Bases, submarines, and the French supply problem

French forces at Bizerte, Oran, the Levant, Casablanca, Indochina, and other stations give the scenario a worldwide footprint. The large French submarine force was well suited to Mediterranean operations. Historically, Britain had to draw submarines from the Far East and Indian Ocean while building up its own force, exposing boats designed for those distant stations to narrow, shallow waters for which they were ill suited. Continued French participation could reduce that pressure. Losing metropolitan France would still cause a severe logistical shock because French weapons, ammunition, and spare parts were incompatible with British systems. Overseas facilities and stockpiles could sustain operations temporarily, while longer service would require new Allied supply chains for specialised French matériel.