An item referred to several reports reporting that the French light cruiser Primaguet (1) escorted by 4 destroyers (although one report said 3 submarines which is probably not correct] departed on 9 May Casablanca, French Morocco for executing gunnery exercises returning later that day. At seas she was sighted by British planes which incorrectly identify her as the Jean Bart. (2) Other French major warships were inactive. Sources reporting that the maximum speed of the battleship Jean Bart was 20 knots and her cruising speed much lower. Her main armament consisted of just half of her 15” guns and the state of completion of her fire control system was unknown.
Notes
1. Duguay-Trouin-class preceded by planned La Motte-Picquet-class and succeeded by Jeanne d’Arc, laid down by Arsenal de Brest, France on 16 August 1923, launched on 21 May 1924, commissioned on 1 April 1927 and destroyed by the US Navy in the Naval Battle of Casablanca on 8 November 1941 and wreck sold and broken up in 1951.
2. Of the Richelieu-class as an answer on the Italian Littorio-class, preceded by Dunkerque-class and succeeded by the planned but not realized Alsace-class. Laid down on 12 December 1936, launched on 6 March 1940, commissioned on 8 January 1949, stricken on 10 February 1970 and broken up. Main armament super firing 2x4-38cm/15" /45 Modèle 1935 guns before the bridge.
Source
Map Room Papers (Roosevelt Administration), 1942 - 1945. U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary No. 151 dated 10 May 1942
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