FRENCH NAVY 1939-42

FRENCH NAVY 1939-42
By Hugues Canuel

As naval books written in English tend to focus on the Royal Navy, the role and strength of its French equivalent is often overlooked. 
This new book from Osprey and written by naval historian, Captain Hugues Canuel, throws a greater spotlight on the Marine nationale especially during the second world war. 

With the ending of the Great War and the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, the majority of countries had neither the interest, nor the finances, to continue to build and modernise their armed forces.
As the second world war began the book describes the strengths and types of ships that were then serving in the Marine nationale. This would include the French having the world's largest fleet of submarines. 

Following the Phoney War, the fleet's lesser known role in the Norway campaign is revealed.
Between the evacuation at Dunkirk and Operation Torch, the story of the many dramatic battles, alongside the country's political turmoil, proves to be a fascinating read. I learnt a great deal regarding how the Vichy and Free French navies first came to be and subsequently how they then operated.
 
This book is number 16 in Osprey's 'FLEET' series. With an engaging narrative, backed by a range of great maps, tables and fabulous artwork, this extraordinary period in the Marine nationale's history proved to be an absorbing read and a great addition to the series. 

The paperback book is published later this month by Osprey Publishing. 
I thank Osprey for this review copy. 




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