François Darlan
Jean Louis Xavier François Darlan (French pronunciation: [ʒɑ̃ lwi ɡzavje fʁɑ̃swa daʁlɑ̃]; 7 August 1881 – 24 December 1942) was a French admiral and political figure. Born in Nérac, Darlan graduated from the École navale in 1902 and quickly advanced through the ranks following his service during World War I. He was promoted to rear admiral in 1929, vice admiral in 1932, lieutenant admiral in 1937 before finally being made admiral and Chief of the Naval Staff in 1937. In 1939, Darlan was promoted to admiral of the fleet, a rank created specifically for him.
François Darlan | |
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Darlan c. 1940 | |
| Deputy Prime Minister of France | |
| In office 9 February 1941 – 18 April 1942 | |
| Chief of the State | Philippe Pétain |
| Preceded by | Pierre Étienne Flandin |
| Succeeded by | Office abolished |
| High Commissioner of France in Africa (French North Africa and French West Africa) | |
| In office 14 November 1942 – 24 December 1942 | |
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Henri Giraud (as French Civil and Military Commander-in-chief) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Jean Louis Xavier François Darlan 7 August 1881 Nérac, Lot-et-Garonne, France |
| Died | 24 December 1942 (aged 61) Algiers, Alger, French Algeria |
| Signature | |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | French Third Republic Vichy France |
| Branch/service | French Navy |
| Years of service | 1902–1942 |
| Rank | Admiral of the Fleet |
| Commands | Chief of Staff of the French Navy Edgar Quinet Jeanne d'Arc |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards | Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour Médaille militaire Croix de Guerre |
Darlan was Commander-in-Chief of the French Navy at the beginning of World War II. After France's armistice with Germany in June 1940, Darlan served in Philippe Pétain's Vichy regime as Minister of Marine, and in February 1941 he took over as Vice-President of the Council, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of the Interior and Minister of National Defence, making him the de facto head of the Vichy government. In April 1942, Darlan resigned his ministries to Pierre Laval at German insistence, but retained his position as Commander-in-Chief of the French Armed Forces.
Darlan was in Algiers when the Allies invaded French North Africa in November 1942. Allied commander Dwight D. Eisenhower struck a controversial deal with Darlan, recognizing him as High Commissioner of France for North and West Africa. In return, Darlan ordered all French forces in North Africa to cease resistance and cooperate with the Allies. Less than two months later, on 24 December, Darlan was assassinated by Fernand Bonnier de La Chapelle, a 20-year-old monarchist and anti-Vichyiste.