Victory at Sea - Jeanne d'Arc

The Jeanne d'Arc, built as a training cruiser for the French Marine Nationale, embodied a unique duality as both a floating school and a combat-capable warship. Throughout World War II, her role evolved from a vessel of instruction to a stalwart defender of freedom.

As part of a flotilla tasked with safeguarding French gold on its journey to Canada, the Jeanne d'Arc navigated treacherous waters during the tumult of war. However, her true calling emerged when she joined the ranks of the Free French forces in 1943, marking a pivotal moment in her storied history.

Although the sole vessel of the Jeanne d’Arc-class, she was no less formidable, equipped with guns akin to those found on the Duguay-Trouin-class cruisers. Yet, her primary function as a training vessel spared her the need for the speed and armor typically associated with traditional cruisers. Stationed in Martinique, she underwent a transformation upon aligning with the Allies, undergoing a refit that saw the removal of torpedo Tubes and aircraft while bolstering her anti-aircraft armament.

From her new base in the Mediterranean, the Jeanne d'Arc continued to serve with distinction, embodying the resilience and adaptability of the French Navy amidst the ever-changing tides of war. Her legacy stands as a testament to the valor and sacrifice of all who served aboard her during one of history's most defining chapters.

Models supplied unassembled and unpainted.