FIRST-CLASS SUBMARINES – The Requin and Redoutable Classes 1922–1950

This work is devoted to the 40 first-class submarines built for the Marine Nationale between 1922 and 1939.

They are divided into two types: the 1,100-tonne Requin class of the 1922 and 1923 programmes, and the Redoutable and Pascal classes of the 1924 to 1930 programmes.

The second-class submarines and minelayers are covered in another volume in the same series. The 1,500-tonne submarines are better known than the 1,100-tonne boats, which are often overlooked.

The departure from Toulon on 27 November 1942 of the Casabianca, the Glorieux and, remarkably, a 1,100-tonne boat, the Marsouin, is regarded as a major event in the history of the French submarine arm. The 1,500-tonne submarines were the most active vessels of the French Navy during the Second World War.

The service records of several are relatively well known, the top position being occupied by the Casabianca, whose two former commanders have recounted its most spectacular missions. Eleven vessels were lost in action, nine of them through the actions of our former and future allies. The five survivors were committed from December 1942 (the Casabianca) in operations in the Mediterranean or served in listening schools.

A large part of the historical accounts, particularly for the period from June 1940 to December 1942, is limited to a statement of facts, commentary and interpretation being practically excluded in a work that prioritises technical matters.

This book is illustrated with over 520 photographs, maps and diagrams, all across 326 pages.