MN Dunkerque - France’s Unlucky Fast Battleship

The French Navy, in the interwar period, was in a weird place. They were building modern cruisers and destroyers as fast as they could be laid down. And some...interesting submarines as well.

But their capital ship force was ageing and falling behind. From the Courbets, which were underwhelming when introduced. To the Bretagnes, which were showing their age.

Thus, you saw the French build a new ship. Dunkerque. This ship was a direct counter to the German Panzerschiffe, yes, but also France's first proper fast battleship. Or battlecruiser, to some people, because of her thin armor.

Either way, Dunkerque was a ship with a lot of promise. Only for that to be squandered, as it often was for the French Navy in the Second World War. From damage dealt by the British, to scuttling at Toulon.

Dunkerque did not have a happy life.

Strasbourg video:
   • MN Strasbourg – Defiant Until the End  

Further Reading:
https://www.amazon.com/French-Battles...
https://www.amazon.com/Conways-Worlds...
https://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Stroke-...
https://www.amazon.com/French-Battles...