Launched in 1934,
Le Fantasque was the second of six ships of the Malin class (sometimes referred to as Fantasque class). Designed to be a high-speed long-range destroyer escort for French Battle groups. Reaching over 45 knots in her sea-trials, they were the fastest destroyers in the world.
Le Fantasque was involved in the hunt for the
Graf Spee, raided German merchant traffic in the Atlantic, saw battle against British ships in Dakar serving under Vichy France, participated in the Salerno landing, raided traffic in the Adriatic and took part in the landings at Provence.
Following a refit in the US in 1943, she was re-classified as a light cruiser due to her armament and size.
Le Fantasque finished her career serving in Indochina, then used as a floating barracks in Toulon before finally being sold for scrap in 1957.
Le Fantasque, following her 1943 refit.