In WW1, why did the British have a class of Monitors called the Marshal Ney-class?

by Jooseman

Is there a specific reason that the British built a class of monitors called the Marshal Ney-class for use in WW1 made up of the ships HMS Marshal Ney and HMS Marshal Soult?

I don't know why they named ships after Napoleonic War French Marshals. Was it common to name ships after enemies fought in the past, or was it something to do with being allies of France in WW1?

Second_Mate

Indeed. They also had monitors named after famous British commanders, like HMS Roberts and HMS Abercrombie, of the "Abercrombie" class, and the larger (in number) "Lord Clive" class. So I'm inclined to agree with your suggestion that they were named as compliments to Britain's ally at the time.