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In 1940 invaded Germany in operation Fall Gelb France in the so-called Battle of France (10 May-25 June 1940) ending in a defeat of France. By Chantiers de Penhoet, St. Nazaire, France were 4 corvettes under construction similar to the British Flower-class. The vessels were completed to German design and became known as the St. Nazaire type escort vessels. Dimensions 205 (over all) x 33 feet. Obviously used for escort tasks in the Channel was the anti aircraft armament increased and seemed to consist of 1-10.5cm gun on the forecastle, 3-3.7cm guns (1x1 abaft the funnel, 1x2 aft), 6-2cm guns (1x1 on each side at the break of the forecastle, 1x4 aft). Launched at the end of 1940 lying until November 1942 in the Basin of Penhoet. One hull then transported to the Chantiers de Bretagne, Nantes, France followed by a secon one about a month later. Two hulls remained at St. Nazaire until May 1943. Then also brought to Nantes were the first two were completed. In the autumn however were the last two hulls moved to Coueron for further completion. The first two hulls were in June respectively July 1943 completed, in January was a third one -in the meantime brought back to St. Nazaire- apparently completed leaving on 5 April 1944 and probably commissioned. The fourth and last hull was in March still lying completed at Coeuron. The first two vessels were serving as escort vessels in the Channel. On 12 December 1943 was one at Le Havre, France apparenlty as escort of the blockade runner Munsterland trying to pass the Straits of Dover. On 24 February 1944 were both vessels lying at Cherbourg, France, operating single or as duo out of Channel harbours.
Source
The O.N.I. Weekly for the Officers of the United States Navy vol. III No. 29 dated 17 July 1944.
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