340mm/45 Modèle 1912 gun

The 340mm/45 Modèle 1912 gun (13.4") was a heavy naval gun of the French Navy.

While the calibres of the naval guns of the French Navy were usually very close to those of their British counterparts, the calibre of 340 mm is specific to the French Navy.

The built-up gun was designed to be carried by the and  classes in quadruple gun turrets, but no ship of these types was completed as a battleship. They were carried by the s in twin turrets.

Coast Defence Gun


During Operation Dragoon, the Free French battleship FRENCH BATTLESHIP Lorraine was one of the units engaged with 'Big Willie', an enemy battery controlling the approaches to Toulon. 'Big Willie' was armed with two turrets taken from the French battleship FRENCH BATTLESHIP Provence, making this an unusual instance of both sides of an engagement using the 340mm/45 Modèle 1912 gun.

Weapons of comparable role, performance and era

 * BL 13.5 inch Mk V naval gun British equivalent