The archipelago of Saint Pierre and Miquelon, situated near the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, was strategically important during World War II. After the fall of France in 1940, the islands remained under the control of the Vichy government, which collaborated with Nazi Germany. Admiral Émile Muselier, a key figure in the Free French Forces, was appointed to lead the operation to liberate these territories. On the day of the operation, Muselier's forces executed a surprise attack, successfully capturing the islands with minimal resistance, as the local population largely supported the Free French movement and opposed Vichy rule.

This operation on Christmas Day symbolized not just a military victory but also a vital psychological boost for the Free French Forces. It demonstrated their capability to reclaim territory in the name of a free and democratic France, countering the despair that had followed the initial German occupation. The liberation of Saint Pierre and Miquelon served as a beacon of hope for those loyal to the cause of de Gaulle and indicated a shift in momentum against the Axis powers. Importantly, it underscored the significance of the archipelago as an operational base for future Free French endeavors.

The successful seizure of the islands initiated a sequence of further operations to regain French territories around the world and offered a model for cooperation with local populations in other regions. It also laid the groundwork for the ultimate campaign to liberate France itself, as those involved witnessed the unity of purpose that was required in confronting the tyranny imposed by Nazi Germany and its collaborators. The local government following the liberation quickly aligned itself with Charles de Gaulle and the Free French Forces, marking a significant turn in loyalty and support for the Allies as the war progressed.