The French Army coup of 1958

Increased discontent within the French Army to its Government’s handling of the war in Algeria, leads in 1958 to a French Army coup in Algiers, which quickly seizes control of Algeria and then Corsica, the Army threatens to attack Paris.  The Coup is a success, not only is the French Government brought down but the entire French Fourth Republic is sweep away and an unelected Frenchman, Charles De Gaulle becomes the new President of France, able to make laws by decree.  A biography of Charles De Gaulle.

To be published on Saturday 2nd January 2021.

The Battle of Algiers part two

The French 10th Para-troop Division is sent to the City of Algiers to combat the FLN’s terrorism campaign in the City.  A biography of the Division commander General Massu.  The French Army uses brutal methods to break the FLN in Algiers including the use of torture to obtain intelligence from suspected FLN members.  Over three thousands Muslims are murdered by the French Army, many have their bodies dropped into the sea from helicopters.  The power of the FLN is broken in the City and its leader Abane, flees.

To be published on Saturday 26th December 2020

Battle of Algiers part one

French Prime minister Guy Mollet visits Algeria and promises that the number of French troops in Algeria will be increased to a half a million men.  Yet even this massive reinforcement can not defeat the FLN Guerrillas.  In the City of Algiers, the FLN began a terrorist campaign of bombing against Pied Noir Civilians.  A biography of Abane, the FLN leader in Algiers

To be published on Saturday 19th December

The Phippleville massacre

The war carries on into 1955 and takes a nastier turn when the FLN stage a massacre of Pied Noir civilians in and around the town of Philippeville (now the City of Skikda in modern Algeria).  The French Army takes revenge on Muslim civilians in the area, thousands die.  A biography of FLN military leader and later FLN Foreign Minister, Krim.

To be published on Saturday 12th December