Forces de haute mer
In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of Forces de haute mer and its impact on today's society. From its origins to its relevance today, Forces de haute mer has been the subject of study and interest by academics, researchers and enthusiasts from different disciplines. This article aims to analyze the influence of Forces de haute mer on various aspects of our daily lives, as well as its role in shaping our culture, values and beliefs. Through an interdisciplinary approach, we will explore the many facets of Forces de haute mer, shedding light on its importance and meaning in the contemporary context.
The Forces de haute mer (High Sea Force) was an organization of the Marine Nationale (French Navy) formed from the Mediterranean Fleet shortly before the German invasion of Poland in September 1939. It was reformed after the French signed armistices with Germany and with Italy after losing the Battle of France in June 1940. The rump of France not occupied by Germany and Italy became known as Vichy France and the victors agreed to allow it to use the navy's surviving ships subject to strict limitations.
History
It was founded at Toulon on 25 September 1940 by agreement with the Italian and German Armistice Commissions. The Germans and Italians imposed strict limits on the number of Vichy ships that were allowed to be in commission and training. All other ships, with the exception of those based overseas or assigned to local defense, were required to be placed in reserve (en gardiennage d'armistice). Fuel shortages generally limited the FHM to one major training sortie per month. Ships would generally rotate in and out of reserve to receive refits or modernizations.[1]
Admiral Jean de Laborde came out of retirement to lead the FHM.[1]
Order of battle, 25 September 1940
On formation, the unit consisted of:[2]
- Strasbourg, the flagship
- 1ère Escadre de croiseurs (1st Cruiser Squadron)
- 1ère Division de croiseurs (1st Cruiser Division)
- 3e Division de croiseurs (3rd Cruiser Division)
- 3e Escadre Légère (3rd Light Squadron)
Order of battle, 1 November 1942
Shortly before the German occupation of Vichy France, the unit consisted of:[3]
- Strasbourg, the flagship
- 1ère Escadre de croiseurs (1st Cruiser Squadron)
- 1ère Division de croiseurs (1st Cruiser Division)
- 3e Division de croiseurs (3rd Cruiser Division)
- 3e Escadre Légère (3rd Light Squadron)
- 3e Division de contre-torpilleurs (3rd Destroyer Division)
- 6e Division de contre-torpilleurs (6th Destroyer Division)
- 7e Division de contre-torpilleurs (7th Destroyer Division)
- 10e Division de contre-torpilleurs (10th Destroyer Division)
Notes
References
- Cernuschi, Enrico & O'Hara, Vincent P. (2013). "Toulon: The Self-Destruction and Salvage of the French Fleet". In Jordan, John (ed.). Warship 2013. London: Conway. pp. 134–48. ISBN 978-1-84486-205-4.
- John, Jordan & Dumas, Robert (2009). French Battleships 1922–1956. Barnsley: Seaforth Punblishing. ISBN 978-1-84832-034-5.
- Jordan, John & Moulin, Jean (2015). French Destroyers: Torpilleurs d'Escadre & Contre-Torpilleurs 1922–1956. Barnsley, UK: Seaforth Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84832-198-4.