
Mistral 1940

Mistral 1944
| Name | No | Builder | Laid down | Launched | Comp | Fate |
| Mistral | F C de la Méditerranée, Le Havre, France | 11/1923 | 6/6/1925 | 6/1927 // 7/1940 | to France 5/1945 |
|
Displacement standard, t |
1319 |
|
Displacement full, t |
1900 |
|
Length, m |
99.5 pp 105.8 oa |
|
Breadth, m |
9.64 |
|
Draught, m |
4.30 |
|
No of shafts |
2 |
|
Machinery |
Parsons geared steam turbines, 3 du Temple boilers |
|
Power, h. p. |
33000 |
|
Max speed, kn |
33 |
|
Fuel, t |
oil 345 |
|
Armament |
4 x 1 - 130/40 M1919, 2 x 1 - 37/50 M1925, 2 x 1 - 13.2/76, 2 x 3 - 550 TT, 2 DCT, 2 DCR (20) |
|
Complement |
142 |
Ship project history: First French inter-war "standard" destroyers, built under 1922 program. They were outlined among the ships-contemporaries by an archaic three-funnels outline profile.
When they were laid down they carried the most powerful artillery in the world though its value was significant decreased by small firing rate. Originally AA armament consisted of 1 75mm gun and 2 small MGs.
Speed characteristics have appeared rather moderated, ships of the class can achieved only 28-29kts at full displacement before the war.
Modernizations: 1944: - 4 x 1 - 130/40, 2 x 1 - 37/50, 2 x 1 - 13.2/76, 1 x 3 - 550 TT; + 4 x 1 - 120/45 QF Mk IX, 1 x 1 - 76/40 QF Mk I HA, 3 x 1 - 20/70 Oerlikon
Naval service: Mistral 3/7/1940 was captured by British in Plymouth (though was semi-sunk by own crew to avoid capture). Used as TS till 1944 when laid up.
One more French destroyer served under British flag. There was leader Leopard captured by British in Portsmouth 3/7/1940 and never commissioned by RN. Ship was commissioned by Free France Navy 31/8/1940.

sister-ship Simoun 1946
© Ivan Gogin, 2008-10