Lewin of Greenwich Naval History & Forum

The first 3rd generation battleships of any navy were from France. They were designed to counter Germanys' "pocket battleships". DUNKERQUE lead the way, and was laid down in 1932. She entered service in Sept, 1936. STRASBOURG was laid down in 1934 as a slightly improved design. Her armor was strengthened compared to her earlier sister. For example her main belt was 283 mm versus 225 mm in DUNKERQUE. Also, the belt in STRASBOURG was inclined from 11 degrees 30 min. to 11 deg 50 min. Both hit slightly over 30 knots.

Main weapons were 8 330 mm in 2 quad turrets forward plus 16-130 mm, and light AA guns. Three aircraft were aboard each as well with 1 catapult at the stern. Planes were stored in a hanger forward of the cat.

The RN caught both plus other French units at Mers el-Kebir; damaging DUNKERQUE in the harbor while STRASBOURG was able to escape. The relatively light armor they had did not stop the RNs' 15" shells from damaging the DUNKERQUE. Unfortunately these 2 "light" battleships were never able to really prove their design at sea; both were scuttled at Toulon in 1942. DFO

These were handsome looking BBs, influenced by NELSON's, with all main guns forward, but in quad turrets. All 4 of the French Navy's 3rd gen BBs used this layout. The bridge structure on STRASBOURG was a deck higher than her sister. The quad 5.1" were a bit less than spectacular as AA weapons.

By prewar standards they were quite impressive, despite limited tonnage. DFO

They certainly looked impressive to me Dennis , nice lines to , would have loved to investigate one like these , but can get a good impression of her from the photo's thanks

Dunkerque Class Battleship FS Strasbourg pictured in 1938.

These were really the first "3rd generation" design battleships. Armor was to light to really absorb RN 15" 42s, but overall a good design given the parameters they were designed to. DFO

Admiral's Day Cabin aboard Lead Ship,Battleship FS Dunkerque.1936.

Three views of damage suffered by DUNKERQUE at Mers el Kibir, 1940........... DFO

Dunkerque Class Battleship Strasbourg pictured with sister Dunkerque at Le Havre between 16th to 20th of June 1939.

Another view of DUNKERQUE after battle at MeK....... DFO

Two "late" views of STRASBOURG........... DFO