Operation Catapult

[tonymurphy1888]

http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk...n_catapult.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attack_...-el-K%C3%A9bir

Rash or necessary

[Danny_K_1]

Necessary, completely and utterly. The British simply could not risk that fleet falling in to German hands.

[pannonian]

The last great British victory over the French.

[saglam2000]

The last great British victory over the French.

They just had to get one more in there

[Markas]

Miscommunications, percieved insults and some very questionable relying of ultimatums. What the hell was Gensoul playing at?

[Danny_K_1]

I don't know I would say those choices are pretty fair man I really don't get what that guys problem was.

[tonymurphy1888]

I fell this action really highlights the part in Chuchill's beaches speech when he say's
"We shall defend our island whatever the cost may be"

[hellheaven1987]

I fell this action really highlights the part in Chuchill's beaches speech when he say's
"We shall defend our island whatever the cost may be"

Ya, by killing all traitors or going-to-be traitors first.

[Sphere]

Because the French fleet was sunk early on, before the stage in the war when Germany became desperate, we will never know if they would have fallen into German hands at some point, at that is probably best.

[Danny_K_1]

Well the thing that makes this subject a touchy one is that French Admral gave the order to French commanders to scuttle their ships over letting them fall in Nazi hands and the French did do so, I can't remember specifics but it was after Mers-El-Kabir. They destroyed something like 70 of their ships this is what has made the subject so controversial: Was it necessary? Alot of people will take the moral ground and defend that Churchill should have taken the Admirals word and not attack his ally but put yourself in Churchills shoes, he has tried many times to get these ships diplomatically, he gave the French many opportunities and was then told to just take a mans word. It is without a doubt if the Germans got the French fleet Britain was gone Churchill knew this. I don't care who you are you are never going to put your country at risk for a mans word not to mention more good came from this decision.

It is my understanding that President Roosevelt didn't think Britain had what it took to be deserving of aid and thus didn't give it (Not to mention his upcoming relection campaign.) he had already been making preparations to defend America once Britain fell but the attack on Mers-El-Kabir was enough to make Roosevelt think otherwise and began to supply aid to britain. (Tanks, destroyers guns etc...) So I think it was completely justified it may not be Britains proudest moment and it wasn't easy on anyone (I heard Churchill actually cried after his speech about it.) but what would have happened if the Nazis got those ships?

I fell this action really highlights the part in Chuchill's beaches speech when he say's
"We shall defend our island whatever the cost may be"

Indeed it gives it quite the ominous touch.