The three cruisers left Dakar on 18 September, intending to go south to Libreville, but they were intercepted by British forces, including . "Montcalm" and "George Leygues" outran the British ships and returned to Dakar, where they helped to defend the port against the unsuccessful British and Free French attack (Operation Menace) from 23 to 25 September. "Gloire", slowed by mechanical troubles and unable to escape, was ordered back to Casablanca.