서프렌급 4척은 듀케인급에 기반을 두고 있었지만, 앞선 배에서 배운 교훈에 따라 각각 조금씩 다른 기준으로 제작되었다. 그들의 선체 형태는 매끈하고 우아했으며, 전형적인 순양함 형태였다.
듀케인급이 분명한 반면, 서프렌급은 훨씬 더 현대적인 모습을 가지고 있었다. 결과적으로 속도는 감소했지만, 장갑 보호는 이전 등급보다 다소 우수했다.
서프렌은 1940년부터 1943년까지 알렉산드리아에 머물렀다.

서프렌은 전쟁 초기에 도데카니사 제도에서 작전을 수행하다가 영국 해군에 평화적으로 항복했다.
1943년 연합군에 합류할 것이라고 주장했다.

—출판사 웹 사이트의 설명

The four vessels of the Suffren-class were based on the Duquesne-class, though each was built to slightly different standards as lessons were learned from the preceding ship. Their hull form was sleek and graceful, taking a classic cruiser form.
While the Duquesne-class lineage was apparent, the Suffren-class had a much more modern look about them. Armour protection was somewhat better than the preceding class, though speed was reduced as a consequence.
Suffren remained at Alexandria from 1940 to 1943, when she joined the Allied cause.

Suffren, lead ship in her class, operated in the Dodecanese Islands early on in the war before peacefully surrendering to the Royal Navy - in sharp contrast to the fate of many French vessels at Mers-el-Kebir.
Refitted she would join the Allied cause in 1943.

—description from the publisher's website