MN Béarn – France's First, Underwhelming, Aircraft Carrier

Also known as 'I butcher the French language'.

France's first attempt at an aircraft carrier, the unfortunate Béarn, is often looked at as one of the worst examples of this type. If not the worst example, depending on who you ask.

In fairness, this was a deeply flawed design. From the keel up. *Also*, in fairness, it was France's first attempt. USS Langley wasn't particularly spectacular, either.

The issue for France was simply that they never finished another ship, before WW2. So they went into that war with an outdated, flawed ship as their only carrier. With predictable results, even ignoring the whole 'Vichy situation'. Still, Béarn would have a surprisingly long career, in the end. Not a bad legacy at all.

Further Reading:
https://www.ospreypublishing.com/us/w...
(Specifically, "From Battleship to Carrier: Béarn")
https://www.amazon.com/Warships-After...
https://www.amazon.com/Conways-Worlds...
https://www.amazon.com/French-Battles...