French Battleships, 1922-1956

Introduction

This illustrated naval history presents a comprehensive study of French battleships constructed after the Washington Naval Treaty of 1922.

French Battleships

The French battleships of the Dunkerque and Richelieu classes were the most radical and influential battleship designs of the interwar period, and were coveted by the British, German and Italian navies following the Armistice of June 1940.

Development and Design

Using a wealth of primary-source material, this volume provides a full account of their development and a detailed analysis of their design characteristics.

Operational Histories

The technical chapters are interspersed with operational histories, with a particular focus on the operations in which the ships engaged other heavy units.

Illustrations and Context

The book is extensively illustrated with hundreds of photographs and technical drawings, including twenty-two color profile and plan views of the ships. An introductory chapter provides additional historical context with an overview of French naval craft from the Dreadnaught era through the First World War.