Battle of Mers-el-Kébir

On 3 July 1940, the British fleet launched a surprise attack on the French fleet anchored at Mers-el-Kébir, near Oran, to prevent it from falling into the hands of Nazi Germany. Despite negotiations begun between Admiral Gensoul and Admiral Somerville, the British ultimatum was rejected. The attack began at 5:54 p.m.: the battleship Bretagne exploded, the Provence was severely damaged, and the Dunkerque was put out of action. Only the Strasbourg managed to escape. The operation deeply shocked French public opinion.

After the Franco-German armistice signed on 22 June 1940, Churchill feared that the powerful French fleet might fall into Nazi hands. He ordered Operation Catapult: either the French ships would join the Allies, or they would be scuttled or neutralized. Admiral Gensoul refused to yield to the British ultimatum, convinced that the French navy would never be handed over. The British decision to open fire on an allied fleet caused a diplomatic and military shockwave.

The Royal Navy exploited its superior position and armament. Taking advantage of the surprise, British ships bombarded the French battleships at anchor, which were poorly maneuverable, from a distance. The fire was precise and massive. The explosion of the Bretagne caused numerous casualties. Despite a disorganized response, the French were unable to protect their squadron. The Strasbourg escaped under enemy fire and reached Toulon.

The battle dug a rift between Vichy France and Great Britain. It was perceived as a bloody betrayal, fueling anti-British sentiment in France. Politically, it strengthened the Vichy regime, but also pushed some officers to join Free France. Mers-el-Kébir would remain an extremely painful episode in Franco-British relations. Militarily, the French fleet was weakened, but most of it remained intact until its destruction in 1942 at Toulon.