Resurrecting this thread to share a picture of the French reefer Damohey. It is interesting because it portrays the ship during allied landings of 11 November 1942, as she ran aground off Fedala, French Morocco.
As you can clearly see, to that date her funnel was still painted with the
colors of her pre-war owners, Chargeurs Réunis.
Ship's history is a bit unclear though. Some sources say that the ship, under Free French control, was carrying provisions for the allied fleet, whereas other sources state that the vessel, still under Vichy control, had been used as a blockship for hampering Operation Torch landings.
Who is right?
EDIT:
Just found a webpage listing pre-1970 French merchants:
https://www.marine-marchande.net/Per...11-Perchoc.htm
Under Dahomey's timeline, it states:
Quote:
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11/08/1942 – Upon the arrival of the Americans in Morocco, she voluntarily ran aground in Bouznika, north of Casablanca.
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An excellent picture is also provided with distinct neutrality markings visible on hull side:
That means that after French capitulation, the ship remained in Vichy French (nominally neutral) merchant fleet. Puzzle solved
