Battle of Dakar
Off Dakar, Senegal
What happened
British and Free French forces under Admiral John Cunningham and General Charles de Gaulle fought Vichy French forces under Governor Pierre Boisson. After France's defeat in 1940, its colonies were split between the Vichy government and de Gaulle's Free French. An Allied fleet sailed to Dakar hoping to persuade the colony to change sides, and was ready to use force if not. Vichy forces resisted for three days, and de Gaulle called off a landing, saying he did not want to shed French blood for Frenchmen.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The attempt failed, and French West Africa stayed under Vichy control. The failure hurt de Gaulle's standing with the Allies.
What came next
About two months later, de Gaulle succeeded in bringing Gabon over to the Free French. Dakar remained with Vichy for the time being.
Did you know?
The novelist Evelyn Waugh took part in the expedition as a Royal Marines officer and later wrote about it in his novel 'Men at Arms'.
Timeline
- 23 September 1940The Allied fleet arrives off Dakar.
- 25 September 1940The Allies withdraw.
- Late 1940The Free French win in Gabon.