Jean Bart (1949-1961)

Derived from the Strasbourg class,Jean Bart (and her sistership Richelieu) were designed to counter the threat of the Italian Navy. Their speed, shielding, armament and overall technology were state of the art (note the unusual 4-gun turret arrangement).

Jean Bart was laid down in December 1936 and launched on March 6 1940. Barely 75% completed, her engine having never worked before, she sailed to Casablanca in June 1940 to escape the advance of the German army in France. Only one of her two 380 mm main turrets was present. The second one, with only two of the intended four guns, was loaded on a cargo ship which was torpedoed and sunk by a German submarine. The 152mm battery was also missing, and was replaced by anti-aircraft armament.

On November 8 1942, the French fleet in Casablanca was attacked by American warships and airplanes from the USS Ranger. Jean Bart managed to battle the USS Massachusetts, taking herself several bombs and 406mm shells. On the 10th, Jean Bart opened fire again onto USS Augusta, much to the surprise of the American staff who though her silenced. This drew action from the USS Ranger, and Jean Bart took two 500kg bombs, which opened a leak, making her run aground. Combat was over in the evening, and the ship was surrendered to Free France.

Subsequently, it was suggested that Jean Bart be completed in the USA (like Richelieu actually was), but this proved impossible for American industry. Projects to convert her into an aircraft carrier were accepted but canceled. For the next two years the unfinished ship remained stranded in Casablanca.

She returned to France in 1945, and was eventually completed in 1949, under a brand new design influenced by lessons from the previous conflict. Jean Bart took her part in the Suez Crisis. Put into the reserve in 1957, she was decommissioned in 1961, and scrapped in 1969.

External Links