The Dunkerque-class ships were small fast battleships. Main armament forward, defensive weapons around the ship, and aviation facilities aft anticipated features of later warship layouts. French planners wanted speed and versatility against Italian forces, German ships, and commerce raiders. Fitting those competing requirements into a compact hull forced compromises that help explain the class's distinctive form and difficult wartime experience.
Chapter · 40:59-42:27
Dunkerque as a small fast battleship
The Dunkerque class combined forward main armament and stern aviation facilities in a compact fast-battleship design intended to meet several competing threats.