La Terrible began the war with Force de Raid amid French Atlantic operations that included the search for Admiral Graf Spee. During the British attack at Mers-el-Kebir, she escaped with Strasbourg and engaged Royal Navy destroyers on the way to Toulon. Later Vichy maintenance left her in unusually good condition when Operation Torch brought her into the Allied camp. Upgraded Asdic and radar then supported a useful career that included visits to Martinique and Algeria and the landing of personnel on Corsica. Her anti-aircraft armament was not upgraded at that stage.
Chapter · 31:40-33:52
La Terrible from Mers-el-Kebir to Corsica
La Terrible served with Force de Raid in Atlantic operations, escaped Mers-el-Kebir, and entered Allied service after Operation Torch for work in the West Indies, North Africa, and Corsica.