What happened to the French gold at Martinique during WW2
Upvote:1
My grandfather found the gold in train cars with copy paper on top, 11 or 12 total. Not sure exactly how many. But he told his commander it was 2 miles out, in cars labeled copy paper. He was kept in the brig for two weeks while every bar was counted. William McLaughlin is my grand father. Look it up. Let me know what you find. I have never herd of it only from grandpa. Dan Thompson is my name.
Upvote:5
I believe that the 286 tons Bank of France gold was originally destined for safekeeping in Halifax but was diverted to Vichy-controlled Martinique aboard French cruiser EMILE BERTIN after France surrendered in June, 1940, and was stored in Fort Desaix.
In 1943, when the Free French took over with the aid of the U.S., I understand it had shrunk to 182 tons. Some of it may have been shipped out on voyages of the BARFLEUR to be exchanged for food and fuel during the Vichy years and some may have left with the SURCOUF when she departed in May 1942 to be escorted back to France by U-69. Unfortunately, she was sunk shortly after departure by an American patrol plane from St. Lucia.
Upvote:6
Thanks to @Drux I think I have an answer from the page he posted in the comments.
From the page:
1943 July 14 Ambassador Henri Hoppenot arrives in Fort de France to assume control of the Antilles for the Committee of National Liberation. Admiral Robert leaves for Vichy by way of Puerto Rico. The Free French take control of the Bank of France gold reserves held in Martinique and the Caribbean fleet.
But I am still uncertain as to the final destination of this gold, so I am leaving the question open for the time being.
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