Image: Circassiantroopswiththeirfrenchofficer

Description: An original photograph from Damascus of the Circassian troops during the French mandate with Colonel Collet, Commander of the Circassian Cavalry. Colonel Collet was instrumental in the defeat of the Vichy French troops by collaborating with the free French army led by De Gaulle and the British allies. Collet's role was uncovered by Radio Ankara, repeated by the BBC, and taken up by brazzaville, prompting Dentz (commander of Vichy French army in Syria) to issue orders to arrest Collet. It was said that Collet's wife was British and hence his cooperation with the British and De Gaulle. On 8th June 1941 at 2AM, British, Australian and free free French forces crossed into Syria and Lebanon. (source: fulfilment of a mission by Major-General Sir Edward Spears).
Title: Circassiantroopswiththeirfrenchofficer
Credit: http://mideastimage.com/result.aspx
Usage Terms: Public domain
License: Public domain
Attribution Required?: No