My uncle recently mentioned a trove of 1940 naval telegrams tied to Charles de Gaulle’s daring Dakar campaign. I recently had the chance to look through them with my dad, and decided to begin transcribing them, as they reveal an intense point of view of maritime operations, as well as some tense diplomatic exchanges.

Dispatches

23 Sep, 1940 from General De Gaulle to the Governor and People of Dakar

General De Gaulle informs [indiscernible], the commanders of the British Naval and military forces think you have prevented him from landing his troops and the re victualling ¹ of Dakar. Furthermore, your forts and your ships have opened fire on our ships without reason. Your attitude gives us every reason to believe that Dakar may at any moment be handed over by you to the Common Enemy. In view of the importance of this town and this base in connection with the development of the war, and also in view of the fact that the seizing of Dakar by the enemy would cause the population to be Oppressed, the Allies regard it as their duty to take [indiscernible] steps as are necessary to prevent this eventuality. [indiscernible] that Frenchmen should not fight against Frenchmen in a pitched battle, General de Gaulle has withdrawn his forces, our forces are now at hand, it is for us now to speak. You will not be allowed to hand over the French and Native people who wish to remain free to the slavery to which Germany and Italy would subject them. Yours is the entire responsibility for what may happen. We have the honour to inform you that if, at 0600 hours tomorrow morning you have not given up your powers to General De Gaulle, the very powerful forces at our disposal will take action. Once action has begun it will continue until the fortifications at Dakar are entirely destroyed and the place occupied by troops who will be ready to fulfil their duties. Only a proclamation that our conditions are accepted could interrupt the carrying out of this programme. Our troops would not land if you decided to join our companion in the liberation of your country and not to remain tied to the enemy who holds France at its mercy. There is no compromise possible. Notify your acceptance before 0600 hours tomorrow and avoid bloodshed.

24 Sep 03:44, 1940 from Westernland to F.O.M.

Following communique for Ismay from De Gaulle.

Called to Dakar by numerous Frenchmen anxious to continue the fight at his side, General de Gaulle appeared with French soldiers and sailors before the fortress. The Naval Authorities of Dakar ordered fire to be opened on General de Gaulle’s emissaries who had come without weapons in a motor launch flying the tricolour and the white flag of Parliamentarism. These emissaries were Capitaine [indiscernible] Capitaine [indiscernible] Capitaine Ferris. [indiscernible] and Ferris were seriously wounded. Later General de Gaulle having attempted to land his troops peacefully fire was opened by the Dakar authorities on the French Sloops [indiscernible], Commandant [indiscernible], [indiscernible]. Several men were killed many were wounded. General de Gaulle then withdrew his troops and his ships not wishing to be a party to fight between Frenchmen.

[indiscernible]

24 Sep 11:50, 1940 from F.O.M. to Devonshire, Inglefield

Report situation

(1056)

F.O.M. from Devonshire

My position course and speed 14 55 N 17 16 W 220° 20 knots. Australia in company. One enemy destroyer heavily damaged and on fire in position 14 41 N 17 15 W destruction confirmed by Forester. Am withdrawing with destroyers except Forester who is picking up crew [indiscerible scribble]

(1043)

Add to my 1043. Enemy Cruiser was engaged for about 20 minutes intermittently at about 11,000 yards by Australia and Devonshire but target was almost continuously obscured by smoke reported aircraft to be made by enemy destroyers. Fire was checked when enemy had disappeared behind merchant shipping inside the harbour.

Australia and Devonshire were fairly heavily engaged by enemy cruisers and shore batteries, shooting being fairly accurate both ships being straddled apparently by fire from forts. Ships were bombed somewhat wildly by 3 or 4 twin engined bombers one bomb falling close astern of Australia. Neither ship sustained any damage.

(1110)

25 Sep 10:07, 1940 from Devonshire to F.O.M.

Cruisers received following damage.

DEVONSHIRE, NONE.

AUSTRALIA as follows…

Two direct hits, one through “X” Deck into [indiscernible] Galley small fire extinguished. Second through port side Engineer’s Spare Gear Store penetrating after engine room deck head. Lubricating oil leaking in after engine room. Leak Stopped. Port evaporators out of action. W/T Office lead in shot away.

One slight casualty

(1002)

25 Sep 11:56, 1940 from Devonshire to Australia

Did you have any luck against enemy cruisers? I don’t think we made any alteration in Cape Manuel.

(1129)

REPLY… Your 1129. Two straddles reported by aircraft before W/T was put out of action. 1 definite hit observed, possibly a second.

(1146)

REPLY… Your 1146. Good.

(1154)

25 Sep 15:02, 1940 from F.O.M. to Devonshire

Give brief report for General de Gaulle of this morning’s operations including torpedoing of Resolution and destruction with all hands of the submarine responsible.

(1801)

Westernland from Devonshire

Bombardment commenced about 0900 under ideal conditions for visibility. [indiscernible] and [indiscernible] being engaged by two Battleships French cruisers by Australia and Cape Manoel Battery by Devonshire. At about 0910 Resolution was torpedoed and badly damaged by submarine and had to withdraw. Submarine was subsequently sunk with all hands by destroyer Foresight. Fire of defence was both heavy and accurate, Australia suffering two direct hits but only comparative minor damage. Bombardment ceased at about 0925. [indiscernible] Royal reports northern end of Goree Island hit, possible bomb damage to Manoel Battery both yesterday Tuesday. Today Wednesday by bombardment possible hits on Richelieu and number two [indiscernible] causing fire.

25 Sep 16:16, 1940 from General De Gaulle to General ISMAY (R) Carlton Gardens

De Gaulle would like publication news of DAKAR operation on the following lines.

Large section of population of SENEGAL requested presence of General De Gaulle. On the other hand, it was known that the Germans intended to occupy this important strategic base. Answering call for support. De Gaulle resolved to present himself before DAKAR and to request Authorities, Garrison and Population to rally to him. The Vichy Government, on German orders, resolved to attempt to smash Free French Government. A considrable Naval Force was sent from TOULOW. Last week, warships were sent by Vichy Government to attack harbours of French Equatorial Africa rallied to De Gaulle and arrest his supporters In agreement with the Allies, De Gaulle ordered these ships to return Northwards, they complied. On 23rd September, De Gaulle and his forces appeared before DAKAR. He sent officers ashore to request the governor to allow him to land with his troops. The authorities refused to receive Envoys, and ordered fire to be opened on them as they left harbour. Two were seriously wounded. At the same time, Authorities ordered fire to be opened on British Planes which were harmlessly dropping leaflets containing friedly messages. They also opened fire on British Ships which were merely observing the situation. It was only after they had suffered serious casualties, that the British Fleet opened fire in retaliation. Wishing to avoid casualties, De Gaulle then attempted to land his troops, but DAKAR Authorities ordered fire to be opened on his ships and men killing many French sailors. Not wishing to engage French troops, De Gaulle withdrew his forces. Later there were sharp encounters between French ships in DAKAR harbour. Shore Batteries and British Ships. British Fleet ceased fire at the urgent request of De Gaulle. Interrogated on these events De Gaulle answered, The men of the Vichy who will not wage war on the invaders of the Motherland are prepared to fight those Frenchmen who wish to liberate France. [indiscernible].

(1600/[indiscernible])

Combat logs

0800/3: 65° 17’ N, 8° 44’ E } 309°, 18 kts.

0825: Aircraft [indiscernible]

0845: [indiscernible] 010° 25 knots

[indiscernible]: 2- 2-engined planes

(1) 0853: 3 [indiscernible] [indiscernible] 20 yds [indiscernible] portside.

0900: Starboard side.

(2) 02: [indiscernible] 2 Bombs. 10 yards astern.

03: A/C starboard side

05: [indiscernible] starboard

10: Aircraft on portside

12: " Starboard side [indiscernible] 170° (200°)

13: Open fire.

0930: Enemy aircraft front beam.

0953: " reconnaissance [indiscernible] 175° (125° [indiscernible])

[indiscernible] 030 °

1000: Aircraft astern

Aircraft starboard open fire

65° 43’ N, 7° 44’ E } 309° 18 Knots

1010: Open fire bomb / [indiscernible] hit aft [indiscernible] [indiscernible] Heavy smoke - but still firing

(3) 12: 1 Bomb Portside.

15: [indiscernible] starboard

(4) 1 Bomb Portside aft Bridge 30 yds

17: Open fire commenced outside range.

43: Very heavy flak smoke from position.

47: Planes turning away.

50: Smoke from guns stopped.

57: Alarm Post.

58: Aircraft.

1100: 65° 54’ N, 7° 25’ E, 309°.