French BATTLESHIP Book

[designeraccd]

For those of us who don't read French let me recommend a book I recieved yesterday:

FRENCH BATTLESHIPS 1922-1956 by John Jordan and Robert Dumas

It was reviewed in the latest issue of WARSHIP INTERNATIONAL (I bought mine thru their book service) and I must totally agree with the excellent review and then some. The level of detail, quality of photo reproduction, graphic laout and superb drawings make this book an outstanding addition to anyone's library!

It was first published in the UK in 2009, but here in U.S. the USNI has put it out. The ISBN # is: 978 1 59114 416 8

The book is primarily about the 2 Dunkerques plus 2 Richelieus, but also has some background information that helps "set up" the design work on these 4 BBs plus info about the several uncompleted French BB designs. A very interesting and well done book for anyone interested in these magnificent ships..........DFO ;):D:D


attached is a shot of the book's cover.......

[CGRET]

DFO,

Sounds to be a very intersting book! Will be looking forward to finding the book.

Regards
Charles

[designeraccd]

I'm about halfway thru it already: the level of detail is amazing! The drawings really help "illustrate" the words so they "come alive".

Despite all the pics I have or have seen of these 4 ships; MOST of the photos in the book are "new" to me.......excellent research. I suspect even Miro (with his fantastic photo library) might learn a thing or two about these 4 BBs!! DFO :D

[CGRET]

DFO,

Now that I have seen the cover of the book in your posting's i have seen the book at Borders and other fine book stores here in Oregon. Will check on price here and who knows!

Regards
Charles

[designeraccd]

I might add there is a Chapter on Mers-el-Kebir; the "mistakes" made aboard Dunkerque by both the (apparently) haughty VAdm. Gensoul (on board) and her C.O. both during and after the initial RN attack were just short of a total disaster for the battleship. The whole action and damage to the 2 BBs is very completely explained abd diagramed. Very informative.........DFO :D

[GaryH]

Thanks for the tip.
I'm quite intrested in these 4 BB's
And is it just me or is it far easier to find pictures of Dunkerque on-line than Strasbourg?

[astraltrader]

I think you are right Gary there are more pictures available of Dunkerque than Strasbourg.

Just as a thought here are a few pictures I have chosen at random from the ones I have of Strasbourg.

The first 3 show her more or less at her prime, whilst picture 4 was taken as she sadly was by 1944.

The final example is an artists redition from a postcard I have.

[CGRET]

Terry,

Great photo's! Thanks for sharing.

Regards
Charles

[astraltrader]

Thanks Charles. :)

[designeraccd]

A couple more of Strasbourg....always preferred her "looks" (bridge/conning tower structure)............DFO :D

BTW, per the French BB book: their 5.1" were less than overwhelming successes, the armored quads in particular could not train fast enough for their AA role. The twins were thin skinned, leaving the crews almost defenseless.

[GaryH]

Thanks for the Strasbourg pictures fella's ;)

Note the rather large bursting charge attached to the 13 inch AP round, about 44 lbs compared to about 15 lbs for Scharnhorst - the ship Strasbourg was intended to counter

[scjon]

Great pictures of Strasbourg Terry. These ships had very good looks, I always wished things had turned out different for them. I have been eyballing that book for some time now, unfortunately I have more to books to buy than my bank account will allow!

[designeraccd]

Unfortunately, per the book, the bow structure was found to be WEAK in heavy seas......steps were taken with the Richelieu's to rectify/strengthen the bow. DFO ;)