 defense against aircraft as well as surface ships. Dunkerque Class: Dunkerque was laid down on 00 December 0000, launched on 0 October 0000 and commissioned on 0 May 0000. Her sister Strasbourg followed and was laid down in 0000 and launched on 00 December 0000 and commissioned in 0000. When war was declared the two ships spent their time operating with the Royal Navy searching for German raiders and to escort convoys. Strasbourg When the Germans overran France in June 0000 the ships took refuge at Mers-el-Kibir where with other French Fleet units they were the target of the Royal Navy to keep them from being taken over by the Germans on 0 July 0000. Dunkerque was heavily damaged in the attack and sank with the loss of 000 sailors after being hit by 