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French destroyer Léopard Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The French Destroyer Léopard: Design, Service, and Loss in World War II

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The French Destroyer Léopard: Design, Service, and Loss in World War II Study Guide

Design and Construction (1923-1927)

The French destroyer Léopard was a Chacal-class destroyer built in the 1930s for the French Navy.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Léopard was a Chacal-class destroyer, but it was built during the 1920s, being commissioned in 1927, not the 1930s.

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As built, the Léopard had a standard displacement of 2,126 metric tons and a full load displacement of over 2,900 metric tons.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Léopard's standard displacement was 2,126 metric tons, and its full load displacement ranged from 2,980 to 3,075 metric tons, confirming the statement.

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The Léopard was designed for a maximum speed of 40 knots, but only achieved 35.59 knots during sea trials.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Léopard was designed for a maximum speed of 35.5 knots and actually exceeded this slightly during sea trials, reaching 35.59 knots.

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During wartime, the Léopard typically carried a crew of 221 personnel, including officers and enlisted men.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Léopard's wartime crew complement was 12 officers and 209 enlisted men, totaling 221 personnel.

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The Léopard's primary offensive armament as originally built consisted of six single Canon de 130 mm Modèle 1919 guns.

Answer: False

Explanation: As originally built, the Léopard's main armament consisted of five single Canon de 130 mm Modèle 1919 guns, not six.

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The Chacal-class destroyers, including the Léopard, were designed to counter large Italian destroyers.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Chacal-class ships, including the Léopard, were specifically designed to counter the large Italian Leone-class destroyers.

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The Léopard's completion was delayed solely due to a shortage of skilled labor at the shipyard.

Answer: False

Explanation: Delays in the Léopard's completion were attributed to problems with its propulsion machinery and late deliveries from sub-contractors, not solely a labor shortage.

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The Léopard was built by the shipyard Ateliers et Chantiers de la Loire in Saint-Nazaire.

Answer: True

Explanation: The French destroyer Léopard was constructed by Ateliers et Chantiers de la Loire, located in Saint-Nazaire, France.

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The Léopard's range at 15 knots was 3,500 nautical miles.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Léopard's original range at 15 knots was 3,000 nautical miles, which was later increased to 4,200 nautical miles after conversion, but never 3,500 nautical miles as a specific figure.

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Which class of destroyer did the French warship Léopard belong to?

Answer: Chacal-class

Explanation: The French destroyer Léopard was a member of the Chacal-class destroyers, built for the French Navy.

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When was the Léopard officially commissioned into service with the French Navy?

Answer: 15 November 1927

Explanation: The Léopard was officially commissioned into service with the French Navy on 15 November 1927.

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What was the Léopard's designed maximum speed?

Answer: 35.5 knots

Explanation: The Léopard was designed for a maximum speed of 35.5 knots, which it slightly exceeded during sea trials.

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How many 130 mm main guns did the Léopard originally carry?

Answer: Five

Explanation: As originally built, the Léopard's main armament consisted of five single Canon de 130 mm Modèle 1919 guns.

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What was the primary strategic purpose behind the design of the Chacal-class destroyers, including the Léopard?

Answer: To counter the large Italian Leone-class destroyers.

Explanation: The Chacal-class destroyers, including the Léopard, were specifically designed to counter the large Italian Leone-class destroyers.

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What was the name of the shipyard that built the French destroyer Léopard?

Answer: Ateliers et Chantiers de la Loire

Explanation: The French destroyer Léopard was constructed by Ateliers et Chantiers de la Loire in Saint-Nazaire, France.

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What was the Léopard's overall length?

Answer: 126.8 meters

Explanation: The Léopard had an overall length of 126.8 meters (416 feet 0.1 inches).

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How many propeller shafts were driven by the Léopard's geared steam turbines?

Answer: Two

Explanation: The Léopard was powered by two geared steam turbines, each driving one propeller shaft, for a total of two propeller shafts.

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What was the Léopard's operational range at a cruising speed of 15 knots before its escort conversion?

Answer: 3,000 nautical miles

Explanation: Before its escort conversion, the Léopard had an operational range of 3,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 15 knots.

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What was the total number of personnel in the Léopard's wartime crew?

Answer: 221

Explanation: The Léopard's wartime crew consisted of 12 officers and 209 enlisted men, totaling 221 personnel.

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What was the initial anti-aircraft armament of the Léopard as built?

Answer: Two single Canon de 75 mm modèle 1924 guns

Explanation: As initially built, the Léopard's anti-aircraft armament comprised two single Canon de 75 mm modèle 1924 guns.

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How many 550-millimeter torpedo tubes was the Léopard equipped with as built?

Answer: Two triple sets

Explanation: As built, the Léopard was equipped with two above-water triple sets of 550-millimeter torpedo tubes.

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What was the standard displacement of the Léopard as built?

Answer: 2,126 metric tons

Explanation: As originally built, the Léopard had a standard displacement of 2,126 metric tons.

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What was the beam of the Léopard?

Answer: 11.1 meters

Explanation: The Léopard had a beam of 11.1 meters (36 feet 5.0 inches).

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What was the designed power output of the Léopard's propulsion system?

Answer: All of the above

Explanation: The Léopard's propulsion system was designed to produce 50,000 metric horsepower, which is equivalent to 37,000 kW or 49,000 shp.

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Pre-War Service and Armament Evolution (1927-1939)

In 1932, the Léopard had its two depth charge chutes removed to improve stability.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 1932, the four depth charge throwers were removed, not the two depth charge chutes.

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The Léopard's anti-aircraft armament was upgraded around 1934 by replacing its 75-millimeter guns with 13.2-millimeter machineguns.

Answer: True

Explanation: Around 1934, the Léopard's two 75-millimeter anti-aircraft guns were indeed replaced by four twin mounts for 13.2-millimeter anti-aircraft machineguns.

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President Georges Clemenceau reviewed the fleet, including the Léopard, in Cherbourg in 1933.

Answer: False

Explanation: President Albert Lebrun reviewed the fleet, including the Léopard, in Cherbourg in 1933, not Georges Clemenceau.

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The Léopard was assigned to the Naval School at Brest in 1935 along with its sister ship Jaguar.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 1935, the Léopard was assigned to the Naval School at Brest along with its sister ship Chacal, not Jaguar.

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What modification was made to the Léopard's depth charge equipment in 1932?

Answer: Four depth charge throwers were removed.

Explanation: In 1932, the four depth charge throwers on the Léopard were removed as part of a modification.

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Which French President reviewed the fleet, including the Léopard, in Cherbourg in 1933?

Answer: Albert Lebrun

Explanation: President Albert Lebrun reviewed the fleet, including the Léopard, in Cherbourg on 20 July 1933.

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What was the Léopard's assignment in July 1935?

Answer: Assigned to the Naval School at Brest.

Explanation: On 15 July 1935, the Léopard was assigned to the Naval School (Ecole Navale) at Brest.

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Which sister ship was assigned to the Naval School with the Léopard in 1935?

Answer: Chacal

Explanation: On 15 July 1935, the Léopard was assigned to the Naval School at Brest along with its sister ship Chacal.

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Early World War II Operations (1939-1940)

At the start of World War II in September 1939, the Léopard was assigned to the Mediterranean Fleet for offensive operations.

Answer: False

Explanation: In September 1939, the Léopard was assigned to the Western Command for convoy escort duties, not the Mediterranean Fleet for offensive operations.

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In early 1940, the Léopard received a German Type 123 ASDIC system to enhance its anti-submarine capabilities.

Answer: False

Explanation: In early 1940, the Léopard received a British Type 123 ASDIC system, not a German one.

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The Léopard participated in the Dunkirk evacuation by rescuing British soldiers and transporting them to England.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Léopard was part of the flotilla supporting the Dunkirk evacuation and rescued 19 British soldiers, transporting them to England on 3 June 1940.

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After the surrender of France, the Léopard sailed to Plymouth and was immediately transferred to the Free French Naval Forces.

Answer: False

Explanation: After defending Cherbourg, the Léopard sailed to Portsmouth, where it was seized by the British during Operation Catapult, before being transferred to the Free French Naval Forces later.

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Operation Catapult was a British effort to transfer French naval assets to the Free French forces.

Answer: False

Explanation: Operation Catapult was a British operation aimed at capturing or disabling French naval ships to prevent them from being used by the Germans, not to transfer them to Free French forces.

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What was the Léopard's primary role at the start of World War II in September 1939?

Answer: Convoy escort duties for the Western Command.

Explanation: At the start of World War II in September 1939, the Léopard was assigned to the Western Command for convoy escort duties.

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What type of sonar system did the Léopard receive in early 1940?

Answer: British Type 123 ASDIC

Explanation: In early 1940, the Léopard received a British Type 123 ASDIC system to enhance its anti-submarine capabilities.

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Which city's defenses did the Léopard help bombard in May 1940, firing the last shots of the battle?

Answer: Boulogne-sur-Mer

Explanation: The Léopard, along with other ships, bombarded advancing German troops near Boulogne-sur-Mer in May 1940, firing the last shots of that battle.

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Where did the Léopard sail to on 19 June 1940, after defending the approaches to Cherbourg?

Answer: Portsmouth

Explanation: After defending the approaches to Cherbourg, the Léopard sailed to Portsmouth on 19 June 1940.

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What was the name of the operation during which the British seized the Léopard in July 1940?

Answer: Operation Catapult

Explanation: The British seized the Léopard in Portsmouth on 3 July 1940 as part of Operation Catapult.

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What was one of the key modifications made to the Léopard in early 1940 to improve its anti-submarine capabilities?

Answer: Installation of a British Type 123 ASDIC.

Explanation: In early 1940, the Léopard received a British Type 123 ASDIC system, a key modification to enhance its anti-submarine capabilities.

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How many British soldiers did the Léopard rescue and transport to England on 3 June 1940 during the Dunkirk evacuation?

Answer: 19

Explanation: On 3 June 1940, during the Dunkirk evacuation, the Léopard rescued 19 British soldiers from a boat and transported them to England.

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Free French Service and Major Refit (1940-1942)

Lieutenant Jules Évenou, using the nom de guerre 'Jacques Richard', commanded the Léopard after it was transferred to the Free French.

Answer: True

Explanation: Upon its transfer to the Free French Naval Forces on 31 August 1940, command of the Léopard was given to Lieutenant Jules Évenou, who used the nom de guerre 'Jacques Richard'.

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The Léopard's initial anti-aircraft improvements by the British included replacing two 13.2 mm machinegun mounts with a QF 4 inch (102 mm) Mk V AA gun.

Answer: True

Explanation: As part of its initial anti-aircraft improvements by the British, a QF 4 inch (102 mm) Mk V AA gun replaced two 13.2 mm machinegun mounts on the Léopard.

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The Léopard's year-long conversion into an escort destroyer at Kingston upon Hull involved removing its aft boiler and funnel.

Answer: False

Explanation: The year-long conversion involved removing its forward boiler and funnel, not the aft ones, to increase oil storage and crew accommodation.

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The escort destroyer conversion increased the Léopard's maximum speed but reduced its fuel range.

Answer: False

Explanation: The escort destroyer conversion reduced the Léopard's maximum speed but significantly increased its fuel range.

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After its escort destroyer conversion, the Léopard's stern was rebuilt to accommodate two rails for heavy depth charges.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following its conversion, the Léopard's stern was indeed rebuilt to accommodate two rails, each carrying a dozen 251-kilogram Mk VIIH heavy depth charges.

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The Léopard was equipped with a Type 291 search radar during its initial construction in the 1920s.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Type 291 search radar was installed on the Léopard during its escort destroyer conversion, which began in May 1941, not during its initial construction in the 1920s.

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Who was the commander of the Léopard after it was transferred to the Free French Naval Forces?

Answer: Lieutenant Jules Évenou

Explanation: Lieutenant Jules Évenou, using the nom de guerre 'Jacques Richard', was given command of the Léopard after its transfer to the Free French Naval Forces.

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What significant anti-aircraft gun was added to the Léopard by the British after it joined the Free French?

Answer: A QF 4 inch (102 mm) Mk V AA gun

Explanation: Among the initial anti-aircraft improvements made by the British, a QF 4 inch (102 mm) Mk V AA gun was added to the Léopard, replacing two 13.2 mm machinegun mounts.

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Where did the Léopard undergo its year-long conversion into an escort destroyer starting in May 1941?

Answer: Kingston upon Hull

Explanation: The Léopard underwent its year-long conversion into an escort destroyer at Kingston upon Hull, beginning on 8 May 1941.

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What was the primary trade-off in the Léopard's escort destroyer conversion regarding speed and range?

Answer: Reduced speed, increased range.

Explanation: The escort destroyer conversion reduced the Léopard's maximum speed but significantly increased its fuel range due to greater oil storage.

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What humanitarian action did the Léopard perform on 24 February 1941?

Answer: Rescued 39 survivors from a British cargo ship.

Explanation: On 24 February 1941, the Léopard rescued 39 survivors from a British cargo ship, demonstrating its role in maritime rescue operations.

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What was removed from the Léopard during its escort destroyer conversion to increase oil storage and crew accommodation?

Answer: Its forward boiler and funnel.

Explanation: During its escort destroyer conversion, the Léopard's forward boiler and funnel were removed to create space for increased oil storage and crew accommodation.

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What type of radar was installed on the Léopard during its escort destroyer conversion?

Answer: Type 291 search radar

Explanation: A Type 291 search radar was installed on the Léopard during its extensive escort destroyer conversion.

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Combat Engagements and Indian Ocean Deployments (1942)

The Léopard, along with HMS Spey and HMS Pelican, sank the German submarine U-136 in July 1942.

Answer: True

Explanation: On 11 July 1942, while escorting Convoy OS33, the Léopard, in conjunction with HMS Spey and HMS Pelican, successfully sank the German submarine U-136.

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The Léopard collided with the British sloop HMS Lowestoft in August 1942, requiring repairs in South Africa.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Léopard collided with HMS Lowestoft in July 1942, not August, and subsequently underwent repairs in South Africa.

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The Léopard's mission to liberate La Réunion was delayed due to engine problems.

Answer: False

Explanation: The mission to liberate La Réunion was delayed due to the Léopard's collision with HMS Lowestoft, not engine problems.

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During the liberation of La Réunion, the Léopard landed 80 troops and engaged a coastal defense battery.

Answer: True

Explanation: During the liberation of La Réunion, the Léopard landed 80 troops who seized the capital, and the ship itself engaged a coastal defense battery.

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After liberating La Réunion, the Léopard immediately transferred to the Atlantic for convoy duties.

Answer: False

Explanation: After liberating La Réunion, the Léopard remained in the Indian Ocean, escorting convoys until March 1943, before transferring to the Mediterranean.

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Which German submarine did the Léopard help sink in July 1942?

Answer: U-136

Explanation: On 11 July 1942, the Léopard, in conjunction with HMS Spey and HMS Pelican, sank the German submarine U-136.

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What caused the Léopard's mission to liberate La Réunion to be delayed in June 1942?

Answer: A collision with the sloop HMS Lowestoft.

Explanation: The Léopard's mission to liberate La Réunion was delayed due to its collision with the British sloop HMS Lowestoft and the subsequent need for repairs.

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What was the Léopard's role in the liberation of La Réunion in November 1942?

Answer: It transported troops who seized the capital and engaged a coastal battery.

Explanation: In November 1942, the Léopard transported 80 troops who landed and seized Saint-Denis, and the ship itself engaged a coastal defense battery during the liberation of La Réunion.

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What was the name of the British sloop that the Léopard collided with in July 1942?

Answer: HMS Lowestoft

Explanation: On 12 July 1942, the Léopard collided with the British sloop HMS Lowestoft.

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Mediterranean Transfer and Loss (1943)

The Léopard's ultimate loss was due to enemy action, sinking after a torpedo attack in May 1943.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Léopard's ultimate loss was not due to enemy action but rather from running aground and subsequently breaking in half during a gale in June 1943, after an incident in May 1943.

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The Léopard was refitted at Diégo-Suarez, Madagascar, before its transfer to the Mediterranean in 1943.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Léopard underwent a brief refit at Diégo-Suarez, Madagascar, from 13 March to mid-April 1943, prior to its transfer to the Mediterranean.

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The Léopard ran aground near Alexandria on 27 May 1943, leading to its eventual loss.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Léopard ran aground near Benghazi on 27 May 1943, not Alexandria.

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Salvage attempts for the Léopard included sealing damaged areas with cement and dredging a channel.

Answer: True

Explanation: Allied forces attempted to refloat the Léopard by sealing damaged areas with cement and dredging a channel back to the sea.

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What was the primary reason for the Léopard being declared a total loss?

Answer: It ran aground and subsequently broke in half during a gale.

Explanation: The Léopard ran aground and, despite salvage attempts, ultimately broke in half during a gale, leading to its declaration as a total loss.

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Where was the Léopard refitted in early 1943 before its transfer to the Mediterranean?

Answer: Diégo-Suarez, Madagascar

Explanation: The Léopard was refitted at Diégo-Suarez, Madagascar, from 13 March to mid-April 1943, before its transfer to the Mediterranean.

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Near which city did the Léopard run aground on 27 May 1943?

Answer: Benghazi

Explanation: The Léopard ran aground near Benghazi on 27 May 1943, an incident that ultimately led to its loss.

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Commendations and Historical Records

The Léopard was awarded the Médaille de la Résistance with rosette in 1946 for its heroism during World War II.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Léopard was indeed awarded the Médaille de la Résistance with rosette on 29 November 1946, recognizing its service and heroism during World War II.

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General Charles De Gaulle inspected sailors aboard the Léopard at Greenock in June 1942.

Answer: True

Explanation: An image from 24 June 1942 confirms that General Charles De Gaulle inspected sailors aboard the Léopard at Greenock.

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