Translate

Sunday 7 February 2016

Combat value of French battleship Dunkerque with 50% increased according to the Dutch magazine Marineblad dated 1932 no. 4


An item referred to the magazine Naval&Military Record dated 30 March 1932 in which Gautreau wrote that originally a design for a French battle cruiser with a displacement of 23.000 ton was made. Since then was the displacement with around 3.500 ton enlarged increasing the combat value with 50%. The 30,5cm guns were to replaced to a heavier calibre of 33cm, armour was improved, the defence against torpedo boats and aircraft was improved and the speed with 2 knots increased to 28 knots.(1)

Note
1. Of the Dunkerque-class of battleships. Laid down at the navy yard at Brest, France on 24 December 1932, launched on 2 October 1935, commissioned on 1 May 1937, scuttled at Toulon, France on 27 November 1942 and finally broken up in 1958. Displacement 26.900/26.500 long tons (standard)-35.500 tons/34.900 tons (full load), a main armament of 8-33cm/13” guns and a maximum speed of 31,06 knots.