The discussion of class names leads into wartime friction between the Royal Navy and Free French forces. Unlike other Allied navies willing to accept British weaponry, the Free French sought to keep their existing guns operating. Different calibres and measurements made supply harder for the navy hosting and supporting them. The disagreement shows the recurring tension between national identity and the logistical advantages of standardisation inside an alliance.
Notable Point · 26:03-27:14
Free French gun calibres and Allied logistics
An aside on Free French insistence on retaining French guns shows how national pride and incompatible calibres complicated Allied ammunition support.