A Strange Campaign: The Battle for Madagascar

by Russell Phillips

Overview

Madagascar provided the stunning backdrop for one of the strangest conflicts of the Second World War - when Britain went head to head against one of its closest allies.

When British forces landed on the island in 1942, the enemy they faced wasn't German, Japanese or even Italian, this time the opposing forces were French.

Concerned that Japan might use Madagascar as a strategic base to disrupt the supply line to India, Britain was keen to take control of the island. However, the Vichy forces were keen to defend the French colony and prevent it becoming part of the British Empire.

A Strange Campaign: The Battle for Madagascar gives a detailed account of this fascinating but little-known period of military history. Even at the time, the conflict was a controversial one, pitting two colonial empires against each other.

However, it was also ground-breaking as it was the first time Allied forces had staged a major amphibious invasion. The lessons learned on the shores of Madagascar would prove to be invaluable two years later during the D-day landings in Normandy.

Military historian Russell Phillips examines the tactics used in the battle for Madagascar which included secret agents, dummy paratroopers and attempted bribery.

But just how did the British finally break down months of resistance by the French? And how did a tug-of-war over an island in the middle of the Indian ocean influence the rest of the Second World War?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781912680276
Publisher:	Shilka Ltd
Publication date:	05/05/2021
Pages:	188
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.43(d)

About the Author

Russell Phillips writes books and articles about military technology and history. Born and brought up in a mining village in South Yorkshire, they have lived and worked in South Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Cumbria and Staffordshire. Russell has always had a deep interest in history and conflicts all over the world, and enjoys sharing their knowledge with others through clear, factual accounts which shine a light on events of the past.

Their articles have been published in Miniature Wargames, Wargames Illustrated, The Wargames Website, and the Society of Twentieth Century Wargamers' Journal. They have been interviewed on BBC Radio Stoke, The WW2 Podcast, Cold War Conversations, and The Voice of Russia. They currently live in Stoke-on-Trent with their wife and two children.

Table of Contents

Foreword

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Concerns about Madagascar

Planning

Operation Ironclad

Advance to Diego Suarez, 5th May

Attack on Diego Suarez, 5th May

Diego Suarez, 6th May

Joffre Line Forts and the Orangea Peninsula

"Live and Let Live"

Operation Streamline Jane

Operation Stream

Operation Line

Operation Jane

Operation Rose

Advance on Fianarantsoa

Surrender and Occupation

Conclusion

ppendix I: Forces Involved in Operation Ironclad

Appendix II: Ultimatum to the Governor of Diego Suarez

Appendix III: Forces Involved in Operation Streamline Jane

Appendix IV: Principal Personalities

Appendix V: Place Names

About Russell Phillips

Also by Russell Phillips

Digital Reinforcements: Free Ebook

Notes

Bibliography

Index

Editorial Reviews

Russell Phillips gives us a well-researched, enlightening, and skillfully detailed account of a little-known but clearly pivotal WWII operation that's suited for both curious laypersons and serious researchers.

- Steve Anderson, author of the Kaspar Brothers series and other WWII-era novels

Though it was a world war it is easy to overlook some corners of the conflict. Madagascar was strategically important and controlled by Vichy France. Phillips has done an excellent job drawing out the story of the British-led invasion of the island.

- Angus Wallace, host of the WW2 Podcast

From the Publisher