Mers el-Kébir 1940

Operation Catapult

Ryan K. Noppen, Adam Tooby

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English

Osprey Publishing
04 March 2025

History; Second World War; Naval forces & warfare; Air forces & warfare; Battles & campaigns; Military & naval ships

Series: Campaign

A fascinating analysis of the World War II battle between Great Britain and France to ensure French ships were kept out of German hands during World War II.

Following France's armistice with the Axis powers, Great Britain realized that if Germany or Italy insisted upon the transfer of battleships, cruisers, and destroyers from the French Navy to the control of their own navies, the balance in the Mediterranean would immediately swing in their favour. Churchill decided that the Marine Nationale's most powerful vessels would need to be secured through diplomacy, coercion, or force. The French Navy commander-in-chief was equally eager to keep their ships out of Axis hands, but he also did not want the British to have them. These increasingly hostile circumstances led to Operation Catapult, which began on 3 July 1940, and saw the two nations battle for the ships.

Expert naval historian Ryan Noppen analyses the Royal Navy Operation Catapult at Mers el-Kébir, the follow-up Operation Lever and the French retaliatory actions in the subsequent days. This book examines the rapid deterioration of Anglo-French relations and how the two former allies quickly fell into armed conflict. Fully illustrated with detailed maps, photographs and artwork that bring to life the British and French forces involved, it presents an engaging treatment of an often-forgotten episode early in World War II.

By: Ryan K. Noppen
Illustrated by: Adam Tooby
Imprint: Osprey Publishing
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Volume: 405
Dimensions: Height: 246mm, Width: 186mm, Spine: 8mm
Weight: 300g
ISBN: 9781472859709
ISBN 10: 1472859707
Series: Campaign
Pages: 96
Publication Date: 04 March 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Origins of the Campaign Chronology Opposing Commanders Opposing Forces and Orders of Battle Opposing Plans The Campaign Aftermath Bibliography Index

Ryan K. Noppen is a military author and consultant originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan and holds a Master of Arts degree in European History from Purdue University. He has worked as a naval and aviation subject matter expert on projects for the US Navy, and taught college courses in military history. He lives in California, USA.

Reviews for Mers el-Kébir 1940: Operation Catapult

This excellent account outlines the background and relative strength of the protagonists as well as detailing the negotiations. * Flypast Magazine * The latest release in the Osprey Publishing Campaign series is a focused and detailed examination ofone ofthe most controversial episodes in World War Two - Operation Catapult; the British attack on the French fleet at Mers el-Kebir. * Britain At War Magazine *