Battle of Madagascar
Antsiranana (Diego-Suarez) and across Madagascar
What happened
British and Commonwealth forces under Rear-Admiral Edward Syfret and Major-General Robert Sturges fought the Vichy French administration of Madagascar under Governor General Armand Annet. In the Second World War, the Allies feared that Japan might use Madagascar's harbours to attack shipping in the Indian Ocean. On 5 May 1942 British forces landed near the great harbour of Diego-Suarez, which surrendered after fierce fighting. Later in the year the Allies landed elsewhere and advanced across the island until the Vichy forces gave up.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It kept Madagascar's ports out of Japanese hands and protected Allied shipping routes to India and Australia. It was the first big Allied operation combining sea, land and air forces.
What came next
An armistice was signed on 6 November 1942. The island was then handed to de Gaulle's Free French administration.
Did you know?
A historian noted that the French held out longer against the Allies in Madagascar than they had against the Germans in France in 1940.
Timeline
- 5 May 1942British forces land near Diego-Suarez.
- 23 September 1942The capital, Tananarive, falls.
- 6 November 1942An armistice is signed at Ambalavao.
- December 1942A Free French High Commissioner is appointed.
- 1975Diego-Suarez is renamed Antsiranana.