Debacle at Dakar

23rd September 1940: An attempt by Free French leader General De Gaulle to persuade the French Naval base at Dakar to change sides ends in disaster

The cruiser HMAS Australia operated with the Royal Navy during Operation Menace. Her six inch guns made short work of the French Destroyer L'Audacieux.

General De Gaulle enjoyed British support as the recognised head of the Free French, following the collapse of France. It was hoped that he would be a rallying figure for the substantial French forces th…