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.

Free France Fights Under the Cross of Lorraine

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

Free French Army

In September, 1940, General de Gaulle proceeded to Dakar with a small force of the Free French.  Certain British naval units stood by.  On the morning of September 23, he sent an envoy ashore in a launch to parley with the French Governor-General.  The party was fired upon and two officers wounded.  Convinced that only by a major bloodshed to his countrymen could Dakar be forced, De Gaulle withdrew.