De Gaulle would probably command Free French land forces

What role would de Gaulle have if Darlan led the government in exile?

He would probably command Free French land forces in North Africa and could later help lead an advance into France.

Darlan's political leadership would not leave de Gaulle without a major role. He would probably command Free French land forces, beginning with the campaign in North Africa. A later advance into France from Italy is offered as another possible command. Other senior army officers might also leave during the fleet evacuation, so the land forces would contain more than one potential leader.