Port of Bayonne

[Carl Schwamberger]

I am not seeing reference to this city as a port in the Allied planning for a invasion of France. Was its port insignificant, or might there be other reasons? Thanks & Merci to any who can assist me here.

[archiveruk]

Hi Carl,

It was not a major port in the same class as Calais or Marseille, there was no Naval elements based there at all, it was used to export the agricultural produce from the surrounding region and for fishing. In 1940 it was used to evacuate Allied troops. I think the main reason the Allies were not interested is that it was sited near the Spanish border. I would think Allied planners would have discounted using this port as any supplies landed would have had to be shipped all the way across France, when there were ports much nearer the frontline. Churchill thought the port significant as a Dieppe style raid was planned in 1942 called Operation Myrmidon - see http://www.euskomedia.org/PDFAnlt/liter ... 217220.pdf

Regards

Lee

[Carl Schwamberger]

Thanks.

I am guessing at this point,.the nominal peacetime capacity was near 3,000 tons per day. Any better estimate anywhere?

[Loïc]

seem to be for a "golden" period before the Great War
as local reviews give 900 000 t. per year in 1910-1912, reaching 1 025 000 tn for 1913
823/878 000 t. in 1929-1930
713 000 t. for 1937
610 000 t. for 1938...
Regards
Loïc

[Carl Schwamberger]

So Bayonnes dauly average for 1938 was a third again less than my estimate. This suggests its 'surge' capacity was not much more than 4,000 tons daily.

Thank you much for this information.