French Fleet
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IronPirate
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- Joined: 29 Jun 2002, 06:23
- Location: Florida,USA
French Fleet
I've often wondered why the French Fleet, or what was available to The Kriegsmarine, wasn't intergrated into the Navy. At the time of France's fall, Germany was at a high mark, and would have had the resources to do so. Hitler probably could have forced the issue on a more active Italian Navy role as well. Although it wouldn't have changed the final results, it would have made for a very tough road for the RN. Any thoughts?
Re: French Fleet
France had a major bargainig chip in its navy. There was no way they would have ceded it to the Germans. The Germans continued to be anxious over it. The attack on Mers el Kebir was a huge relief to Hitler.
Even if the government had tried to surrender the navy, the navy was prepared to see it didn't happen.
Even if the government had tried to surrender the navy, the navy was prepared to see it didn't happen.
The French Fleet was in Oran, or Toulon, at the fall of France. Both were Vichy territory and the security of the fleet from a German or British takeover attempt was very good.
There is no way the Germans could have taken control of the ships before the Vichy French crews scuttled them, as they did in 1942. And Hitler was afraid that instead of scuttling, the ships might join the Free French (i.e. the British.) So he was eager not to upset the Vichy French.
There is no way the Germans could have taken control of the ships before the Vichy French crews scuttled them, as they did in 1942. And Hitler was afraid that instead of scuttling, the ships might join the Free French (i.e. the British.) So he was eager not to upset the Vichy French.
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Karl da Kraut
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- Location: Germany
The German leadership was well aware of the fact that the French government would in any case refuse to surrender the French fleet to Germany. Such demands would have endangered the signing of the armistice.
Also, it seems doubtful that the Kriegsmarine would have benefitted from taking over the French navy too much. For example, tremendous logistical problems would have to be solved due to the differences in ship design, equipment, armament, etc. But most importantly: the French Navy was much larger than the Kriegsmarine. The latter simply lacked the personell to operate the French fleet. Effectively, only few units could have been taken into German service.
Also, it seems doubtful that the Kriegsmarine would have benefitted from taking over the French navy too much. For example, tremendous logistical problems would have to be solved due to the differences in ship design, equipment, armament, etc. But most importantly: the French Navy was much larger than the Kriegsmarine. The latter simply lacked the personell to operate the French fleet. Effectively, only few units could have been taken into German service.