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Richelieu

Richelieu-class Battleship

battleshipArsenal de Brest · 1940–1968

OVERVIEW

French fast battleship that later served with Allied fleets after refit and modernization.

HISTORIAN'S COMMENTARY

Before the Storm

Introduced between 1940 and 1968, Richelieu served France naval strategy as a battleship, with construction tied to the industrial capacity of Arsenal de Brest.

In the Field

Displacing around 48,000 tons with a top speed of 32 knots and range near 9,500 nautical miles, it was both a combat platform and a floating logistics problem. Manning levels around 1,500 sailors defined daily operating reality as much as armament did.

Historian's Note

At sea, it embodied concentrated naval power, but only within the wider choreography of escorts, scouting, and logistics. Its tactical value came from speed and responsiveness, especially in fast-moving task force actions.

SPECIFICATIONS

Displacement48,000 tonnes
Length247.9 m
Speed32 knots
Range9,500 nmi
Crew1,500
Armament8x 380mm main guns, Secondary and AA batteries
Belt Armor330 mm
Deck Armor170 mm

DEVELOPMENT

This system was developed and fielded during World War II to meet branch-level operational requirements. Richelieu entered service from 1940 to 1968 and was produced by Arsenal de Brest. It represented concentrated naval gunfire power in fleet engagements.

COMBAT HISTORY

It saw wartime operational use, with employment varying by theater, doctrine, and logistics. Combat profile: roughly 48,000 tons displacement, 32 knots, operational range near 9,500 nmi, and crew requirements around 1,500.

NOTABLE USES

  • [01]Operations with Allied Eastern Fleet - Richelieu in this context reflects the importance of scouting, command decisions, and damage control discipline.
  • [02]Atlantic and Indian Ocean service - Action reports from this theater show endurance and logistics were often as decisive as armament.

CONTINUE RESEARCH

Country + Class

France NAVAL

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Battle Context

  • Battle of the Atlantic

    Submarines, escorts, and naval assets central to convoy warfare and anti-submarine adaptation.

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