THE FAR EAST SERVICE ACTION 1944–1945 – First Paratroopers in Indochina

In Indochina, in late 1944 and early 1945, the internal resistance, the emissaries of Fighting France and the DGER's parachute commandos — supported by the British Force 136 — were actively preparing to confront the Japanese adversary when the Japanese coup of 9 March 1945 jeopardised the takeover of the territory by the Provisional Government of the French Republic.

Evoking the issues and disputes of every kind that obstructed the rapid restoration of French sovereignty in Indochina, this book focuses on the full range of operations that — by air, land and sea, from India and China — made it possible to ensure the continuity of the French presence, despite the ambitions of the Viet Minh and the obstacles raised by the Americans and Chinese.

Faced with a complex and rapidly evolving political and military situation, the bodies responsible for these operations — in particular the Section de liaison française en Extrême-Orient, the Détachement français des Indes, the French Indo-China Section, the Mission militaire française en Chine, the Service Action and Mission 5 — operated most often in secrecy, with limited means and at the cost of significant losses.

By retracing their missions, offering portraits of the principal protagonists and bringing back to life the actors of these engagements, the authors carry out an exhaustive study, never previously undertaken. They provide the necessary clarifications and set names, dates and places against events that have too often been passed over in silence.