Free France

Free France was a political entity that claimed to be the true government of France following the creation of the French State in the aftermath of the Franco-German War. Loosely formed by Raoul Magrin-Vernerey in the Belgian Congo following France's conquest, it soon came under the leadership of Edgard de Larminat.
== History ==
=== Formation ===
In the early stages of the Franco-German War, after Belgium had been overrun by German forces, French Prime Minister Daladier sent the 13th Demi-Brigade of the Foreign Legion to secure the Belgian Congo in the Occupation of Léopoldville. This was accomplished peacefully, however soon after France fell to German forces. This left the Demi-Brigade stranded and in an awkward position - either they would proclaim loyalty to the new French government under Marshal Pétain, or resist and remain stranded in the Congo.
The unit made the decision to remain in the Belgian Congo and resist the new regime in Paris, with Raoul Magrin-Vernerey being declared a traitor. Soon after their declaration they were joined by Lieutenant-Colonel Edgard de Larminat who had fled Damascus after an attempt was made to arrest him. Larminat quickly rose to become the general head of the group that now declared itself to be 'Free France'.
=== Equatorial Africa Designs ===
The stranded Demi-Brigade sought ton break out from the Belgian Congo, assisted by the Force Publique, and capture the French Equatorial Africa. Pierre Garbay had been sent by Larminat to Chad to meet with Félix Éboué, the governor of Chad who had made indications he might support resistance to the new regime. Despite positive talks, Éboué couldn't guarantee his support as he had little means with which to do so, especially as Chad was landlocked.
In October the Radio Congo Belge broadcast for the first time, and was used by Larminat to provide a rallying cry for the French resistance. Though the broadcasts had little impact throughout most of the French Empire, it had a profound impact on much of French Equatorial Africa which neighboured the Belgian Congo.
Soon after the broadcasts began, Free French forces led by Raoul Magrin-Vernerey marched into the Middle Congo. Towns fell quickly as many forces capitulated, those same troops would later declare loyalty to Free France. The ease with with Magrin-Vernerey moved into French State colonies humiliated Pierre Boisson, who's fortunes only got worse after Félix Éboué officially declared his support for Free France, bringing Chad over with its troops. Shortly after this Governor Pierre de Saint-Mart of Ubangi-Shari declares his support for Free France as well. 
Category:Countries
Category:Africa
Category:Françafrique
Category:Despotism