[2][3] When World War II began with Nazi Germany′s invasion of Poland on 1 September 1939, Atalante was stationed at Bizerte in Tunisia as part of the 17th Submarine Division in the 6th Squadron, a component of the 4th Flotilla in Maritime Prefecture IV.

After the June 1940 armistice, Atalante served in the naval forces of Vichy France.

[2] While operating from Dakar, Atalante and La Vestale both sustained diesel engine damage that could not be repaired in French West Africa.

[2] As part of the 17th Submarine Division, Atalante subsequently conducted patrols in the Atlantic Ocean.

[2] On 8 November 1942, Allied forces landed in French North Africa in Operation Torch.

[2] She subsequently supported activities at the sound schools in French Morocco, at Dakar, and at Freetown in Sierra Leone.