In April 1939, Dunkerque covered the training cruiser Jeanne d'Arc against a nearby German squadron, demonstrating her value outside a fleet battle line. The class had enough status and capability for imperial presence without appearing as provocative as a larger battleship. Its speed, range, and modest size made the ships credible for crisis response while the stronger Richelieus could concentrate against Italy. Had war begun later, the Dunkerques might therefore have deployed widely, potentially including the Far East.
Notable Point · 44:37-46:24
The class suited distant presence and crisis response
A 1939 escort mission illustrates why the compact, fast battleships could have become France's far-ranging presence ships after the Richelieus entered service.