Q&A · 2:42:23-2:43:48

Which French interwar cruiser had the best protection?

Algérie combined the strongest French cruiser armor scheme with efficient machinery and useful high-speed range.

Question

What was the best-protected French cruiser of the 1930s?

Short answer

Algérie, with a roughly 110-millimeter belt, substantial deck and turret protection, and improved machinery for long-range operation.

Notes

Algérie was France's best-protected cruiser of the 1930s. Her armor included a belt of about 110 millimeters, a layered deck reaching roughly 80 millimeters, substantial turret and conning-tower protection, and dedicated armor for the steering gear. Improved Rateau machinery also supported about 8,000 nautical miles at 15 knots or 4,000 miles at 27 knots. The design joined substantial protection to useful operational reach.