1297 French sailors were killed in the Royal Navy's attack on the naval squadron in Algeria.
Operation Catapult was launched to ensure the warships did not fall into German hands, although the British later acknowledged this was extremely unlikely.
When the German attempted to take control of other French vessels at Toulon, the French Navy scuttled them.

A signal was received from the Royal Navy which gave the French six hours to give up their vessels or face attack.
British casualties were two members of the Fleet Air Arm killed when their Skua was shot down.