In 1939 Pluton was being prepared for a permanent training-cruiser role alongside Jeanne d'Arc and even a new name, La Tour d'Auvergne. The approach of war changed that calculation, and the French Navy rapidly removed equipment that obstructed minelaying. Pluton went first to Brest and then sailed to Casablanca on 2 September with mines for a defensive field. The rush to clear her mine deck shows that the French Navy still needed the original specialist capability once war began.
Notable Point · 31:44-32:47
War restores Pluton to her original mission
On the eve of war, a proposed permanent training cruiser was stripped back and rushed to Casablanca with mines for a defensive field.