In May 1942, British troops conducted an amphibious landing on the island of Madagascar. The opposing forces weren't German, Italian, or Japanese - they were French, until recently their allies.

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 determined to defend the French colony and prevent it becoming part of the British Empire.

The campaign that followed featured many unusual and interesting features. But as the first major amphibious operation undertaken by the Allies, it was also ground-breaking. The lessons learned informed later, more well known amphibious operations such as Operations Torch, Husky, and Overlord.

This talk, featuring secret agents, attempted bribery, and dummy paratroopers, covers the campaign from the initial landings to the final Vichy surrender.