Q&A ยท 37:20-38:01

Postwar value of the Dunkerque-class battleships

Surviving Dunkerque-class ships would help France rebuild postwar status and might indirectly prolong HMS Vanguard's British career.

Question

If one or both Dunkerque-class battleships survived the Second World War intact, would France use them or simply keep them until scrapping?

Short answer

France would probably use them as valuable symbols and fleet units, potentially encouraging Britain to retain Vanguard longer.

Notes

France would find intact Dunkerque-class battleships useful after the war even if their combat value was declining. Together with Richelieu, they would make French naval recovery and great-power status much more visible. Their continued service could also affect British prestige calculations. Britain might retain Vanguard longer rather than accept a conspicuous capital-ship imbalance with France.