1937 BOUCLIER Last of a class of twelve light coastal defence ships, classified as Torpilleurs (torpedo boats), constructed for the French Navy between 1935 and 1937.
THE MELPOMENE CLASS
Under the London Naval Treaty of 1930, signatories were allowed to build small warships of up to 600 tons standard displacement, for use as coastal defence ships, in unlimited numbers. The French exploited this provision to construct a class of twelve ships, though there is little to suggest that they were anything but a waste of resources they came out overweight, unstable, and very poor sea-keepers, with unsatisfactory range. Bouclier was constructed by Ateliers-Chantiers de Ia Seine Maritime at Le Havre; laid down in 1935, she was launched on 9 August 1937 and entered service in April 1938. She was in a British port at the fall of France in 1940, and went to war manned firstly by Poles, then by Dutchmen, before being handed over to the Free French Navy. She was one of only three ships of the class to see much action. She was sold for breaking up in 1950.
MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT
It was French practice to use steam turbines in all their warships of this period, and despite their relatively small size, the Melpomnes had paired Parsons or Rateau-Bretagne engines producing 22,000shp. This gave them 36.5 knots at standard displacement and 32 knots even at full load, though it must be said that this was their sole outstanding feature. Their poor stability plus their low freeboard aft of the bridge made them very wet indeed. This ship did not prove very satisfactory in service and subsequently put into reserve at the first opportunity.
TECHNICAL DATA
Type: Torpedo boat/Escort
Machinery: 2-shaft geared turbines giving 22,000shp
Dimensions (overall): Length, 80.7rn (264.75ft); beam, 7.95m (26ft)
Displacement: 680t standard; 895t full load
Draught: 3.lm (10.2ft) full load
Complement: 105
Speed: 34.5 knots (64km/h)
