Alcyon fought for Vichy France at Casablanca before the North African capitulation brought her into Allied service. Modernization allowed her to continue useful work through the war and beyond, until withdrawal from service in 1948. Basque had remained at Alexandria after Operation Catapult and rejoined the Allied forces in July 1943. Both ships had useful capabilities that the Allies lacked while they were unavailable.
Notable Point · 52:32-54:07
Alcyon and Basque enter Allied service late
Alcyon's Vichy service at Casablanca and Basque's detention at Alexandria delayed their contribution to the Allied war effort.