Admiral Gabriel Auphan correctly anticipated that Germany would eventually try to seize the fleet despite the armistice terms. When Operation Anton occupied unoccupied France in November 1942, naval personnel and civilian resistance delayed the advancing forces long enough to execute the scuttling orders. Seventy-seven vessels were destroyed and several submarines escaped to North Africa. The Germans captured only thirty-nine small craft intact, so the operation failed in its central purpose. The result denied the Axis a ready French battle fleet while demonstrating the preparation required to destroy so many ships under pressure.
Chapter · 49:22-50:54
Why the Toulon scuttling defeated Operation Anton
French officers, engineers, sailors, and civilians delayed the Axis seizure long enough to destroy 77 vessels and deny the fleet to Germany and Italy.