Q&A · 2:37:17-2:37:40

Why the Dunkerque class remains a battleship design

Weak protection relative to a ship's armament makes the classification contentious, but this assessment still places the Dunkerque class among battleships.

Battlecruisers Battleships Dunkerque Class Battleships French Navy Naval Armour Naval Gunnery Warship Classification

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Question

Were the Dunkerque-class ships battleships or battlecruisers?

Short answer

Battleships in this assessment, though their weak protection relative to their armament helps explain the battlecruiser label.

Notes

The Dunkerque class is classified here as battleships, although poorly designed examples of the type. Their strongest claim to the battlecruiser label is the weakness of their armour relative to the guns they carried. A protection shortfall alone does not necessarily change a ship's intended category.