An Ally Betrayed?

The British versus French in WW2

France was unusual in that part of it was still nominally independent. The northern half of France was under German control. The southern half (with the exception of the Atlantic coast and small sections on the Italian border) was still under French rule. The puppet state became known as Vichy France.

This rump state was left run its own affairs for the most part. The Vichy government continued to administer the French colonies abroad. It was also allowed to maintain a small army as well as a navy and air force.

It was the navy that was the key issue for the British. The Royal Navy at the time was still stronger than either the German or Italian fleets. The German fleet in particular had taken heavy losses during the conquest of Norway. A strong fleet was necessary if the Germans were to invade Britain.

Vichy France had kept the French navy as part of the armistice but had pledged they would not hand it over to the Germans. This status made both the British and Germans nervous. The Germans made no move to seize the fleet as they feared doing so would cause the entire fleet to defect to the Allies. The British feared that it could be used to reinforce the Axis. This could lead to defeat in the Mediterranean and Britain’s eventual surrender.

Only 40% of the French fleet was actually docked in France by mid 1940. Another 40% was across the Mediterranean in French North Africa while the remainder was scattered across French colonies and British territory.

Negotiations failed between the British and French about the fleet’s status. Plans were made to seize it by force. Those already docked in British ports would be boarded and captured. The French mainland bases were too strong to attack but a task force…

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