French Navy 1939-42: The Marine nationale in World War II

An authoritative, illustrated analysis of the official French Navy in World War II, under the command of the Third Republic and of Vichy.

At the outbreak of World War II, the Marine nationale was the most powerful navy in continental Europe, unified in its purpose of defending the nation and the colonial empire. It was the product of the unique 1920s–30s French naval doctrine and armaments development, as a continental power with worldwide interests. The fall of France shattered this unity...