La Combattante carried Charles de Gaulle and other senior officers to Normandy in 1944. Commander André Patou inferred the destination even though he had not received the orders, prompting an exchange in which he assured de Gaulle that the ship already knew the way. The mission also carried a fund of 250 million francs. The Free French government feared that American-issued notes would displace the French franc in ordinary circulation. Delivering French notes with senior officials able to authorize their use was intended to preserve French monetary control as territory was liberated. The financial concern was that displacing the existing franc could cause hyperinflation and force a rebuilding of the currency system.
Chapter · 56:23-58:41
La Combattante carries de Gaulle and French currency to Normandy
The voyage combined the return of French political leaders with a currency delivery intended to maintain French monetary authority in liberated territory.