Q&A · 1:00:42-1:00:52

Did the French Navy fight a major fleet engagement in World War I?

A direct answer distinguishes French wartime activity from the large battle-fleet engagements associated with the North Sea.

Fleet Actions French Navy World War I

Watch at this time Full video guide

Question

Did the French Navy fight anything close to a major fleet engagement in World War I?

Short answer

No; its largest actions were far smaller than a full fleet battle.

Notes

No French engagement larger than a small division-sized action could be identified. The navy still performed important transport, blockade, bombardment, evacuation, and anti-submarine duties, but viewers should not expect a French equivalent to Jutland in this account.