The four vessels of the Suffren-class were based on the Duquesne-class, though each was built to slightly different standards as lessons were learned from the preceding ship. Their hull form was sleek and graceful, taking a classic cruiser form. While the Duquesne-class lineage was apparent, the Suffren-class had a much more modern look about them. Armour protection was somewhat better than the preceding class, though speed was reduced as a consequence. Foch spent the early period of WWII in Dakar as part of Force M and formed part of a force bombarding Italian assets near Genoa. After the fall of France Foch joined Vichy French forces before being scuttled with other French vessels in late 1942. —description from the publisher's website