sentences:  The teak was used to help absorb the shock of a torpedo or naval mine detonation.The side protection system followed the so-called "French principle", using a narrow, full-length armored belt to protect the hull, rather than a shorter citadel system that only protected a ship's ammunition magazines and propulsion machinery spaces.The belt extended from above the waterline to below, though toward the bow it was extended further down to reinforce the ram.