[Donger]

Originally Posted by Amnorix

1940. Reluctantly, the British Fleet out of Gibraltar fires upon the French Atlantic Fleet which had fled France to keep it out of German hands and was then docked in French North African port of Mers El Kebir (in Algeria). The attack results in the three battleships being sunk, and the deaths of over 1,200 Frenchmen, who until recently were British allies. The British were, rightly, very concerned that the Vichy government would result in the French fleet being turned over to German control. The French, under the arrogant Admiral Darlan, declined more peaceful options and the British therefore fired upon the ships of their recent ally.

Reluctantly.