Aftermath of Scuttling the French Fleet in Toulon Harbour, November 27th (Showing Sinking Minesweeper "Chamois")

This photograph depicts the aftermath of naval destruction in Toulon Harbour, France, during what is likely World War II, showing several warships sunk or heavily damaged and listing in the water, with the cityscape in the background obscured by smoke and haze. The archival text confirms this scene documents "THE SCUTTLED FRENCH FLEET," which occurred on November 27th. The French Fleet in Toulon Harbour, ranging from lesser auxiliary craft to destroyers and battle-cruisers, was scuttled by French sailors to prevent the ships from falling into enemy hands, leaving them crewless and derelict. R.A.F. reconnaissance planes reported more than fifty ships damaged or partly submerged a few hours after the scuttling, noting that even non-sunk ships had been dismantled beforehand. The image specifically shows the minesweeper "Chamois" sinking (right) and a torpedo boat. The photograph was distributed by the Ministry of Information and marked with archival codes including "FIGHTING FRENCH OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC SENWAGERIEOTOGRAPH NO.FF.476(XP)" and "Plot issued ab 1945."