DIE GEALLIEERDE BESTETTING VAN MADAGASKAR IN 1942 (DEEL 5)

Abstract

This article resumes the description of the role of the South African Air Force in Madagascar in 1942. It covers the whole of the final phase of the campaign, from the launching of Operation Stream-line-Jane to the second half of November, when the aeroplanes left the island. That period witnessed the total elimination of the French air power. and was the only period during which air support for the ground formations was asked for and given. The second part of the article deals with medical aspects of the campaign. The tropical climate of the largest part of the island as well as the high prevalence of disease amongst the dense native population, worked in favour of the easy spread of disease amongst the occupying forces. Nevertheless the medical units managed to keep down the disease rate. A statistical table of hospitalized cases is given. Lastly the handing over of the administration to De Gaulle's Free French Movement is discussed. Thus the article series ends with Madagascar again a French colony, but this time as a strategic base of the Allies, as compared to the strategic threat which it had been when the administration was still in Vichy hands. The six-month campaign was a success, and served, in 1942. as one of the first indicators that the tide of Axis successes had been turned.