Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:56:13-1:56:30

Bearn's 875-person complement

The carrier's 875-person complement adds a major manpower cost to its slow and elaborate operating system.

BearnCarrier Air GroupsCarrier OperationsNaval PersonnelShip Design
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

Did Bearn expose only a small number of French sailors to carrier service?

Short answer

No. Bearn had a complement of about 875 people, so a substantial number of French sailors served in her compromised carrier system.

Notes

The audience suggestion that few people had to endure Bearn leads to a revealing personnel figure. The carrier had a complement of roughly 875, a substantial ship's company for one experimental conversion. That figure reinforces the manpower burden of the ship's machinery, weapons, workshops, and elaborate aircraft-handling arrangements. France therefore committed many sailors to a carrier that still generated limited operational experience and flight-deck tempo.