SCARCE reference from a French Navy in transition. 

France was lagging behind the allies’ technology, innovating dreadnought and light cruisers by the turn of the century. 

Despite heavy losses this year (1907) of the Jean Bart, Chanzy & Iena the French Navy’s pre dreadnoughts performed well in WWI, considered integral in the Dardanelles campaign. The port city of Cherbourg is most famous for it’s pivotal role in the Battle of Normandy during the second World War. 

Photographer signed & identified: Arsenal de Cherbourg // Direction d’artillerie navale // personnel des comptables // Septembre 1907 // Photographie Militaire Universitaire // E. Mesiere // 36 Avenue Baudin Limoges.