Keeping French guns supplied in Allied service

Could the Allies keep French guns operating despite different calibers and measurement standards?

Yes, by using existing stocks first and then relining guns, manufacturing ammunition, or fitting Allied weapons during refits.

French metric standards and distinctive calibers would complicate long-term support, but they would not immediately immobilize the fleet. Ammunition stockpiled in North Africa could sustain the opening months, especially because battleships did not expend their main-battery shells every day. American or British industry could then tool up suitable shells or reline heavy guns for Allied-standard ammunition. During refits, smaller French weapons could be replaced with British or American anti-aircraft and dual-purpose guns, as happened to French ships later in the war.