Germany Naval Logistics The Battle of Toulon was an urban battle of World War II in southern France that took place August 20–26, 1944 and led to the liberation of Toulon by Free French forces under the command of General Edgard de Larminat.

On 27 November 1942, German troops had attacked the port, with the intention of seizing the French fleet, the subsequent fight lasted just long enough to scuttle the 75 warships, the pride of France.

[2]: 78  These defences were strengthened further by the Germans who took equipment off the scuttled French fleet ships, installing two 340mm turrets and 75 medium-sized guns along the coast.

[6] The German troops took the opportunity to try to scuttle the remaining ships in Toulon harbour, including the battleship Strasbourg and the cruiser La Galissonnière, both which had been refloated, with the plan to block the southern channel, but American bombers sank them first.

[2]: 119–21 The 242nd Division was involved in fighting against the left wing of the Allied force, until on 18 August the remnants retired into Toulon.

It took time, but by 23 August French troops were everywhere in the city, raising the tricolour and there was a steady stream of prisoners.

[2]: 125  None of the German positions had shown the level of fanaticism that Hitler demanded, and by September 13 the harbour was repaired well enough to receive ships.

[2]: 125 The liberation of the city of Marseille, which was running in parallel with the fighting in Toulon was achieved when the Germans surrendered on 28 August.

[2]: 171 Today the Naval Base is the main home of the French Navy, including the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, the flagship of the fleet.

Spahis were light former cavalry regiments of the French army recruited primarily from the indigenous populations of northern Africa.