Soldiers from No. 5 Army Commando with local people at a harbour in Madagascar, 1942

Photograph, World War Two, Madagascar, 1942.

The Allied invasion of Vichy French-controlled Madagascar began on 5 May 1942. It was launched in order to prevent the island being used by Axis naval forces. The 13th, 17th and 29th Infantry Brigades, as well as No. 5 Commando, were carried ashore by landing craft just west of Diego Suarez, which was captured two days later. However, fighting continued for several months until all the Vichy forces on the island surrendered.

One of 47 photographs with Corporal Ralph Hooper, Royal Armoured Corps (Royal Tank Regiment) and No 5 Army Commandos.