Dunkerque started in December 1931 and completed in April 1937. After its defeat in World War II France, theUnited Kingdomin order to prevent the French fleet was the Axis use, to attack the French fleet. July 1940 in Algeria, Mers-el-Kebir Port, Dunkerque British Navy hit and ran aground in the harbor. After maintenance Dunkerque return to the port ofToulonin February 1941. November 27, 1942, Dunkerque to avoid being captured by the German occupation forces in theportofToulonsince Shen.