Can anyone identify this?

[Ken P]

I can't find out what this French beauty. (back of photo says it is French).
Thanks in advance for any help.

[warbooklover]

Ken,

This is one of the pre-war French Fast Attack Boats that was completed by Ateliers et Chantiers de la Loire in 1930. VTB.7 was an experimental design and was withdrawn from service before the war started.

Hope this helps, Doug

[Ken P]

Thank you so much, Doug. Now I know it is VTB7 I have found more information.

[PhilMeds]

On the subject of Unidentified ships, the attached is a picture post card purchased in Toulon in1956.

I think it may be one of the Duguay Trouin Class, 1922-1950.

Can anyone confirm this.

Philip.

[culverin]

Almost certain it is Duguay-Trouin herself post 1936 to 1940.
She still retains her mainmast. Probably seen here as part of the training squadron as part of the Med squadron but the awnings conceal a fair amount of deck detail.
All 3 of the class were modernised in the early to mid 1930's, but differed somewhat.
Her 2 sisters were
Lamotte-Picquet
Primauguet

The feature between her funnels is a chimney close to the coast not belonging to any ship.

[PhilMeds]

Thank you for the quick and expert answer, as a junior rate, I had wondered about the French naval activity during the early years of N.A.T.O. as they we in by not participating.

Later as an operations room person I was often frustrated when meeting one of their ships, they would showed complete disregard for any contact between operators. Thank goodness the reasoning for their actions was not our concern. I do know that the year I spent in Bacchante as part of Standing NATO Force Atlantic was a very hard and busy time but very rewarding.

Philip.

[ASSAIL]

Phil, I was in Bacchante STANAVFORLANT 1978. I know she did 2 tours quite close together but our PORP was a geordie PO Johnson, can't remember his first name but a top bloke.
When were you there?