Vichy France. It was hoped that the success of the operation could overthrow the pro-German Vichy French administration in the colony, and be replaced by a pro-Allied Free French one under General Charles de Gaulle. After the defeat of France and the conclusion of the armistice between France and Nazi Germany in June , there was considerable confusion as to the allegiance of the various French colonies.
While the British had eliminated a potential threat, the attack discouraged other units from joining the Free French and Allies.
De Gaulle believed that he could persuade the French forces in Dakar to join the Allied cause. Much would be gained by this. Another Vichy French colony changing sides would have great political impact; the gold reserves of the Banque de France and the Polish government in exile were stored in Dakar; and the port of Dakar was far superior as a naval base to Freetown , British Sierra Leone , which was the only Allied port in the area. Their orders were to negotiate with the French governor for a peaceful occupation, but if this was unsuccessful, to take the city by force.
She had left Brest, France on 18 June, just before the Germans reached the port. Aircraft from Hermes attacked Richelieu and had struck her once with a torpedo. The French ship was immobilized but was still able to function as a floating gun battery. A force of three cruisers, comprising Gloire , Georges Leygues , and Montcalm , and three destroyers had left Toulon in southern France for Dakar just a few days earlier.
Gloire was slowed by mechanical troubles and was intercepted by Australia, which ordered the French cruiser to sail for Casablanca. The other two cruisers and the destroyers outran the pursuing Allied cruisers and reached Dakar safely.
