Did you know that Madagascar was essentially the proving ground for the Landing Craft used on D-day in WWII?
Prior to the invasion in 1942 Madagascar was nominally controlled by Vichy France and the Brits did not want the Japanese to potentially gain control of the deep water port of Diego Suarez.
I knew none of this until I heard this extraordinary podcast from History Extra. If you don't have time to listen to it right now you can read a great summary of Operation Ironclad at the Perspectives on Africa blog. This incredible multi lateral operation (Britain, Australia and South Africa) took more than 6 months to complete and indirectly contributed to Malagasy independence years later. There's also quite a few Vichy submarines likely at the bottom of the ocean offshore from Diego Suarez (Antsiranana).
More fascinating links down the rabbit hole:
Operation Ironclad – The invasion of Madagascar
~ OPERATION IRONCLAD ~ MADAGASCAR - 5 TO 7 MAY 1942
Battle of Madagascar (War History Online)
Midget Submarines at Diego Suarez, Madagascar 1942
Operation Ironclad: The British Invasion of Madagascar in 1942
British In Madagascar 1942
Pathe Gazette Special - Madagascar First… 1942
Prior to the invasion in 1942 Madagascar was nominally controlled by Vichy France and the Brits did not want the Japanese to potentially gain control of the deep water port of Diego Suarez.
I knew none of this until I heard this extraordinary podcast from History Extra. If you don't have time to listen to it right now you can read a great summary of Operation Ironclad at the Perspectives on Africa blog. This incredible multi lateral operation (Britain, Australia and South Africa) took more than 6 months to complete and indirectly contributed to Malagasy independence years later. There's also quite a few Vichy submarines likely at the bottom of the ocean offshore from Diego Suarez (Antsiranana).
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| British disembark in Tamatave |
More fascinating links down the rabbit hole:
Operation Ironclad – The invasion of Madagascar
~ OPERATION IRONCLAD ~ MADAGASCAR - 5 TO 7 MAY 1942
Battle of Madagascar (War History Online)
Midget Submarines at Diego Suarez, Madagascar 1942
Operation Ironclad: The British Invasion of Madagascar in 1942
British In Madagascar 1942
Pathe Gazette Special - Madagascar First… 1942
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