French Battleships of World War One

Now available in paperback, French Battleships of World War One provides the most comprehensive account of French capital ships published in either English or French and is destined to remain the standard reference for many years to come. The volume offers a detailed examination of the development, design, and service history of French battleships from the late nineteenth century through the aftermath of the First World War, bringing together technical analysis and operational history in a single, authoritative study. 

When war began in August 1914, France possessed only two dreadnoughts in active service, with two more completing trials. The backbone of the Armée Navale instead consisted of eleven pre-dreadnought battleships of the Patrie and Danton classes—intermediate designs mounting two main gun calibers—supplemented by older vessels originating in the 1890 Flotte d’échantillons (“fleet of samples”) and their successors. Together, these ships reflected the experimental character of French naval construction at the turn of the century. 

John Jordan and Philippe Caresse trace the evolution of these battleships from 1890 to 1922, examining design choices, armament, propulsion, armor, and the operational roles they played during the war. The authors also document the extensive modernizations applied to surviving ships during the interwar period and follow their subsequent careers through 1945. 

Structured in line with other volumes in this established series, Part I by John Jordan focuses on design and technical development, while Part II by Philippe Caresse presents the historical narrative. The text is supported throughout by line drawings, labeled schematics, and an extensive photographic selection, including many previously unpublished images.