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—National Anthem of Free France. | ||
Led by French general Charles de Gaulle, Free France was established as a government-in-exile in London in June 1940. Following the defeat of the Third Republic by Nazi Germany, Marshal Philippe Pétain led efforts to negotiate an armistice and established a German puppet state known as Vichy France.French people to resist the Nazis and join the Free French Forces. On 27 October 1940, the Empire Defense Council later the French National Committee formed to govern French territories in central Africa, Asia, and Oceania that had heeded the 18 June call. Free French fought both Axis and Vichy troops and served in almost every major campaign, from the Middle East to Indochina and North Africa. The Free French Navy operated as an auxiliary force to the Royal Navy and, in the North Atlantic, to the Royal Canadian Navy. Free French units also served in the Royal Air Force, Soviet Air Force, and British SAS, before larger commands were established directly under the control of the government-in-exile. On 13 July 1942, "Free France" was officially renamed Fighting France to mark the struggle against the Axis both externally and within occupied France.
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