This book is mainly devoted to the 34 2nd class submarines and the six minesweepers (Saphir type) that emerged from the shipbuilding programmes from 1922 to 1936. The period after 1945 for the Aurore type 2nd class submarines, the first of which had just been completed in June 1940, is only mentioned. The contemporary 1st class submarines (Requin and Redoutable) are dealt with in a separate book. The first twelve, which were to form the Sirene class, were also referred to as the 600-tonner, the next sixteen as the 630-tonner and the last six as the Admiralty type. The history and description of the 2nd class submarines built between the two world wars has not been the subject of much study. These boats did not particularly distinguish themselves during the Second World War, with the exception of the units that the FNFL struggled to rearm in Britain. The others formed part of the French State Navy's submarine force and many were disarmed before the end of 1940. The few that survived the painful events of November 1942 were practically only used for training purposes after a few missions in the Mediterranean. The same applies to the six mine-destroying submarines, with the exception of the Rubis, which has become a symbol of the FNFL. The historical part is merely intended to reflect the events and leave out interpretations that have no place in a predominantly technical work.
Group
Books (first-hand)
Author
Moulin, Jean
Title
Les Sous-marins de 2e Classe et les mouilleurs de mines de la Marine Nationale 1922-1945
Details
French text, 473 illustrations, large format. 312 pages.
