Charles W. Koburger (1922–2009)

This book continues the work started in "the Cyrano Fleet". The reviewer suspects that both books are the preliminary to a longer work with a greater scope, and hopefully fewer typos, and deeper research. As works in English on this tragic fleet are rare, this book is a must read for the student. As well as covering the diplomatic details of the early War diplomacy between the two countries it has a good list of the lead-lease contributions as well as the list of naval bases that the French opened to Allied vessels from 1942 on. The main contention of this book is that the Allies should have delayed the Torch Landings until the French Fleet could have been alerted and hopefully, escaped from Toulon. But as Adm. Laborde did have an opportunity to get some units to sea, but instead delayed until the scuttling was inevitable, I think the author isn't completely measuring the apparent need on the part of the other Allies for an easy victory during the early stages of the "Grand Alliance. Also, the Allies did not contemplate going directly to Toulon with the "Torch" landings. Not enough shipping or manpower yet.… (meer)

The fate of the French Navy in WWII was particularly tragic. First engaged against the Germans it was faced with the Italians as well in the dying days of 1940. Then the royal Navy attacked it, fearing that the French would switch sides and turn this modern and well balanced fleet into a very dangerous Axis ally. but the french used the existence of this force as a bargaining chip in relation to the Germans, and gained some advantages until the Torch landings in North Africa in November of 1942, when the Germans occupied the rest of France and forced the French to scuttle a very large part of their Navy. Mr. Koburger has laid out evidence in this book, that if the British had not been so quick to attack at Mers-al Kebyr, there would have been more co-operation from the French in this book's time period.
The items of serious value is the biographical chapter on Adm. Darlan, and the six appendices that give the texts of crucial orders.… (meer)

Very readable account of how the French took old tugboats, rice barges, ex-USN hand-me-downs and scrap metal and turned it into a very effective "brown water" navy with organic fire support and marine battalions. Control of the rivers was key to interrupting Viet Minh supply, a task the French aggressively pursued. This book will be of interest to anyone studying the Indochina War, as it deals with often ignored aspects of French tactics and strategy. It will also appeal to anyone reading up on brown water navies in action. While it was written by a retired USCG officer, it's perfectly comprehensible to the 'lubbers' out there. Enjoy.… (meer)