Q&A · 2:56:32-2:56:36

Were flawed French ships used effectively?

The concise answer separates criticism of procurement from the operational performance of French sailors and commanders.

French Navy Naval Operations Ship Design World War I

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Question

If the designs were poor, were the French ships at least used effectively?

Short answer

Yes - as effectively as their limitations allowed.

Notes

Awkward designs do not prove poor service by their crews. The ships were used as effectively as they could be, reinforcing the distinction between institutional procurement failures and the effort made by the people operating the fleet.