First launched in 1939, the Richelieu had a rather unusual war time career. After the capitulation of France the battleship became part of the the naval forces of the french Vichy regime and therefore a threat to the UK, actually playing a part in the defence of Dakar. After the allied invasion of North Africa, however, the ship joined the allies and was refitted with new armament and radar at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in 1943. From there she was incorporated into the British Home Fleet for WWII operations along the Norwegian coast and later against Japan.