An all-Free-French outcome requires a senior naval leader with authority across the fleet, and François Darlan is the candidate proposed with that reach. The scenario has him decide around 14 June 1940 and order the ships to leave for British ports by 21 June. He could also load merchant ships with supplies and encourage naval personnel to bring their families. Evacuating families on that scale is judged unlikely, although possible. If the fleet arrived as one force, Britain would receive a coherent Allied partner instead of facing uncertain loyalties among scattered ships. Darlan's seniority and control of the navy would make him the likely leader in exile. Charles de Gaulle would command the ground forces and help secure colonial allegiance, with less political influence than he held historically.
Chapter · 25:38-33:37
A Darlan-led fleet evacuation to Britain
In this scenario, Darlan orders the fleet to leave for British ports between 14 and 21 June 1940 and becomes the senior Free French leader, with de Gaulle commanding ground forces.