Francois Darlan

Francois Darlan

French Admiral of the Fleet
Date of Birth: 07.08.1881
Country: France

Content:
  1. Early Life and Naval Career
  2. Rise to Admiral of the Fleet
  3. Collaboration with the Vichy Regime
  4. British Attack on the French Fleet
  5. Leadership of the Vichy Government
  6. Assassination

Early Life and Naval Career

François Darlan was born in Nérac, France, in 1881. He graduated from the École Navale in 1902 and served in the French Navy during World War I. After the war, he rose through the ranks, becoming a rear admiral in 1929 and a vice admiral in 1932.

Rise to Admiral of the Fleet

In 1936, Darlan became a full admiral and Chief of Staff of the French Navy. In 1939, the rank of Admiral of the Fleet was created specifically for him, and he was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the French Navy.

Collaboration with the Vichy Regime

When Paris was occupied by the Germans in 1940, Darlan supported the collaborationist policies of Prime Minister Philippe Pétain. In the Vichy government, Darlan served as Minister of the Navy and relocated the majority of the French fleet to French North Africa.

British Attack on the French Fleet

Concerned that the fleet could fall under German control, the British attacked French warships at Mers-el-Kébir on July 3, 1940. Approximately 1,300 French sailors were killed, but Darlan refused to surrender the fleet to the Germans.

Leadership of the Vichy Government

In February 1941, Darlan became Pétain's Deputy Minister, replacing Pierre Laval, who had been too conciliatory towards the Germans. Darlan also held the positions of Minister of the Interior, Minister of Defense, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, effectively leading the Vichy government.

Assassination

On December 24, 1942, Darlan was assassinated in Algiers by Fernand Bonnier de la Chapelle, a young French monarchist. La Chapelle believed that Darlan was betraying France by collaborating with the Germans. Darlan's death led to the appointment of General Henri Giraud as High Commissioner of French North and West Africa.

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