The French occupied it in 1830, and renamed it Saint André de Mers-el-Kébir, enhancing the port in 1868 with an eponymous lighthouse;[1] the latter was destroyed in World War II.
Following the German defeat of France in 1940, a portion of the French fleet became holed up in the port. On 3 July 1940, Force H of the British Royal Navy, led by Vice AdmiralSir James Somerville, attacked the French Navy's fleet at Mers-el-Kébir after the French refused to accede to any of Somerville's demands which were designed to ensure the French Navy would not join forces with Nazi Germany like the Vichy French. The attack was successful, although it fueled strong anti-British sentiment in France. However, Britain's resolve against Nazi Germany and France was demonstrated to the United States. Admiral Somerville sank or shelled three of Gensoul's ships, killing 1,300 sailors.[2]
Post World War II
After World War II, France used its naval base at Mers-el-Kébir to assist in atomic tests, the base was substantially developed by the French in 1953.[3]
The Évian Accords of 18 March 1962, which recognized Algerian independence, allowed France to maintain its base for 15 years; however, France withdrew five years later in 1967.
Google Earth imagery has confirmed that a sizeable number of the Algerian National Navy use the naval base at Mers El Kébir.[4] Including the navy's Kilo-class submarine fleet of six boats;[5] as well as other frigates and corvettes.[6]