- Yes
- No
Hello everyone and welcome to this new suggestion.
Today I’m presenting a new class of ships from the French Navy: the river battleships, also known as Gressier barges, and more specifically, the Foudre.
In 1945, as France was emerging from the World War II, an expeditionary force commanded by Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque was sent to Indochina to re-establish French control over the former colonies. The region had just been freed from Japanese occupation but remained extremely unstable, notably because of growing independence and communist movements opposed to the return of colonial authorities.
French troops attempted several times to secure key areas, particularly around Saigon, but operations proved difficult. Infantry units lacked logistical support and had little knowledge of the complex terrain of rivers, swamps, and canals. To overcome these difficulties, naval forces became increasingly involved. River operations soon proved to be one of the most effective ways to move troops and strike strategic positions.
A unit known as the Merlet Company, considered a precursor to the future French marine commandos, carried out several successful assaults along rivers and waterways. Using small boats and improvised vessels, the unit managed to seize a number of important towns and river crossings. Seeing the effectiveness of this method, General Leclerc ordered François Jaubert, commander of the company, to gather available vessels and organize a true “river fleet” capable of supporting the advance inland.
This improvised flotilla was composed of a wide variety of vessels: traditional junks, abandoned Japanese patrol boats, Allied landing craft, and several civilian cargo barges. Among these were the so-called Gressier barges, named after the Gressier family, wealthy rice merchants who originally used them for transport. Around thirty meters long, these barges were particularly well suited for military operations thanks to their shallow draft, which allowed them to navigate narrow rivers, and their large cargo capacity.
One of these barges became the Lightning. The vessel was heavily modified for combat use: armor plating was added and multiple weapons were installed to support troops operating along the rivers. Over time, it became the most heavily armed vessel of its type. During a refit in 1948, it even received a 75 mm gun, significantly increasing its firepower and making it a valuable support platform during operations.
For several years, the Foudre served French forces throughout the region, carrying troops, supporting assaults, and transporting supplies along the waterways. Its versatility made it an important asset for river warfare during the early stages of the conflict that would become the First Indochina War. When a new naval vessel was later given the name Lightning, the barge was renamed Thunder.
After the end of its military service, the vessel returned to civilian life. It was handed back to the Gressier family, who restored it to its original role as a rice transport barge, bringing its unusual military career to a close.
Thanks to @Sarrazin for the sources
Characteristics
Length : 31.50 m
Width : 6.50 m
Draft : 1.10 m
Mass : 220 tons
The ship is powered by a 45hp Bolinders diesel engine, allowing it to travel at a speed of 6 knots. This engine is particularly underpowered, which would likely make it one of the least well-powered ships if added to the game.
The standard crew consists of 14 sailors; however, due to the extensive armament, more personnel are needed to operate all the weapons and crew. Additionally, the Foudre could carry a maximum of 250 passengers for short distances.
Weapons
The ship’s armament is particularly comprehensive, enabling it to support ground assault troops. It includes various cannons and machine guns for direct fire and anti-aircraft defense. However, the armament doesn’t stop there; several mortars are also installed to provide additional firepower.
Guns :
- 1 x 75mm canon
- 1 x 2 25mm canon (Japanese canon)
- 1 x 25mm canon (Japanese canon)
- 2 x 12.3mm Hotchkiss machine gun
- 2 x 8mm Hotchkiss machine gun
- 2 x 7.7mm machine gun
Other :
- 2 x 81mm mortar
- 1 x 50mm mortar
In-game, this ship would be a particularly interesting addition to the French tech tree, providing a heavily armed vessel but with a very low speed, making it highly vulnerable to torpedoes and air attacks.
Pictures
Unfortunately, very few images of this ship exist, so the images below may also be of other ships in the same class.
