Prior to this book's original publication in 1959, little had been done to dispel confusion regarding what really happened to the French Navy during World War II. Few people realized the tragic situation of a country forced to capitulate to a traditional enemy. After this humiliating experience, the Navy, in its attempts to preserve France's foreign possessions, and to supply the mother country, found itself torn between the conflicting interests of involved internal and international politics. Forced to scuttle part of the fleet at Toulon, the remainder found themselves viewed with wary suspicion by both the Germans and the Allies. That the French Navy was able to survive at all is a minor miracle. That it so well preserved its unanimity as to return to the fight and participate in the final victory is in itself a tribute to the morals, discipline, and traditions that date back to the Crusades.
This is an excellent resource both for a service record of the French Navy during WW2 but also serves as a great explanation as to why the fleet largely remained loyal to Vichy France.

This copy is in Good condition with discolouration and splits of the dust jacket, some edge spotting and mustiness from storage. As usual, photos are of the item that you will receive.