French Army in WW2 - The rise of Free France (Nov.1940 - May 1943)

In central, eastern and northern Africa, in the sky of England, on the Atlantic, many French from France and from the colonies rallied to General de Gaulle's call to carry on the fight alongside the Allies. The main objective was first to bring the French Empire on the side of the Allies in order to prevent the Germans from using it. After Africa and the Pacific islands, Free France participated in the recapture of French islands in the Indian Ocean, of the French protectorate of Syria-Lebanon and French possessions in the Americas. With the rallying of French North Africa in November 1942 and the reconquest of French Tunisia by May 1943, Free France became strong enough to play its full part alongside the Allies for the reconquest of Europe.