Forces de haute mer

The Forces de haute mer (High Sea Force) was an organization of the Marine Nationale (French Navy) formed from the Mediterranean Fleet shortly before the German invasion of Poland in September 1939. It was reformed after the French signed armistices with Germany and with Italy after losing the Battle of France in June 1940. The rump of France not occupied by Germany and Italy became known as Vichy France and the victors agreed to allow it to use the navy's surviving ships subject to strict limitations.