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The Syria-Lebanon campaign, also known as Operation Exporter, was the Allied invasion of Vichy French-controlled Syria and Lebanon, in June-July 1941, during World War II. The Allies of World War II were the countries officially opposed to the Axis powers during the Second World War. Vichy France, or the Vichy regime are the common terms used to describe the government of France from July 1940 to August 1944 Syria ( سوريّة or) officially the Syrian Arab Republic (Arabic ar الجمهورية العربية السورية Lebanon (ˈlɛbənɒn Arabic: ar لبنان Lubnān) officially the Republic of Lebanon or Lebanese Republic (ar الجمهورية اللبنانية World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including
Time magazine referred to the fighting as a "mixed show",[1] while it was taking place, and the campaign remains little known, even in the countries that took part. Time (trademarked in capitals as TIME) is a weekly American Newsmagazine, similar to Newsweek and There is evidence that Allied censors acted to suppress or reduce reportage of the fierce fighting. [2] Senior Allied commanders and/or politicians believed that knowledge of fighting against French forces could have a negative effect on public opinion in Allied countries.
Contents |
Causes
The Allied offensive was aimed at preventing Nazi Germany from using the Vichy French Mandate of Syria and Mandate of Lebanon as springboards for attacks on the Allied stronghold of Egypt, as the Allies fought a major campaign against Axis forces further west, in North Africa. Nazi Germany and the Third Reich are the common English names for Germany under the regime of Adolf Hitler and the National Socialist German Workers The French Mandate of Syria was a League of Nations Mandate created after the First World War and the Partitioning of the Ottoman Empire. The French Mandate of Lebanon was a League of Nations Mandate created at the end of World War I. This article is about the country of Egypt For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Egypt topics. The Axis powers also known as the Axis alliance Axis nations Axis countries or sometimes just the Axis were those Countries North Africa or Northern Africa is the Northernmost Region of the African Continent, separated by the Sahara from Sub-Saharan
Although the French had ceded autonomy to Syria in September 1936, they had retained treaty rights to maintain armed forces and two airfields in the territory.
In May 1941, Admiral François Darlan signed an agreement with the Germans known as the "Paris Protocols. François Darlan (7 August 1881 &ndash 24 December 1942 was a French Naval officer. The Paris Protocols was an agreement between Nazi Germany and Vichy France negotiated (but never ratified in May 1941 " Darlan signed on behalf of Vichy France and the agreement granted the Germans access to military facilities in Syria. Vichy France, or the Vichy regime are the common terms used to describe the government of France from July 1940 to August 1944 [3] Though the protocols were never ratified, French high commissioner for the region, General Henri Dentz had, in accordance with orders received from the Vichy Minister of War, allowed aircraft of the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) and the Italian Royal Air Force (Regia Aeronautica) to refuel in Syria. Henri Fernand Dentz (born 16 Dec 1881, Roanne, Loire, France; died 13 Dec 1945, Fresnes, Val-de-Marne ( German 'luftvafe is a generic German term for an Air force. The Royal Air Force ( Regia Aeronautica) was the name of the Italian Air Force established as an independent service from 1923 until the These planes, who pretended to be Iraqi and had been painted as such, were en route to Iraq during the Anglo-Iraqi War. The Anglo-Iraqi War was a conflict between the United Kingdom and the Nationalist government of Iraq during World War II. The Germans also requested Vichy authorities to use the Syrian railways to send armaments to Iraqi rebels in Mosul. For the village in Azerbaijan see Mosul Azerbaijan. Mosul (الموصل Al Mūṣul, Kurdish: Mosul/Ninawa, Musul There was a threat of Axis support for anti-British parties in Iraq, thus endangering strategic oil supplies and communications. The Anglo-Iraqi War was a conflict between the United Kingdom and the Nationalist government of Iraq during World War II. British Field Marshal Archibald Wavell, Commander in Chief of the Middle East Command, had to respond to the threat posed by Vichy collaboration with Germany and Italy. Field Marshal Archibald Percival Wavell 1st Earl Wavell GCB, GCSI, GCIE, CMG, MC, PC (5 May 1883 – 24 May During World War II the British Middle East Command was based in Cairo with responsibility for the Middle East theatre which included North Africa
The balance of forces
The Vichy French and Allied forces confronting each other in Syria and Lebanon were evenly matched in general.
Vichy French forces
The ground forces available to General Henri Dentz were termed the Army of the Levant (Armée du Levant). Henri Fernand Dentz (born 16 Dec 1881, Roanne, Loire, France; died 13 Dec 1945, Fresnes, Val-de-Marne The Army of the Levant ( Armée du Levant) identifies the armed forces of France and then Vichy France which occupied a portion of the " Levant This formation was divided into the regular metropolitan colonial troops and the "special troops" (troupes speciales, which were indigenous Syrian and Lebanese soldiers). [4]
Dentz had seven infantry battalions of regular French troops at his disposal. These battalions included the 6th Infantry Regiment of the French Foreign Legion and the 24th Colonial Infantry Regiment. The 1st Foreign Engineer Regiment (1er Régiment étranger de génie 1er REGis a Military engineer regiment in the French Foreign Legion. [5]
Dentz had eleven infantry battalions of "special troops. " In addition, Dentz had two artillery groups and supporting units. The "special troops" included at least 5,000 cavalry -- horse and motorized. [6]
The Vichy French air force was relatively strong at the outbreak of hostilities. But the initial advantage they enjoyed did not last. The Vichy French lost most of their aircraft during the campaign. The majority of the lost aircraft were destroyed on the ground[7], where the flat terrain, absence of infrastructure and modern anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) made them vulnerable to air attacks. On June 26th, a strafing run by Tomahawks of No. 3 Squadron RAAF on Homs airfield destroyed five and damaged six Dewoitine D.520s of Fighter Squadron II/3 (Groupe de Chasse II/3) in a matter of seconds. Strafing is the practice of attacking ground targets from low-flying aircraft WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout No 3 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force fighter squadron For military actions near the city see Battle of Homs. Homs ( حمص,, anciently called Emesa (ἡ Ἔμεσα or "La Chamelle" WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout [8]
While German interest in the French mandates of Syria and Lebanon turned out to be limited, German dictator Adolf Hitler permitted reinforcement of the French troops by allowing French planes en route from Algeria to Syria to safely fly over Axis-controlled territory and refuel in German-controlled Eleusina air base in Greece[9]. Hi and welcome to Wikipedia! Please understand that this article is frequently vandalized and vandalism is reverted immediately Elefsina (Ελευσίνα Ancient/ Katharevousa: Eleusis is a town and municipality about 20 km NW of Athens. Activity of German aircraft based in Greece and the Dodecanese Islands was interpreted by the Allies as being in support of Vichy troops. Greece (Ελλάδα transliterated: Elláda, historically, Ellás,) officially the Hellenic Republic (Ελληνική Δημοκρατία The Dodecanese ( Greek Δωδεκάνησα Dodekánisa 'twelve islands' are a group of 12 larger plus 150 smaller Greek islands in the Aegean In reality, though Dentz briefly considered accepting German support, he turned down the offer on 13th June [10].
Allied forces
Allied forces to the south of Syria in the British Mandate of Palestine used in the campaign consisted of the following units:
- Australian 7th Division (minus the 18th Brigade, which was in North Africa at the Siege of Tobruk)
- Gentforce: two Free French brigades of the 1st Free French Division (including two battalions of the 13th Foreign Legion Demi-Brigade attached to the 1st Free French Brigade) and the Indian 5th Brigade (of the Indian 4th Infantry Division) with artillery, engineers, and other support services attached to form the "5th Indian Brigade Group"
- Iraqforce, Allied forces in Iraq that were commanded by Lieutenant-General Sir Edward Quinan, was used in this campaign. The Palestine Mandate, was a set of protocols or articles that formed a multilateral legal and administrative agreement The 7th Division of the Australian Army was formed to serve in World War II, as part of the Second Australian Imperial Force (2nd AIF The Siege of Tobruk was a lengthy confrontation between Axis and Allied forces in North Africa during the Western Desert Campaign of World War The Free French Forces (Forces Françaises Libres FFL) were French fighters in World War II who decided to continue fighting against Axis forces The 1st Free French Division (1re Division Française Libre was one of the principal units of the Free French Forces during World War II, and the first Free The Indian 4th Infantry Division, also known as the Red Eagle Division, was an Infantry division of the British Indian Army. Iraqforce, was a British and Commonwealth formation which fought in the Middle East during World War II. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Iraq topics. General Sir Edward Pellew Quinan KCB, KCIE, DSO, OBE was a British army commander during World War II. The Iraqforce formations used in Syria consisted of the following units:
- The Indian 10th Infantry Division and the Indian 17th Infantry Brigade (of the Indian 8th Infantry Division)
- Habforce: the British 4th Cavalry Brigade and the Arab Legion, under John Glubb ("Glubb Pasha")
Commando and raiding operations were undertaken by the British Army's No. 11 Commando, and Palmach, a unit recruited from Jews in the British Mandate of Palestine. The 8th Indian Infantry Division is a division of the Indian Army which specialised in tactics and operations in mountainous territory The 1st Cavalry Division was a regular Division of the British Army during the First World War where if fought on the Western Front. The Arab Legion ( al-Jaysh al-Arabī) was the regular army of Transjordan and then Jordan in the early part of the 20th Century Lieutenant-General Sir John Bagot Glubb KCB, CMG, DSO, OBE, better known as Glubb Pasha (born 16 April In Military science, the term commando can refer to an individual a Military unit, or a raiding style of military operation. The British Commandos were first formed by the British Army in June 1940 during World War II as a well-armed but non-regimental raider force employing unconventional The Palmach ( Hebrew: פלמ"ח an acronym for Plugot Maḥatz (Hebrew פלוגות מחץ Strike Companies) was the regular fighting force PLEASE TAKE NOTE************ The Palestine Mandate, was a set of protocols or articles that formed a multilateral legal and administrative agreement Palmach also provided interpreters and guides to other Allied units.
The Allied forces involved in the campaign were under the command of British General Henry Maitland Wilson. Field Marshal Henry Maitland Wilson 1st Baron Wilson, GCB, GBE, DSO ( 5 September 1881 &ndash 31 December
Close air support was provided by squadrons from the British Royal Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force and the ground forces on the coast were supported by shelling from British Royal Navy and Royal Australian Navy units. In Military tactics, close air support ( CAS) is defined as air action by fixed or rotary winged aircraft against hostile targets that are in close proximity to The Royal Australian Air Force ( RAAF) is the Air Force branch of the Australian Defence Force. Artillery (from French artillerie) is a military Combat Arm which employs any apparātus machine The Royal Navy of the United Kingdom is the oldest of the British armed services (and is therefore known as the Senior Service) The Royal Australian Navy ( RAN) is the naval branch of the Australian Defence Force. Concerning fighters, Wavell provided Wilson with 70 aircraft. Field Marshal Archibald Percival Wavell 1st Earl Wavell GCB, GCSI, GCIE, CMG, MC, PC (5 May 1883 – 24 May Field Marshal Henry Maitland Wilson 1st Baron Wilson, GCB, GBE, DSO ( 5 September 1881 &ndash 31 December By comparison, the Vichy French had at least 100 fighters. The forces were more evenly matched than numbers alone would indicate, with British Hawker Hurricanes and brand-new, US-built Curtiss Tomahawks, matching up well against French Dewoitine 520s and Potez 63s. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout
Allied forces in reserve included the British 6th Infantry Division (including the Czechoslovak 11th Infantry Battalion — East attached to the 23rd Brigade) and the Australian 17th Brigade. The 6th Infantry Division was established by Arthur Wellesley 1st Duke of Wellington for service in the Peninsula War and was active for most of the period since The 11th Infantry Battalion — East ( 11 československý pěší prapor — Východní) was a Czechoslovak infantry Battalion during World The British 23rd Infantry Brigade was a Second World War Brigade which eventually became a Chindit formation during the Burma Campaign, before The 6th Division of the Australian Army was a unit in the Second Australian Imperial Force (2nd AIF during World War II.
The plan of attack
The Allied plan of attack was devised by General Wilson. In general allies are people groups or nations that have joined together in an association for mutual benefit or to achieve some common purpose Field Marshal Henry Maitland Wilson 1st Baron Wilson, GCB, GBE, DSO ( 5 September 1881 &ndash 31 December The plan called for four lines of attack: on Damascus from Palestine; on Beirut from Palestine; on northern Syria from Iraq and; on Palmyra (in central Syria) and Tripoli from Iraq.
Damascus
The 5th Indian Brigade Group, commanded by Brigadier Wilfrid Lewis Lloyd, were ordered to cross the Syrian border from the British Mandate of Palestine and take Quneitra and Deraa. This article refers to the military rank For the Doctor Who character known as the Brigadier see Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart. Major-General Wilfrid Lewis Lloyd CBE, DSO, MC (1896 &ndash 1944 was an officer in the British Army and the Indian Army The Palestine Mandate, was a set of protocols or articles that formed a multilateral legal and administrative agreement Quneitra (also Al Qunaytirah, Qunaitira, or Kuneitra; القنيطرة is the largely destroyed and abandoned Capital of the Quneitra Daraa (درعا also Dera ("fortress" compare Dura-Europos) is a city in southwestern Syria It was anticipated that this would open the way for the 1st Free French Division forces to advance to Damascus. The 1st Free French Division (1re Division Française Libre was one of the principal units of the Free French Forces during World War II, and the first Free Damascus ( دمشق,, also commonly known as الشام ash-Shām) is the capital and largest city of Syria. Four days after the commencement of the operation, this force was bought under unified command and was named Gentforce after its French commander, Major-General Paul Louis Le Gentilhomme. Major General or Major-General is a Military rank used in many countries Paul Legentilhomme (Paul Louis Le Gentilhomme (born 1884 died 1975 was an officer in the French Army during World War I and World War II.
Beirut
The Australian 7th Division, commanded by Major-General Arthur "Tubby" Allen, had the responsibility of advancing from Palestine along the coastal road from Haifa towards Beirut. The 7th Division of the Australian Army was formed to serve in World War II, as part of the Second Australian Imperial Force (2nd AIF Major General or Major-General is a Military rank used in many countries Major General Arthur Samuel "Tubby" Allen CB CBE DSO VD (10 March 1894-25 January 1959 was an Australian soldier Palestine is a name which has been widely used since Roman times to refer to the region between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River. Haifa (חֵיפָה; حَيْفَا) is the largest City in Northern Israel, and the third-largest city in the country with Beirut (بيروت Bayrūt) is the Capital and Largest city of Lebanon with a population of over 2 The Australian 21st Brigade was tasked with taking Beirut. The Australian 25th Brigade was tasked with attacking the major Vichy French airbase at Rayak. Riyaq ( Arabic: رياق also Rayak, is a Lebanese town in the Beqaa Mohafazat (Governorate near the city of Zahlé. The operation was also to include a supporting commando landing from Cyprus at the south of the Litani River. In Military science, the term commando can refer to an individual a Military unit, or a raiding style of military operation. Cyprus (Κύπρος transliterated: Kýpros,; Kıbrıs officially the Republic of Cyprus (Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία Kypriakī́ Dīmokratía The Litani River (نهر الليطاني transliterated: Nahr al-Līţānī classical name Leontes is an important waterway in southern Lebanon
Northern Syria
Once the two southern prongs were well engaged, it was planned that a third force, comprising formations drawn from Iraqforce, would attack Syria from Iraq. Iraqforce, was a British and Commonwealth formation which fought in the Middle East during World War II. The bulk of 10th Indian Infantry Division, commanded by Major-General William "Bill" Slim, were to advance northwest up the Euphrates River from Haditha in Iraq (upstream from Baghdad) towards Deir ez Zor and thence to Raqqa and Aleppo to threaten the communication and supply lines of the Vichy forces defending Beirut against the Australians advancing from the south, in particular the railway line running northwards through Aleppo to Turkey (at the time, Turkey was thought by some to be sympathetic to the Vichy government and to Germany). Major General or Major-General is a Military rank used in many countries Field Marshal William Joseph "Bill" Slim 1st Viscount Slim, KG, GCB, GCMG, GCVO, GBE, KStJ The Euphrates ( ( Arabic: ar نهر الفرات; Turkish: tr Fırat Syriac: syr ܦܪܬ; Hebrew: he פרת Haditha (ar حديثة al-Haditha) is a city in the western Iraqi province of Al Anbar, about 240 km northwest of Baghdad. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Iraq topics. Deir ez Zor, also spelled Dayr az-Zawr, Deir al-Zur and other variants (دير الزور Armenian: Տէր Զօր or Der Zor) is a city in Ar-Raqqah ( الرقة, also spelled Rakka) is a city in north central Syria located on the north bank of the Euphrates River, about 160 km For other meanings see Aleppo (disambiguation. Halab redirects here for other meanings see Halab (disambiguation. Turkey (Türkiye known officially as the Republic of Turkey ( is a Eurasian Country that stretches
Meanwhile, a group comprising two infantry battalions from the 10th Indian Division's 20th Brigade and two from 8th Indian Division's 17th Brigade, would operate independently to capture all the territory in north-east Syria including the Bec du Canard (or Duck's Bill) region through which a railway from Aleppo ran eastward to Mosul and then to Baghdad. The 8th Indian Infantry Division is a division of the Indian Army which specialised in tactics and operations in mountainous territory For the village in Azerbaijan see Mosul Azerbaijan. Mosul (الموصل Al Mūṣul, Kurdish: Mosul/Ninawa, Musul Baghdad (بغداد) is the Capital of Iraq and of Baghdad Governorate, with which it is also coterminous [11]
Central Syria
Finally Wilson's plan called for Habforce, consisting of the British 4th Cavalry Brigade, the 1st Battalion of the Essex Regiment, the Arab Legion Mechanised Regiment, and a battery each of field, anti-tank, and anti-aircraft artillery to gather in western Iraq between Rutba and the Transjordan border. The 1st Cavalry Division was a regular Division of the British Army during the First World War where if fought on the Western Front. The Essex Regiment was an Infantry regiment of the British Army that saw active service from 1881 to 1958 The Arab Legion ( al-Jaysh al-Arabī) was the regular army of Transjordan and then Jordan in the early part of the 20th Century For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Iraq topics. The Emirate of Transjordan ( Arabic: ar إمارة شرق الأردن) was a former Ottoman territory incorporated into the British Mandate of Palestine At the same time as the thrust up the Euphrates, this force would advance in a northwesterly direction to take Palmyra in Syria. Palmyra ( Arabic: تدمر Tadmor) was in ancient times an important city of central Syria, located in an Oasis 215 km northeast of Damascus Habforce was to secure the oil pipeline from Haditha to Tripoli. Haditha (ar حديثة al-Haditha) is a city in the western Iraqi province of Al Anbar, about 240 km northwest of Baghdad. Tripoli ( Lebanese Arabic: طرابلس Ṭrāblos or Ṭrēblos locally Ṭrōbles Standard Arabic: Ṭarābulus Τρίπολις Tripolis is the second-largest Habforce was in Iraq, attached to Iraqforce, because it had previously struck across the desert from the Transjordan border as part of the relief of RAF Habbaniya during the Anglo-Iraqi War. The Emirate of Transjordan ( Arabic: ar إمارة شرق الأردن) was a former Ottoman territory incorporated into the British Mandate of Palestine Royal Air Force Station Habbaniya, more commonly known as RAF Habbaniya, (originally RAF Dhibban) was a Royal Air Force station The Anglo-Iraqi War was a conflict between the United Kingdom and the Nationalist government of Iraq during World War II. Transjordan is modern day Jordan and at that time was part of the British Mandate of Palestine. Jordan, officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (الأردنّ al-Urdunn) is an Arab country in Southwest Asia spanning the southern The Palestine Mandate, was a set of protocols or articles that formed a multilateral legal and administrative agreement
The campaign
Hostilities commenced on 8 June 1941. Events 68 - The Roman Senate accepts emperor Galba. 536 - St Silverius becomes Pope (probable Year 1941 ( MCMXLI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (the link will display 1941 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The major battles of the campaign were:
- Battle of the Litani River (9 June 1941): part of the advance on Beirut from Palestine
- Battle of Jezzine (13 June 1941): part of the advance on Beirut from Palestine
- Battle of Kissoué (15 June 1941 to 17 June 1941): part of the advance on Damascus from Palestine
- Battle of Damascus (18 June 1941 to 21 June 1941): part of the advance on Damascus from Palestine
- Battle of Merdjayoun (19 June 1941 to 24 June 1941): part of the advance on Beirut and Damascus from Palestine
- Battle of Palmyra (1 July 1941): part of the advance on Palmyra and Tripoli from Iraq
- Battle of Deir ez Zor (3 July 1941): part of the advance on central and northern Syria from Iraq
- Battle of Damour (5 July 1941 to 9 July 1941): part of the advance on Beirut from Palestine
- Battle of Beirut (12 July): part of the advance on Beirut from Palestine
On July 10, as the Australian 21st Brigade was on the verge of entering Beirut, Dentz sought an armistice. Battle of the Litani River ( 9 June 1941) - As part of the advance on Beirut in the Syria-Lebanon campaign of World War II, the Events 53 - Roman Emperor Nero marries Claudia Octavia 62 - Claudia Octavia commits Year 1941 ( MCMXLI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (the link will display 1941 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Battle of Jezzine ( 13 June 1941) - The Battle of Jezzine was part of the Australian 7th Division 's advance on Beirut during the five-week-long Events 1525 - Martin Luther marries Katharina von Bora, against the Celibacy rule decreed by the Roman Catholic Church for Year 1941 ( MCMXLI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (the link will display 1941 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The Battle of Kissoué ( 17 June 1941) was part of the Allied advance on Damascus in Syria during the Syria-Lebanon campaign in Events 763 BC - Assyrians record a Solar eclipse that will be used to fix the Chronology of Mesopotamian history Year 1941 ( MCMXLI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (the link will display 1941 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1462 - Vlad III the Impaler attempts to assassinate Mehmed II ( The Night Attack) forcing him to retreat Year 1941 ( MCMXLI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (the link will display 1941 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The Battle of Damascus ( 18 June – 21 June 1941) was the final action of the Allied advance on Damascus in Syria during the Events 618 - Coronation of the Chinese governor Li Yuan as Emperor Gaozu of Tang, the new Emperor of China, initiating three centuries Year 1941 ( MCMXLI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (the link will display 1941 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 524 - Godomar, King of the Burgundians defeats the Franks at the Battle of Vézeronce. Year 1941 ( MCMXLI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (the link will display 1941 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Battle of Merdjayoun ( 19 June 1941 to 24 June 1941) - In the Syria-Lebanon campaign of World War II, Australian troops Events 1179 - The Norwegian Battle of Kalvskinnet outside Nidaros. Year 1941 ( MCMXLI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (the link will display 1941 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 972 - Battle of Cedynia, the first documented victory of Polish forces takes place Year 1941 ( MCMXLI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (the link will display 1941 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The Battle of Palmyra ( 1 July 1941) was part of the Allied invasion of Syria during the Syria-Lebanon campaign in World War II "July 1st" redirects here For the Ayumi Hamasaki song see H (song. Year 1941 ( MCMXLI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (the link will display 1941 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The Battle of Deir ez-Zor ( 3 July 1941) was part of the Allied invasion of Syria during the Syria-Lebanon campaign in World Events 324 - Battle of Adrianople Constantine I defeats Licinius, who flees to Byzantium. Year 1941 ( MCMXLI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (the link will display 1941 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The Battle of Damour (5 - 9 July 1941 was the final major operation of the Australian forces during the Syria-Lebanon campaign of World War II. Events 1295 - Scotland and France form an alliance the beginnings of the Auld Alliance, against England. Year 1941 ( MCMXLI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (the link will display 1941 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 455 - Roman military commander Avitus is proclaimed Emperor of the Western Roman Empire. Year 1941 ( MCMXLI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (the link will display 1941 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The Battle of Beirut ( 12 July 1941) marked the end of hostilities in the Syria-Lebanon campaign of World War II. Events 1191 - Saladin 's garrison surrenders ending the two-year Siege of Acre. Events 48 BC - Battle of Dyrrhachium, Julius Caesar barely avoids a catastrophic defeat to Pompey in Macedonia. At one minute past midnight on July 12 a ceasefire came into effect. Events 1191 - Saladin 's garrison surrenders ending the two-year Siege of Acre. To all intents and purposes this ended the campaign and an armistice known as Armistice of Saint Jean d'Acre (also known as the "Convention of Acre") was signed on July 14 at the "Sidney Smith Barracks" on the outskirts of the city of Acre. The Armistice of Saint Jean d'Acre concluded the Syria-Lebanon campaign of World War II. Events 1223 - Louis VIII becomes King of France upon the death of his father Philip II of France. Sir William Sidney Smith KCB ( 21 June 1764 &ndash 26 May 1840) usually known as Sir Sidney Smith, was the British [12]
Aftermath
The Vichy French forces lost approximately 6,000 men. Vichy France, or the Vichy regime are the common terms used to describe the government of France from July 1940 to August 1944 Of these, roughly 1,000 had been killed. This left 37,736 Vichy French prisoners of war. But, when given the choice of being repatriated to France or joining the Free French, only 5,668 men chose to join the forces of General Charles De Gaulle. This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. The Free French Forces (Forces Françaises Libres FFL) were French fighters in World War II who decided to continue fighting against Axis forces Charles André Joseph Marie de Gaulle ( ( 22 November 1890 – 9 November 1970) was a French General and statesman who led the Free French [13]
In late July 1941, De Gaulle flew from Brazzaville to personally congratulate the victors. ||-||} Brazzaville is the Capital and largest city of the Republic of the Congo and is located on the Congo River. [14]
Free French General Georges Catroux was placed in control of Syria and Lebanon. Georges Catroux ( 29 January 1877 - 21 December 1969) was a French military figure and diplomat who served in both World War I and On 26 November 1941, shortly after taking up this post, Catroux recognised the independence of Syria and Lebanon in the name of the Free French movement. Events 43 BC - The Second Triumvirate alliance of Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus ("Octavian" later "Caesar Augustus" Year 1941 ( MCMXLI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (the link will display 1941 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. [15]
On 8 November 1943, after elections, Lebanon became an independent state. Events 1519 - Hernán Cortés enters Tenochtitlán and Aztec ruler Moctezuma welcomes him with great a Celebration Year 1943 ( MCMXLIII) was a Common year starting on Friday (the link will display full 1943 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. On 27 February 1945, it declared war on Germany and the Empire of Japan. Events 1560 - The Treaty of Berwick, which would expel the French from Scotland, is signed by England and the Congregation Year 1945 ( MCMXLV) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar The Empire of Japan ( {{unicode|Kyūjitai}}: ja 大日本帝國 Shinjitai: ja 大日本帝国 pronounced Dai Nippon Teikoku
Syria became independent on 1 January 1944. New Year See also New Year The Ancient Romans began their consular year on January 1st since 153 BC Year 1944 ( MCMXLIV) was a Leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. On 26 February 1945, Syria declared war on Germany and Japan. Events 747 BC - Epoch (origin of Ptolemy 's Nabonassar Era 364 - Valentinian I is proclaimed Year 1945 ( MCMXLV) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar
Notable participants
Victoria Cross recipients
- Sir Arthur Roden Cutler, later an Australian diplomat and Governor of New South Wales. Sir Arthur Roden Cutler, VC, AK, KCMG, KCVO, CBE (24 May 1916 – 22 February 2002 usually known simply as Roden Cutler A Lieutenant at the time, Cutler was awarded the British Commonwealth's highest award for gallantry, the Victoria Cross (VC), for his actions at the Battle of Merdjayoun. See below the section "Separate Commonwealth awards" Note that since Battle of Merdjayoun ( 19 June 1941 to 24 June 1941) - In the Syria-Lebanon campaign of World War II, Australian troops Cutler lost a leg as a consequence of the fighting.
- Jim Gordon, Australian Private soldier, awarded the VC for his actions at the Battle of Jezzine. James Heather Gordon VC ( March 7 1909 &ndash July 24 1986) was an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, Battle of Jezzine ( 13 June 1941) - The Battle of Jezzine was part of the Australian 7th Division 's advance on Beirut during the five-week-long
- Geoffrey Keyes, celebrated British commando officer involved with the crossing of the Litani River and with operations against German General Irwin Rommel in North Africa. Lieutenant-Colonel Geoffrey Charles Tasker Keyes, VC, MC, CdeG ( May 18, 1917 - November 18, 1941) The British Commandos were first formed by the British Army in June 1940 during World War II as a well-armed but non-regimental raider force employing unconventional The Litani River (نهر الليطاني transliterated: Nahr al-Līţānī classical name Leontes is an important waterway in southern Lebanon Erwin Johannes Eugen Rommel ( ( 15 November 1891 – 14 October 1944) (also known as the " Desert Fox " Wüstenfuchs North Africa or Northern Africa is the Northernmost Region of the African Continent, separated by the Sahara from Sub-Saharan Keyes was awarded his VC posthumously.
Others
- Frank Berryman, later a prominent Australian General. Lieutenant General Sir Frank Horton Berryman, KCVO, CB, CBE, DSO ( 11 April 1894 – 28 May
- Moshe Dayan, later an Israeli general, who lost an eye while serving as an interpreter with an Australian unit. Moshe Dayan, DSO (משה דיין born 20 May 1915 died 16 October 1981 was an Israeli military leader and politician Dayan received the Military Cross for his actions in the campaign.
- Bobby Gibbes, member of No. 3 Squadron RAAF, who claimed the first of ten victories during the campaign and went on to become the squadron's longest-serving wartime commander. Robert Henry Maxwell (Bobby Gibbes DSO, DFC & Bar, OAM (6 May 1916 &ndash 11 April 2007 was a leading Australian air No 3 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force fighter squadron
- Douglas Gracey, who commanded an Indian brigade during the campaign; later a prominent British general and Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army. General Sir Douglas David Gracey KCB, KCIE, CBE, MC and bar (1894 - 1964 was a British Indian Army officer
- Sir John Hackett, an Australian-born junior officer in the British Army at the time; prominent after the war as both a British General and author. This article is about the British Army officer and author for information about the musician see John Hackett (musician. Hackett was wounded during the campaign.
- Pierre Le Gloan, French air ace, who served on the Vichy side during the campaign. Pierre Le Gloan ( January 6, 1913 - September 11, 1943) French pilot ( Flying ace) of World War II. He shot down seven Allied aircraft.
- Paddy Mayne, celebrated British Special Air Service (SAS) officer. Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Blair "Paddy" Mayne DSO & 3 Bars ( 11 January 1915 - 14 December 1955) was a The Special Air Service ( SAS) is a Special forces regiment within the British Army which has served as a model and inspiration for the special
- Stanley Savige, commander of the Australian 17th Brigade, later a prominent Australian General. Lieutenant General Sir Stanley George Savige KBE, CB, DSO, MC, ED ( June 26 1890 &ndash The 6th Division of the Australian Army was a unit in the Second Australian Imperial Force (2nd AIF during World War II.
- Roald Dahl, a fighter pilot at the time who had previously fought in the Greek campaign, later a prominent British author. Roald Dahl ( 13 September 1916 – 23 November 1990) was a British Novelist Short story Writer
See also
- Attack on Mers-el-Kébir
- Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran
- Haganah
- 1936–1939 Arab revolt in Palestine
- Italian bombings on Palestine in World War II
Bibliography
- Brune, Peter (2003). The Attack on Mers-el-Kébir, also known as Operation Catapult, was a hostile engagement off the coast of French Algeria where a British Royal Navy The Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran was the invasion of Iran by British and Commonwealth forces and the Soviet Union, codenamed Operation Countenance Haganah ( Hebrew: "The Defense" ההגנה was a Jewish Paramilitary organization in what was then the British Mandate of Palestine The 1936–1939 Arab revolt in Palestine was an uprising during the British mandate by Arabs in Palestine which lasted from 1936 to 1939 The bombings of Palestine in World War II, which started in July 1940 were part of an Italian effort to strike at the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth A bastard of a Place: The Australians in Papua. Crows Nest, NSW: Allen & Unwin.
- Keegan, John (2005). in Dear, I. C. B. ; Foot, M. R. D. : Oxford Companion to World War II. Oxford University Press, USA, 1064 pages. ISBN 978-0192806703.
- Mackenzie, Compton (1951). Sir Edward Montague Compton Mackenzie ( January 17, 1883, West Hartlepool, England – November 30, 1972 in Edinburgh Eastern Epic. London: Chatto & Windus, 623 pages.
- Mollo, Andrew (1981). The Armed Forces of World War II. Crown. ISBN 0-517-54479-4.
- Shores, Christopher F. ; Ehrengardt, Christian-Jacques (1987). L' aviation de Vichy au combat 2 La campagne de Syrie, 8 juin - 14 juillet 1941 (in French). Paris: Lavauzelle. ISBN 978-2702501719.
Footnotes
- ^ Time Magazine, Mixed Show
- ^ Brune, p. 48
- ^ Keegan p. 676
- ^ Mollo, p. 144
- ^ Mollo, p. 144
- ^ Mollo, p. 144
- ^ Mollo, p. 146
- ^ Shores & Ehrengardt p. 94
- ^ Shores & Ehrengardt p. 30
- ^ de Wailly, Henri, Syrie 1941, la guerre occultée, p. 246
- ^ Mackenzie, p. 121
- ^ Time Magazine, Acre Pact
- ^ Mollo, p. 144
- ^ Time Magazine, Reconquering an Empire
- ^ Time Magazine, Free Again
External links
- Australian War Memorial, 2005, "Syrian Campaign"
- "Exit With A Flourish" - Time Magazine Article, 1941
- The Palmach
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