François Darlan
Jean Louis Xavier François Darlan (7 August 1881 – 24 December 1942) was a French Admiral and political figure. He was Admiral of the Fleet and commander in chief of the French Navy in 1939 at the beginning of World War II. After France capitulated to Nazi Germany in 1940, Darlan served in the pro-German Vichy regime, becoming its deputy leader for a time. When the Allies invaded French North Africa in 1942, Darlan was the highest ranking officer there. The allies made a deal with him, giving him control of North African French forces in exchange for joining their side. Less than two months later he was assassinated.
Youth and advancement in Navy
Darlan was born in Nérac, Lot-et-Garonne, to a family with a long connection with the French Navy. His great-grandfather was killed at the Battle of Trafalgar. He graduated from the École Navale in 1902. During World War I he commanded an artillery battery that took part in the Battle of Verdun. He remained in the French Navy after the war, and was promoted to Rear Admiral in 1929 and Vice Admiral in 1932. Darlan was made an Admiral in 1936 and Chief of Staff from 1 January 1937. In 1939 he was promoted to Amiral de la flotte, a rank created specifically for him, and given command of the French Navy.
Darlan (horse)
Darlan (11 March 2007 – 4 February 2013) was a British Thoroughbred racehorse who competed in National Hunt racing. In a nine-race career that lasted from April 2011 until February 2013, he won six times, finished second once and fell twice. After winning his only National Hunt Flat race, he was one of the leading novice hurdlers of the 2011/2012 season, winning four races including the Top Novices' Hurdle. In the following year, he established himself as a leading contender for the Champion Hurdle by winning the Christmas Hurdle, but was killed in a fall in his next race.
Background
Darlan was a bay gelding with a white star bred by Martin Kilroe. He was one of the best horses sired by Milan, who won the St Leger Stakes and finished second in the Breeders' Cup Turf in 2001. His other progeny include Jezki a winner of the 2014 Champion Hurdle and four Grade I hurdles in Ireland. Darlan's dam Darbela had some success as a racehorse, winning four times and finishing second at Grade II level over hurdles. Darbela was a granddaughter of Darazina, a broodmare whose other descendants included the French classic winners Darjina (Poule d'Essai des Pouliches), Darsi (Prix du Jockey Club) and Daryaba (Prix de Diane).
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Manhattan Bluebird
by: Terry AllenWell if you never let
Them tight pants
Have a chance
To hug your hips
Manhattan bluebird
Girl ... you never flown
And if you never read
Your name
Carved in leather
With your fingertips
Manhattan bluebird
Girl ... you done yourself wrong
And if you never let
That honky tonk
Juke box
Sing for you
Manhattan bluebird
Girl ... you missed your song