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Notable events involving Dumont d'Urville include:

16 Sep 1940

Installation of Free French Government on Noumea.

Around 2135L/16, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the chartered tanker Norden (Norwegian (tanker), 8440 GRT, built 1931) departed Vila, New Hebrides for Noumea, New Caledonia. On board the Norden were Free French representives which were to be installed at Noumea to take over from the pro-Vichy Governer there.

Around 0605L/18, HMAS Adelaide and the Norden entered the Bulari Passage and arrived off Noumea around 0730L/18. An officer was then sent over from the Vichy French sloop Dumont d'Urville (Capitaine de Fregate (Cdr.) P.G. Toussaint de Quieverecourt) to inquire the purpose of the allied ships arrival.

At 0817L/18, the first Free French flag was observed ashore.

At 1105L/18, Mr. Sautot, the new Free French governor was embarked on board HMAS Adelaide from the Norden. 25 minutes later he was embarked in Pilot Boat no.3 which was under Free French control and proceeded towards Noumea.

At 1135L/18, HMAS Adelaide commenced to patrol off Noumea.

During the afternoon of the 18th, the British consul twice visited HMAS Adelaide.

At 0920L/19, HMAS Adelaide anchored off False Entrance so as to cover all approaches to Noumea and the Dumont d'Urville.

At 0820L/20, HMAS Adelaide was again visited by the British consul.

At 1245L/21, an official objection as to HMAS Adelaide's presence was received from the Dumont d'Urville.

At 1400L/21, a reply was sent to the Dumont d'Urville refuting his objections.

At 1700L/21, another official objection as to HMAS Adelaide's presence was received from the Dumont d'Urville.

At 0800L/22, a reply was sent to the Dumont d'Urville refuting his objections and the commanding officer of the Dumont d'Urville was invited on board HMAS Adelaide to confer.

At 0845L/22, HMAS Adelaide weighed anchor and proceeded only to anchor in Great Road 45 minutes later.

At 1115L/22, the British consul again arrived on board HMAS Adelaide.

At 1130L/23, the commanding officer of the Dumont d'Urville arrived on board HMAS Adelaide. He left at 1255L/23.

At 1400L/23, the British consul left HMAS Adelaide.

At 1630L/23, the Dumont d'Urville shifted anchorage and proceeded inside Noumea harbour.

At 1645L/25, the Dumont d'Urville left Noumea for Saigon. On board were government officials which had remained loyal to the Vichy Government. (1)

4 Jan 1945
HMS Vigorous (Lt. J.C. Ogle, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Kilindini with Dumont d'Urville, HMS Sobkra (Lt. C.K. Mackenzie, RANVR) and HMS Honesty (T/Lt. M.J. Rowlands, RNVR). (2)

5 Jan 1945
HMS Vigorous (Lt. J.C. Ogle, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Kilindini with Dumont d'Urville, HMS Sobkra (Lt. C.K. Mackenzie, RANVR) and HDML 1106 (Lt. F.H. Barnes, KNRNVR).

Also a practice attack was carried out on the Dumont d'Urville. (2)