French Ironclad Richelieu
The French ironclad Richelieu was a wooden-hulled central battery ironclad built for the French Navy in the early 1870s. She was named after the 17th century statesman Cardinal de Richelieu. The ship was the flagship of the Mediterranean Squadron for most of her career. Richelieu caught on fire in Toulon in 1880 and was scuttled to prevent her magazines from exploding. She was salvaged and, after being repaired, resumed her role as flagship. In 1886, however, the ship was placed in reserve and was eventually condemned in 1901. While being towed to the ship breakers in Amsterdam in 1911, Richelieu was caught in a storm in the Bay of Biscay and had to be cast loose from her tugboat. Nevertheless, the ship survived the storm and was recovered near the Scilly Isles from where she was towed to her final destination.
Read more about French Ironclad Richelieu: Design and Description, Service
Famous quotes containing the words french, ironclad and/or richelieu:
“I dont see what for French Canadians to go to defend a bunch of Poles. I dont get that at all. I dont see what they mean to us. And they all one kind government much same like the other.”
—Emeric Pressburger (19021988)
“There are few ironclad rules of diplomacy but to one there is no exception. When an official reports that talks were useful, it can safely be concluded that nothing was accomplished.”
—John Kenneth Galbraith (b. 1908)
“Secrecy is the first essential in affairs of the State.”
—Duc De Richelieu (15851642)