau-Bretagne geared Turbines, 2 shafts, 22,000 HP
Speed: 34.5 knots (trials: . .36.5 knots)
Fuel oil: 170 tons
] ,500/20 knots, 700/34.5 knots (theoretical)
] ,000120 knots, 625/25 knots (in war condit jon) 2-100mm1 (Ix 2). 4-13.2mm AA 2 x 2), 2- 550mm IT
]05 (Officers, 5; Men, 100)
LIGHT DESTROYERS 610 tons, La MeJpomene
Displacemellt:
Dbmmsi(nlS .' Machinery:
Radius ill Nautical Miles ..
. rmament:
kuaiched 2411/35 5/3/35 25/1/J5 18/4/.35 28/1/36
9,/9/36 14/4/36
4/8/36 2313/36 12/4/37 918/37
17/3/37
completed
Complement:
Programme
laid blil/der down At. Ch. de Hrelagnel2/33 At. Ch, de Bretagne 3/34 A. Ch, de La Loire 11/33 A. Ch. de la Loire 12/33 Ch. Marilimes. du 10/34 S.O.
10/7/31 LA CORDEillRE Normand 1934
L'INCOMPRISE A. Ch, de la Seine 1934 Mme.
LA POURSUJV ANTE A. ell. de France 19'34
BOM~ARDE A. Cb. de la Loire 2/r
lBRANLEBAS Normand 1934
31/3/32. BOUeLIE.. R A. eh. de la Seine 1934
Mme.
BAtiSTE A. Cil. de France 1934
31/3/31
name
LA MELPOMENE LA FLORE
LA POMONE L·IPHlGENlE
LA BAYO NAISE
Notes: These small destroyers were extremely manoeuvrable but lacked stability and had bad! sea-going characteristics, which was probably the cause of BRANLEBAS going down 011 December 14, 1940. 25 miles oJif the Eddystone ligh1l:iouse. manned by a British crew. She had been cap tured the preceding July J by the Royal Navy while in a British port with her sister ships BOUCLIER. LA fLORE LA MELPOMENE, LA CORDEllERE and L'INCOMPR]SE, These ships had formerly gained fame at Dunkirk. The FNFL used LA MELPOMENE for a while but she too was manned! by a British crew from 1942-44. During this lime she was joined by the four other 610-ton
hip at Hartlepool, They had not previously seen any service. The five ships ~ere towed to Cherbourg in J 945 and remained there until they were scrapped m 1950.
The fate of the remaining si shlos was more tragic.
LA BOMBARDE, LA POMO E and L'[PHIG£N1E were captured by the Itallans at Bizene, towed to lLal.y and recommissioned under the designations FR.41. FR.42 and FR.43. On Apri I 15. 1943 they were transferred to the German Navy and. again renamed TA.9, TA.l0 and TA.11 respectively. Their ~rmam.ent was modified; torpedo tubes, were removed and the AA armament Illcreased to comprise 2-37mm and 14-20rnm guns.
11930 m.odid.
69
The TA.l 1 was sunk at Piornbino on September 10,1943 just as the Italians surrendered.
The T A.9 was destrcyed at Toulon during an Allied bornbardrneat 0111
August 23, 1944. .
The TA.IO which had sailed to' the Aegean Sea was scuttled after an encounter with the British destroyer HMS CUPSE.
LA BAYONNAlSE, BAUSTE and LA POURSrnYANTE were scuttled at Toulon. The first two were rapidly salvaged by the Italians and renamed FR.M ailld FR.45. They were later mod by the Germans under the designations TA.43 and TA.12. The 'IA.43, whichremained III Tnulon was scuttled in July 19413 jus] as the city was liberated by the French, The TA.l2 was destroyed by HMS ECL1PSE off Rhodes on August 22,. 1943.
Le Fief
Djspiacemellr; Dimensions:
Mac.hinery~
1,010 ton standard; 1,377 tons full load
95m (oa) 9.40m x 3.25111 (light)
3 small tube boilers. :2 Parsons or Rateau-Bretagne geared Turbines. 2 shafts, 28,000 HP
Speed: 34 knots
As, designed: 2,000/200 knots
4-IOOmm AAI (2:-:, 2), 8-37mm AA (2 '. 4), 4-S50mm IT (2 x 2), 2 OCT
136 (Officera, 7; Men, ]29)
laid down 17/1/39 2614/39 26/l/39 11/4/39 11/4/39 1/40 1/40
RadflJ$ in Nautica! MUe.r:
Armament:
Complement .. Pro-
laum:heti 12/3/40 23{S/40
2}S:::O
notes
completed
builder
A. Ch. de Bretagne A. Ch. de Bretagne A. Cb, de la Loire A. Cb. de la Loire A. Ch. deflretagne A. Ch. de.Brecagne A. Ch. de Ia Loire A. Ch. de 13. loire A. en. de la Loire
A. Ch, de la Loire
A. Ch. de la Loire
A. ell. de Bretagne
F. Ch. de la
Mediterranet:
F. h. de ill Mediterranee
NOles: The m3FIl artillery in these destroyers was to be of the dual-purpose type and concentrated in the stem, with the light AA armament grouped forward.
10 June 1940, LE FIER, L'ENTREPRENANT and I.·AGILE were being completed afloat. so thai they could be towed to a free port but they were bombed by the enemy; LE FlER was forced 1.0 beach neal' Oleron lsland, and the others at the entrance of the Giroude river. Their hulls were onty stigb,Hy damaged and by order of the Germans they were brought back to Nantes and eonsrruction was resumed, as were the others left ill the barbour. They were rena meed as follows:
TA.l ~ex-LE FIER) T .4 (ex-L'ENTREPRE ANT)
gramme
name
I.E FIER
l'AGTLE l'ENTREPRENANT LE FAROUCHE L'ALSAC EN
LE BRETON
LE CORSE
LE TUNISIEN LE NORMAND LE PAR[SI
LE PROVENCAL LE SATNTONGEAIS LE xrcors
LE SAVOYARD
1937
(938
1938b
1938c
70
Q U U -' ...,.
'-'
~
!2
.....
'"
!Xl
...
ill
~
'-
'ti
Go
"TO
1;
~I
.....
71 TAl (ex-L'AGIL ) TA.5 (ex-LE FAROUCHE)
TA.] (ex-L'ALSAClEN) TA.6 (ex-LE CORSE)
TA.4, TA.S and TA..6 were launched. later but none of these six ships was ever completed .. They were scuttled by the enemy at Nantes when the city was liberated. Under the German flag their armament was to have comprised
3-105nun (I x J) astern, 2-37mm and 9-20mm AA guns, -
CORSAIR SUBMARINE Snrcouf-' 1 ship
Displacemenl:
Dimensions; M 'achiner»:
3,304 tom (on surface): 4,218 WI'IS (submerged) BOnn x 9m X 9.07m
2 Sulzer Diesels, 2 electric motors, 2 shafts, 7,600 HP (OD surface), 3,400 HP' (submerged)
Speed: 18 knots (on surface), 8.5 knots (submerged) 10,000/10 knots, 6,800/13.8 knots (on surface) 70/4.5 knots (submerged)
2-203mrn (2 x 1)1, 2-3101m AA, 4 machine-guns, 6-5S0rom IT and 4--400m.m IT
Carried a scout seaplane (Besson MBALll type) 118 (Officers, 8; Men, 11]0)
Rndius in Nawical Miles:
Armament:
Complement .-
Pro-gramme 1WIIle builder laid down launched completed
1926 SURCOUF Cberbourg DY 12/27 18/10129 5134
Notes: At the outbreak of war SURCOUF was the heaviest submarine in the world, representing an experimental type not likely to be repeated. She was designed as a Corsair submarine and carried the heaviest guns allowed to submarines under the Washington Treaty,
In June L940 she escaped from Brest, where she was refitting, to gel to a British port. She was captured by the British in June 1940 but was later turned over to the FNFL. After a difficult refit, far from a French Naval base, she carried Out patrols in the North Atlantic. Sae also participated in [he seizure of 8t Pierre and Miquelon with General de Gaulle's foeces, The SURCOUF collided with the US merchant ship THOMSO LYKES in the Gulf or Mexico on February 18, 1942 and subsequently sank.
It was regrettable thaJ she did not. as wa anticipated, reach the Pacific theatre where her powerful armament would certainly have been most effective,
• 1924 c. motlet,
72
Corsair submarine SU.RCOUf, which at ille ,ouibreak IOf hosiiflties in 1939, was the heiwl'est submarine in tne world.
Crxming lower of SURCOUf wNb a Besson MB.411 obse<rvation seaplane being stowed aboard. [ECA
73
c*
[fn.t class .submarine REQU{N.
[JlC ceu,
I
I
I
First class subtnsrlne SOUFFLEUR and CAIMAN anchored at Beirut on June 28, 1941 ,during Syrian campaign, The SOUFFLfUR wa's torpedoed the next day. [JlC Coli.
74
FIRST CLASS SUBMARINES Requin class-> 9 sbips
Displacement; Dimens;iHls." Modi f ne ry:
974 tons (on surface); 1,441 tons (submerged) 78.25m X 6.84m x 5.IOm
2 Sulzer Or Schneider Diesels, 2 electric motors, 2 shafts, 2,900 HP (on surface), 1,800HP (submerged) Speed: 15 knots (on surface), 9 mots (submerged) 5,650j 10 knots (on surface), 105/5 knots (submerged) 1-1 OOm 1Il11 , 2 AA machine-guns, JO-S50mm IT {4lJow aDd 2 stern submerged: 4 above water, revolving in (lairs before and abaft conning tower)
54 (Officers, 4; Men, 50)
RadiuS in N(lll1ical Miles; Armament:
Complement :
Programme
name builder
REQUr Cnerbourg DY
SOUFFLEUR Cnerbourg DY
MORSE Cherbourg DY
NAR V AL Cherbourg DY
MARSOUIN Brest DY
DAUPHIN Toulon DY
CAIMAN Cherbourg DY
PHOQUE Brest DY
ESPADON Toulon DY
lmlllcned 19/7/24 1/10/24 11/11/25; 9/5/25 27112/2-4 2/4/25 3/3/27 ]613/2,6 28/5/']:6
compleled 1926
1926
192/
1926
1926
19'21
1927 1927
1927
1922
laid down 1923 1923 1923 1923 1923 1923 1927 1921 19'27
30/611923
Notes: All the ships of this Class were modernised. including a complete refit of hull and machinery, between 1915--37.
CAiMAN and MARSOUIN escaped from Algiers in November 1941 and sailed to Toulon where CAIMAN was scuttled while her sister ship succeeded in gaining North Africa.
REQUIN, DAUPHIN, PHOQUE and ESPADON were seized at Bizerte on December 8. 1942 (see Wa.r Losses section pp, 161-2 for their later fate).
MORSE struck a mine and sank oW Sfax on June 10, )940.
SOUFFLEUR was sunk by a British submarine on June 29, 1941 during the shod Syrian campaign.
NARVAL was 011 patrol in the Mediterranean on July], 1940. when Naval Staff ordered all French vessels U) return home to the Free Zone port, Her Commanding Officer refused to do this and sailed to Malta, where she was incorporated in the FNFL. She was eventually sunk by a mine off Tunisia on December 15 • 1940.
, 1!J1S model.
Redoetable elas
29 ships
1,570 tons (on surface); 2,084 tons (submerged) 92.30rn. x 8.20rn x 4.70m
2 Sulzer or Sehneider Diesels. 2 electric rumors, 2 shafts. 6,000 HP 0111 surface), 1.000 HP (submerged). The submarines of the 1928-29 programme had 7,200'HP OIl surface and those of the last programme 8,600 HP, 2 shafts
Speed; 17 to 20 knots (on surface), 10 knots (submerged)
Displacement: ..Dimensions;' 1t1achillery."
15
R,adlus ill Nautical Miles: 10,000110 knots 4,OOOfl7 knots (on surface) 100/5 knots (submerged)
Armament: 1-100mm\ 2-1]"2mm AA, 9-550mm TI and 2~mmTI
Complement: 61 (Officers" 4; Men, 51)
PrCF 8,'arl'l1ne 1924
J925
1926
1928-2.9
BOO
name
RED OUTAB LE VENGEVR PASCAL PASTEUR ARCH1MEDE MONGE
FRESNEL
H. POiNCARE PO CELET ACHILLE AJAX AC'TEON ACHERON ARGO PROTtE
PEGASE PJERSEE L'ESPOJR
LE GLORIEUX L CENTAURE LE HEROS
LE CONQUERANT LE TONNA T
AGOSTA
SFAX CASABIANCA BEVEZIERS OUESSANT
SIDI FJERRUCH
bllilder Cherbourg DY Cherbourg DY BrestDY Brest DY eMF, Caen
• Ch, de Ill!
Mediterranee Penhoe[ Lorient DY Lorieat D Brest DY Brest DY
A Ch, de la Lo ire A. Ch. dela Loire Dubigeon
F. Ch, de la Mediterranee A.Ch.delaLorre CNP Caen Cherbourg DY Cherbourg DY Brest DY
Brest DY
A. Ch. de la Loire F. ell. de In. Mediterranee Cherbourg D'Y A. Ch.deIa Loire A. Ch. de la Loire Cherbourg DY Cherbourg DY Cherbeurg DY
l(lid dow" 1925 1925 1925 1925 1927 1927
1927 1925' 1925 1927 1927 1927 1927
1928 1928 1928 1919 1929 19'29 1929 1930 1930
1930 1931 i931 1931 1931 1931
launched 1917128 1/9/28 19/7/28 19/7/28 619/300 2516/29
8/6}29' 10/4/29 10/4/29 28/5/30 2815/30 10/4/29 6/8129
31/7/30 28f7110 23/S}3] 18/1/31 29/11/31 14110J32 14/ W132. 26/6/]4 15/12/34
30/4/34 6/12/34 212.135 ]4/10/35 JO/Ll/36 9/7(37
com· pleted 1931 1931 1931 1932 19'J.2 ]932
1931 193] 1932 1932 1933 1931 1931
1932 1932, 1933 1932 1933 1934 1934 19.35 1935
1935 1935 1935 1936 1937 1939
Notes: Of this Class PROMETHEE was lo l during trials on July 8, 1932 and PHENIX was lost in Iml.o-Cwilese waters on June 15, L939.
VE GEUR.. R'EDOUTABLE; PASCAL, H. POINCARb, ACHERON, L'ESPOIR and FRESNEL were scuttled at Toulon on 27 November, 1942.
AGOSTA, OUESSANT, ACI-fILLE and PASTEUR were scuttled while being repaired in Bre t, when [he enemy entered the port,
PERSJ::E and AJAX were sunk: by the British at the time of the Dakar campaign, the former frOID gunfire 011 September 23, 1940 and the latter by HMS FORTUNE.
PO CELET captured the 5,900-tol.1 German cargo ship CHEMNITZ on September 28, 1939; she was severely damaged by HMS MI FORD HA V N oft· Port Gentil (Gabon) on ovember 8, 19'40 during Genera'! de Gaulle's attempt [0 take over French quatorial Africa. She was scuttled, hergallant Commanding
, 1925 mod~/.
76
"0 u
U -.J
3
77
Officer going down with the hi".
HERO was destroyed by aircraft from HM Snips ILLUSTRIOUS MONGE acd ACfNE during the British campaign against Madagascar on May 7-8, 1942.
JLE CONQUERANT was sunk off Villa Cisneros by US Catalina flying boats, ~nd ~IDI FERRI.JCH was sunk by US aircraft off Casablanca during the Allied mvasion of November 1942. DUling the same operation ACfEON was sunk by HMS WESTCOTf and fRESNEL escaped to Toulon only to be scuttled a few days later.
LE TONNANT escaped from Casablanca during the Allied attack. She was Later 'scuttled 'by her crew off Cadiz, where she had been sheltering to repair her
damage and await fresh orders. .
'SFAX was torpedoed by U.37 off Cap Juby on December 19, 1940. PROTEI: was irnmobilised at AJe aadria after the fall of France, bUI: she
joined the Algerian Government's a al forces in 1943 and was sunk off
Marseilles in December 1943 (cause unknown).
.BEVEZIERS torpedoed and _ so . badly damaged the battleship HMS RESOLUTION at Dakar that she almost 53.11k_ The submarine was sunk at Diego Suarez in. May 1942 and never repaired.
CASABLANCA played a glorious part ill. the liberation or Corsica. She sank the German patrol boat UJ.6076 on Decembe-r 22, 1943, badly damaged the Italian cargo ship CHlSONE em December 28, 1943 and later the German vessel Ul607S.
LEGLORIEUX survived a battle with the Bririsa 'in Courrier Bay in May 1942 and fled to Toulon. She escaped before the Germans captured the port and joined the Al:gerian Government's Naval forces.
PEG SE had been uncommissioned in Indo-China since 1940 and was
eventually scrapped there. •
Roland Morillot dass-8 ships
D;'splac~ment: 1,8JO ton (on surface); 2,4]7 ions (submerged)
Dimensions: l02.50m x8.32m '> 4.58m
Machilll!/"Y: 2 Sulzer Diesels, 2 electric motors. 2 sha fts, J 2,000 H P
(on surface), 2,300 HP (submerged)
Speed: 22 knotts (on surface), 9.5 knots (submerged) 10.000/1,0 knots (on surface)
1-10D.rnmt, 2-13.2mm AA (2 ;< I), lO-55Qmm IT
70 (Officers,S; Men, 65) .
Radius ill Nal/tical Miles:
Armamem:
Complement:
Pro-
laid down 1/37 3/3,8 9/38 6[40 6/40
comlaullched pleted
gramme name blJiltkr
1934 ROLAND MORfLLOT Cherbourg
1937 LA PRAY A Cherbourg
1938 LA MARTINIQUE Cherbourg
1938b {!LA GUADELOUPE D. Ubi.ge. on
l.A REUNION Cherbourg
Q_228 Dubigeon
1/4/40 '0.229 Dubigeon
'0.2.30 Dubigeon
Notes: ROLAND MORILLOT was scuttled at Cherbourg all June 19 1'940-
the day before she was due to be launched. '
LA PRAY A and LA MAR TJNIQ U 'were bum l oar on the adjoining sli pway the same day.
I }91r5 "'001"'.
78
SECOND CLASS SUBMARINES
600 tons, (Sehneider-Laubeuf type)-4 sbips
615 tons (on surface); 776 tons (submerged) 62.48m X 5.40m X 3.90m
2 Schneider Diesels, 2 electric motors, 2. shafts. 1,250 HP (on surface), 1.000 HP (submerged) .
Speed: 14 knots (on surface), 15 knots (submerged) RadiuS in Nautical Miles: 3,500/7.5 knots (on surface). 75/5 knots (submerged)
Armament: 1-7Smml, 2 AA machine-guns, 7-S50mm TI (3 bow, 2 astem, 1 double revolving mounting)
Complemell(; 41 (Officers 3; Men, 38)
Programme name _ builder laid down lauJU:!ted completed
{CIRCE Schneider 2/23 29/10/25 1929
1912 CALYPSO Schneider 2/23 1511/26 1929
THETIS Schneider 7123 30/6/27 1929
DORIS Schneider 7/13 25jH/27 19'30
Notes: The DORiS was torpedoed and sunk b)' the German. submarine U9 off
the Netherlands coast on May 9, 1940. __
CIRCE and CALl'PSO were seized at Bizerte on December 8. 1942. The farmer was scuttled! by the enemy on May 6, 1943 and the latter was sunk by Allied bombs on January 30, 194].
The THETIS was scuttled at Toulon,
Displacement ;' J)imellSiom; :
Machinery:
I }9]8 model.
Second class subm.arlne THETIS.
[1M a
79
600 tons (Lolre-Simonot type) 3 ships
Displacement Dimensions:
Machil1ery;
R_adiu; in Nautical Mili!s:
Armament:
Complement:
Pro-
gramme name
{SIREN
!L922 NAlADE
GALATHEE
609 tons (on surface); 757 tons (submerged) 64m x S.20m x 4.30m
2. Sulzer Diesels, 2 electric motors, 2 shafts, 1.300 HP (on surface). 1,000 HP (submerged)
Speed: 13.5 knots (on surface), 7.5 k.n015 (submerged) 3,500/7.5 knots (on surface), 75/5 knots (submerged) 1--75mm. 2: AA machine-guns, 7-550[1101 IT (3 bow. 2 astern, 1 double revolving mounting)
41 (Officers, 3: Men, ]8)
bulkier
A. Ch. de la Loire A. Ch, de 13 Loire A. Ch. de la Loire
laid dowt« 2/'1.3
2/23
7/23
Jml'ncit.ed 6/8/25 20110/25 18/12/25
completed 1927
1927
1927
Notes: These three submarines were scuttled at Toulon on November 27, 1942, and NYMPHE of the same Class. was. scrapped in ]938.
600 tons (Normand-Fenaux type}--3 ships
626 tons (on surface): 787 tOIlS (submerged)
65.98m x 4.94rn x m
2 Normand-Vickers Diesels, 2 electric motors, 2 shafts. 1,200 ill (on surface), 1,000 HP (submerged) Speed: 14 knots (all surface), 7.5 knots submerged) Radius iJ.1 Nalltical Miles: 3,500/7.S knots (on surface), 7515 knots (submerged) Armament: 1-75mml, 2 AA machine-guns" 7-550mm IT (3
bow, 2 astern, I double revolving mounting)
COIrlplenumr: 41 (Officers. 3; Men, 38)
Progl'amme name builder laid dow« launched
{ARlANE Normand 2/23 6/8/25
EURYD[CE Normand 1[23 31/5/27
DANA£ Normand 7/23 11/9/27
Notes: ONDlNE of this class was lost off Vigo on October 3 [928 after having collided with a Greek merchant ship.
ARIA E. which was out of commission, was scuttled at Oran 011 November 9, 1941.
EURYDICE was scuttled at Toulon OD November 27,1942.
Displacement .. D.imerlSions,' Machint!ry:
1922
l 1928 mod"l.
compler-ed 19'28 1929 1929
630 tons (Schneider-Laubeuf type~5 ships
Dl.8p'Jacemenf .' DimellBions:
MacMnery:
Radius in Nautica] Miles:
630 tons (Oil surface): 798 tons (submerged) 63.40m >< 5.18m x J.61m
2 Schneider Diesels, 2 electric motors, 2 shafts, 1.300 HP (011 surface), 1,000 HP (submerged)
Speed: ]4· nets (on surface), 9 knots (submerged) 2,300/13.5 knots, 4,000/10 knOIS (OD surface)
82/5 knots (submerged)
80
81
n
Armament:
1-7Srom', 6-550mm 'IT (3 bow. t double revolving mounting, 1 amid the triple revolving mounting astern), 2--400mm IT (revolving mounting: a tern)
41 (Officers, J; Men, 38)
Complement:
Programme name builder laid down launched complered
1926 {ARGONAUTE Schneider 4/27 23/5/29 6/32
ARETHUSE Schneider 4/28 8/8/29 7/33
]927 ATAl.ANTE Schneider 1/28 5/8/30 904
]929 {LA VESTALE Schneider 1/30 25/5/32 9134
LA SULTANE Schneider 1/30 2/8/32 6/35 il
Notes;' ARGONAUTE was sunk (Iff Oran by HM Snips A'CHATES and WESTCOTT on November 8, 1942.
LA sm T ANE attacked and probably sank an enemy patrol boat in I he Mediterranean on May 9, [944.
'192 <1iode.l.
630 tons (Loire-Simon.ot type)
Displacement:
Dimensions:
Machinery:
656 tons (on surface); 822 tons (submerged) 64.40m x 5. J 8m x :3.90m
2. Sulzer Diesels, 2: electric motors. 2 shafts, :1,420 H]? (on surface), 1,100 HP (submerged)
Speed: 14 knots (on surface), 9.20 knots (submerged) 2,300/13.5 knots, 4,000/10 knots (on surface]
82/5 knots (submerged)
1~75mm\ 6-550mm IT (3 bow, 1 double revolving mounting, I amid the triple revolving mounting astern),
2 m.m IT (revolving mounting astern)
41 (Officers, 3; Men. 38)
Radius in Nauticai Miles:
Armament:
Complement :
Programme name
1928 {ORION
ONDfNE
builder laid down launched
A. Ch. de la Loire 11/28 21/4/31
Dubigeon J l/28 4/S131
completed 7/32
7/32
Notes: These two submarines were captured by title Royal Navy at Portsmouth on July 3. 1940. They were not put into service due to their deteriorated condition but served as sources of spare parts for JUNON arrd MINERVE. They were phased mIL in 1943.
I 1928 madrl.
630 tons (Normand-Fenaux type}-9 ships
D lsplocemem " Dimenslons:
Machinery:
651 Lon (on surface); 807 tons (submerged) 64.40m • S.18m ., .l.9Jm
2 Normand-Vickers Diesels, 2 electric motors, 2 shafts, J ,300 liP [on surface), 1,000 HP (submerged)
Speed; 13.7 knots (on surface), 9.2 knots (submerged) Gas oil: 53m~
2,300/13.5 knots, 4,(100/10 knots (on surface) 82.5 knots (submerged)
1-7 5mml. 6-550mm IT (3 bow, I double revolving mounting, "1 amid the triple revolving mounting astern)', 2--400mm 'IT (revolving mounting astern)
Radills ill Nautical Miles:
Arnwmel'lr:
I 1928 model.
82
Complement: 41 (Officers, 3; Men, 38)
',·nln·e builder laid down kumched completed
Programme •• , I 13/5/30 9/37
1926 DlANE Normand 427· ., -
~ MEDUSE ormand 4/27 26/8/30 932
AMl'l=LITRrrE Normand 1/28 20j 12130 1/33
19:27 ANTIOPE Worms 3/28 19f5{JO lO/32
AMAZONE Worms 0/28 28/12/31 10133
1928 ORPHEE Normand 11J28 10/H/31 6/33
OREAnE Worms 11/28 23/5/]2 11/34
19251 LA PSYCH£: Normand 1/30 4/8/32 12/33
LA SYBILLE Worms 1/30 28/1/32 12/34
Notes: Tile DIANE was scuttled at Oran 011 November 9 1942; she was later refloated but finally scrapped.
MEDUSE was so badly damaged by bombs south of Mazagan(Morocco),oIl :November 10, 1942, that she had to be beached.
AMFH1TRITE was lost at Casablanca on November 8, 1942.
ORPHEE, re-armed after the Allied landings in North Africa, executed special missions ill the Mediterranean. She sunk lhe, patrol boat FA UeaN at the entrance to Toulon harbour on December 7, 1943,
OREADE was sunk at Casablanca on November 8, 1942.
LA SYBILLE was lost off Casablanca on the same day.
LA PSYCHE was also sunk in the same port by aircraft from the Task force 34.
Second class submarine OREADE.
[MB
83
Minerve (Standard Amirau,tl~)
Displacemenc:
Dimensions:
Machinery:
662 tons (01'1 surface); 856 tons (submerged) 6&.JOm x ;.60m x 3.66m
2 Normand-Vickers or Schneider Diesels, 2 electric motors, 2 shafts, l,BOO HP (011 surface), 1,230 HP (submerged)
Speed: 14.29 knots (on surface), 9.30 knots (submerged)
4,000/10 knots, 2,500/13 knots (on surface) 85/5 knots (submerged)
1-75rnm!, 1-13.2mm AA, :2 machlne-guns, 6-- 550mm IT and 3-400mm IT
42 (Officers, 3; Men, 39)
Radius ill Nautical Miles:
Armament:
Complement:
Programme name builder laid dowrl launched completed
iMlNERVE Cherbourg DY 1/31 23/10/34 9/36
1930 JUNON Normand 1/32 15/9/35 9/37
VENUS Wonns 1132 6} ./35 1I/J6
{IRIS Dubigeon 1/32 23/9/34 9f36
CERES Worms 3/36 9/12/39 1939
PALLAS ormand 3/36 25/8/38 1939
Notes: The MINERVE was in Cherbourg completely stripped Gown, including the engines. when tile Germans broke through at Sedan on May 19, 1940. She was hurriedly repaired and put to sea. before the azis arrived there. She was seized! by the British at Plymouth in company with lONON. These LWO submarines were later transferred to the FNFL. MINERVE carried out numerous hazardous patrols in the Norwegian Sea and the Arctic, The JUNON participated in the TlRPITZ chase and also engaged in difficult missions along the Norwegian coast.
The VENUS was scuttled at Toulon.
The IRIS esc-aped from Toulon just before the Germans arrived and went to Barcelona where she was interned until the war ended.
CERES and PALLAS were scuttled at Gran on November 9, 1942 and then refloated, They appeared on the disposal list in 1945.
1936
1 193/1 madel.
Second class submarine MINERVE.
[MB
84
Aurore class-IS sbips
. . 893 tons (on surface); 1,170 lens (submerged)
r:.I!P~QICS~;~~I.It. n-50m x 6.50m x 4.20m lectri t 2
ymr~/;' .' 2 'Sulzer or Schneider Diesels, :2 e ectnc rno ors,
Maclllner) . shafts, ],000 lIP (on surface), 1,400 HP (sub~erged)
Speed: 1 S .51) knots (on surface), 9.3 knots, (submerged)
.Rl:1dius ill Nemrical Miles; 2250/15 knots, 5,600/10 knots (0:0 surface)
SOl5 knots (submerged) _
1-100rmn\ 1-13.9mm M, 9-)SOmm IT 44 (Officers, 4; Men, 40}
name builder
AURORE Toulon DY
LA CREOLE Normand!
LA BAY AOERE Normand
LA FAVORITE WOmlS
L' AFRl.CAINE Worms
L' ASTREE D'llbigeo'l'I
L' ANDROMBlE Dubigeon L'ANUROMAQUE Worms
L ANTIGONE Schneider
L' A.RTEMISE Normand
L'ARMIDE Worms
L'J=lER.M10NE Normand
1.LA <GORGONE Non;nand
LA CLORINIDE Uublgeoll
LA CORNEllE cancelled
Noles: L'AURGRE was scuttled at Toulon on November 27, 1942. I BTilish LA CREOLE was towed to England III June 1940 and seized by me
on July 3. b!Jt she was not completedbefGore the endhof_thsheeW~s onlv one-third
L'AFRICAINE was captured by the ermans w en • tb
buill, Construcdon was resumed under the designation UF.l, but due to e
Al"mOlllenl:
Compleme"t,
Ptagramme 1934
1'937
1938
1918
1 J 936 mode'l,
laM down 12/35 U!37 12/37 12/37 12/37 11/38 11/38 H/3S 11{38 5/39 5/39
launched 2617139 816{40
completed
5/11/42 7/12146 3/.5/46 111 I 1/49
28/6/42
Second class submarine AURORE.
85
Seco'nd class submerin« DORIS I(elf-HMS VINEYARD).
B6
[JLC Call.
efl'ort- of the Resistance movement, work progressed so slowly that she could not be launched before the war ended.
LA FA VQRITE, on the other hand was completed by the enemy and renamed Uf'.2; she was posted as a target, ship to the ASW school at Gdynia where she was scuttled on July 5, 1944.
L ASTREE, alLhougb renamed UF.3 was not launched until after the war,
a5 was L' ANDROM£DE.
The construction of L'ANTIGONE was not resumed and the ship was
scrapPled after ehe war.
LA nAYADERE. LA GORGONE and L'HERMlO E were demolished
under various pretexts by the builder during the German occupation.
LA CLORINDE was eventually launched on July 8, 19'43, but she was only an empty hull. Her construction was resumed after the liberation.
Phenix class-13 sbips
DiSplacement:
Dimensiolls:
Machinery:
1 056 tons (OIl surface): 1 ;252 Ions (submerged) 74.90m x '6.40m x 3.90m
2 Sulzer Diesels. 2 electric motors, 2 shafts. 4,200 UP (on surface), 1,400 HP (submerged)
Speed: E B; knots (on surface), 9 knots (submerged) 8,000/10 knots (on surface)
J.---40rnm A.A, 1-20mm AA, IIJ-550mm TI 45 (Officers, 4; Men, 4))
bllilde/' Toulon DY Normand NOITIla:nd
onnand onnand Worms Worms Worrn.s Worms Schneider Schneider Schneider Schneider
RadiUs in Nautical Mfle·s:
Armament:
Compl(!mem~
Programme 1939
4!J940
name
PHENIX VENDEMIAIRE BRUMAIRE FRIMAIRE NIVOSE PLUVIQSE VENTOSE GERMINAL FLOREAL PRAIRlAL MESSIDOR THERMIDOR FRUCTIDOR
NOles: These submarines were designed for use in warm weather zones, out were never begun building.
Ex-British U dass-3 ships
Displar:eme11t:
Dimensions.' Marl!illery:
Radlrts in Nalltical Miles:
Armament .Compleme.!Jl :
626 tons (on surface); '721 tons (submerged)
60m (CURIE), 62.80m (the others) x 4.8!1m ,. 3.38m Electric propulsion (2 Paxman Diesels. 2 electric motors), 800 HP (on surface), 760 HP submerged)
1-76mm 4-533rnm TT (bow), 8 torpedoes
37 (Officers, 4; Men, 33)
87'
PI"O-
{aid down
com« launched pleted
23/1/43 1944
gramme name! builder
WW2 CURlE } (eN HMS VOX. ex P.67)
DORIS Vickers-
(ex HMS VINEYARD) Armstrong
MORSE
(ex HMS VORTEX) 19/8144 1944-
Notes: These submarines of the British U Class were transferred to the French Navy dunng ] 943--44.
The CU RfE was manned by the F FL She unk the German cargo ships ZAR "~RDINAND and HRUNHILn (ex-French BACCUS-2000 GRT) in
the Mediterranean. '
All the ship were returned to the Royal Navy on September 'II, 1946.
E -Itatian-l ship
Dlsp/ucemellt,' Dimensions: 1111 'achtnery ..
8/5/44
]944
7.4 tens (on surface); 864 tons (submerged) 6O.i8m (oa) .< 6.49m x 5.16m
2 Tosi Diesels. 2 Marelli electric motors I '(}()O HP (on s~rface), 800 HP (submerged) " .. Speed: 14 knots (on surface), 7 knots (submerged)
Radius in Nautical Miles:
Armament:
1--75mm, 2-20mm AA. 6-533mm. TT (4 bow. 2 stern)
541 (Officers, 5; Men, 49)
builder {aid down lautlclled completed
Tosi 9JLI/41 ~942
ComplemefJt :
Pl'ogramme name NAltVAL (ex·:BRONZO
ex-HMS P.714) Taranto
No res: This subma~i~e,was, captured by the Allies at Agusta (S.icily) and was transferred by the British to the French Navy .. on January 29, 1944.
M
ELATING SUBMARINES Sapbir (Normand-Fen8UX type)-6 ships
Dl::spll1c~meTlI: 761 tons (on surface); 92:5 tons (submerged)
Dlme'!slOlZs: 65.90m 7.12m '" 4.30m
M(JrJ.1IlIery: 2 Normand-Vickers Diesels, 2 electric motors, 2 shafts, 1,300 HP (on surface), 1 100 HP (submerged)
Speed: 12 knots (on surface), 9 knots (submerged) Radim, [n NUl/tical Miles: 4,000/12 knots, 7,000/7.5 knots (on surface)
80/4 knots (submerged)
1-75mm£.I-J3.2mm AA. 2 machine-guns, 2- 550~ IT (bow), J-550rnm and 2-400mm triple revolving mounting, 32 mines
42 (Officers, 3; Men, 39)
builder laid down
Toulon DY H/2S
Toulon DY 1926
AI"mamel1f:
Compleme"t:
Programme name
1925 {SAPHIR
, TURQUOISE
lau1lched '20/12/28 1615/29
completed 11/30 1.1/30
1 1928 model.
88
1926 J927 J928 1929
NAUTILUS RUBIS DIAMANT PERLE
21/3/30 30/9/31 18/5/33 ],0/113,5
1/37 4/33 6/34 3}37
9/26 l/2.8 12/29 ]}31
l'oulonDY Taillon DY Toulon DY Toulon DY
Nore~: Of all French submarines, these ships were probably most .suited to their task. Mines were stowt:cI in wells in the outer ballast tanks which had direct
release mechanism.. , ,
In J ul,y J 940, t~e Commanding Officer and crew of the R L! DIS joined General de Gaulle. The ships later carried OUl numerous dangerous minelaying cperauons in the Bay of Biscay and along the I orwegian coast. JwenlY-~oO sorties were made causing H.e destruction of as enemy vessels: BLAMMARRE (May 28, ]940), JADA.RLAND (May 3J, 1(40), SVER.RE SIGURDSON (June 10, 1~10), UJ.D (July 7, 1940), V.406 (August 18, 1942), KNUTE ELSO. CLARE HUGO STINNES and UJ.H]5 (September 27, 1944), WEICH SElL LA D, 0].1113, UJ.1116, the minesweeper RAOl and two others 'Yhi~h were not identified in December 1944. She also torpedoed and sank "the Finnish merchant ship HOGLAND.
SAPHlR took pan in a minelaying operation off' Cagliari on June 13, 1940.
She was disarmed at Bizerte and seized by the Germans on December 8, 1942; she was, then towed to aples where she was scuttled 011 September IS, .1943.
TURQUOISE, after a rninelaying operation off Trapani on June 14, 1940. wa.salso disarmed at Bizerte after the Armistice, She was captured by the Germans there on December 8, 1942 and scuttled on May 6. 1943 .
NAUTILUS participated in rninelaying off Tripoli on. June ~4, 1940. Taken cut of commission at Bizerte she was seized as were her SIster ships and sunk by bombs on January 30. 1943,
DIAMANT was scuuled at Toulon on November 27, 1942, me was refloated but was bombed and sank in 1944.
PERLE was accidentally attacked by British aircraft and sank on July ,1944.
Mirielaylng submarine TURQUOISE.
[MIB
89
Emeraude c]ass-4 hips Displacement; Dimensions: i\1acililfel".l' :
Radius in Nomteo! Miles:
A,.mamenl;
862 ton (on surface); 1,1]9 (OIlS (submerged) 72.70m x 7.36m x 4JOm
2 Schneider Diesels. 2 electric motors, 2 shafts, 2,000 HP (OD surface), 1,270 HI' (submerged)
Speed: J 5 knots (on surface), 9 knots (submerged) 5.600/12 knots (on surface); 90/4 knots (submerged) I-H)Omm1, 2~13..2rnm AA. (2 .r I), 4-550mm IT, 40 mines
43 (Officers. 4; Men, 39) bulkier Toulon Schneider Schneider
Schneider
on the slipway and the other three ships
ComplemeIVi .' Programme
193'7
laid down 5.38
name
Eli.1ERAUD£
{L'AGATE
LE CORAIL L'ESCARBO CLE Nates: EMERAUDE was scuttled
did not begin building.
1938
I 1936 model.
FRlGATES
La Combattante (ex-British Hunt class)-l ship
Displm:emf!JIt :
Dimensions :
Maehinery:
904 tons standard; 1,490 tons full load 82.90m (oa) . 8.6Om x 2.40m
2 Admiralty boilers, 1 Parsons geared Turbines, 2 shafts 19,000 HP
Speed: 26 knots
2,000/12 knots, 850/25 knots
4-102mm (2 X 2), 4-4Omm AA (1 x 4), 2-20mm AA, DCT and racks
168
Radius in Nautical iHiles:
Armament:
Complement:
P,.()~
gramme ,wme builder laid dOWll launched completed
ww.rr LA COMBATfANTE Fairfield 2j4/42 1942
(ex-HMS HALDON)
Notes: This ship was taken over by the FNFL on December 15" 1942. She took part in battles with enemy E-boats on December 1. 1943, April 20, 1944 and April 26" 1944. On the latter dale he sunk ODe ship and damaged another. She was badly damaged accidentalr by the British MTB7s2 on May 28, 1944, but later participated in the orrnandy landings. She was mined! and sunk in the Humber river on February 23, [945.
Ex-British River dass-6 ships
Disp'lacemcm:
Dimensjons:
Mm::ililler)':
1.J25 tons standard; 2,130 tons fullload 93.5001 (ca) x U.16m x 4.36m
2 of 3-drum type, 2. triple expansion, 2 shafts. 6,OOOHP
Speed: 19 knots
Fuel oil: 645 tons
90
~»-Bf;ash Huni class frigate .tA COMBA TTENTE (ex-HM.S HALDON).
fJC-B'fitish River class frigate LA SURPRISE (ex-HMS TORRIDGE).
91
CSKte2'6"7)'1iewdof Ri,'{er dass frigales CROIX ,DE. LORRAINE. (K258)1 L'ESCARMOUCHE
an TONKINOIS (K25l1). ""
Ex-BrWsh Flower class corvette MIMOSA (e)(·HMS MIMOSA).
[ECA
92
Radius in Nautical Miles: 1,700/12 knots, 5,600/16.5 knot
A.rmament: 2-L02mm (J x 2), 11-20mm AA, 4 nCT. 2 racks
(depth charges: 150)
Complement: 115 (Officers, 10; Men, 105)
Programme
WW.2
laid cO in-
!lome builders down launched pleted
L'AVENTURE Wm. Simons 1/ 2/42 30/1.1./43 21/1/44
(ex HMS BRAID) Co. Ltd.
CROIX DE LORRAINE Henry Robb 15/7/42 8/3/43 3017/43
(ex HMS STRULE, ex Ltd.
GLENARM)
LA DECOUVERTE Henry Robb 17/11/42 18/6/43 3111/43
(ex HMS WINDRUSH) Ltd.
L'ESCA.RMOUCHE Blyth. S. B. & 30jSJ42 1/6/43 3/3/44
(ex HMS FROME) D. D. Co. Ltd.
LA SURPRISE Blyth,S.B. & 17/10/42 16/8/43 6/4/44-
(ex HMS TORRIDGE) D: D. Co. Ltd.
TONKINOISl Smith's Dock 9/1/42 27/8/43 15/1/43
(ex HMS MAYOLA) Co. Ltd. Noles; These frigates were transferred to the French Navy in l'J44--45.
LA DECOUVlERTE-Allantic and Channel convoy escort. Took part in. the
ormandy landings.
L"AVENTURE-Cnannel convoy escort. TOOK part in the Normandy landings
then joined French Naval Task Force.
L'ESCARMOUCHE-Cbannel convoy escort. Took pan ill Nomurndy
landings,
LA SURPRISE-Channel convoy escort. Participated in Normandy landings.
She was damaged by a mine on June 20, 1944 and towed to Portsmouth. She
later joined the French Naval Task Force.
CROIX DE LORRAINE-Channel and erth Sea convoy escort.
1"oNKINO[S-Cb.alllnel Rod North Sea convoy escort.
I itelllJm"d tater LA CONRANCE.
CORVETTES
Ex-British Flower class-12 ships
Dlsp{acemeflt:
Dimensions:
Mach lnery;
Radius ill Naullml Miles.' Armament .'
925 tons iandard; 1,290 tons full load 62.S0m x to.1Om x 5.50m
2 drum-type boilers, 2 lripk expansion, 1 shaft,
3,00() HP
Speed: 16 knots
Fuel oil: 245 tons
5,500/9 knots, 2,900/15 knots
l-102rnm, 2-57rnm. l--40mm AA. 2-20mm AA, DCT and racks (72 depth charges)
78 (Officers, S; Men, 71)
laid dow«
Compiemel1t:
Pro-
gramme
builder
Smith Docks Smith Docks
comImmclied pIe-ted
2] 13/40 1940
21/6/40 1940
name
LA MALOUfNE LA. DIEPPOISE
93
LA PAIMPOLArSE Smlth Docks 4/7/40 194{)
LA BASTIAISE Smith Docks 8/4/40 1940
MIMOSA Smith Docks
(ex-HMS MIMOSA)
Al.YSSE Geo. Brown 3/3/41 1941
(,ex-HMS ALYSSUM) 31/3/41
ACONIT Ailsaship J941
(ex-HMS ACONfT) Building
ROSELYS John Lewis 28/5/41 194[
(ex-HMS SUNDEW) 25/6/41
RENONCOLE (ex- W. Simons 1941
HMS RANUNCULUS) Co.
LOBELIA Alexander J 5/7'/40 14/2/41 1941
(ex-HMS LOBELIA) Hall
Cdit. DETROY AT H a 11 Runel 9/614] 1941
(ex-HMS OORIANDER)
Cdt. DROGO (ex- Harland & 11/4)41 1941
HMS CHR YSAN- Wolff
THEMUM) Notes.' After the Jail of France, LA DIEPPO]SE, LA MALOUTNE and LA PAJMPOLAISE which were being completed for the French Navy, were incorporated in the Royal Navy and renamed HM ships FLEUR DE LYS, MAlOUINE and NASTU'RTIUM respectively.
LA BASTIA1SE was. sunk by a mine during her rrials on June 22, 1940.
The other nine corvettes were transferred 10 the FNFL in 1941--42. They carried out many dangerous convoy escort trips, mainly m [he North and South Atlantic.
While participating in one or the e escort sorties ACONIT engaged two enemy submarines (U.432 and U.444) in March 1943. and sank both of tbem-by ramming.
ALYSSE was torpedoed by the U.654 on February 8, 1942. while all. Atlantic convoy duty, she sank two days later,
MIMOSA was torpedoed and sunk iby (he U.124 on June 9, 1942, also while on Atlantic escort duty.
LOBELIA sank the U.609 00 February 7, J943 after a three-day chase, wbile
she was escorting Convoy S.118 with British ships. -
RDSELYS attacked and rammed a German U-boat during One of her escort onies between the United Kingdom and the USSR.
94
DESTROYER ESCORT
Ex-US Destroyer Escorts-6 ships
I 300 tons tandard; 1,650 tons fu LI load 93m (oa) X 11.17m X 3.25m
Diesel Electric, 2 shafts, 6,000 H P Speed: J9 knots
Gas oil: 300 toas
_D.adiu[I in Nautical Miles; 11,5_00.·/11 knots, 5,5(0) /12~Ol' AA 12-20mm AA
"- 3-760101 AA (1 '< 3 , .. rnm, •
Armnme17t.' 4 DCT, 2 racks (126 depth charges)
Peace: 150 (Officers, 10; Men. l~) War: 185 (Officers, 10: Men, 17.)
Di 'Placement':
DiRII.Ulsj.ons:
Machinery:
P'ro-
completed 2/1/44
laid dow"
launched 28/11/43
u 111/43
2/1144 2/1/44
"lal~, ~ builder
°ranWI€ " ,,~
" ALGERIE Dravo
(ex-DE. 107) Corporation
SENEGALAIS Dravo
(ex·DE.l06) Corporation
SOMALI Dravo
2 (ex-DE.lll) Corporation
WW. D
HOVA ravo
(ex-DE. 11 0) Corporatlon
MAROCAIN Dravo
(ex~DE.I09) Corporation
TUNISIEN Dra 0
(ex-DE. 108) Corporation
NOles: These ships were .acquir~d iin519]~ (while in the Mediterranean) by an
SENEGALAIS was dh1tf on l~Y ci~ru1 slJbmarine U.37L Though badly
acoustic mine lau.nche .. rom. ,ern PRIDE and CAMPBELL and HMS
damaged she ass~stc~ the US s ps. .
BLAKENEY W IHf!k her attacker'b Pence iand:ing and later 'in operations
The five other ships took part In".C rov .
along the Italian coast.. . . orated in the French 3v31. Task Force and
SOMALI and HOV A w,ere incorp .. .
shelled German shipping 111 the Atlantic.
13/2144
2211144 1/1/44
2/1/44 2/1/44
l7/12j43
1/1144
FIRST CLASS SLOOPS (Rated as Al'i os Coloniaux) Bougainville class
Displaceme'it:
Dimensio,/u: ]I,{ (JciJ ilwry ;
1 969 tons standard; 2, I S6 tons normal
1b3.70m~ (oa) X L2.70m .:. 4.50rn .. ? ~
2 Sulzer or Burmeister Diesels, 3.200 HP, _ screws Speed: 15.5 knots
Fuel oil: 60 tons
Gas, oil: 220 ions
9,000/] 0. knots
light ag-ain t bullets
95
Radius in Nautical Mtles:
Protection:
First class sloop DUMONT .D'URVlLLE as she was.in 1942.
First cla'ss sloop DUMONT .D'URVILL£ as she was at the end of lhe war.
96
[MB
l
ArmClJ11lmf:
Complemelll :
Pro-
,ramme name
1 BO UGAfNVILlE
1927 DUMONT
D"URVlLLE SAVORGNAN DE
1928 BRAZZA
D'ENTRE CASTBAUX RJGAULT DE
GENOUILLY AMlRAL CHARNER
O'IBER VILLE VliLLE D'YS:
BEAUTEMPS· lBEAUP.RE LAPERQUSE
1930
1937
1938
3-D8mm (] X 3)1, 4---37mm AA. 6 rnachlne-guns, stowage for 50 mines
Gourdon-Leseurre 832 Boat plane
135' (Officers. 14; Men. 121)
laid dow!! 1927 1927
bllilde,.
F. Ch. Glronde F. Ch .. Gjrnnde
comlau1lched pie led
2114/31 1932
21/3/31 1932
eM. Sud Ouest 18/6/37 1932
eM. Sud Quest 22/6/.31 1933
A. Ch. de Provence 18/9/32 1933
F. Ch. Gironde 7{I0/32
eM. Sud Ouest 2319134
A ell. de Provence 2216/39
A. Ch. de Provence
F. en. Gironde Noles: BOUGAINVILlE was disabled off Libreville on November 9, 1940" by her sister ship SA VORGNAN DE BRAZZA. manned by tbe FNFL.
RIGAULT DE GENOUILLY was torpedoed by the British submarine KMS PANDORA otT Algiers on July 4, 1940.
SAVORG AN DE 13RAZZA was captured by the British on July 3,1940.and later, manned by the FNFL, she took part in the abortive attempt to take Dekar, Sbe sunk: her sister ship BOUGMNVJLlE off Libreville.
D'ENTRECASTEAUX, which had captured the Italian ship FORTUNATA on June 14, 1940 was later severely damaged while defending the Naval base of Diego-Suarez against the British in May 1942. She Was later refloated but condemned ror scrap on October 19,1948.
AMIRAL CHARNER and DUMONT D'URVILLE took part in the brilliant Koh-Chang campaign. The former was scuttled in. the Mytho river, Inde-China on March 10, 1945.
D'IBERVILLE was scuttled at Toulon on November 27, 1942. BEAUTEMPS~BEAUPRE had not been completed and was scuttled in tile Gironde river on June 24, ]940, to prevent her falling into enemy hands.
LA GRANDIERE was ill North Africa at the time of the Allied Iandinss, LAPEROUSE was cancelled.
I 1924 mode),
a She Ii'a.&' 7INI11I1H!t/ U GRANI)/ERE(J!~'4m .
1)
• llJ.arIi..... . ,.~ .. " ~t}Iioi-..-k:
, .... :;ilr:or..
OLD FIRST CLASS SLOOPS (Rated as Avisos de ler Classe Ville D YS-c 1 ship
Displocemen(," DI'",ensions:
Machinery:
Radius ;11 Nautical Miles:
Armament.' Complement :
Pro-
gramme name
WWJ VILLE D'YS
(ex ANDROMJ5DE)
1.,121 tons staudard 835m (oa) x 12m x .5m.
1 set 4-r;ylinder triple expansion, 2,500 HP Speed: 17 knots
Coal: 270 IOns.
2,400/10 knots
3-100mm (l X 3), 2-75mllil. 2-47mm 103 (Officers, 6: Men, 97)
laid
builder down
Swan Hunter and
W. Richardson
camlallflc/!ed pleled
6/]7 19'17
Notes: She was put out of commission in overnber 1940 at Fori de France.
Marne class- 3 ships
Displacement:
Dimensions:
Machinery:
Radius ill NUII#c:ai Miles:
Armament:
Compiemem:
Programme name
{SO .. MME
WWl YSER
MARNE
576 tons (MARNE: 601 tons) 7,8m X a.90m X 3.40m
1 Du Temple boilers 2 geared Turbines, 4,000 HP, 2 screws
Speed: 20 knots Fuel oil: 135 teas 4,000/10 knots
JOOmm (I x 4), 2--65mm
107 (Officers. 4; Men, 1(3)
bllildel" laid down
Brest DY
.Rochefort DY
Lorient DY
launched 3/17 J/17 11/17
complewd 1917
1917
1917
Notes: YSER was scuttled at Tculon 011 November 27, 1942, she was refloated and lowed, in a. very bad state, to La Ciotat on June 12, 1943.
MARNE took part in the Koh-Chang campaign and was scuttled in the Cantbo river. Indo-China on March 10. 1945.
SOMME look part ill ASW patrols in the Bay of Biscay during the winter of 1939-40, but was disarmed at Port Liautey on October 31, 1940.
Arras class--ll ships ..
Displacemellt:
Dimell.'1irUls:
Machinery.'
644· tons standard
12m x 8.40m x 3.10m
2 Normand or Dn Temple small lube boilers. 2 Parsons geared Turbines. 5,000 HP, 2 screws
Speed; 19 knots
Fuel oil: 200 tons
98
Radills;n Nautical Miles:
Armw1UmI:
CC1l'tW1eJ'l'lem:
Progl·oJhme
3,000/11 knots
2-13Smm (1 x 2),7-75mm J 03 (Officers, 4; Men, 99)
Completed
laid down
launched 7118 7/18 3/19 7/l9 9/19 3/19 6}i9 8/19 8/[9 5/19
19L9
buildt?r Brest DY Brest DY LorientDY
Ch. de Bretagne Cb. de Bretagne Ch. de Loire Penhoet Penhoet Penhoet
F. Ch. de la Mediterranee
F. Ch, de la Mediterranee
Notes: ARRAS was at Dunkirk. She was seized by the British ill July L94fJ and later transferred to the FNFL. with whom she was used as a barracks.
BELFORT was at Dunkirk. She was captured by the British at Plymouth and
[Owed to Cherbourg after the war on September 27, 1945.
LASSlG Y was put 00[ of commission on October 10, ~940_ LES EPARGES was scuttled at Toulon on November 27. 1942 .
T AHURE took part in the Koh-Chang campaign and was sunk off the coast of Indo-China by the US submarine FLASHER on April 29, 1944.
COUey was seized by the British in July 1940 and used as a training' ship. EPINAL took part in the operations off Dunkirk. She was captured by the British and returned to France in 1945 ..
VAUQUOIS was sunk by a magnetic mine off Brest On June 18., 1940. AMJENS was equipped with a twin telecornrnanded, semi-automatic 37'mm AA turret during the winter of 1940_ She was at Dunkirk. and later seized by the 8ritish at Portsmouth in July 1940. The ship was returned to france in 1945.
flame
ARRAS ¥PRES BELFORT LASSIG NY LES EPARGES TAHURE COUCY EPfNAL VAUQUOJS AMIENS
CALAIS
H/19
WW.1
AileUe-l ship
Displacemem:
Dimensions:
MachilJery.'
492 tons
74m x 8.30m x 3m
2 Du Temple boilers, 2 geared Turbines 5,000 HP, 2 screws
Speed: 20 knots Fuel oil: 140 tons
4,000/10 knots, 1,400/15 knots
4--100mm en x 4), 1~76mm AA. 2 machine-guns 107
Radlus ill Nauttca! Miles:
Armament:
Complement:
Prognllllme name bllildel' laid down luwrdied c"lJlnpleted
WW.L AILETIE Brest DY 3tHI 1918
NOles: Before the war this ship was <::mployed as a "Fishery Protection vessel. Dmmg Ute early months of the war sbe look pan in ASW patrols in the Bay of "Biscay. but she was later disarmed in Morocco.
99
~cre class---2 s~ps
Dis1J/acemlmt:
Dimensiofls:
Machinery:
Radius itl Ntllllical.Miles:
Armament:
Complement:
Programme n.ame
WW.l {ANCRE
SUIPPE
('om-
lilllllched pteted
27/7/38 ]939
26/]/39 9/39
25/2/39 12/39
L6/l/39 8/39
16/2/39 9/39
19/4/39 2/40
25/1/40 4/40
2/5/3'9 4{40
17/8/39 5(40
llJU/39 1940
22/8/39 3/40
9'/39 1940
30/11/39 ]'940 604 Ion
,BOrn (oa) X 8.9Sm x 3m
.2. Du Temple boilers, 2 geared urbines, 2 shafts, .5,000 HI?
Speed: 20 knots
Fuel oil: 140 IOns
4,OOOjl0 knots
4-100mm (l x 4), 1~75'll1m AA, 2 machine-guns 107 (Officers, 4; Men, 99)
builder laid down Iaunched completed
Lorient DY 1918
4/Jl8 1918
Notes: SUIPP12 was sunk by bombs at Falmouth on April 4, 1'942. She was later salvaged but phased. out of service.
SECOND CLASS SLOOPS (Rated as A visos dragueur de mines) Elan dass-15 ships
Displacement: 630 tons standard; 740 tons full load
Dimensions: 78m (oa) x 8.48rn X 1.38m
Machinery: 2 Sulzer Diesels, 4,.000 HF, 2 screws Speed: 20 knots
Gas oil: 100 tons
Radius in Nautl:cal Miles: 10,000/9 knots. 9,000/14 knots
Armament: 1 o:r 2-100mm AN, 8-73.2mm AA (4 x 1.2 x 2)
Complemeflt..·
Pro- laid
gram.me name builder d.owl'l
1934 ELAN Lorient DY 8/36
CDT DORY A. Ch. de France Jtl/36
1936 CDT DELAGE A. cu. de France ]1/36
CDT DUDGe Dubigeon 12/36
CDT RIV1ERE A. ell. de Provence ]1/36
LA CAPRJCIEU E Dubigeon ]/38
LA MOQUEUSE Lorient DY '9/38
CDT DOMINIE Dubigeon 2/38
(ex LA RIE USE)
[937 L'IMPETUEUSE A. Ch. de France 4/3i!
LA CURfEUSE Lcriem. DY 8/38
LA BATAJLLEUSE A. Ch. de Provence 12/37 LA BOUDIEUSE A. Ch. de France 3/38 LA GRACfEUSE A. Ch. de Provence 2/3B
Noles: These ships were fitted our as minesweepers. 1 1925 r1Iod~/.
101
ELAN captured the German cargo ship R.OSTOCK on February 10, ]940. She took part in the short Syrian campaign and was later interned in Turkey until December 23, L944.
COT BORY took pad in tile destrueuon or the B ta I ian submarine PROY ANA on June 16" 1940 arid later in the Provence landings.
CDT DELAGE was at Dunkirk and then went to North Africa just as the Allied Invasion began. She ruse took part in the Provence l:anmngs.
CDl' DUBOC and CDT DOMINE were seized by the British in July 1940 and later traasferred to the FNFL. They took part in the unsuccessful. attempr to take Dakar in September 1941) and continued operati onal throughout hostilities, CDT RIVIERE was at Dunkirk and was captured by the Germans at Bizerte OIl December 8, 1942. She was taken out of commission and later towed 10 Leghorn where she was sunk by aircraft fire on May 28" J943.
LA CAPRICIEUSE was captured by the Britlsb in Portsmouth on July 3" 1940. LA MOQUEUSE was also taken by th.e British and was later manned by the FNFL.
L'IMPETUEUSE was scuttled at Toulon on November 27, 1942. She was refloated and renamed FR.54 Iby the Italians, On September 4. L9'43 she was captured by the Germans in Toulon and towed to Marseilles where she was again
scuttled, .
LA CURIEUSE rammed and SUllie the Italian submarine PROVANA on June 16, ] 940. She was scuttled at Toulon and refloated by the Italians as FR.55 in April 1943 .. She was later captured by the Germans and manned. as the escort ship SG.25. Finally she was scuuledar Toulon in. J 944.
LA BATAll.LEUS]E was seized at Bizerte on December ,8, 1942 and later Lowed to Naples. Renamed FR.57 by the Italians she was scuttled at La Spezzia on September 9, 194J. Later she was salvaged by the Germans and towed! LO Genoa where she: was scuttled 0011 April 25, 1945.
LA BOUDEUSE took part in Lite opera lions off Dunkirk; he was also in North Africa during the Allied invasion and later participated in the Corsica and south of France landings.
LA GRACfEUSE took part in operations in North Africa and later in ~lile Provence landings.
The construction of another ship of this class named LA TROMPEUSE was eancetled.
Chamois c1ass-9 ships,
Displacemerrl.' 647 tons standard: 750 tons full load
Dimensions: 78m X 8.48m X 2.88m
Machtnery: 2 Sulzer Diesels, 4,000 HP, 2 scr-ews
Speed: 20 knots Gas oil: 100 tons
10000/9 knots, 4,000/14 knots
lor 2-JOOmm AN, 8-13.2mm AA (4 x J, 2
Radius ill Nautical Miles.Armament .-
Complement :
Pro-
laid dow" [ ]/36 6/37 51)? 4/38 4/38
completed 1939 9/39 10/39 2/40 3,/40
laullched 2914/38 11/6/39 17/6/39 11/6/39 17/6/39
gramme name
1935 {g~~Ol&L
GAZELLE ANNA MITE
1'934 LA SURPRISE
(ex BAMBARA) I J9lS /lIOf/r/.
builder
llariO.! DY
102
2)
MATELOT 8/39 10/4/42
LEBLANC
RAGEOT DE LA A. en. de 8/39 2{9{42
]938 TOUCHE Provence
AMIRAL SENES I Port de Roue 8/39 1942
ENSEIGNE 8/39 25/5/42
:BALLANDE Noles: These, ships were fitted out as minesweepers,
L.A SURPR[SE was SUlIk off Oran Oil November 8, 1942 by EMS :BRIL· LIANT. when the Allies invaded. North Africa.
CHlEVREUTL was captured by the British in July 1940 and later transferred to the FNFL.
CHAMOIS was scuttled at Toulon on ovember 27, 1942 and later refloated by tae Germans who commissioned her as an escort ship under the pendant number S'O .. .21. She was sunk by a bomb 011 November 23. [943; reticated yet again and was finally sunk by US destroyers on August 15, 1944.
MATELOT LEBLANC was finished building by tile Germans; was launched on July 10. 1942 and completed in April 1944. She was sunk, probably by a bomb, south of Capri 0111 August 24, 1944. She had been renamed SG .. 14.
RAGEOT DE LA TOUCHE was also finished building by the enemy.
Renamed SG.15 she was sunk oil' Genoa by HMS UNIVER:SAL.
AMIRAL SENES was towed in an incomplete state from Port de Bouc to Marseilles by the Germansand scuttled there as SC. 16 on August 21, 1944.
ENSEIGNE BALLANDE was launched by the Germans, in May 1944 when [bey had completed her construction, but she was scuttled at Port de Boue on A ugnst 20, 1944 as SO. 17.
Sec,and clsss sloop ANNAMITE.
[JLC Coli.
103
OLD, SECOND CLASS SLOOPS (Rated as Avisos de deuxieme classe) Conquer ante-l sbip Dlsplaceme/H :
Dinumsiolls; Mar:hill€r}' .'
374 LOllS standard
66.40m (oa) x 7.90m x 2..80m
2 Sulzer Diesels, 1,500 HP, 2 screws Speed: 1 i knots
Radius in Namic.al Miles;
Armament: 2-100mm (1 x 2)
Complement: 54
Programme name builder
WW.l CONQUERANTE Brest DY
laid down /mlllciled 1911
camplered 1918
Notes: CONQUERANTE was seized! by the British at Falmouth in July 1940. and was 'sunk. by bombs in this port on April 14, 1941.
Diligente class-3 ships
Dispiacemellf :
Dimensions.' Machinery;
315 tonsstandard (except LUR.ONNE: 266 tons) 66.40m x 7m x 2.80m
2 Sulzer Diesels" 900 lIP, 2 screws (LURONNE had 2 Fiat Diesels. 650 HP)
Speed: 141cnots,
'Radiu« ill auttcai Miles:
Armament: 2-100mm
Complement: 54
Pl'ogramme name Builder
{DILlGE TE }
WW.l ENGAGEANTE _ Brest DY
LA LURONNE
Notes: DILIGENTE took part in the Dunkirk operarions and was takee by the British on July ::l, )940.
laid dOll/ll launched
completed
1917
Old second class sloop ENGAGEAN'TE.
[JLC Coli.
104
LA L RONNE was taken out of commission in Morocco and scrapped in pril 1941.
ENGAGEANTE was in North AFrica when the Allies invaded. She later escorted coastal convoys and was taken OUl of commission at Algiers in 1944.
GranU c1ass~2 ships
Displacement: 354 tons standard
JJime~ioll.s: S7.60m ;- 7.91Jm y 2:.30m
Machinery: Triale expansion, 550 HP, 2 screws Speed: 12.5 knots
Coal: SO tons
Radilts ill Nautical Miles.'
Armament: 1-65mm. Fitted as minesweepers
Compleme.nt: 63 (Officers, 3; Men, 60)
Programme name builder laid down launched eompieted
WW.1 {GRANIT 1918 [919
MEULIERE 1.918
Notes: MEULIERE was beached and lost at Alaceio on May 29, L941.
GRANIT was scuttled at Toulon on ovember 27, 1942. She was refloated on July 17, 1943 and rowed to Genoa. Commissioned as German SG 2[; fate unkncwn.
Dobounlieu dass-2 Ships.
Displa.cement _" Dimensions,' Mac" htery:
433 lons
65m x 8.2m x HOm
2 DIJ Temple-Guyot boilers, 2 Breguet geared Turbines. 2 - hafts, 2,.000. HP
Speed: 16.7 knots
Fuel oil: 143 ions
1,985/16 knots
1-138rnrn, J-WOmm
74 (Officers. 4; Men, 70)
Radius ill Nauneal Miles:
Armament:
Camplemimt:
Pro-
gr:uftllne name buikie« laid down launched completed
WW.1 {DUBOURDIEU Lorient DY 4/18 1918
. ENSHGNE HENRY Lorient DY H/18 19(8
Notes: ENSJEIGNE HENRY was scuttled at Lorient on June 18,1940.
DUBOURDIEU was out of commission in Casablanca where she was Slink on. November 8" 1942.
Ardent class--4 ships
Displcwemellf: 266 tons standard (except ETOURDI: 310 tons)
Dimerrriolls.' 60.2001 (oa) x 7.2m x 2.90m
Machill-eI"Y; Normand or Du Temple. boilers, reciprocating, 1;.500 HP
Speed: 14 knots
Coal: 85 tons
2,OOOjLO knots 2-100mm (I x 2) 60
Radius in NOli! ical Miles:
Armamesu :
Complement,'
105
Pro-
gramme name builder I(Hd down
{ETOURDT Lorient DY
WW.l DEDAIGNE SE F. eh. Gironde TAPAGEUSE } A. en, de
AUDACfEUSE Provence
launched 19 6 1916 1916 19]7
completed 1917
1917
1917
1918
Note»: ETOUR_DI was scuttled at Brest on June IS, D 940.
DEDAIGNEUSE was scuttled at Toulon; refloated by the Italians and renamed, FR.56. She W!l:S seized by the Germans on September 9, 1943 but her final fate is unknown,
PATROL BOATS Ex-British traw]ers-8 ships
Displacement ,. Dimellsions:
Machinery:
A = 738 tons, B = 590 tons
A = 5450[11 .. 8.40m x Srn B = SOm x 8m '< jm I drum boiler. 1 reciprocating. shaft. 8UOHP (A), 750 HP (B)
Speed: 10 knots
RadilU ill Nauttcal Miles:
Armamem: l-I02mm, depth charges
Complemeiu :
Name
(A) P.B6 L'AlACIEN (ex·MlLDEN HALL) P.BS LA TOULQ NAISE (ex-H.t\MPSHIRE) r.us LA SETOISE (eN-ORI NTAl STAR)
(B) P.132 LA CANCALAISE (ex-SAINT AMANDUS) P.B3 LA HAVRAlSE (ex-SAINT ATTALUS)
P.B4 LA LORL NTAISE ex-SAINT ANDRONTCU P.B5 LA NANT AJSE (ex-SAINT ARCADIUS) P.B7 LA BONOISE (ex·CA ADIAN PRINCE)
Notes: These trawlers, fitted with asdic, were transferred from the Royal avy in 1940.
106
LA CANCALATS struck a mine and sank in the Channel on May 1, 1940. LA LORfENTAlSE was scuttled at Boulogne on May 21, 1940.
LA HAVRAlSE was scuttled at Toulon on NOII'~mbe~ 27, 1942. She was refloated and manne-d by the Germans under the designation 01.6078 but was sunk, possibly by the submarine CASAB~CA onJune 9,1944. ..
LA NANTAISE took part in the Dunkirk operations. She was seized by the Royal Navy ·on July 3, J 9401 and later sUJOk, wbile under [he British flag, after a
collision Olll July 8, 1945. ... .
LA. :BONQ]SE, LA SETOISE, LA TOULONNAISE and L'AJACCIE~ were scuttled at Oran on November 9, 1942. The two latter wert'. refloated 10 1'945 and resumed their escort duties until the war ended.
Ex-US trawlers-6 ships
Displacemem: 738 tons. GRT 409 tons
Dimensions: 42.S0m X 7.50m x 4.30m
Machinery: 1 drum boiler, 1 reciprocating, 1 shaft, 550 HP Speed: 9 knots
Radius if! Nautical Miles:
Armamelll: 2-100mm, depth charges
Complement:
Name
P.54 L'AD...GEROIS.E (ex-COOn P.56 L'ORANAISE (ex·BRANOn P.S.7 LA QillMFER.OISE
P.SS LA SABLAli.SE (ex-LOON) P.59 LA SER ANAISE
P.55 LA CHERBOURGEOISE
Notes: LA QUIMPEROlSE was captured by the enemy in June 1940 at Lorient. Her final rate is not known.
l.A CHERBQURGEOlSE was cuttled off Verdon on June 23, 1940. L'ORANAISE was seized by the British on July 3, ] 940 and fitted as B. boom defence vessel,
Ex-US Navy submarine chasers of the PC typ _ 32 ships
Displacemellt: 325100 slandard;_430 LOIl~ Iull load
Dimensions: 52.95m oa) x 7.IJ:>m x 3.25m
J"VIachim!ry: 2 General Motors Diesels, 2 shafts, 3,600 HP
. Speed: 19 knots Ga oil: 62 tons
RadillS in Nautica! Miles: 6,000/10 knots, 2,300/18 knots
Armament: 1-76mm, I Omm AA, 5-20mm AA, 2 DCT, 2 racks (depth charges: 24)
Compleme1l.l: 63 (Officers. 4; Men. 59)
Pro-
gramme name
{SAB'RE (ex-PC. 1248 ww.u C]METERRE (ex-PC. 1250) PIQUE (ex-P .1249)
{aid dow/!
launched HI/I/44 9j3/44
9/2/44
Completed 1944 1944
1944
buttder
Nashville Bridge ashville Bridge
Nashville Bridge 107
(DAGUE (ex-PC.1561) leathern D. Smith 15'/4/44 1944 "0
COllTELAS Leathem D. Smith 4/2/44 1944 u
~ex-PC.15(0) U
-'
JAVELOT Leathem D. Smith 8/6/44 1944 -:.
~
(ex- Pc. 1 5(2)
EVEELLlt (ex=PC.471) Defoe 9/6/44 1944
L'f\RDENT Defee 7/7144 1944
(llx-PCA73i
L'ENJOU Defoe 15/7/44 R944
(elt-PC.482)
L'INDISCRET Defoe ]/6/44 1944
(ex-Pc.:.474)
LE RE-SQLU Defoe 23/6/44 1944
(ex·PC.475)
LE RUSE (ex-PC.472) Defoe 30/6/44 .ll944
L'EFFRONTE Defoe 16/6/44 1944
(ex-PC.4BO) 21/7/44 1944
LE VOLONT AIRE Defoe 8/6/44 1944
(ex-PC.549)
LE VIGILANT Leathem D. Smith 15/6/44 1944
(ex-PC.S50)
.t' A TTENTlF Jeffersonville 30/,6/44 1944
(ex-PC.S51)
BUSSARD Sullivan 26}1O/44 1944
fex-PC.ll35)
LEGIONNAIRE Leathem D. Smith 601/44 1944
WW.11 (ex-PC. 1226)
DRAGO (ex-PC.557) Luders Marine 25/10/44 1944
GOUMIER Defoe 17/10[44 1944
(ex-Pc. 545)
CARAB[N[ER Luders Marine 19/10[44 1944
(ex-PC.625)
FANTASSIN NashyiUe Bridge 30/10/44 1944
(ex-PC.621)
GRENADlER Jeffersonville 16/10/44 1944
(ex-PC. 625)
nRAlLLEUR Defoe 30/6/44 ]944
(ex-PC.S42)
VOLTIGEUR Jefferscnville 6/10/44 1944
(ex-Pe.S59) Leathem D. Smith
LANCIER 18/11/44 1944
{ex-PC 1224
FRA CTIREUR Defoe 1/6/44 1944
(ex-PC.546) Leathem O. Smith
MAMELUCK L9jIO{44 ]944
{ex-PC-551 ) Io.i
IANSQUENET Jeffersonville II/1U44- 1944 :J
iD
(ex-PC.626) '«
CAVAliER Jefferson ville 28/10/44 1944 Q
(ex~PC.627) -
SPAID (ex-PC.S91) Leathem D. Smith 1/10/441 1944 .8
-
Notes: These little ships, Quilt from 1942-44, were' transferred to the French Navy 1:1
~
in [944. All were filled out as minesweepers. IJ..
108 109 L'ENJOUE was torpedoed and sunk by the German submanne U.B70 On January 9, 194.5.
L'ARDENT was lost after a collision offCasablanca on Jarurary J 1,1945. SABRE sunk the Italian MAS.531 OiU December II, 1'9414. Thls PC and her sister ships PlQUE, ClMETERRE, COUTELAS. DAGUE, JA VELOT and VOL TIGEUR took part in the south or France landings and later operated with the Flank Force along the Italian and French rivieras,
SUBCHASERS
C.2S class (ex-WWl US type)-8 ships
Displacement: 60 tons standard
Dlmensians: 33.50rn x 4.7{lrn x 2.30m
Madlblery:
Radius iii Naurital.Mile.s.'
AI'ITlru1U!m: 1-15mm
Complement:
Programme name builder la;ddr.Hwl fall1lched completed
C.15
C. 5 L Walter E. A brams
C56
WW.ll C.58
C.74 C.S,1
C95 Mal.h:is Yacht
C.98
Notes; C.25 was scuttled at Toulon on November 27, 1942.
CSt was scrapped on November 10, 1939. C56 was scrapped on December 29, 1939. C.58 was scrapped on October to. 1939.
e.Sl was at Bizerte. where she was seized by the Germans on December 8, 1942 and was scuttled: in this port om May 6, 1943.
C.95 was scrapped no. October 10, 15139.
C.9S was at Dunkirk and wasthen seized by the British in July 1940,
C.I06 rC1ass-l ships
Displacemelli :. Dimensions:
Machinery;
128 tons standard
43.30m (oa) X 5.2Sm x 2.S0m
2 Normand boilers, recipreearing, I shaft, J,300 HP Speed: 16.5 knots
Radius ill Nautical Miles:
Armament: 1-75mm
Complement .:
Progmmme .name WW . .1 {C.l06 C.W7
builder Calderwood Annapclis Yaehr
laid down. launched completed 1920
1920
Notes: C.lll and c.n2 were rated as river gunboats and renamed COT BOURDAlS and. AVALANCHE.
Clm was sunk after a coli is ion on April 12, 1940.
(:;.106 was at Dunkirkand later seized by the British on July 3. 1940.
110
CR.I type-4 smps
Di.splacemelit:
Dimeusions:
Machinery:
148 tOI1lS standard
48.05m (oa) x 5.40m x L&Om
2 MAN or Sulzer Diesels .• .2 shafts, 2,000 HP Speed: 20 knots
Radlus in Nuufical Miles:
Armamem; 1-75mm, 2 machine-guns
Cumplement: 33 Officers and Men
Progmmme flame builder laid cWWrI lauflcJied compiefrd
- CH.1 A. Ch. de Bretagne 1932 1933 19B
CH.2 A. en. de Bretagne 1932 1933 1933
CH..3 A. eh. de Bretagne 1932 ] 933 1933
CHA A .. ell. de Bretagne ]933 1934 1934
Notes.' CR.1 was scuttled at Toulon 01'1 November 27, 1942.. She was refloated
anly to be cur in half by a bomb on August 6,. 1943. _ .
CH.4 was also scuttled at Toulon and was refloared on January 24, 1943. As German VI 6077 she was sunk by a bomb 01'1 July 5, 1944.
Subchaser eM3.
[JLC: Coli.
CH.5 type---12 ships
DiSpwcemen!':
DinUJUs.ions:
Mac:Jlil1ery:
Radius ill Nautical Miles:
Armament:
Complement:
107 tons standard; 135 tons full load. 37.Wm (oa) x 5.S0m >< 7.95rn
2 MAN Diesels, 2 shafts, 1,100 HP Speed: 16 knots
1,200;8 knots. 680/13.6 knots
J-7Smm, 1---40mrn, 2-20mrn AA. depth charges
111
Pro-
Ilr:amme !l(JIIIl!
CH.S (CARENTAN) CH.6
CH.7
CH.8 (RENNES) CH.9
CH.IO (BAYONNE) CH..U (BOUlOGNE) CH.12 (BENODET) CH.n (CALAIS) CH.14
CH.l4
CH..15 PAIMT'OL CH.16
builder
laid down
campiefed
A. 01. de France 1938
1939
1940
F. Ch. de la 1938
Mediterranee
1939
19400
Worms 1938
1939
1940
816/40
N~t~s: .Cl-L5 (CARENTAN) was operational at Dunkirk and seized by the BntlSn III July :J!940. She was later transferred to the FNFL but was lost in rough weather on December 21, 1943 between Poole and Weymouth.
CH.~ and CH.7 were sunk in the Channel in October ]940, while sailing under the Polish flag.
eR.a (RENNES) was sunk by bombs in the Channel on July 13 1942 while
manned by the FNFL. . ,
CR.9' was bombed and so badly damaged off Dunkirk that she was forced to beach on May 21. 1940.
CH.lO (BA YO~, CR.t 1 (BOULOGNE), CH.12 (BENODET) were eaprured ~Y the British in July 1940 and late. transferred to the FNFL. They took part m raids on Brunerval Oil February 28. 1942.
CH.B (CALAIS) was manned by the FNFL.
CH.15 (pA1MPO:t) was completing in Le Trait in June J940; she was towed to Cherbourg and later to Great Britain where she was seized on July 3, 1940. She was later manned by the FNFL.
CfI.16 was launched just before the Germans arrived at Le Trait. She was towed to Cherbourg and then to Brest; finally she was scuttled in the Groix Road on J une J 8, 1940.
CH.41 class-8 ships
Displacelllen f:
DimellSfotis:
Machinery:
RadiliS in Nal/fleal Miles:
A r mlll1l(i'11I :
]26 tons standard; 160 Ions full load 37m
1. M.4N Diesels, 2,shafes, 1,100 HP Speed: 16 knots
Uoo/13 knots, 500/[5 knots
1-15mm. 1--40mrn AA, 2-20mm AA, Depth charges: 24
29 (Officer 1; Men, 28)
112
Complement:
name
AUDIER- E (ex-<CH.41) LARMOR (ex-CH.42) LAVANDQU (ex-CH.43) CH.44
CHAS
CHA6
CH.47
CH,48
Noles: These little ships were specially designed for use in coniunciion with
eaplanes. .
CHAI (AUDJER· E), CH.41 ( ARMOR) and eRA) were seized by the
British in July 1940. Later they were manned by the FL and participated in
the abortive but glorious landing at Dieppe on August 19, 1942. .
Construction OF CH.44, 45 and 46 was resumed by tbe enemy as RA.2, RA.3 and RA.4 respectively. The fate of RA.4 is unknown. CH.47 ami 48 were cancelled.
Ex-US SC type-50 ships
110 tons standard; 138 tons full load 33.70m. x 5.70m X 2m
2 General Motors Diesels, 2 shafts, 1,000 HP
Speed: 15 knots Gas oil: 15 tons
2000/10 knots. I,150j15 knots
1-40mm AA, 3-20mm AA, 2 DCT, 1 rack (depth charges: 18)
25 (Officerv l; Men, 24)
Programme
blil/del' laid down launched
Ch. de Nermandle 1/5/39
en. de orman die l8/9/]9
ell. de ormandie 23/3/40
10/6/40 1941 24/10/42
Completed
com~ pteted 1943 1943 1943 1943 1943 1943 1943 1943 1943 1943 i943 1943 1943 1943 1943 1943 1943 1943 1943 1943
Disp/ClcemenI :
Dimensions:
Macilfrrer), :
Radius ill Newt ical Miles; Protection:
Armament:
Complement .Pro-
luid down Icnmcfled
name
CH.5 (;:x-SCl359) CH.6 (ex-Sen31) CH.51 (ex-SC.J336} CH.5Z (ex-SC.I 335) CR61 (ex-SC.1345) CH.62 (ex-SC.1344) CR71 (ex~SC.])37) CH.72 (ex-SC.1346) CH.81 (ex~SC.5J6) CH.82 (ex-SC.Sl7) CH.83 (ex~SC,519) CH.84 {ex-SC.S29) CH.8-5 (ex-SC.S07) CH.91 (ex-SC.649) CH.92 (ex-SC.691) CH..93 (ex-SC.6J.9} CH.94 (ex-SC.971) CH.95 (ex-SC.S08) CH.96 (ex.SC.497) CH.Wl ~ex-SC.S24)
builder Calderwood Rice Bros.
Rice Bros.
Rice Bros.
Rice Bros,
Rice Bros.
Rice Bros.
Rice Bros. Elizabeth City Elizabeth City Villeya.rd Mathis Yacht Mathis Yacht Delaware Bay Daytona Beach Elizabeth City Simms Bros. Marhls Yacht Westergard Malhi Yacht
gramme
ww.u
1113
CH.102 (l,:x-SC.525) Mathis Yacht CH.103 (ex-SC.532) Luders Marine CH.IM (exftSC.S33) Luders Marine CH.IO.5 (ell-SC.676) W. A. Robinson CH.I05 (ex-SC.690) Annapolis Yacht CHJ07 (ex-SC.693) Calderwood CH.UI (e,,-SC.S22) Annapolis Yacht CH.ll2 (ex-SC,S03) Rice Bros.
CH.I 13 (ex.SC.506) Luders Marine CH. L 14 (ex-SC.526l Mathis Yacht CH.115 (ex-SC.530) Westergard CH.1l6 (ex-SC.638) Elizabeth City GUll (ex-Se.SiS) Elizabeth City CH,] 22 (ex-SC.S34) Luders Marine CH .123 (ex-SC. I 029') Donovan CH.124 (ex-SC.77I) Seabrook: Yacht CH.125 (ex-SC.1043) Rice Bros. CH.126 (,ex-SC.1044) Rice Bros. CH.U1 (cx-'SC.692) Calderwood CH.132 (ex-SC.69l) Annapoll Yacht CRIll (ex-SC.695) Dayrona Beach CH.134 (ex~C.666) Wea.ver
CE. l3S (ex-SC.6S1) Westergard
CR. 136 (e::<:-SC.1030) Donovan
CH.]4[ (ex-SC.nO) Seabrook Yacht CH.142 (ex-SC.498) Westergard CH.143 (ex-SC.535) Luders Marine CH.144 (ex~SC655) Westergard CH.145 (ex~SC.97S) Simms Bros. CH.146 (ex-SC.979) Simms Bros.
WW.II
AUXILIARY PATROL BOATS
At thebeglnning of the war, numbers of small merchant ships and trawlers were requisitioned by the French avy and utilised as auxiliary patrol boats.
The largest were rated as QVi.W)s auxillaires, the others as pat~·OIIiUem's. After the Armistice, the greater part of these snips returned to their normal duties but some were captured and fitted Out by the Germans, Those which had taken refuge in British ports were seized by the Royal Navy until -lhe cessation of hostilities.
Ex-Mercbant ships
P.5 CAP CORSE
GRT: 2,444
Dimensions: 85.20m Y 11.53m x 5.75m Machinery: Reciprocating, 3,000 HP
Speed: 15 knots
Armament: 5-100mm. 3 machine-guns
P.2 CYRNOS
ORT: 2,405
DimensiQlls: 85,34m x 12.54m '- 5.75m Machinery: 2 Diesels. 3;500 HP
114
Speed: 16 knots
Armamet«: 5-100mm, 6 machine-guns ..
P.l MARJ'GOT
GRT: 4,048
Dimensions: 99.24m X 15.99m X 6m Machfnery: 1 geared. Turbine, 4.,000 HP
Speed: 16.7 knots
Armaml?lu: 4-100mrn, 2 macniDt·guns
P,i PASCAl. PAOLI
GRT: 33'78
Dimensions: 96m x 14_s.~·m X 5.20m Machinery: 2 geared Turbines, 5,300 HP
Speed: 17.75 knots
Armamem: 5-IOOmm,2 machine-guns
P.8 SAMPIERO CORSO
GRT: 3,823
Dimensions: lOO.50m x l4.63m X 5.40m MacMne'l'Y: 2 geared! Turbines, 5/000 HP
Speed; 17.75 knots , . .
Ammml?nf: S-lOOmm, 4-I3.2mrn AA, 2 machine-guns
P.] SIDl OBKA
GRT: 2,884 _
Dimensions: JOO.76m x 13.1311.1 5.60m
Machinery.' Reciprocaling, l,900 HP
Speed: 15.5 knots
Armamelll: 5-IOOmm, 6 machine~gllns
PA VILLE D'AJACClO
GRT: 2,443 _
Dimem'ions; 82m x 12.S3m x !i.75m Machifler.I',: Reciprocating, 3,000 HP
Speed: 15 knots
Armament: 5-10Gmm,2 machine-guns
NOles: CYRNOS was seized in 1943 and used as ~ submarine chaser under the
SG.13 pendant number. She was scuttled at Ma;.;ellies. 8/44. ...
PASCAL PAOLI and CYRNOS were also seized .by the Germans, The latter was manned later by ltalians and cuttled at ~ S~e~l~ (15{9/43). The former was renamed SG.5. She was scuttled at La Spezia 15/9/4).
Ex -Coasters
P.20 BARSAC (llll])
Pll. CERONS (1923) P.19 LEO VILLE (]922) P.22 SAUTERNES (1922)
GRT: 1,049
Dimensiolls: 6S.S2m x 9.33m x 4.52m Machinery: Reciprocating, 800, HP
Speed: 12 knots ..' '. ,
Armament: 4--l Olnm, 2-)7mffi AA. 4 rna Illne-gum,45 depth charges
P.26 USTRAC (1907)
'15
P.23 PESSAC (1907)
GRT: ns
Dimensions: 6O.27m x 8.S2m x 3.95m Machinery: Reciprocating, 600 HP'
Speed: 11.2 knots
A:mameut· 4-1 OOmm, .2-.3 7mnl AA, 4 machine-guns 4:5 d I h
P.24 MEDDe (1930) ., ept 1 C arges
f.25 POMEROL WHO)
CRT: 1,1.65
Dimensions: 72:.JOm x to.36m A 4.90m Machinery: Reciprocating, 900 HP
Speed; 12.6 knots
Armament: ~lOOmm,. 2-37mrn AA, 4m!lchine-gun8, 45 depth charges
Notes: P .20 was wrecked ofT Vigo (7/1 /40).
P.21 was shelled and sunk by German shore batteries off Fecarnp (12/6/40) P.2l foundered off Faroe Islands OJll/41). . . P.l9 was manned. by FNfL.
The others were manned by RN after L940.
Ex -Trawlers GRT> l~OOO
P.38
MERCEDlTA (1934), Bordeaux
qRT: 1,.162
Dimensions: 66.62rn x 10.52m x S.9Qm Ma"hinery: Diesel, J,OOO ill
Speed: 12 .. 5 knots
Armament: 3-100m:m, 2-17mm AA, 40 depth charges JUTLAND (1934)., Bordeaux
ORT: I,J60
Dimensions: 66.30m. x LO.94m X 6m Muchlnery : Diesel. 1,000 HP
Speed; 12. knots
Armament: 3-100mm, 2-37mm AA 2' machine-au 40 cI - I
h . > . "'I ",uI1S,.' ept 1
enarges
MINERVA (l931), Le Havre
GRT;' 1,160
Dimensions: 66.62m. X to . .:'i2m X 5.60m MachiNery: Diesel, 1,000 HP'
Speed: 12 knots
Armament: . 3-]lIDmm, 2-37mm AA, 40 depth charges VIKINGS {.I.9J5}, Pecarnp
GRT' 1,150
Dtmensions: 63.69m x lO.53m x m
Macltiner),: RedproC:atil1g, 925 _HP
Speed: 10 knots -
Armament: l-LOOmm, 2-31nun AA, 40 depth charges
GROENLAND (1930) } ,
PRESIDENT HOUDUCE (19JO) Fecarnp
GET: 1,179
Dlmenslon.t: 65.,64m x 10.55m x 5.43m
Machinery: Diesel, 925 HP .
116
P.37
P.42
P.41
P.29 PAO
Sp,ee.d: 10 knots
Armament: P.40 from 1939 to 1942: 3-100mm, 2-37mm, 4 machine-
guns, .2 racks
Dating from. 1942: 3-WOmm, 2-20mm AA, 4 machine-guns, 2 racks, 2 OCT
1'.43 SERGEN"T GOUARNE (ex-JACQUES CARTIER) (1928), La Rochelle P.45 ASPIRANT BRUN (ex-JEAN BART) (192S), La, Rochelle
GRr: U31
Dtmensions: 663201.":: .10m x 5.iOm Machille,..': Reciprocating, 850 PIP
Speed:' II knots
Armament: PA3: )-lOOmrn, 2~13.2mm AA, 4 machine-guns, 24 depth charge;'),
P.4S: from L939 to 1942: J-.lOOmm, 2-3.7mm AA. <1 machine-guns, 2 Tacks, 2 ncr
post 1942: 3-100mm. 2-37mffi AA. 1-20mm AA 2-lJ.2mm AA, 2 racks, 2 OCT
P.2S HEUREUX (1930), St Malo
GRT: 1.116
Dinwuio1l.s .~64.17m x 1O.42m x 6.lOm Macllinel'Y: U[esel. BOO HP
Speed,' 10 knots
Armament: 3-IOOmm, 2-J7mm AA, 40 depth charges
P.82 VIV AGEL (ex-SAHlP V. ex-ALFRED ViEU) (1927), Boulogne
GRT: 1.096
Dime1/S1'mu:: 63.4Lm x W_27m x 5.75m MadliTiery: Reciprocating, 1,250 HP
Speed: 1.0 knots
Ar"mmefl(: 2-iOOmm, 2.-37ITlIll AA, depth charges
P.1 1 CAP NnW (ex-[SLANDE), 1926. Fecamp
GRT: 1,033
Dimensions: 64.Hm X to.38m X 6m Macirirl'er)': Reciprocating, 1,250 ill
Speed: 1 0 knots
Armament: 3~IOOmm. depth charges
P.I? CAP .FAGNE'f (ex,-LUCJEN FONTAiNE) (l926), Fecarnp
GRT: 1,017
Dtmensions: 64.33m· IO .. 38m . 6m Machine.')'_' Reciprocating, L250 HP
Speed: 10 knots
Armament: 3-100mm, depth charges
Notes: P.38 was beached off Le Verdon after she had been mined. Salved (718/40) and paid off OlfJ2/40).
P.]7 was derequisitlcned (to!40).
PA2 was laid-off in September 1940. Captured in 1'942 by tine Germans and
utilised as subehaser UJ 2209. Lost olT Leghorn (16/3/44).
P.L"1 and P.l!! were paid off.
P.29 was captured by RN in June 1940 .. PAO was mal'!l1:eti by fNFL.
P.43 torpedoed German submarine off Alboran (26/3,,43). P.32 was captured by enemy. Mined off He de Re (3L/8/40).
P.I [ was captured by enemy, As UJ 2107 she was sunk by British MTB off
Sestrl Levance.
117
GRT> 800
P.J2 TEM RAlRE TI (1926), Le Havre
CRT: 965
Dimensions: 64.'93m x 9.33rn Machinery: Reciprocating, 850 HP
Speed; 1 D . .5 knots
Armament: 3-IOOmm, 2-37mm, depth charges
.P.IS CLArRVOYANT (ex-JOSEPH VANDEVALLE) (1922) St Malo
P.16 HARD! n (ex-.JULES BLAY} (1921), Sot. Malo '
P.14 VAILLANT (ex-EDOUARD WATTEAU) (1922)1, 5t Malo
GRT: 94.3
Dimensions: ~)_13m ,.{ 10m x 5.40m Machinerv: Reciprocating, 940 HP Speed: .. 10,5 knots.
Armament: J-lOOmm
P.B VICTORIA (1'928), Bordeaux
CRT: 849
Dimensions: 6O.Dm x 10m x 5.40m }Vlach/ner},: Diesel, 1,000 HP
Speed: 11.9 knots
Armamo«: 3~IOOmm
Notes: P.IS was captured ill 1943. Torpedoed as UJ 6075 by HMS U T.RING Sunk off Toulon (27/4/44). ..
PJ6 was captured! by Germans and utilised as subchaser UJ 2m I· fate
unknown. '
P.J 3 was shelled and forced .t(? .beach ~OTlh of Fidalah l8/11/42) by Brnish ships. P.32 and P.14 were derequlsitloned 111 1940.
GRT> 600
P.l8 TERRE- EUVE (1921). Fecarnp
GRT; 7800
Dimensions: 6O.83m· 9.15m x 5.50m Madliner',!: R,eciprocaling. 800 HP
Speed: ] I knots
A rmamenr: 2- I OOmm
P.36 PATRIE (920), St Malo
CRT: 7SJ
Dimensions: 60.9601 'X 9.75m . 5. SOm Machinery: Reciprocating, 794 Hf
Speed: l 1.5 knots
Armament: 3-IOOrnrlll,2- 7mm,4 machine-guns
P.J2 CAPRICOR E (19.21), Bordeaux
GRT: 742
Dimensions: 57.m!m . 9.D2m 4.50m
Machiner)': Reciprocating, 750 HP Speed: 10.5 knots
Armament: 3-IOOmm
P.lS ATLANTIQ E (920), SI Ma.la
GRT: 659
Dimensions: 5.190m >< 8.87m »: 5.30m Machinery: Reciprocating, 794 HP
Speed: 11 knots
Armament; 3,-IOOmm, 2-37mrn AA
118
P.39 REINE DES FLOTS (ex-BOIS ROSE), Fecamp
GRT.: 607
Dimension«: 52.09m X 8.24m X 4.80m MI1c1linery: Reeiprocating, 750 l-IP
Speed: 1 [.2 knots
Armament: 2-100mm. 2~37mm AA
Notes: P.IS was sunk at Mers-EI-Kebir (617/~)'
'.35 and P.J6 were captured ill June 1940 by the RN. .
P.39 was captured in June 1940 by RN and later transferred to FNFL.
GRT> 400
P.30 CAPITAINE ARMAND (ex-SiMON DUHAMEL) (1920), Boulogne
GRT: 584
Dimensions: 52.09m X 8.24m x 4.15m Machinerr "Reciprocating, 150 HP
Speed.' 1l.2 knots
Armament: 3-l00mm, 2-37mrn AA, 2 machine-guns, 24 depth charges
P.1O CAZOAR (1915), La Rochelle
ORT: 5tH
Dimemions: 48.59m x 9.22m Macnillery: Diesel. 1.3(10 HP
Speed: 15 knots
Armament: 2-100mm, depth charges
P.34 ASIE (1914), Boulogne
GRT: 551
Dimensions: 50,86m x 8.38m x 4,87m Machiner),: Reciprocating, 800 HP
Speed: 10.5 knot
Armament; }-I{)()mm, 2-37mm AA
1?95 NOTRE DAME DE FRA CE (1931). Boulogne
GRT: 433
Dimension»: 45.96m x 8m X 4.S0m Machiller),: Reciprocating, 690 ill
Speed: 11.5 knots
Armament; 4--75mm. 4 machine-guns
Notes.' P.10 was utilised by Germans as subchaser.
P.34 and P.95 were captured by RN in June 1940.
GRT> 300
P.63 PETIT POiILU (1920), Boulogne
GRT: 356
Dimensions: 43.26m x 7.40m kfachilU!I'Y: Reciprocating, 600 Iff
Speed: II knots
Armament:
P.M DUPERRE U917), Boulogne
P.67 MONT CASSEL (1917). Bculngne Armwnenr:
P.69 EXCELLENT (ex-W1l..LTAM LEECH) (1918), Boulogne
GR'T: 336,
Dimensions: 44.88m x 7.26m
119
Mcrchinf!I'Y: Reciprocating, 600 HP
Speed: 10 knots
Armament: 4--75mm, 2-37mm AA
P.90 SAINT PIERRE D'ALCANTARA (ex-:tvIERLU) (19J8) Boulogne P.65 JEA FREDER[C (ex-JAMES HULBERT) (1919), Boulogne
CRT: 329
Dimensions: 42.30m x 7.22m X 4.80m Machinery: Reciprocating, 600 HP
Speed; II knots
Armament: 4-----7Smm, 2-J7'mllil AA
PAS AMBROiSE PARE (1906), Boulogne
GRT: 326 .
Dimensions: 44.30m x 7.08m Y 4.30m Machinery: Reciprocating. 520 HP
Speed; 1 L8 knots
Armament: 2-37mm AA JEANNE fARIE (1919). Boulogne
GRT: 314
Dimensions: 43.4lm Y 7.22m x 4.20m Mac:hirxery: Reciprocating, 520 HP
Speed: 11.5 knots
Armament:
P.68 PIERRE ANDRE (ex-ROBERT CAHILL) (1921), Boulogne
CRT: 307
Dimensions: 42.0Sm X 725m X 4.50m Macllillery: Reciprocaring, 600 HP
Speed: 10 knots
Armament: 4-75mm, 2-37mm AA
PA7 NOTRE DAME D'ESPERA CE 0919), Boulogne
GRT: 311
Dimensions: 43.21m c 7.25m X 3.75m Machi"ery: Reciprocating, 515 RP
Spe,ed: J 2 knots
Armament: 3-100mm, 2-37mm AA.
P.46 AIGLON (1907)
GRT: 305
Dimensions: 45m ,t 7m
Maclliflf"ry: Reciprocating, 535 HP
Speed: 12 knots
Armament: 2-100mm. 2-37mm AA
P.49 MOUETTE (1906), BOlllogne
GRT: 30)
Dimensions: 4J.29m x 6.98rn ." 3.45m Machinery; Reciprocating, 520 IRP
Speed; 12 knots
Armamen«: 2-J7mm AA
Notes: 1'.69 captured in 1940 bv Germans, she became U.1804.
P.90 was captured in 1942 by Germans, she became U.2.ol.
P.65 W~ seized by R . Slink by German aircraft off Start Point (5/5/41). P.48 , 68,47 and 46 were also seized by the British,
P.49' scuttled at Brest (J 8/6/40). Refloated by the enemy; fate unknown.
120
GRT> 200
P.70 LES ILLATES (ex-JONES LYONS) 19J7}, La Rochelle
GRT; 294
DimensiO/u: 38.25m X 7.18m x 5.20m Machinery: Reciprocating, 480 HP
Speed: 10 knots
Armament:
P.?3 NAZARETH (ex-JACQUES rr, cx-WILUAM CARR) (1918), Boulogrre
ORT: 29]
Dimensions: 37.69m x 7.01m x 4.4{Jm Machinery: Reciprocating, 4.20 HI'
Speed: .0 knots
Armamem: 4-75mm, 2-31mm AA
P.62 ORIENT (1908)., Boulogne
CRT: 282
Dimensions: 42.74m x6 .. 95m Macililrery: Reciprocating, 520 HP
Speed: 12 knots
Armamens:
P.6Qo SURMULET (1905), Boulogne
GRT: 253
Dimensions: 41.45m X 6 .. 68m x 4.25111 Machillery: Reciprocating, 4500 HP
Speed: 11 knots
Armament: . '. _e..- B ('r/8/44)
Notes: P.70, German Navy.Bombed and sunk by .llied aircran at resi r.o '.
P.?3 was seized by Royal Navy. . . .
P.62 was manned by Germans as U.180S. Sunk by Allied aircraft off Memel
([ 1/11/44).
P.60 German Navy V. 1 8008.
Sailing Vessel and Yachts P.140 EROS (Yacht)
GRT: !,lOO
Dtmensions: 6111.1 x 9.76m x 4.:50m Madu:llerv: DieseJis, 1,500 HP
Speed:' 1.2 knots
Armament: ]-JOOmm
P.1OO MURAD (Sailing vessel) ORT;
Dimensions:
Machine",: I auxiliary DieSel, 140 HP
Speed:. .
ArmaJTumt: ]-75I1m1, l-37mm, 1 machine-gun
Nate: MURAD was wrecked off Leb:rnon coast. P.98 L'ALPHEE (ex-Yacht NLMET ALLAH) Dtsplacemem: ] .060 tons
Dimensions: 7J.2m X 9.6m x 4m
Machinery: Diesels
Sp(tl'd: 14 mots .
Armament: 1-75rnm, 2 machine-guns
1 ote: She became the German subchaser UJ.6073.
121
The French Navy also requisitioned three small boats belonging to Air France:
AIR-FRANCE r. AlR-FRANCE J U and AIR-FRANCE IV. They were renamed P.126" P.12S and P.J29.
CRT: 480
Dimensions." 59. SSm x 7"'8m X 1.50m Machinery; Z Diesels, 1,350 HP
Speed. 15.8lrnots
{in 1939: ~-l00mm
. in 1941: 1 __ 75m.m. 2-13.5m:mAA. 6 machine~gul:lf
Armamem: P.126 In Mar.ch 1944: 1-75II1m, J-25rrun AA, 2 DCT at the end of 1944: l-i'5mm. 1-20m.m AA Oerlikon, 1 nCT
HARBOUR DEFENCE MOTOR LAUNCHES Ex-British HULM class-25 ships
Dtsplacemem .Dimensions :
Machinery:
40 tons standard; 52 tons full load 21.60m X 4.6Sm x 1.80m
2 Gardiner or Thornycroft Diesels, 2 shafts, 300 HP Speed: 12 knOLS
Gas oil: 6.2 tons
2.200/10 knots
1-20mm AA, 4 machine-gulls, PALMYRE and BAALBECK had a 47mnl gun
8
RadillJ ill NOUlfcal Mlfes:
Protectian:
Armament:
Complement:
Pro~
laid dow"
CQmlaunched pleted
gramme
name
VP.I (ex-HDML.]249) VP.2 (ex-HDML..Il138) VP.3 (ex-HDML.1223) VP.4 (ex-HDML.1240) VP.5 (ex·HDML.l 166) VP.6 (ex-lIDML.1228) VP.1 (ex.HDML.U33) VP.S {ex-HDML.1 132) VP.9 (ex-HDMLJ 124) VP.I0 (ex-HDML.1250) VP.II (ex-HDMLllS2) vr, 12 (ex-HDML.1225) VP.l3 (ex-HDML.U42) VP.14 Cex-HDML 1136) VP.IS (ex-HDMl..lI44) VP.16 Cex-HDML U39) VP.ll (ex-HDMIL.I072) VP.23 (ex-HDML.114l) BAALBECK (VP.31) (.ex-HDML.I 1 66) PALMYRE (VP.32) (e·HDMLU43)
VPAl (ex-HDML.1425) VPA2 (ex-HDML.1457)
builder
122
12.3
EX-BRITISH MOTOR LAUNCHES
In the spring of 1941 the British Navy transferred the following four motor launches to the FNFL: ML123 ML.245, ML.246 and ML.247. They were renamed SAINT-RONAN, SAINT-GUENOLE, SAINT-YVES and SAINTALATN respectively. They were incorporated itn a Brhfsh Floulla and during the following winter escorted numerous convoys along [he Channel coaSL-a monotonous but vital task,
At the b<;:ginning of 1942 31 second batch of four ships. was delivered: SElN o(ML.1B2), MOLENE (ML205), BEN1GUET (ML.269) and OUESSANT (ML.303).
These eight motor launches composed the entirely French 20th Flotilla: the unit was changed in August 1942 to become the 23rd MTB Flotilla ( ee Motor Torpedo Boats, p.12i).
REQUISITIONED HARBOUR DEFENCE LAUNCHES
At the beginning of the war the French avy requisitioned 86 trawlers. They were fitted out as light minesweepers and harbour defence launches ; they carried the pendant prefix leiters VP followed by a number.
COAST AL MINESWEEPERS Ex .. US YMS type~31 ships
Displacement :
Dimensions:
Machinery:
Radius in Nant tea! M iles .. Armament _.
Complement .-
Pro-
gramme 'lame
D.202, (ex~YMS.77) D.301 (ex-YMS.169) D.3U {ex-YMS.36) D.312 (ex-YMS.6:3) D.313 (ex-YMS.58) D.314 (ex-YMS.226)
, D.315 (cx-YMS.28) D.316 (ex-YMS.:!7) 0.317 (ex-YMS.13)
ww.n D.31S (ex.YMS.78) D.321 (.ex-YMS.S6) D.322 (ex-YMS.16) lU23 (ex- YMS.,62) D.324 (ex~YMS.43) D.325 (ex-YMS.S2) D.326 (ex-YMS.63,) D.327 (ex-YMS.20) D.33l (ex-YMS,55)
203 tons standard; 325 tons full load 4L45m (oa) x 7.47m . 3.65m
2 Diesels, 800 H1'
Speed: 12 knots
.2,500/12 knots
1-70mm AA, 2-20mm AA, 2-13mm AA )0 (Officers, 2; Men. 28)
laid
bulider do IVIl
Stadium (Cleveland) Daehel-Carte r
Gibbs Gas Engine
Gibbs Gas Engine
Gibbs Gas Engine
Frank L Sample Greenport Basin Hllrebrant
Rice Bros.
Stadiur» (Cleveland) Hiltebrant
Rice: Bros.
Gibbs Gas Engine Wheeler
Stadium (Cleveland) Stadium (Cleveland) Greenport Basin Gibbs Gas Engine
124
COIn{awu;hed pleted
[D.332 (ell.-YMS.18) Herreshoff. .
D.333 (ex-YMS.27) Greenport Basin
D.334 (ex-YMS.)3) Hiltebrant .
0.335 (ex-¥MS.29) G~eenport Basl~
0.336 (e:<.-YMS.64i) G!bbs .Gas Engine
D.331 (ex-YMS.63) GIbbs Gas Engine
WW.lH D.388 (ex-YMS.15) Rice Bros. .
lD']51 (ex- YMS.23) Greenport Bas!TI
D.352 (ex-YMS.26) Greenport Basin
D.353 (ex-YMS.)~) Greenport Basin
D.354 (ex-YMS,207) Robert Jaco? D.355 (ex-YMS.208) Robert Jacob
D.356 (ex- YMS.227) Frank L. S~ple .' I
Notes: These coastal minesweepers wer!! !Xansferred [rom the S Navy In 1,944. D.301. 311. 311 and 371-373 were originally numbered D.201, D.211. D.213
and D.271-D.2i3. . . 0 t b 1944
The D.2.o2lex-YMS.77) was unk by a nune III coer ..
Ex-British MMS type-14 skips
D" lacement: {(A) 16. 3 to .. ns 'S.tandard; 200-210 tons full load
IIp (B) 354 tons standard; 425 tons full load
Dimensions: (A) 37.50m x 6 . .86m x 3m
(B) 42.62m x 7.92m x 3.71m .
Macbille/')': Generally 1 Harland & Wolff Diesel
Speed: 11 knots
Radius ill Nautical Miles: 2,500jLI knots . . ,
Armament: 2-13mm AA. 4 machine-guns
Complement: 18 (Officers. 2; Men, 16) laid
Programme
lA)
builder
down
comlaunched pItHed
name
D.361 ex-D.241 (ex-MMS.2L)
0.362 ex·-D.242 (ex~MMS.184) D.363 ex-D.251 lex-MMS.47) D.364 ex-D.252 (ex-MMS.9) D.365 ex-ID.261 (e~-MMS.J 16) D.366 ex-D.262 (ex-MMS.ll8) D.367 ex-D.29L ( ex-MMS.133) D.368 ex-D.292 (ex-MMSJ 34)
fB) :0.341 (ex.MMS.1039) D.342 (ex-MMSJ032) D.34.3 (.ex-MMS.I024) D.344 (ex-MMS.I040) D.345 (clC-MMS.lIB3)
D.346 (ex-MMS .. I036) ..
. otes: All these minesweepers were transferred from the Royal Navy during
1944--45.
125
A coastal minesweeper (ex-US YMS type).
[JlC Coil.
Auxiliary minesweeper AD 85 NOTRE DAME DE. LORETTE.
[ECA
126
AUXILIARY MINESWEEPERS
At the beginning of the war the 'French Navy requisitioned a great many fishing trawlers for minesweeping duties. They all had a pendant designation beginning with the letters Afh, followed by a number. Their displacement varied from 50-250 tons and armament differed between the vessels. 'Wooden trawlers were equipped for detecting magnetic mines when this weapon appeared.
It is not possible in lhis smallbook to give the names of all the snips. However, they played a great and glorious part in the figliilli1g in the North and suffered heavy losses, A Est of these will be found in the War Lossessection on page j 69.
Five sea-rescue vessels had alsn been purchased from Air France and fitted out
for minesweeping duties, they were:
PRlMEVERE (450 tom) FAUVETIE II (315 tons) CAP OURONNE
JEAN RlGAUD OOLONEL CASSE
The FAUVETTE IT was cuttled at Toulon,
MOTOR TORPEDO BOATS
In 1939 [he French avy possessed a small number of motor torpedo boats,
VTB 8, 10, 11 and. 12
These little ships were built by Chantlers et Ateliers de Ia Loire and Sllbur Meulan.
Dispiacnnent: 28 tOI1S
Lellgth: 20m
Engines:' 2 Lorraine; 2,200 HF
Speed: 45 knots
Armament: 2 DAR 400mm torpedoes, 2 DARNE 7.5mm machine-guns, 6-3Skg depth charges
VTB.ll and VTB.I2 took part in operations in the Channel. They were seized by the British in July 1940 and renamed MGB.98 and MGB.99 respectively. The former was sunk at Gosport during a bombardment in March 1941 and the latter was struck off the: rolls in 1945.
VTB 13 and 14
Were of the same type and had only just begun building: in 1940: they were dismantled on the slipway.
VTB 15 to VTB 22
The order for these ships was cancelled while the results of trials on VTB.ll and VTB.12 were being studied.
VTB 23 to VTB 40
These were ordered from the British Power Boat Company.
D'isplacemenf: 20 tons
Speed: 45 knots
Armament.: 4-----4OOmm torpedo lubes. 2-13.2mm Hotchkiss machineguns, 8-.35kg depth charges
Only VTB.23-28 were ready in Lime to participate in the Channel operations; they were taken over by the Royal Navy at Hythe in July 1940 and later commissioned by the British as M.A,/SB.50-5l and th~n as MGB.50-53. The VTB .. 27, which bad not completed her trials, in July 1940 was also seized by the British and reclassed as M.A.JSB.:54 and then MGB.54. The remaining MTBs were not delivered to the French avy,
'27
MTBs
At tile end of 1942 the British transferredeight Vosper-type MTBs (MTB.90,
91,92,94,96,98,227 and. 239) to the FN L: .
Displacement.' 60 tons full load
Dtmensions: 21.30m;.: 5.5m X L85m
Engines: 3 Packard, 3,600 HP
Speed: 42 knots
Armament: 2-533mm torpede tubes, J-20mm Oerlikon gull, 2 heavy machine-guns, 2 light machine-guns, 2-200kg deeth
charges .
Complemem: .14 (Officers, 2; Men, 12)
. These. little ships which formed the 23rd flotilla, together with their British Sister ships and MGBs attacked enemy coastal traffic in the Channel arid North Sea .. Man), enemy ships were sunk or badly damaged. They also rook pan in special nussrons to France and other occupied countries.
RIVER GUNBOATS Tourane class-2 sbips
Displacemellt; Dimensions:
Machinery:
95 tons standard
35m loa) X 5.3Sm x O .. 9(}1D 1 Diesel, 1 shaft, 250 HP Speed: 10 knots
500/10 knots
1-75rnm,l-37rnm AA, 2 machine-guns, 1 mortar
Rodil1s ill Nautical Miles:
Armament:
Complemenr:
Pmgramme flame builder laid down launched compleied
TQUR.ANE Saigon DY 1931 ]933 1934
MYTHO Saigon DY 1931 1933 1934
Notes: The TOURANE was scuttled in the Donnal (Cochinchina) during the Japanese attack on March 9, 1945.
MYTHO was scuttled ill. the Mekong deltajust before the Japanese assault.
Francis Gamier-c-I ship
Disp/acel'flenl,' Dimensions:
Machi/Ie,.), :
639 tons standard
52.50m X l0.30m X 2.20m
2 Du Temple boilers, 2 reciprocating, 2 sbafts 3,,200 HP ' Speed: 15 knots
Radius In Nautiea! Miles:
Protection: light against bullets
Armament: i-lOOmm, 1-75mm AA, 2-31mm. 2 machine-guns
Complernelll: 103 Men
Name builder laid dow" launched completed
FRANCIS GARNlER en. avals Francais 192·6 12/27 1931
Notes: This river gunboat was scunled in Indo-China on March 9'. 1945.
Dondart -de-Lagrce class-2 ships
Displacement:
DimeruiOllS:
201 tons standard 54_40rn x 7m x l.40m
128
gl'amme flame DOUDART-DELAGREE
BALNY A. Ch. de Bretagne 6/14 1920
/'fares: These two river gun bears wer~ assigned to duty on the Yangtse-Kiang nver. The former was phased out rn 1939 and the latter at Tchoung-King ill 1940.
Afachillery:
Radius ill Nal/fical Miles:
Protection .Armament:
Complement :
Pro-
2 Fouche boilers, 2 reciprocating, 2 shafts, 900 HP Coal: 75 tons
light against bullets 2-75mm,2-37mm
59 (Officers, 4; Men, 55)
laia dow»
comiUll1lciled pleted 1909
bllilder
A. Ch. de Bretagne
eDT Bourdais class-2 ships
128 tons standard
4J.30m (oa) x 5.25rn x 2.50m
2 Normand boilers, 1 reciprocating, 1 shart 1 300 H P Speed: HiS knots
Coal: 28 tons
1-75mm
31 Men builder
laid down laullched completed 1920
1920
name
eDT BOURDAIS (ex-C.lll) AVALANCHE (ex~C.U2)
Displacement :
Dimensions:
Machinery;
Radius in Nauli'cai Miles:
Armnme1'lt:
Comptemem:
Programme
Notes: The e were ex-old subchasers utilised as river gun boats in Indo-China.
CDT BOURDAIS was cunled at HaIphong on Marcl19, 1945 just before the Japanese attack .
. _A.VALANCHE was shelled and sunk at My-Tho 011 March 9, 1945 by the AMl1lAL CHARNER to aVOId her capture by the Japanese.
Argu ·-2 ships
D.ispiacemellt:
D imensiass:
Macfl{l1er,lI:
218 tons standard
51.80m (oa) x 7.20m x l.20m
2 boilers, 2 recipeocating, :2 shafts, 600 HJ) Speed: 12 knots
Radius ;11' N(;mliral Mtles:
ProtecTion.' light against. bullets.
Armament: 2-75mm. 2-37mm, 4 machine-guns
Complement: 42 Men
Progrmnme name builder laid down' lal11ldied completed
ARGUS. Toulon DY 1922
VIGILAN1"E Toulon DY J922
Notes: ARGUS was nOL commissioned, although she was at Haiphong ill! L940. She was scrapped in 1941.
VIGILANTE was scuttled at Haiphong on March 9,. 1945.
129
E
Rivet gUl'lboa.ts rOURANE and MYTHO at Ha(pnong.
[JLC Coli.
River gunboat AVALANCHE
[JLC Coli.
130
131
-e U
~ SURVEYING VESSELS
Amiral Mouchez
132
719 tons standard; 970 tons lull load 62m (oa) x 10.60m x 3.90m
1 Suber Diesel, 2 shafts, 800 HP Speed: 13 knots
Radius ia Nantica; Miles: 3,400/13 knots, 5,000/11 knots
Armamem: 2-JOOmm (1 x 2), 4--20mm AA, 2-B.2mlll AA,
4 DCT, 2 racks (32 depth charges)
Comptement: 91 (Officel'S 4; Men; 87)
Pro- laid com-
gramme name builder down launched plered
1932 AMlRAL MOUCHEZ Cherbourg DY 1/35 3/8/36 1937
Notes: This ship was fitted out as an escort vessel during the war. She was incorporated in the French aval Task Force illl 1944 and fought German shipping in rne Atlantic.
D isplac,emf!ll t :
Dimensions:
Macliinery;
Le Goeland e1ass-6 ships
IJiJp!ace:menl.Dimensions:
Machinery,-
Radius ill NaLtlical Miles.Armament:
Comptement:
Programme
No details available,
1938
name
LE GO ELAND L£ PEUCAN
l..E CORMORAN LA MOUETTE l..'IEIS
LE BE GAZI
Noles: These six small survey vessels did not commence building.
President Theodore Tissier
Di'splaceme111 :
Dimensions:
MacMllery:
965 tons tandard; 1,240 tons full load SOm (oa) x a.75m ' 4.80m
1 M.A. ,Diesel. 1 shaft, 800 HP Speed: 11 knots
Fuel oil: 250 tons
This survey ship had a remarkable radiu • equal (,0 100 days COOtilll101J5ly at ]0 knots
Radiws in Nuurical Miles.'
Armament:
COl'll_f}iemcIlJ' :' Pro-
gramme name builde,.
PRESIDENT Worms
THEODORE TISSIER
laid down launched complefed 193,)
133
Notes: The PRESIDENT THlEOIDORE nSSIER was a.t St Valerv-en-Caux dluing the unsuccessful attempt to evacuate the Allied forces trapped there from June 11-H, 1940. She was seized by the British on July 3, 1940 and later manned by the FNFL.
Chimere (ex-tug Zelee}-l ship
Displacement :
Dimen:~iOIlS' :
Madlillery:
613 rons 48.15m
Reciprocating engine, I shaft, 900 HP Speed; 12 knots
Radtlls in Nautical Miles:
Armametu:
Complemelll :
Programme 11.0"1£ CHIMERE
laid dawl! lauI/ched
completed J901
budder
NOli'S: This old survey ship was scrapped just after the beginning of the war.
Laperouse-vI ship
Displacement: J8:l tons standard
Dtmensions: 63.60m x 8.50m x 5.50m
Machinery: L drum type boiler, 1 reciprocating engine, 1 shaft, ],100 HP
Speed: ] 1 knots
Fuel oil: 132 tons
Radius ill Naill leal Miles:
Armament:
Complement:
Programme name LAPEROUSE
1-7.5mm
104 Men
butlder Brest DY
laid down launched completed 21/11/l9 1920
Notes: An ex-Navy transport of the Coetlogon class, this ship was lengthened prior to beginning survey duties. She was fitted with a new boiler in 1938. She was scuttled in the Cantho river (indo-China) on March D, 1945, when tbe Japanese attacked,
Astrolabe class-5 ship
Displacement z DimelisiOlts:
Machillerp:
3,15 tons standard; 460 tons full Load 43.50m x 7.3001 x 3.60111
2 boilers, reciprocating engine, 1 shaft, 450 HP Speed: ]0 knots
Coal: 120 tons
Rod/liS in au/ical/\lUtes:
Armament.' 2-47mm (I x; 2)
Complemel!t: 32
Programme ,rame builder
ASTROLABE
GASTON RIVIER 'OCTANT
ESTAFETTE SENTINELLE
Jaid dow« ImUlched completed 1918
1918
19]8
1918
1920
134
NOles: These little ships were fined out as patrol boats during the war.
ASTR.OLABE was sunk by US aircrafu at Tourane (Indo-China) Oil
February 24 •• 944.
OCTANT was sunk by aircraft from Task Force 438 on January 12., 1945. GASTON ruVIE:R was at Dunkirk. and was later seized by the British. ESTAFETTE was disabled by the USS TILLMANN on November 8, 1942
and Forced to beach at Boaznika (Morocco).
SENTINELLE was in North Africa when the Allies invaded the COUO[ry.
ARMED MERCHANT CRUISERS
In September .939, the French Navy requisitioned five passenger ships and six fruit ships, commissioning them as auxiliary cruisers.
Their armament generally comprised B8mm gums, of the 1924--7 model, or 150mm guns from ex-German light cruisers which had! been incorporated into the French Navy after World War I. This armament varied between the ships, according to their size and the so1idity of their decks,
Ex-Passenger Ships X.OJ ARAMIS
GRT: 17 •. 5]1
DitnensioJis: 165.40m x 21.20m x 8.65m Machinery: Diesel engines. L4,100 HP-two shaIts
Speed: 14 knots
Armamenr: 8-13 mm, 2-75mm AA, 2-31mm AA
This passenger ship was derequisitioned ill Indo-China ill L940. Later she was captured by the Japanese and sunk as TEILA MARU by USN submarine RASHER.
X.17 EL DJEZATR
GRT: 5,190
Dimensions: 118.88m x 16.40m x 5.52m Maclll11ert: 2 geared Turbines, 12000 HP
Speed: 22.75 knots
Armametu: 7-138mm (1 x 7), 2-75mm AA, 4-13.2mm AA (2 x 2). 4 machine-guns
This ship took part in the Norwegian campaign hut was released from duty in 1940-41 see War Losses, p. 168, for her later rate).
X.IO COLOMBIE
GRT: 13,390
Dimensions: 147.73m X 20.3401, 7m Machinery: 2 geared Turbines, 8,800 HP
Speed: 16.75 knots
Armament.' 7-150mm (1 x 7), 2-75mm AA, 2~37mm AA, 4- 13.2mm .6;A (2 x 2)
X.16 EL KANTA'RA
GRT: 5.,079
Dimensious: H6.351m X 16.4m x 68111 Machillery: 2 geared Turbines, 8,000 HP
Speed: 2J knots
Armament: 7-B8mm. 2-75mm AA, 2-31mm AA
This ship took: part in the Norwegian campaign but was released from war duty in 1940 or 1941 (see War Losses, page 168. for her later fate).
135,
X.06
EE.. MANSOUR
GRT; 5.818
Dimensions: 117.98m X l6.47m X :5.51m
Speed: 22 knots
Armament: 7-138mm (1 x 7), l-75mm AA, IJ.2mm AA (2 X Z),
4 rnachlne-guns
VILLE D'ORAN
GRT: 10,172
Dimensions:I40.79m x 19.26rn x 6.56m Machinery: Reciprocating engine" 1,8,,000 HlP
Speed: 23 knots
Armament: 5-138mm, 2 machine-guns
KOUTOUBIA
GRT:8,790
Dimensions; 130m 17.80m x 728m
MachillerJ': 2 geared Turbines, 8,000 HP
Speed: 18 knots
Armament: 8-138mrn (1 x 8), }-37mm AA, 1-25mm AA. 12- 13.2rnm AA, 4 machine-guns
X.05
X.04
X.l9 HARFLE UR
GKl': 3,1,00
Dimensions: l02.6m X 13.9m X 5.7Sm Machinery: Diesel
Speed: 16 knots
Armament _. 1939-41: 7-1S0mm (I x 7), 2-75mill AA, 4-37mm AA, 8 machine-guns
1943-45: 2-150mm (1 >( 2); 2-75mm AA. 6-20mm AA 1945: 2-150mm (l '< 2), 2-75mm AA, 6-20mm AA, 4 x 13.2mm AI\.
This auxiliary cruiser was in commission until 1945. Her armament was removed at the end of that year and she was later employed as a transport ship.
X.3 CAP DES PALMES
3;082
I02.30m x )3.43m x 5.50rn ] Diesel, 4,500 HP
17.5 knots
1941--42: 2-90mm guns
19'43: 2-151mm (l x 2), 12-20rnm AA, &-533 torpedo tubes, 4, ncr
This ship was cap tu red by the Royal Navy in 1942 and re-armed with British weapons in. ]943.
GRT:
D'itnel'ukms:
Ma.c1lin:erv:
Speed: . Armament;
X.21 ESTEREL GRT:
3,100
9'.1.50111 X 13.9m X 3.1m I Diesel, 3,.700 HP
15.5 knots
7-138mru (1 x 7), 2-75mm and a number of n.2mm AA maehin e-gun
This auxiliary cruiser was released from duty in 1940 ( ee War Losses, p, 168. for her later fate).
Dimensions .' Machinery.:
Sp'eed:
Armament,
136
X.20 Q ERCY GRT:
Dimensions:
Machinery:
Speed:
ArmCJ:l1Ielll:
3,100
98.50m X 13.20m X 5.2m 1 Diesel, 3,700 .HP
15.5 knots
Similar to ESTEREL but in 1941 was re-armed willl 3- B8mm. 8-37mm AA and ]0 machine-guns and later with only L-138mm. 2-J7mm AA and 8-20mm AA.
Armed merchant cruiser QUERC'Y. She was in commission unfil 1947.
[Me
x.n CHARLES PLUMIER
CRT: 4,500
Dimensions: I ]4.50m X IS.SOm x 5.9m Macliillel"}': Diesel, 5,200 HP
Speed: 17 knots
Armament." 7-150mm (1 x 1), 2-75mm, 2-37rnm AA, 4 machinegullS
This auxiliary cruiser was released from duly in 1940.
X.7 BOVGAlNVTLLE (ex.vICIOR SCOELCHER)
GRT: 4,500
Dimensions: 114.50m X 15.80rn x 5.9m Madrillery.: Diesel. 5,200 HP
Speed: ] 7 knots
Armament: 7-13Smm. (1 x 1), 2-75rnm AA, 2-37mm AA
Renamed "BOUGAlNVlLLE in hcneur or the first class sloop of that name sunk at Libreville, she was destroyed by British ships and aircraft at Diego Suarez Oil May 5, 1942.
137
SUBMARINE DEPOT SHIP J ules Verne----l ship
Di.fp.laceulf.'ll( :
Dimensions:
Machi"ery:
Radills ill Nautical Miles:
Armament:
Complemem:
4.,347 Ions standard; 6,340 tons full load 122m (oa) x J1.20m x 6.75m
2 Sulzer Diesels. 2 shafts, 7,000 HP Speed: 16 knots
12,000/15 knots, IS:,500/11 knots,
4-90mm AA (L x 4). 4-37mm AA (1 x 4), II machine-guns
286 (Officers, 12; Men, 274)
Programme name builder laid down launched completed
4/8/26 JULES VER E Loriem DY 1929 1931 1932
Notes;' The JULES VER E was equipped for the supply and maintenance of'a flotilla of six submarines, with accommodation for their personnel of 265 in addition to the hip's company. She was in service at Bizerte (November 1940), Dakar (March 1941), western Mediterranean (January 1944) and was later employed as a transport ship.
Submarine depot ship JULES V.ERNE.
MINELAYERS PoUux-l ship
Displacement ; Dimensions:
Machinel:)';
Radius in Nautical Miles;
2,46.1 UOIlS standard
64.2.0m (oa) X J S.50m X 6rn
6 cylindrialil boilers, triple expansion engine, 2 shafts, 41,000 HP
Speed: 14 knots
Coal: 367 tons
2,300/8 knots, 1,470/14 knots
138
139
140
Atmament:
Complement:
4-100mm (1 < 4), 2-37mm AA, 236 mines 162 (Officers, 5; Men. 157)
Programme name builder laid down launched campleted
POLLUX Swan Hunter 1917 ~918
Notes: The ex-Russian ice-breaker IL YA MUROMETZ, thls vessel was converted into a minelayer by Lorient Dockyard during 1928-29. She was used for rninelaying operations in the Channel and North Sea from September] 939 and June 1940. On July 3, 1940 she was seized by the British and converted ill to a training ship; she was returned to the French Navy in June 1946.
Castor-l ship Disptacemen: :
Dimensions .' Machtnery:
3.150 tons standard
{:I.. 20m x n.30m x 6.40m
6 S.E. boilers, 3 sets of triple expansion engines, 2 shafts, 6,,400 HP
Speed: 14.5 knots
Coal: 686 tons
2,300/14.3 knots, 4,500/10 knots
4-100rnm (l x 4), 2-37mm AA (1 2)' J68 mines
167 (Officers, 5; Men, 162)
Radius ill Nautical Miles:
A rmamen: :
Complement:
Programme name builder laid down launched cmnp'let'e'd
CASTOR Swan Hunter 19],6 1916 19m?
Notes; The ex-Russian ice-breaker KOZNA-MrnIN. this vessel was converted into a minelayer by Lorient Dockyard during 19'18-29. Disarmed after the Armistice he was seized by the Germans at Bizerre on December 8, 1942 and SCuttled in that port on May 6, 1943.
ETLAYER
Le Gladio:teur-l ship
Displacement:
Dimellsions .' lvlachiTlery:
1,858 tons standard; 2,293 tons fullload 113m X 12.70m x 3_SOm
2 Indret boilers, 2 Parsons geared Turbines. 2 shafts, 6iOOO HP
Speed: 18 knots
Fuel oil, 399 tons
Radius in Nautical Miles:
Armament:
Complement:
Pro-
gramme name builder laid down launched completed
1929'-30 LE GLADJATEUR Lorient DY 1932 10/4/33 1915
Notes: LE GLADJATEUR was scuttled at Toulon on November 27, 1942. She was rel'loaled by I heenemy on March 3,0, 1943 bUI was later sunk -by bombs.
4-90mm Ai\. (1 x 4),6 machine-guns 132 Men
141
TARGET VESSEL L'Impassible--l sbip
Displacemem.' va IJ tons
Dimeru;ollS: 1 CIOm x 12m x 4m
Machillery: 12,000 liP
ProgrQrmne IT{lme tmil.der laid dO'II'.1I launched compleled
L IMPASSlBLE Lorient DY 3/37 6/39 5/40
Notes: This ship had pot completed bt?lding at Lorieut when she &a!1~ for Great Britain where she took refuge during the war. She was not commjssioned by the -Royal Iavy and. was returned in 1946 when she was towed to Brest. Her building was not resumed and she was later IlSCO as a breakwater at Mers-elKebir,
LITTLE SEAPLANE SUPPORT SHIPS Petrel class~8 ships (:nwnbered nom 1 to 8)
Displucement:
Dimensions :
Machillery:
Radilt.r in Nautica} Miles:
Armament:
Complement .-
NOires: These eight small ships were employed as seaward defence launches or patrol boats.
80 tons
26.20m x 4.35m x O.95m 1 Diesel, 1 shaft. 270 HP Speed: Il.S knots
SEAPLANE TENDERS Sans Seuei class.-4 ships
Displacement.- 1,372. tons standard; 1,500 ions normal; 2,100 tons full load
95m (ea) X 11.16m x 3.2.0m
2 Sulzer Diesels, 2 shafts, 4,200 HP Speed: 16 knots
Gas oil: 230-240 Ions
7,OOOfl5 knots, 12,000/1 0 knots As dles~g[led, 1-75rnm (see notes)
D imensions .Machinery:
RadilH/ I'll Nautiea! Miles:
ArmlJment:
Complemen t .Pro-
gramme {lame
fSAN SDUe SANS PEUR
1937 'SANS PAREIL
lSANS REPROCHE (ex-SANS CRAINTE)
Notes: These four ships were laid down as, seaplane ten~cr~. They were still building; when the Germans captured them. Their construction was resumed and
142
builder
} .. nhO,"
laid down Immchi'd
completed
1940
see notes
seenctes
they were renamed URANUS (ex-SANS SOUCI), SATURNUS (ex.-SANS REP ROCHE), JUPITER (ex-SANS PAREIL), and MERKUR (ex-SANS PEUR). They well! reelassed as schn'ell gelefboDte (fast escorts).
SATURNUS was sunk by bombs in the Gironderiver in January 1944. JUP]TER was sunk by aircraft off Yeu Island on AUgllSI6, 1944.
The construction of ehe other two was almost finished when France was liberated and they were completed as survey vessels and renamed BEAUTEMPSBEAUPRE and LAPEROUSE respectively. Their armament was 2-105mm 1 x 2) of German type, 4-4Omrn AA (4 x I) and 4--20mm AA guns.
OILERS
La Dordogne---l ship
Displacemelll :
DimensiollS :
Machinery:
7,]33 tons standard ~ 15.160 tons deadweight 161.54m x 20.40m x B,80m
Reciprocating engine, 4,150 HP
Speed: 11.7 knots
Radius in Nautical Miles:
A rmament:
Complement: SO Men
Programme name builder laid don'T! ItllIIte-lIefl completed
LA DORDOGNE Armstrong 1'914
(eX-SAN ISIDO.RO)
Notes: This old tanker was scuttled at Brest on June J8, 1940; she was already on the disposal list.
La Garonne-l sbip
Di!lplacemem .DimellSiQflS; Machinery:
3,513 tons
120m x lS.40m x a.30m Reciprocating engine, 1,600 liP Speed: 1 I knots
Radius Iii Nautical Miles:
Armamem:
Comptemem:
Programme nome LA GARONNE
.2-IOOmm (] x 2) 65 Men
builde-r
laid down knmched
compleied J912
ales: LA GARO N"E was scuttled at Toulon on November 27, 1942. She was refloated by the Germans on April 21, 1944 and sunk by them to block [he ncrtb side of Toulon barbour on June 20, ~944.
Le Loin,g-l sbip
Displacement ; DimenslOtlS:
Machinery:
Radius in Nautiea! Miles:
Armament, Complemenr :
.1,481 tons standard; 9.,900 tons full load 153.45m X 15.40m "( 7.60m
2 Burmeister & Wain Diesels, 4,lOO HP Speed: 135 knots
2-100mm (1 x 2), 2~75mm AA (1 x 2) 70
143
Programme name builder laid down launched completed
LE LOrNG Ch, Seine Maritime 4/4/27 ]928
'otes: This oiler was voluntarily damaged in La Pall ice Roads on June 18,1940.
She was captured by the Germans (WANG RLAND) and scuttled aL Nantes in 1944.
Rhone-l ship
Displacement:
Dimensions:
Machinery:
2,785 tons
112.47m (oa) x B.70m x 7.60m Reciprocating engine, ] shaft, 2,100 HP Speed: 11 knots
Radius ill Nautica] Miles:
Armament:
Complement: 57
Programme name builder laid down Iauncbed completed
RHONE 1910
Notes; This old oiler was torpedoed and. sunk by the German vessel U.37 off Cap Juby on December ]9, 1940.
Anbe class-3 ships
Displacement; I,OS5 ions
Dimensions: 74m x l!l..58m x. 4.30m
Machinery; Breguet Turbines, 1,100 HP
Speed: 10 knots Radius if! Nautica! Mile: 1 ,5i80/10 knots
Armament: 2-15mm AA (1 x 2)
Complement: 70
Programme /lume bulkier laid dow« launched completed
AU:BE Lorient DY L920
LA DURANCE Lorient DY L920
LA RANCE Lorient DY L921
Notes: LA DURANCE and LA RANC were scuttled at Toulon on November
27, 1942.
LA DURANCE was refloated on May 7, 1943 and her wreck was found at
La Seyne In August 1944.
LA RANCE was refloated by the enemy on May 30. 1943 and towed to-
Marseilles on July 31, 1944 where she was scuttled.
AUBE was renamed DROME on May 10, 1940 and was damaged by bombs
at Bari in December 1943.
Le Mekong class-4 ships
Displucemellt: 5,482 tons tandard: l5,1:50 ton full load
Dimensions: 139m (oa) x IS.80m x 7.90m (mean)
Mac.hinery: 2 Burmeister & Wain Diesels, 4,850 HP
Speed: 13.5 knots Radius ill Nautical Mites:
Armament: 2-l00mm (1 X 2). 2~31mm AA (l X 2.)
CompfemenF: 75
Programme lI1JJne bllilder laid down launched completed
LE M KO G Penhoet 31/8/28, .11929
144
~ ID III
~ :;;
~ uj ....
0 <:
Il: 0
"<:( l:
I.D It
~ ...
(§ ~
Q 145
DUer HORN,
[JLC Coil.
14/3130
1930
i.E NIGER Ch. Maritime du Slid Ouest Deutsche Werft Hambourg Deutsche W~rft Hambourg
Nelles: ElORN and VAR were buill in Germany as part reparation for World
War r losses. . 21 1940
LE NIGER was set ablaze by bombs at Dunkirk on May ,. "
1930
1931
ELORN
1931
1932
VAR
Ni vose-l ship
Displacement .DirflensioflS :
MacMllery:
Radius in Nautical Miles:
8,500 tons standard: 14.160 tons deadweight 142 .. 34m (oa) X la.8rn .c a.75m
Quadruple expansion, 1 shaft, 3.400 HF Speed: 1 1 knots
146
Armament: L-]OOmm (l X 2), 2-37mm AA 2 x 1)
Complement:
Programme flume buitde» laid down launched completed
NlVOSE Deutsche Werrt 1931 1932
NOles: This oiler was purchased in 1934. She was torpedoed by German aircraft off Telles on November 11, 1943.
L' AdoUJi" chlls'S-6 ships
Displacement :
Dimensions:
Machinery;
Radius in Nautical Armament :
Complement:
Pro-
4.220 tons standard; 7.400 tons deadweight 132m (oa) x 16m x 6.20m
2 boilers. 2 Parsons geared Turbines, 1 shaft, 5,200 fIT> Speed: ] 5 knots
Miles: 10,000/10 knots
2-100mm (I . 2), 2-37mm AA (1 x 2)
laid down
completed 1939 1939 1939
gramme [8/8/36 1936 1937
builder
La Crotat
A. Ch, de France A. Ch, de France Worms
WomlS
name L"ADOmt LE LOT lE TARN
{LA CHARENTE LA MAYENNE LA BAISE
Notes: lE LOT was torpedoed and unk by a German submarine off Cap Juby on JUlI1e 22, 1943.
LE TARN was seized by the enemy at Bizerte on December 8, ]942 and towed to Genoa where she was scuttled on September 9', 1943"
L'ADOUR was torpedoed at Beirut by British aircraft in June ]941. She was later interned in Turkey.
The other ships did not begin building.
launched 9/10/38
1938
La Sa,one class-4 ships
Displacement:
Dimensions:
Muchinery:
19,900 tons full load 160m X m.. m Diesels, 14,750 HP Speed: 18 knots
l-IOOmm (I 2), 2-37rn:m AA (2 x 1)
Radius in. Natnicot Miles:
Armament:
Complement:
Pro-
gramme name
15)'38 {LA SAON"IE
LA SEFNE 31/12/38 {LIAMON .. "E
. MEDJERDA
Noles: Construction of LlAMONE and MEDJERDA. was abandoned, The other two oilers. were O!l, the stock in 1945 in an incomplete stale.
laid
baade, down
At. Ch, de France
comItwT1ched plete«
147
Com- Displaee-
BuiMers p/t!wci men!' Dimenskrns Machiaery Speed A rl~lt1.mellf
1917 620 nons 45mx7.30mx Triple expansion II
3.80111
Ch. de Bretagne 1919 622 Ions 57.20m x 7.90m Triple expansion 12 2-Jool11 01
x5.l8m 1,200 HP (I x2)
ell. cle Bretagne 191.9 622 tons 57.20m x 7.90m. TrIple expansion 12 2-100mm
x 5.18rn l,;WO HP (1 x 2)
Ch. de la Seine 1924 ~.!!20 tons 84mx 12m_.( Triple expansion 10
Maritime 6.20m 1,700 HP TRANSPORTS (requisitioned ships not included)
Name
JEANNE Elf GENEVIEVE
COt;TlOGON FORFAIT
AUlDE
Tr<Ulsport AUO£. (Me
F. Ch. de J81 Gironde
]2.5 2-75mm. 2-37111111 AA
GOLD
! 933, 2,152 tons 89m x 13 .SOm x 2. Burmeister &
4.70m Wain Diesels :1,850 HP
AUDE and GOLO were scuttled al Toulon (27/Ln/42), FORFAIT and COt:.TLOGON were transferred to Merchant Navy in 1941
REFRIGIERA TOR SHIPS (requisitioned ships not included)
CHAMPLAIN
Brest DY J919 511 tons
51.25m x Sill X Triple expansion
4.211] 1.,[00 HP
9 2.-75mm
_" HAMEliN IE
Ch, de Brctagne '1919 622 tons
51.20m x 7.9m Triple expansion
X .5J8m [,200 HP
11 2-10Omm (1 x 2)
AUSTRAL (ex-trawler LEON PORET
La Ciotat
1921 2,234 tons 63.4011:1 X JO . .20m Triple expansion II 1-75mm x4.S0m
La Ciotat
1927 2,234 Ions 63.40m x IO,20m Triple expansion 11 }-75I11m x 4.5001
BOREAL (ex-trawler REMY CHUlNARD)
CHAMPLAIN and HAMELIN were scuttled at Touloa (.27/11 (42); AUSTRAL and BOREAL were transferred 'to the Merchant Navy in 1941.
NAVAL WEAPONS
1. Heavy and Medium Guns
Lengrh Muzzle Weight of We(ght or Maximum Maxim~m
Calibre Model Ships of bore Velocity Projectile explosive Rote oj fire Range ill ceiling
calibre m]» it! kg c hm:g;e in kg metres
380 193,5 Richelieu and Gascogne Classes 50 820 884 1 35,000
340 1912 Bretagne and Lorraine Classe 4S 790 576 21.69 1 23,000
330 1933 Dunkerq ue Class 50 800 540 Beyond 30,000
305 1910 Courbet Class 45 783 432 1 23,000
203 1924 Heavy Cruisers SO 850 127 8 4 3]iOOO
203 1924 Surcouf 50 850 134 2 31,000
155 1921 Duguay-Trouin Class 50 770 56.5 3.34 4, 21,600
Jeanne D'Arc
152 1936 Richelieu and Gaseogne Classes 54 .. 3, 870 56 3.34 4 21,600
152 1930 Emile Bertin-La Galissonniere 54.3 870 54.3 ll,SOO
Class
138 .19'34 Mogador Class 50 800 40.6 6 only by gun 20,000
owing to fragili-
ty of the loading
system
DB 19'29 Le Fantasque Class 50 800 40.2: 12 20,000
138 1927 La Tour D'Auvergne and 40 700 40.2 or 1'1/15 ]6,650
Vauquelin Classes 39:9
First Class Sloops
(4 lIiso.~ cololfia{Jx)
138 1924-27 Auxiliary Cruisers 40 700 40.5 5,6 18,000
138 1924 Guepard and Valmy Classes 40 700 40.4 5/6 18,800
130 19]5 Dunkerque and Lc Hardi Classes 4:5 800 32.[ J4/15 19800 12,000
130 ]922 Chaeal and L' Adroit Classes 40 735 32 4/5 18,700
130 1919 Bourrasque Class 40 735 32: 4- 1.8,:500
100 19]6 Aurore arid R. Morillot Classes
150 151 Triple 152mm turrets of fast ba'itleship RICHEUEU In 1942,
[JLC CIlII.
152
Forward t30mm guns of,a 'r,500~ton destroyer',
[JLC Coli,
153
Length MIl:;zle Weight of Weigllto! Maximurn Maximum
Calibre Model Ships of bore Velodq Projectile explosive Rare a/fire Range in ceiling
calibre mrs if! kg cirarge i~i kg metres
100 1930 Melpomene Class 40 755 I 15 10 15,000
100 AA 1931 Algerie and Richelieu Class 45 755 15 10 15,800 10,000
100M 1927 Cdl Teste 45 755 15 s 16,800 ]0,000
100 AA 1925 First Class Su bmariaes=-Oil ers 4S 760 13.5 6 15,000 10,000
90 AA 1926 Colbert, Foeh, Dupleix and 50 850 9.5 0.9 6/8- 15,600 9,000
Jules Verne (in twin mounts)
75 1928 Second Class submarines 34,5 6.5 10,500
75 AA 1922-27 Duguay Trouin Class, Suffren 50 850 5.9 8. 14,000 8,000
Tourville Class and 1.500-ton
destroyers F,orward t55mm turret of light cruiser JEANNE D'ARC. 154
[.ILC Coli.
Forward' f52mm guns of ifght cruiser Gl.OIR'E.
[JLC Coli.
1'55
2. French lightano .. aircraft equipment
The following types of AA guns equipped the ships: Weight of Rate af
Muule
Caiibre Model Muullling Velocity Projeettle fire pel'
mis in kg mOlmring
37 1933 Twill 810 0.725 ,85
37 1925 Twin 840 0.725 30
37 1925 Single 840 0,,725 20 The prototype of a telecomrnanded twin 37mm AA turret was tested aboard ihe old Erst Class sloop AMIENS. It was used to good purpose at Dunkirk.
Tile French Navy also utilised single Dame 7.5mm. single, twin and quadruple MAC 7.5mm; single, twin and quadruple 8mm Hotchkiss rnachine-guns: twin and quadruple Hotchkiss 13.2mm heavy machine-guns and single and twin 15mm Hotchkiss automatic guns.
3., Allied anti-aircraft equipment
The most effective were the 40;n:n Bofors guns in twin or quadmple mountings and the 20mm Oerfikon gun.
4. Torpedoes
Big surface ships: 1929 Model D 550mm
Performance: Slow speed-20,OODrn/2.9 knots High peed-l4,OOOmJ35 knots
Aboard corure-torpilleurs and torpilleurs: 1923 Model DT Calibre: 550mm
Weight: 2,105kg
Weight of the explosive charge: 415kg Performance: Slow speed-14.000m/35 knots
High speed-1.0,OOOm/39 knots
Submarines: 1924 Model V Cailbre; 550mm Length: 6.63m Weight: 1,490kg
Weight of the explosive charge: 310kg (Tolite) Submarines: 1926 Model V (air turbine motor) Calibre: 400mm
Performance: Speed-l,400m/44 knots Aircraft;
[11 1939 the French Navy used the 400mn1 DAR torpedo, which had a rnaximum range of 1,OOOm at 35 knots. on board Lareeoere floarplanes. This torpedo was also employed aboard MTBs.
5,. Mines
During the war the French a:vy used mainly the following types of mines: .
Ca) Breguet B2. BJ., 84 M (l60kg) and. Sautter Hade H5 (360k.g) 001 board urface ships. 'there was also a 700kg Breguet spherical type.
(b) Breguet 220kg types for launch from submarines,
156
(Upper lelO A HIOmm gun aboard an aUl(ilia~y patrol boat. (Upper .right) Shfp-,D1!lSed lwin Hotchkiss heavY' machine-gun. (Lower left} A twin 550mm torpedo lube: (Lower right) A 340mm twill turret shore gun at Cap Cepet nea'! Toulon. [ECA
6. Shore-based ArtU~ery
During the war the shore batteries were generally equipped with old model Navy guns; occasionally slow-tire Army guns were used, especially in the Colonies.
The most efficient were:
the 1902 Model [94 with a maximum range of 25,00000, and the 1893-96 Model ,164 with a maximum range of l'9,OOOm.
Toulon was defended by a powerful 340mm twin turret situated at Cap Cepet,
The guns of the 1912 Mo(lellJ:ac.l a range of 38,OOI)m.. .
For the anti-aircraft defence of vitalmiiHtary installations the French Navy selected the 90mm Schneider gun. This weapon was the most modem and powerful mobile AA gun available at the time, II was similar to tile famous dual-purpose 88mn1 German gun, but unfortunately there were not sufficient numbers of them to' fully-equip all three services.
Bay~ri ehe $taatJ" ,j, J.hek Mlll"!cnen
WAR LOSSES Battleships BRETAGNE
PROVENCE DUNQUERQUE
STRASBOURG
Seaplane carrier eDT TESTE
Heavy cruisers COLBERT
FOCH
DUPlJE1X ALGERIE
Light cruisers LAMOITE-PICQUET
PRIMAUGUET
LA TOUR D'AUVERGNE
LA GAUSSONNIERE
JEAN DE V1ENNE
MARSEILLAISE
U Large destroyers JAGUAR
CHACAL LYNX PANTHERE
Blown up and capsized at Mers-EIKebir
Scuttled Toulon
SCUUIed at Toulon and later dismantled
Scuttled at Toulon Refloated
Sunk by bombs
SClIUI.ed at Toulon Refloated but not repaired!
Scuttled at Toulon Scu tt led at Toulon Scuttled at Toulon Scuttled at T oulon
Sunk by aircraft of US Task Force 38 at Saigon
Disabled at Casablanca
Lost as a result of an internal explosion at Casablanca Scuttled at Toulon
Relloated by Italians and renamed FR.12
Se1i:zed by Germans SUM. by bombs Scuttled at Toulon
Refloated and renamed FR.ll by Italians
Seized by Germans Sunk by bombs Scuttled at Toulon
Torpedoed and sunk by German MTB, S.21 and 8.23 otT Malo-I.esBains
Sunk by bombs off Cap d'Alprech near Boulogne
Scuttled at Toulon
Refloated but not repaired Scuttled at Toulon
ReHoated by lLali3J1S, towed to La.
158
'311140 21/11/42
27/11/42 27/11/42
17/7143 18/8/44
27/11/42
27/lJl/42 27fH/42 27fll/42 17/11/42
12/1/45 8/11/42
181'9/39
27/11/42
9/9143 1818/44 27/]1/42
13/2/43 9/9/43 24111/43 .1.7/11 liE ~l
.2JjS!40 24/5/40 27/11/42 22/1/44 27/11/42
LEOPARD BISON VALMY
VERDUN
GUEPARD
VAUBAN LlO
AIGLE
VAUTOUR
GERfAUT
MILAN BPERVIER
VAUQUEUN KERSA1NT CASSARD TARl'U
MAILLE BREZE
CHEVALfER PAUL l'AUDACIEUX
L"INDOMPTABlE MOGADOR
VOLTA
Spezzia as FR.22 and scuttled in thi port
Beached and badly damaged ncar Tobruk
Sunk by bombs 65° 42 and 07° 1 i E Scuttled at Toulon
Refloated and towed to Savone as Italian! FR.2:4 .. Scuttled a.l Genoa Scuttled at Toulon
Refloated
Not repaired
Scuttled at Toulon
Refloated
Sunk by bombs Scuttled at Toulon Not refloated Scuttled at Toulon
Refloated and towed to La Spezzia as FR.21. Scuttled at Genoa Scuttled at Toulon
R.efioa.ted
Sunk by bombs Scuttled at Toulon Refloated
Sunk by bombs
Scuttled at Toulon Refloated for demolition Sunk by bombs
Hit by a 406mm shell at Casablanca she had EO be beached. Not salvaged Badly damaged by cruiser HMS AURORA off Oran. Beached Refloated and scrap pen
Scuttled at Toulon
Scuttled at Toulon
Seuttledar Toulon
Scuttled at Toulon
Sank as the result of explosion or one or iller torpedoes at. Greenock Torpedoed and sunk by a British aircraft off Lattaquie
Set on fire and badJIy damaged by Australian cruiser AUSTRALIA at Dakar
Refloated and towed to Bizerte For repair. Sunk by bombs
Refioated but not repaired Scuttled at. Toulon .
Badly damaged at Mers-EI,·Kebir. Towed to Toulon and repaired, Scuttled in this port
Refloated but not repaired Scuttled at Toulon
Refloated later but not repaired
159
9/9/43 27/5/43 3/5140 27/11/43
1945 27/11/43 2919/43
21/U/42 4/9/43 11/3/44 27}11}42
27/11/42 1945 27/11/42 10/7/43 24/11/43 27/11142 17}7143
4/2/44 27/11/43 7/6/43 7/3/44
8/11/42
9/11/42 27/11/42 27/11/42 27/11/42 27/11/42
]0/4/40 16/6/41
23/9/40 7/5/43 27/11/42
27/11/42 27/11/42
lr Destroyers
DRAGE TRAMONTANE To.lRNADE
BO URRASQUE
STROCO TYPHON CYCLONE
LA PALME
LE MARS
LE BORDELAIS L'ADROIT
LE FOUDROYANT BOULONNAIS FOUGU UX BRESTQ]S
FRONDEUR
LA RAILLEUSE LE HARDI
LEFOUDROYANT (ex-FLEURET)
L'ADROH (ex-L'EPEE)
MAMELUCK
CASQUE
L- CYCLONE (ex-LANSQ UENET)
LE SIROCO
(eK-LE CORSAIRE)
Sunk by bombs at Boulogne Disabled by BriLish action at Oran Disabled by British action at Oran Shelled and mined off Nieuport near Dunltirk
Torpedoed and sunk by German MTBs 8.26 and S.23 near West Binder Scuttled er Oran
Scuttled at Brest where she was
repairing
Scuttled at Toulon Refloated but not repaired Scuttled at Toulon Refloated but [10[. repaired Scuttled at Toulon
Sunk by bombs at Dunkirk
Sunk by bombs off Dunkirk
Sunk by gunfire oflf Casablanca
Sunk: by gun fire of!' Casablanca Capsized in the harbour of Casablanca after fi,ghbng with US Task Force 34 Capsized in tbe harbour of Casablanca after fighting with US Task Force 34 Sunk by internal explosion at Casablanca
Scuttled at Toulon
Refloated and towed to Genoa Scuttled by Germans
Scuttled at Toulon
Refloated and renarned Flc.Sf Sunk by Germans lO block the seuthern entry of Toulon Scuttled at Toulon
ReHoated and renamed FR.33 Broken up
Scuttled at Toulon
Refloated Badly damaged by bombs Not repaired
Scuttled at Toulon
Refloated but not repaired
Scuttled at Toulon
Refloated and towed to Imperia as Italian PR.34
Seized and named TA.J4 by Germans Scuttled at Genoa
Scuttled at Toulon
Refloated and towed to Genoa as Hal ian F'R._32
Seized by Germans
Scuttled
160
23/5/40 8}1 n/42 SJlI/42
30/5/40 31/5/40 9jlJJ/40
18/6J40 27/lJ./42 26/12/43 27/Uj42
6/5/44 27/11/42 21/5/40
]/6/40 3/1 1/42 8/11/42
8/12/42 8/12/42 24/3/40
17/11/42 7/9/43 24/4/45 27/11/43 20/5/43
8/45 2:7/.11/42 20/4/43
27/11/42 6/8/44
27/11/42 27/11/42 31/8143 9/9/43 1945 27/11/42
10/6/43 9/9/43 28110/44
BISON
(ex.-LE FLIBUSTIER)
Scuuled
Refloated as FR.35-Pol1toolll SUl1k by II German submarine
Seized at Bizene
Towed as Italian FR.43 10 Italy Transferred to Germans and renamed TA.IO
Scuttled after fight with HMS ECLIPSE (Island of Rhodes)
Seized ai Bizerte
Towed to Italy as FR.41 Transferred to Germans and renamed T A.9
Destroyed at Toulon by Allied bombs
Seized at Bizerte
To,wedi to Italy as FR.43 Transferred to Germans and renamed T A..II
Sunk by Italian MTB at Piombino
Capsized at sea 25 miles off Eddystone Lighthouse
Scuttled at Toulon
Refloated as Italian FR.44 Captured by Germans
Renamed T A.D
Scunled at Toulon
Scuttled at Toulon
Refloated as Italian FR.45 Captured by German
Renamed TA.12
Destroyed by bombs in Aegean Sea.
Scuttlecil at Toulon
Refloated and later sunk
Sunk after she collided with US Cargo ship THOMSON LYKES ill Gulf of Mexico
Seized at Bizerte
Towed to Genoa as FR. 1 13, Seized by Germans
Broken up later
Sunk during the Syrian campaign by submarine HiMS PA_RTHlAN
unk by mines off Kerkenna
161
27/11/42 2.6/6144
8112/42 2.&/12/42
27/9/43 8/12/42 28/12/42
5/4/43 23/8/44
8/12{42 28/[2/42
10/9/43 14/12/40 27/11/42 28/4/43 9/9143
2518/44 27/11/43 ]315143 9/9/43
22/8/43 27/11/43 1/1}43
18/2/42
8,/12/42 9/9f43
25/6/41 15</12/40
l Light destroyers LA POMONE
LA BOMBARDE
L 'JPHllGENIE
BRANLEBAS
LA BAYONNAISE
BALISTE
LA POURSurrv ANTE
Corsair submarine SURCOU.
.." \ First class submarines
REQUIN
SOUFFLEUR
lDAUPHl
CAIMAN
PHOQUE
ESPADO
VENGEUR REDOUTABLE
PASCAL
PASTE R MONGE
FRESNEL
HENRI POINCARE
ACJ-IERO
ACT EON ACHILLE AJAX PROTEE
PERSEE
Seized at Bizerte by Italians Towed to Pozzuoli as FR.US Seized by Germans
Broken up later
Scuttled at Toulon
Refloated
Sunk by bombs
Seized at Bizerte Towed [Q Italy Sank during her rust mission as
Italian R.1l1, off Cap Passero (Sicily) 28/]/43
Seized at Bizerte 8/12/42 Towed to Castellamare di Stabia as
FR.1l4. Not commissioned Captured by Germans Scuttled
Scuttled at Toulon
Scuttled at Toulon Refloated
Sud by bombs
Scuttled at TOWOD Refloated
Sunk by bombs
Scuttled! at Brest
Sunk at Diego Suarez by destroyer HMSACTIYE
Scuttled at 'Fnuion
Refloated
Sunk (in the night) R.efloated again Sunk by bombs
Scuttled at Toulon Refloated
Towed to Genoa • Seized by Germans Broken up
Scuttled at Toulon Refloated
Sunk by bombs
Sunk olf Oran by HMS WESTCOTI Scuttled at Brest
Sunk at Dakar by HMS FORTUNE Lost during her secane! mission.
a long the Provence Coast
Sunk by gtIDfire at Dakar from
]-1M Sbips DRAGON, INGlEFIEl.D and FORES[GHT
162
8/12j42 9/9/43
27/11/42 13/2/43 11/3/44
8/12/42
9j9/43 13/9/43
27/11/42 27/11/42 16/5/4] 1113144
27/11/42
5/6/4] ] 1/3/44
18/6/40
8/5/42 27111/42 29/1/43 J 9/2/43 4/5{43 27/11/44
27/11/42 6/43
2/9/43 9/9j43
27/11/42 26/6/43
24/11/43
8111/42 J 8/6/40 24/9/40
12/43
23/9/40
1: SPOIR lE HEROS
LE CONQUERANT PONCELET
LE TONNANT ~GOSI'A SFAX BEVEZIER.S
OUESSANT
SIDl FERRUCH
ROlA D MOR[LLOT
27/11/42 7/5/42 13/1 1{42
Scuttled at Toulon
Sunk at Diego-Suarez by aircraft from HMS ILLUSTRIOUS Sunk off Villa Cisneros by US Catalina fiyirng boats
Severely damaged by HMS MILFORD HAVEN
Scuttled .herself off Port Gentil (Gabon) 8/11/40
Scuuled by her crew olf Cadiz 115/ B 142
Scuttled at Brest 18/6/40
Torpedoed by U.37 off Cap Juby n9/12/40
SU11lk by British aircraft at DIego 5/5/42
Suarez
Refloated 4/43
Scrapped 4/43
Scuttled at Brest 18/6/401
Sunk by aircraft of US carrier
SUWANEE off Casablanca 1l/H}42
Scuttled at Cherbourg just before
her launching 19/6/40
La Second class submarines
NAlADE
SIRE E
GALATHEE ARlA E DANAE EURYDICE
DORIS
CIRCE CALYPSO THETIS ARGONAUTE
DIANE MEDUSE
Scuttled ai Toulon Refloated
Sunk
Refloated
Finally sunk by bombs Scuttled at Toulon Refloated
Sunk by bombs Scuttled at Toulon
Refloated and later sunk by bombs Disarmed at Oran and scnuled in this port
Disarmed at Gran and scuttled in this port
Scuttled ill Toulon Refloated
Slink by bombs
Torpedoed and stink by U.9 off Netherlands Coast
Seized at Bizerte
Scuttled here
Seized at Bizerte
Sunk by bombs il1l the port
cuttled at Toulon
Sunk off Oran by HM Snvps ACHATESami WESCOTI Scuttled at Oran
Reflloaledi and scrapped
Badly damaged and forced to beach. by US ships south of Mazagan (Morocco)
16$,
27/11/42 15/3/43 17)4143 L 7/7/43
24/11/43 27/11/43 l1/7/43 1944 27/11/43 [944
9jll/42 9/11/42 27/11/42
21/6/44 915140 8/]2/42 6/5/43 8/12/42 3011/43 27/11/43
8/1 J /42 9/11142 1944
JO/11/44
A MP1-nTRITE Sunk at Casablanca by aircraft of Old first class sloops
us Task Force 34 8/11/42
OREAnE Refloated and later scrapped YSER Scuttled at Toulon 27/11/42
Sunk at Casablanca 8/11/42 ReHoaled
Refloated ami scrapped FOLmd at La Ciotat as a wreck
I LA SfBYLLE Lost off' Casablanca 8/1)/42 MARNE Scuttled in the River Camho
LA PSYCHE Sunk at Casablanca by aircraft of ( indo-Cl1illa) 10/3/45
II US Task .Force 34 8jll/42 "lES EPARGES Scurtled at Toulon 27/[ 1/42
I VENUS Refloated and scrapped Later destroyed by Germans
Scuttled at Toulon 17/11/42 l'AHURE Sunk off Indo-China by US
AURORE Scuttled at Toulon 27/11/42 submarine FLASHER 29/4/44
LA FAVORITE Construction resumed by Germans VAUQUOlS Sunk by magnetic mille off Brest 18/6/40
as U .2 SUIP'P.E Seized by British 317140
Scuttled at Gdynia Sf7/44 Sunk by bombs 4}4/4]
Salvaged and phased out 18/6/40
, MineJaying submarines E' SHONE HENRY Scuttled at Lorient
SAPHIR Seized at Bizerte 8/12/42
Towed to Naples
TURQUOISE Scuttled in this port 15/9/43 Second class sloops
Seized at Bizerte 8/]2/42
Scuttled there 6{5/43 CDT RIViERE Captured !II Bizerte 8/12/42
NAUTILUS Seized at Bizerte 8/12/42 Sunk at Leghorn by bombs 28/5/43
DIAMANT Sunk by bombs 3 [jJ/43 "l'IMPETUEUSE Scuttled at Toulon 27/11/42
Scuttled at Toulon 27/11/42 Refloated as Italian FR.S4
Refloated 29/3/43 Seized by Germans at 1"0 ulon 9/9/43
Sunk by bomb 1944 Scuttled at Marseilles 1944
PERLE Sunk by mistake 817144- LA CURIEUSE Scuttled at Toulon 27/11/42
EMERAUDE Scuuled on her slipway at Toulon Refloated and renamed FR.S5 4/43
Captured by Germans
Frigates Manned as SO .25
Scuttled at Toulon L944
LA COMBAITANTE Mined and sunk in the Humber river 23/2/45 LA BATAILLEUSE Seized at Bizarre 8/12/42
Renamed F n.s 1 by r tal ians
Corvettes Scuttled at L.9. Spezzia 9 {9/43
Refloated and later scuttled at Genoa 25/4/45
ALYSSE Torpedoed by U.654 8/2/42 LA SURPRISE Sunk off Oran by HMS BR[LLANT 8/11/42
Sunk 10/2/42 CHAMOfS curtled at Toulon 27/11/42
MIMOSA Torpedoed and sunk by U.124 916/42 Refloated and commissioned by
LA BASTIAISE Sunk by a mine off Hartlepool Germans a_ s 8G.21
during her trials 22/6/4fJ Sunk by bomb 23/11/43
Refloated again, but finally sunk by
First class sloops us destroyers 15/8/44
MATELOT LEOLA C Construcuon resumed by enemy
BOUGAlNVILLE Disabled off Libreville by her sister Probably sunk by bombs south of 15/8/44
ship SAVORGNAN DE BRAZZA Capri
(FNFL) 9/11/40 RAGEOT DE LA TOUCHE Construction resumed by Germans
AMlRAL CHARNER Scuttled in Mytl:uo river (Indo-China) 10/3}45 and renamed SG.15, sunk off Genoa 2515/44
D'TBERVILLE Scuttled all: Toulon 27/1 ]/42 by HMS UMVERSAL .
R[GAliL T DE GENOUlLL Y Torpedoed and sunk by submarine AMIRAL SENES Scuttled incomplete at Marseilles 21/B/44
HMS PANDORA off Algiers 417140 ENSEIGNE BAU .. ANDE Construction resumed by Germans.
nEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE Scuttled in the Gironde river, before Launched. in May 1944
completing 24/6/40 Scuttled at Pori. de Bouc 2/8/44
164 165 Old eeond class sloops, co QUERANTE
MEULIERE G.RANIT
DtIBOURDIEU ETOURDI IDElDAlG EUSE
Patrol boats L'E JOUE
L'ARDENT
LA CANCALAISE LA LORIE TA.]SE LA HAVRAlSE
LA NANTAISE LA BO OJS£ LA SETOISE
LA CHERBOURGEOTS
Subchasers
C.I07
C.IS
C81
CR.l
CH.4
CH.5 (CAREl TAN) CH.6
CH.7
eH.S (RENNES) CH.9
Seized at Falmouth 3/7/40
Sunk by bombs in this POJrt 14/4/41
Beached and lost at Ajaccio 25/5/41
Scuttled at Toulon 27/11/42.
Refloated and towed to Genoa as wreck .
On disposal lisl ]4/10/41
Sunk at Casablanca 8/Ll/42
Scuttled at Brest 18j6/40
Scuttled at TOIJJOf! 27/11/42
Refloated and renamed FIt.56 by
Italians
Seized bv Germans Final Fate unknown
Torpedoed and slink by German submarine U.B70 off Cap Spartel Lost by collision off Casablanca Sunk by a mine in the Channel Scuttled at Boulegne
Scuttled at Toulon
Refloated and manned bv Germans
as UJ.608 .
Sunk, possibly by submarine CASABlANCA
Sunk under the British flag after a collision
Scuttled at Oran
Scull led at Oran
Scuttled off le Verdon
Sunk after <I collision a! the mouth of the Lo ire
Scunled at Toulon
Seized at Bizerte
Scuttled in this port
Scuuled at Toulon
Refloated, then sunk bv bomb
Scuttled at Toulon .
Refloated
Sunk by bombs
Lost in a rough weather between Poole and Weymo!Jlh
Sunk in the Channel under the Polisb flag
Sunk in the Channel under the Po Ii h flag
Sunk by bombs in the Channel Badly damaged and forced to beach before Dunkirk
166
9/9/43
9/1145 31/1/45 ~/5140 2115/40 27/11/41
9/6/44 8(7145 9/11/42 9/ J lj41 23/6/4()
12/4/40 27/11/42 8/f1142 6/5/43 27/11/41 6/8/44 27/11/42 24/1143 5/7/44
21/12/43
IOj40 10/40 J 3/7/42
2115/40
CH.16
CH.1l6 (ex-US SC-rype)
River gunboats FRANCIS GARNIER TOURANE
MYTHO
COT BOURDAIS AVAI.ANC'HE
VIGILANTE Minesweepers D.202
Minelayer CASTOR
Netlayer
1LE GLADIATIUR
Surveying vessels LAPEROUSE ASTROLABE
OCTANT ESTAFETIE
Seaplane tenders SA S REPROCHE
'SAN PAREIL
Oilers
LA DORDOGNE LA GARONNE
LE LOING
Scuttlled in the Groix Road Sunk, on a mine
Scuttled at Krarie, lndo-Cbjna Scuttled in the Donnai, Indo-China Scuttled in Mekong Della {My-Tho' Scuttled at Halphong
Shelled and sunk at My-Tho by AMIRAL CHARNER to avoid her capture by Japanese
Scuttled at Haiphong
Mined and sunk
Seized by enemy at Blzerte Scuttled in this port
Scuttled at Toulon Refloated
Sunk later by bombs
Scuttled in the Cantho river Sunk by US planes at Tourane, Indo-China
Sunk: by planes of the US Task Force 38, Indo-China
Disabled by USS TILLMANN and forced to b"each at Bcuznika, Morocco
Construction resumed by enemy as SATURN US
Sunk by bombs in the Gironde river Construction resumed by enemy as J PITER
Sunk: by bombs off Yell Island
Scuttled atBrest Scuttled at Toulon Refloated
Sunk
Intentionally damaged .
Refloated and scuttled by Germans at antes
161
18/6/40 11/8/45
9/3/45 9/3/45 9/]/45 913/45
9/3/45 9/3j45
25110/44
8/12/42 615/43
27/IJ/42 )0/3143
12/3/45 26/1/44 12/1/45 8/11/42
6/8}44
6/8/44
1816/40
27/11/42 2114/44 20/6/44 1 i!i6/40
1944
LE RHO E
LA DURANCE
Torpedoed and! sunk b)' _ .37 off Call' Juby
Scut tied at Toulon RefiloaLed
Her wreck found at La Seyne Scuttled at Toulon
Refloated
Seuttjed at M arseilles Sunk at Dunkirk
Torpedoed and sunk by German aircraft off Tenes
Torpedoed and sunk by U.boat off
Cap Juby •
Seized at Bizerte Scuttled at Genoa Scuttled at Brest Scuttled at Toulon Refloated
Sunk by Germans at Toulon
Derequisitioned in ]940-4J Captured by enemy and manned as SG.24
Scuttled at Marseilles
AMPERE (X.81)
]9/12/40 21/11/44 7/5/43 1944 27/11/44 30/5/43 i 944, 21/5/40
] J 111/43 22/6/43 8/12/42 919/43
1816(40 27/11/42 21/4/44 20/6/44
1944
LA RANCE
Auxiliary patrol boats
BARSAC (P.20) Beached and sunk off Vigo
CERONS (P.2]) Sunk by shore batteries oft Fecamp
MOUETTE (P.49) Scuttled off Brest
MURAD (P.lOO) Lost
POULM1C Sunk by bombs in the Channel
SERGENT GOVAR E (P.4]) Torpedoed and sunk off Alboran
TERRE NEUVE (P.i8) Sunk at Mers-el-Kebir
VIKINGS (p.4l) Torpedoed and sunk off Syrian coast (as British U.78)
VICTORIA (P.B) Beached olf Fidalah following exchange of gunfire with British warship
6/1/40 12/6/40 18/6/40 9/3/40 10/40 26/JJ43 6/3/40
30/4/42 8/11/42
LE NIGER
IVOSE
LE LOT LE TARN
LA DORDOGNE lA GARONNE
Transports AUDE
GOLD
Refrigerator ships CHAMPLAIN HAMEL!
Auxiliary minesweepers
Scuttled at Toulon Scuttled at Toulon
27/U/42 27/Uj42
8111/42 19/5/40
Scuttled at Fidalha
ABBE DESGRANGES (AD.339)
AUGUSTm NORMAND (AD.49)
BERYL (AD.305)
Sunk by a. mine at Le Havre
Probably torpedoed by US submarine BOWfl off coast of Annarn, Indo-
China 24/11/43
Lost in a tempest 27/3/40
Set 00 tire and sunk off Dunkirk 6140
Sunk accidentally 6/40
Scuttled at Cantho 1213,/45
Scuttled at Boulogne 20/5/40
Scuttled at Toulon Scuttled at Toulon
27/11/42 27/11/42
Ex-armed merchant cruisers
BLEl MOR (AD.38I) CAP BEAR (AD.409)
CAP CARTERET <AD.4ll) CAPITAINE COULON (AD. 3 14)
CHRISTiANE CECILE IAD.9l)
DEMS PAPIN (AIl.4S) DUONNAIS rAn.33)
DlR. GENERAL PICANlN DUQUESNE (AD.16)
E\\flLE DESCHAMPS (AD.20)
STEREL v (AD.359)
EnE E RTMBERT
(AD .. 24)
ETOILE DU NORD CAD.l) GAULO[S (AD.62)
HENRY GUEGA.N (AD.11) INGENT.EUR REIBEL INTREPIDE
JACQUES COEUR (AD.30) KERGRUlSE (AD. U4) lEAN PIERRE CLAUDE
L DJEZAIR (X.17) (VILLE D'ALGER)
Derequisitioned in ]940-41
Captured by Germans and transferred to the Italians who renamed her
CASSINO
Sunk by Anted planes Derequisitioned in 1940-411
Employed later by Italians as AQUINO
Sunk by Allied aircraft in the icily Canal
Derequlsiticned in 1940-41 Seized by Italians and renamed
A AGNI
Scuttled at Marseilles Derequisitioned in 1940 I
Sunk by German plane at Bougie Refloated later
Derequisiuoned in 1940.-41 Captured later by Germans and
torpedoed by HM Submarine SHAKESPEARE off Cap San Vito and beached near Trapani
BO GAINVTLLE . . Sunk by British aircraft and ship
(ex-VICfOR SCHOELCHER) al Diego-Suarez
25/6/44
EL KANTARA (X.A6}
Sunk at Dunkirk 1/6/40
Sunk at Dunkirk 26/5/40
Bombed and sunk in Tourano Harbour 26/2/44 Sunk by a mine at tile mouth or the Escaut
Sunk at OM Foreland L
2/4/43
L M. SOUR (X.06)
IS/S/4fJ 4/6/40
3/7/40 6/40
Torpedoed at Mers-El-Kebir Scuttled al Dieppe
8/44
KOUTOUBIA (X_04)
24/5/40 6/40 15/5/40 6/40 6/40 21/5/40 .18/6/40 23/11/39
Sunk at Dunkirk Scuttled at Le HavTI:
Sunk in the mouth of the Eseaut Scuttled at Cherbourg
Scuttled ar Le Havre-
Sunk of[ Dunkirk
curded at Lorient
Beached and sunk at Casablanca
13/11/42
ESTEREl (X.2l)
5/5/42
169
168
LEOPOLD SO BUN
AD.27)
LA .BR TONNIERE (AD.56) Scuttled at Le Havre
LA JEANNE (AO.386) Sunk off Dunkkk
LA JEANINE (AD.386) Torpedoed at Mers-EI-Keb:iE
LA MAlO (AD.387) Sunk afi Dunkirk
MARDYCK (AD.26) Disabled at Breskens (Escaut river)
MARlE MAD Mined, Corsica
MARGUERITE ROSE Sunk at Dunkirk
(An.2))
MARIE THERESE (AD.214) MARIE YVETTE (AD.157) .lE MATELOT (AD.8) MIMI .PIERROT (AD.401) MARQUITA MOUSSATLLON (LE)
(AD. 79)
NOTRE DAME DES DU ES Sunk at Dunkirk
OTRE DAME DE Sunk by bombs off Dunkirk
LORETTE (AD.S5) PAUL BERT lAD.315)
PATRICE II (AD.53) Lost at Fecarn,p
PIERRE POCI:IOLLE (AD.44) Lost
PLUVIOSE (AO.63) Scuttled at Lorienr
RIEN SANS PEINE (AD.I07) Sunk at Dunkirk
ROCHE FRANCOISE Scuttled, at Toulon
(AD.Ll9) "
SAlNT BENOIT (AD3) SAINTE CLAIRE SAINTE MARGUERlTE (AD.35)
SAINT JOACHIM (AD5) VENUS (AD.76) VETERAN (AD.6)
YILt OlE BIZIERTE (AD. 234)
Auxiliary harbour defence launches
CHIEN DE MER (vp.64) Bombed by British aircraft in Sousse
Harbour
JEANNE PASCAL (VP.39) Scuttled at Chetbourg
JOSEPH MARTE (VP.31) Lost at Dunkirk
REINE DES FLOTS cvP-18) Scuttled at Le Havre
TROMBE II (VP .. 29) Sunk at Dunkirk
I
I
Scuttled at Boulogne
Lost off Eastia
Sunk accidentally in the Gironde river Sunk at Dunkirk
Sunk at Dunkirk
Scuttled at Cherbol.!Tg
Sunk at Dunkirk
Scuttled at Cantho
Sunk at Dunkirk Mined, North Sea Lost
Sunk by bombs off Dunkirk:
Sunk at Dunkirk
Lost off Ca.!ais iii collision
Sunk by a mine in the Mediterranean
170
21/5/40 11/6/40 25/5/40
3/7/40 27/5/40 . 5/5140 28/11/43 28/5/40
15/7/40 7/3/40 24/5/40 28/5/40 6/40
5/6/40
2515/40 26/1/40
913/45 1116/40 12J6j40 18/6/40 2H5/40
27/11/42
21/5/40 21/11/39
21/5/40 116/40 6/2/40 1.3/5/40
1.8/12/42 2915/40 13/6/40 25/5/40
Abbe Desgranges, 169 Acheron, 76, F62' Achille, 76, 162 Acoait, 17, 94 Acteun, 76, 78, 16] Adour, L', J47
Adroit, L', (Destroyer), 63, 65,160 Adroit, L', ex-L'Epee, (Destroyer), 66,
160
Africaine, L'. 85 Agate, L', 90 Agile, [.'. 70, 72 Agosta, 76.163 Aiglc, 55, 159 Aiglon, J20 Ailette,99
Air France I 10 [V, .122 Alacienne, L', 106, 107 Ajax, 76, 162
Albatros, 35
Alcyon, L', 65, 66 Algerie, 39, f58 Algerien, 95
Algeroise, L', ]07 Alphee, L', 111 Alsacien, 1.', 70, 72 Alvsse, 17,94. 164 Amazone,83
Ambroise Pare, 120 Amiem;,99
Amiral Charrier, 97, 164 Amini. MOIl.Cli:u::Z, 133 Amiral Senes, 103, 165 Ampere, 169 Amphitrite, 83,.164- Anl;;l'e,.lOO Andromaqne, L', 85 Androm.i?de, L', 85, 87 Annamite, 102 Antigone, L', 85,87 Antiopc,83
Aramls.135
ArcllimMe, 76
Ardent, L-, tos, no, 166 Arethuse, 80. 163
Argo, 76
Argonaute, 82, {61 Argus, 1.29
Ari!Ule,80
Arrnide, L" 85
Arras, 9:8, 99
Artemlse, L-. 85
Asie, Jl9
Aspirant Brun, 117 Astree, L', 85, 87
INDEX
Aube, 144
Audacieux, L", 57. 60, 159 Audacieuse, 106
Aude, 14'8, 168 Allci.ieme,1.13
Augustin Normand, 169 Aurore, 85, 164
A us iral, 149
Atalante, 82
Atlantique. 118 Atteiltif. L', 108 Avalanche, 129, 167 Avenrure, " 93 Aventurier, LOt 66
Baalbeck, J 12 Baliste, 69, 70, 161 Balny, 129 Bambara, 102 Barfleur, 136 Barsac, 115, 169 Basque, 11, 65 Bayonne, 112
Beam, 7, 8', j J, 32', 46 Beauiemps Beaupre, 97, 164 Beltort, 99
Beniguet, 124
Benodei, Jll
Beryl. 169
Beveziers, 76, 78, .l63
Bison (large Destroyer), 12, 52, 51, 159 Bison, ex-Le Flimbustier (Destroyer),
66, 161
IUei MO'f, 169 Bomb:;ude,69 Bordelais, 65 Boreal, 149 Bouclier, 69
Bougainville (ex-Victor Schoelcher],
/37, 168
Bougainville, 95,97, 164 Boulogne, 112 Boulonnais, 65, 160 Bourrasque, 62, 63, 160 Branlebas, 69, 160 Brestois, tH, 160
Bretagne, 7, 13, 21, 14, 158 Brurnaire, 87
(".25, J so, 165 CSl, 110' C.:S6.110' C,5S, 110' C.74, 110 C.SI, 110, 166
171
C.95, no
C.98, 110
CI06, IIO
C.I07, no, 1M Catrnan, 75. 162 Calais (Sloop), 99
alais, 112
Calyp 0, 79, 163
Cap Bear, J69
Cap Carteret, 169
Cap Corse. 114
Cap Couronne, 127 Cap Des Palmes, J 36 Cap Fagnel, / J 7
Cap "N oro, 117 Capitaine Armand, 119 Capitalne Coulon. 169 Capricorne, J ts Carabinier, W8 Carentan, 111,111,166 Casablanca, 16" 78, J61 Casque, 66, 160 Cassard, 57, 159 Castor, 14 I, 167 Cavalier, lOB
Cazoar, 1 f 9
Ceres, 84
Cerons, 115, 169
CH.l, 111, 166
CH.2 and CR.), I J I CHA, Ill, 112. !66 CH.5 to CH.9. 111. 166 CH.W to CH.B, 111 CH.16, Ill, 167 CH.4I,lJJ
CH.42,113
CR.43, 113
CH.45 to ChI.43, 113 CH.51 llnd CH.52. 1!3 CH.61 and CH.62, J 13 CH.Bl to CH.8j, JJj CH.91 to CH.96, JJ3 CH.tOI,113
CH.102 to CH.I07,114 CR.Il! LoCH.lIS.114 CH.116, 114. 167 CH.l21 to CH.126, 1I4 CH.131 10 CH.136, 114 CH.141 to CH.14,6,.114 Chacaf, 50, 52, 158 Chamois, 101, J03. 165 Champlain. 149, 168 Charles Plumier, JJ7 Chateau Renault, 50 Chevalier. Pau], 57, 159 Chevreuil, 102, )03 Chien De Mer, 170' Chirnere, 134
Christiane Cecile. 169 Cimeterre, 107, J JO Circe, 79. 163
Clairvoyant, 118
Clemenceau, 8, 27
Coetlogon. 148
Conunandant Bary. 100, 101 Commandant Bourdais, 129, 167 Commandant Delage, 100. 102 Commandant Detrnyat, 94 Commandant Domine, 100, 102
Co rnmand an I Drogou, 94 Commandant Dubee, JOO, 102 Commandant Riviere, 100. J02. 165 Commandant Teste, 7,34, ss, 158 Colbert, 39, 15B
Colonel Casse, /1'1
Colombie, 135
Conquerante, 104, 166
Courbet, 7,20
Coutelas, 108, J 10'
Couey, 99
Croix de' Lorraine', 93' Curie !e;>;.-HMS Vox), 88 Cyclone, 62, 63, J60 Cyrnos, 114
0,202, 124. 167 0.311 ro D.JI!l, 124 D.l::!1 ro D.327, 124 D.J31,124
0.332 to D.337, 125 D.341 W 0.346,115 0.351 to D.356, /15 0.361 to 0..368. 115 D.3,88,125
Dague, 108, uo Danae, 80, 161 Dauphin, 75, 162 Dedaigneuse, 10'6, 166 De Grasse, 50'
Denis Papin, 169
D' Enrrecasteaux, 97 Desa.ix,60
Diamant, 89, 164 Diane, 83, tes D'Jberville, 97, 164 Dilonnais, 169 Diligente .. !O4
Dir. General Picanin, 169
Doris, (Second class submarine), 79, 161 Doris, ex~HMS Vineyard ISecond class submartne), 88
Doudar -de- Lagrec, 129
Dragon, 108
Dubourdieu, i05. 166 Dugnay-Trouin, u. 43, .50 Dumont D'UJ"Ville, 97 Dunkerque, 7, 10, 1 J, 24, 26, 158 Duperre, Ii 9
DupJcix, 39, 158
Duquesne (Heavy cruiser), 18,21.17 Duquesne (Auxiliary minesweeper), 169
172
1?ffrmlli:, L', 1,08 Elan, {DO, 102 EI Biar, u
EI Diezair, 135, 168 EI Kantara, 135, 168
EI Mansour, 12, J36, 168 Elarn. /46
Emeraude, 90, 164
Emile Benin, 18.32,46,50 Emi!e Deschamps. 169 Engagcante, 104, tos EnjoUJe, L·. lOB, I/D, 166 Enseigne 18<1.lIande, ./OJ, 165 Enseigne Henry, 105, /65 Entreprenant, L' •. 70
Epee, 'J 66
Epervier.55, 159
Epinal, 99
Eros. 121
Escarboucle, L', 90 Escarrnouche. L', 93 Espadon, 75. 162
Espoir, L" 76. 161 Estafeue, 134, J 35, 167 Esterel, H6, 168
Esterel V,. 169
Etienne Rimbcrl. 169
Etoile du Nord, 169 Eteurdi, 106, 166 Eu.rydice.80. 163
Eveille, 1:, J08
Excellent, 119
F. ntassin, 108
Fauvette n, 127
Fleurel,66
Florea], 87
Foell, 39, f58
Forbin, 21, 65
Fo,.fait, 148
Fondroyaru, le (Destroyer}. 65, 160 Foudroyant, Le, ex- Fleuret l Destroyer),
66
Fougueux, le, 65
. resnel, 76, 78., 162 France. 20
Franc-Tireur, IDB Francis-G arnier; /28. 167 Frirnaire, 87
Frondeur, Le, 65, 160 Fructidor. 87
Golo, 11/9, 168 Goum.ier, 108 Grana, 105, 166 Grenadier, 108 Greenland, J 16 Guepard, 52, 51, 159 Guicb!!n.50
Hamelin, 149, J68 Hardi II, US
Henri Poincare, 76, 162 Henry Guegarr, 169 Hermione, L', 85, 87 H.ova,95
Hoch.e,60
Hussard, 108
Heureux, 117
Ibis, L', lJJ
Impassible, L" }41 [mpetueuse, L', 100, 102, 165 Inccrnprise, L", 69
Indiscrer, li.:, /08 Indompraale, L', 57, 60, J 59 Ingernieur Reibel, 169 lmrepide, L', 66
Intrepide, J6r;
Iphigenie, L', 69, 161
Iris, 84
Jacques Coeur, 169 Jaguar, 52, /58
Javelor, 108, J 10
Jean Bart, 8, 27, 30
Jean de Vienne, 47. 158 Jea n Frederic. J 20 Jeanne d'Arc, 32, 44. 46 Jeanne el Genevieve, 14B Jeanne Mari,e, 120 Jeanne Pascal, .170
Jean Pierre Claude, 169 Jean Rigaud, 127 Joffre, 8, sz. 3'/;
Joseph Marie, 170 Jules Verne, f}8
Junon, 17, 84
Jutland, 116
Kergevise, J 69 Kersalnt, 57. 159 Kleber, 60 Koutoubia, 136, 168
La. Batse, 147
La Bastialse, 94, 164
La Bacailleuse, 100. J01. '65 La Bayadere, 85, 87
La BayoDllaise, 69, 70, /61 La Bombarde, 69, 161
La Bonoise, 106, 107, 166 La Boudeuse, lOa, 102
173
Gi!..lalhec,/jO, 163 Gascogne, 8, 30
Gaston Ri .. ier, 134, 115 Gaulois, 169
Gazelle, 101
Georges Leygues, 17, ts, 47, 50 Gerfaut, 55, 159
Germinil.87
Gloire, 18,47.50
La Bretonniere, ) 70
La Cancalaise, 106, 107, 166 La Capricieuse, 100, J02
La Cbareme, 147
La Cherbourgeoise, 107, 166 La Clnrinde, 85, 87
La Combattante, /7, 90, 164 La Confiance, 93
La Corlielie.re. 69
La Cornelle, 85
La Creole, 85
La Curicuse, 13, JOO, 102, 165 La Decouverte, f)J
La Dieppoise, 93
La Dordogne, /4J, 167 La Durance, 144, 168 La Favorite, 85, 87. 164- La Flore, 69
La Galissonnjere, 47. J58 La Garonne, l4J, 167
La Gorgone, 85, 87
La Gracieuse, 100, 102
La Grandiere, (e: x -Ville d'Ysj, 97 La Guadeloupe, 78
La. Havraise, J06, 1.07, 166 La Jeanne, j 70
La Jeanine, 170
La Lorientaisc, 106, 107, J66 ]La Lurenne, 104, 105
La Majo, J 7()
lLa Malouine. 93
La Martinique, 78
La Mayenne, 147
La Melpomene, 69
La Moqueusc. 100, 101 La Mouerte, 133
La Nantaise, 106, 107, 166 La Paimpolaise, 94
La Palrne, 63,65, 160
La Pomone, 69, lei
La Poursuivarae, 69, 70, Nil La Praya, 78
La Psyche, 83, 163 La Oulmperoise, 107
La. Railleuse, 61, 65, 160 La Rance, 144, 168
La Reunion, 78
La Rieuse, 100
La Sablaise, 107
La Saone, 147
it Seine, 147
La Servanaise, 107
La. Setuise, JG6, 107. 166 La Sultane, 81
La. Surprise (ex-Bambare), J01, 101,
165
La. Surprise, .93" b Sybille, 83, /64'
La Toulonnaise, 106, J01
La Tour dAuvergne, 43', 44, 158 La Vesiale, 82
Lamotte Picquct, 41, 158
a rider. J 08
Lansquenet (ex-US Sub haser], 108 Lansquenet (see Le Cyclone), 66 Laperouse (FirsL class sloop), 97 Laperouse (Surveying vessel), 114, 16.7
armor, l!J Lassigny, 99 Lavandou, 113 Le Bengali, 133 Le Bre Lon, 70 Le Centaure, 76
Le Conquerant, 76, 7B, {63 Le Cora.H, 90
Lc Conn o ran , 133 Le Corsaire. 66
Le Corse, 70, 72
Lc Cyclone (ex-Lans Quenet), 66, 160 Le Fantasque, 57, 60
Le Farouche, 70. 71
Le Fier, 70
Le Flibustier, 66 Le Fortune, 21, 61
Le Foudroyant (ex-Fleuret), Mi, 160 Le Gladiateur, 141" 16;
Le GIQrie1:jK, 76. 78
Le Goe~and, 133
Le H ardi, 65, 160
Le Heros, 76, 78, 163
e Laing, 143, 144, 167 Le Lot, 147, 168
Le Malin, u, 57, 60 Le Mars. 63. 65, 160' Le Matelor, 110
Le Mekong, )4.4
Le M oussailton, 170' Le Ni~<IIs, 70
Le Iger, 146, 168 Le Normand, 70
l.e Parisien, 70'
Le Pelican, 13'3
Le Provencal, 7'0 Le Rhorie, 144. J68 Le Ruse, lOB
Le Resolu, 108
Le Saintongeais, 70 Lc Savoyard, 70'
Le Sirceo [ex-Le orsaire), 66. f(j() Le Tarn, 147, J68
Le Temeraire, 66
Le Terrible, 57. 60
Le Tennant, 76, 78, 163 Le Tricmphant, 57. 60 Le Tunisien, 7Q
Le Vigilant, 108
Le Volomai re, J08 Legiormaire, 108 Leopard, 17,52, 159 Leopold Souhlin J 70 Leoville, J!5
Liamnne, 147
174
Lion, 52, 53, 159 Listrac, 116 Lobelia, /7, 94
Lorraine, 7, 13, 14, 18,21 Lynx, 52,. 08
Les Eparges, 99, J65 Les UUatcs, 1ll
Maille Breze, 57, J59
Mamell.lck (ex-·US subcbaser), iOfJ Mnrneluck (Destroyer), 66, }60 Marceau, 60
Mardyck, J 70
Marguerite Rose, 170
Mariget, J 15
Marne, 98. 165
Marie Mad, }70
Marie Therese, 170
Marie Yvette, f70
Marocain, 95
Marquita, 170
Marsnuin, 75
Marseillaise, 47, 158
Matelot Leblanc, 101, 165 Medierda. 147
Medoc, 116
Meduse, 83, }6]
Mercedita, 116
Messidor. 87
Meuliere, 105, 166
Milan, 55, {59
Mimi Pierret, 170
Mimosa. J 7. 94, 164
Minerva, 116
Minerve,84
Mistral, 62, 63
Mogador, 14, 60, 62, fj9 Molene, 124
Monge, 76, 78, }62 Montcalm, 17, 18, 47. 50 Mon.1 Cassel, 119
Morse, 75, 162
Morse (ex-HMS Vortex), 88 Monette. 120, 169
Mur~d, 12l', 169
MyUtIO, 128. 167
Naiade, 80, 163
arval IFim class submarine). 75, 161 arval, ex-hal. Bronze, (Se ond class submarine), 88
auihus, 89, 164
azareth, 12!
ivose {Oiler), 146, 147, 168
ivi:ise (Second class submarine), 87 otre Dame des Dunes. J 70
otre Dame d'Esperance, 1.20
otre Dame de France, 1 J 9
'otFe Dame de Lorette, 170 Nymphe, .80
Ocean, 20
Octant, l'34, 135, 167 Ondine,80 Opinlarre, L', 66 Orage, 61, 61, J60 Oranaise, L', 107 Oreade, 83, 164 Orient, 1.21
Orion, 82
Orphee,83
Ouessant (first class subma ririe), 76,
163
Ouessant (MotOT launch>, 124 Ouragan, 62, 61
Pairnpol, I J 2
Painleve, 8, 32, 30J
Pallas, 84
Palmyre, 122
Pant here, 52, J 58
Paris, 7,20
Pascal, 76, 162
Pascali Paoli, J J.5
Pasteur, 76, 162
Paul Ben, 170'
Patrice n, 170
Patde,118
Pegase, 76, 78
Perle, 89, 164
Persee, 76, 162·
Pessac,116
Petit Poilu, J 19
Phenix,87
Phoque, 75, 16
Pierre Alliin!, 120
Pierre Pocholle, 170
Pique, 107, 110
Pluton, 41
Pluvicse ISecond class submarine), 81 Pluvio~e (Auxiliary minesweeper], 170 Po·Uw;:, J 38, J 4J
Pomerol, 116
Poncelet, 76, 163
Prairial, 87
President Houduce, JJ6
President Theodore Tissier, 133, 134 Primauguct,41, J58
Prirnevere, 127
Prornethee, 76
Pro tee, 76, 78, 162 Provence. 7, 14,21.24,158
QLlercy, 137
Rageot de La Touche. 103, 165 Redoutable, 75. 76, 162
Reine de" FlO-IS. n 9, t70 Rennes, 112, J66
Reeoncule, 94
Rcquin; 75, 16/
Richelieu, 8, 14. 18.27
175
Rien Sans Peine, 170
Rigault de Gcnauilly, 97, 164 Roche Francoise, f70
Roland Morillot, 78. }6] Roselys.94
Rubi , 17, 89
Sabre, .107, 110
Saim Alain. 124
Saint Benoit, 170
Sainte Claire, no
Saini Guenole, 124
Saint Joachim, 170
Salnte Marguerite, flO
Saint Pierre d'Alcanrara, 120 Saint Ronan. 124 Saint-Yves, J24
Sampierc Corso, 1 JS
Sans Crainte, 141, 167
Sans Pareil, 141, 167
Sans Peur, 141
Sans Reprnche, 142. 167 Sans Souci, [42
Saphir, 88, 89, 164 Salliernes. 115 Savorgnan de Brazza, 97 Sein, /14
Sentinel le, 134. Jjj Senegalais, 9.5
Sergent Gouarne, } J 7, 169 Sfax, 76, 78, 163
S,idi Ferruch, 76, 78, 163 Sidi Obka, 1/5
Simoun. 62, 6)
Sirene. 80, 163
Siroco (Destroyer), 62, 63. 160
Siroco, ex-Le Corsaire (Destroyer). 66 Somali, 95
Somme, \)8
Souffieur, 75. 1M
Spahi, J08
Strasbourg, 7, 10, 14, 24, 16, 158 Suft'ren, 21, 39
Suippe, 100, 165
Surcouf, 7, J7, 71, 161
Surrnulet, J 21
Tahure, 99, 165
Tapageuse, 106
Tartu, 57, 159
Terneraire II, 118
Tempele,62
Terre euve, 26, lIS, 169
Thermider, 87
Thetis, 79, 161
Tigre. 52
Tiraillelu, 108 Tenkinois. 91
Tnrnade, 62. 61. 160 Tcurane, 118. 167 Tourville, 21,34 Tramoruane, 62. 6J. 160 Trombc, 62. 63
Trombe II. 170 Tunisien, 95
Turquoise, 88, 89 Typhon, 61, 63, J60
Vaillant, 118
Valmy, 53, /59
VaT,146
Vauban, 51, 159 Vauquelin,55 57, 159 Yauquois, 99, 165 Vautour, 55, 159 Vendemiaire, 87 Verigeur, 76, 161
Venus (Second class submarine}, 84,164 Venus (Auxiliary minesweeper), J 70 Vetrtose, 87
Verdun, 5J, /59
Velemn,170
Victoria, J 18. 169
Vigilante. 129, 167
Viking, 17, 116, 169
Ville d'Aiaccio, I J 5
Ville d'Alger, 12
Ville de Bizerte, 170
Ville d'Oran, 12, 136
Ville d'Ys, 97
ViUe cl'Y [c. -Andrcmece), 98 Vivagel, 1.17
Volt;!, 60, 62, 159
Voltigeu.r, 108, J J'()
VP.I to VP.t6, 122'
VP,2l, ]2)
VI?31,112
VIi"_32,122
VP.41 and VP,42, 122 VTB.8, 10 to VTB.n 1:'1 ITS. I) and VTB.14, /17 VTB.IS to VTB.22, 127 VTB.23 [0 VTB.40, 127
Ypres,99
Yser, 98, 165
17'6