Brits Attack Richelieu

MON 8 JUL 1940
British launch two attacks to disable French battleship Richelieu at Dakar. In the first, four depth charges dropped over the side of motor boat from carrier HMS Hermes fail to explode. In the second, FAA Swordfish TSR (torpedo spotting reconnaissance) planes (No. 814 Squadron) torpedo Richelieu, rendering her incapable of steaming at more than half power. Her main battery, however, is unaffected.