1-2400 French Contre-Torpilleurs Flotilla “Red / Black Shadow” Pennant Numbers

The decals are specifically sized to GHQ French castings but probably will work on other manufacture castings
 
Historical Information
The Marine Nationale’s contre-torpilleurs were among the fastest and most heavily armed destroyer-type warships of their era. Intended for fleet scouting, screening, and aggressive surface action, these large French warships served in both the Atlantic and Mediterranean during the opening phase of World War II.
 
Under the standardized identification system introduced in 1939, the letter “X” designated a contre-torpilleur. Numbers following the X identified the vessel’s division and its position within that division. These large tactical markings were originally painted white with black shadowing for maximum recognition at sea.
 
Combat experience quickly demonstrated that the bright white markings were too conspicuous. On 6 January 1940, the French Navy ordered hull identifiers repainted in brick red while retaining the black shadow, substantially reducing their visibility at distance. The change was implemented across the fleet during the opening months of 1940.
 
This decal sheet recreates the red-and-black tactical markings used by French contre-torpilleurs from 1940, an important identifying feature for historically accurate models of French warships during the wartime period.