Light cruisers led the Mediterranean formation

The inherited German light cruisers gave the postwar Marine Nationale a capable starting base while it decided what its own new ships should do. The lighter cruiser force then occupied different places in different war plans. In Atlantic or Far Eastern coalition operations it would defend task forces built around first-class cruisers and capital ships. Against Italy, however, these ships could lead the destroyers and minelaying forces that conducted the Mediterranean campaign. Their Atlantic-capable bows preserved wider usefulness because a hull suited to ocean operations could still work in the Mediterranean, while the reverse was less certain.