Light tanks of the Free French army at exercises in Britain, 1940

Free French Army

General Charles de Gaulle seen here on his return to London from the successful expedition to Duala at the end of October, 1940, organized under the flag of Free France those of his countrymen in all parts of the world who were determined to continue the struggle against the Nazi despite the French surrender.

Leader of the Free French Forces

As a symbol for the land, sea and air forces which he promptly began to form, General de Gaulle chose the Cross of Lorraine which had been borne by Joan of Arc.  The new flag is here seen displayed by men of a French destroyer that came to Britain after the French capitulation.