The Free French Forces were the military forces loyal to the French Government in Exile during World War II. Here's detailed information about this group:
Following the Fall of France in 1940, where the Third French Republic was defeated by Nazi Germany, General Charles de Gaulle refused to accept the armistice signed by Philippe Petain and fled to United Kingdom. On June 18, 1940, he made his famous Appeal of 18 June via the BBC, calling on French soldiers and civilians to continue the fight against the Axis powers. This appeal marked the beginning of the Free French Forces.
The Free French Forces were instrumental in maintaining French resistance against the Axis, providing a rallying point for French resistance movements within and outside France. Their efforts helped to restore French sovereignty and national pride post-war, with de Gaulle's leadership being pivotal in the transition to the Fourth Republic.
The legacy of the Free French Forces is evident in the continued respect for de Gaulle's leadership and the role these forces played in the liberation of France and the broader fight against fascism. Their contributions are commemorated in various memorials and historical documents, symbolizing French resilience and the fight for freedom.