Initiated in November 1942, Operation Torch was conceived as a grand strategy to diminish Axis forces’ engagement on the Eastern Front, thereby alleviating the escalating pressure on the Soviet Union. This ambitious offensive represented a strategic compromise between the United States and Great Britain, with British authorities espousing apprehensions that a direct American-supported landing in Northern Europe would precipitate a premature and potentially catastrophic engagement.

The operation was meticulously orchestrated to execute a pincer movement. Tasked with establishing bridgeheads on both the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts were the U.S. Western Task Force—targeting Safi, Fedala, and Mehdia–Port Lyautey in Morocco—and the Anglo-American Center and Eastern Task Forces—aiming for Oran and Algiers in Algeria, respectively. Complementing these efforts was a battalion-level airborne operation near Oran, designed to secure two strategic airfields. The overarching aim was to forge a second front that would be detrimental to the Axis forces occupied with British opposition in Libya and Egypt. Prevailing over resistance posed by Vichy French forces, which were ostensibly neutral yet potentially sympathetic to German interests, was paramount.

A Western Task Force, aimed at the strategic port of Casablanca, was predominantly composed of American units under the command of Major General George S. Patton, with Rear Admiral Henry Kent Hewitt overseeing naval operations. This formidable force incorporated the U.S. 3rd and 9th Infantry Divisions, alongside two battalions from the U.S. 2nd Armored Division, amassing a total of 35,000 troops. They embarked on their North African endeavor aboard a convoy exceeding 100 ships, marking the inaugural voyage of the new series of UG convoys. These convoys were specifically designated to provide logistical support for the North African campaign, facilitating a direct transportation route from the United States to the frontlines, thereby ensuring a steady supply of manpower and materiel crucial for the operation's success.

The Western Task Force accomplished its transatlantic advancement, effectuating landings on 8 November. Forgoing a prior naval bombardment—a decision predicated on the expectation of minimal French opposition—resulted in unexpectedly robust resistance and subsequent Allied casualties. However, the Western Task Force's objectives were ultimately realized by 10 November, leading to the strategic positioning of U.S. forces near Casablanca, which surrendered without a full-scale assault following a limited naval conflict.

Simultaneously, the Center Task Force, dispatched from the United Kingdom, met with Vichy French resistance during its 8 November landing. Naval confrontations ensued, with the majority of French warships originating from Oran either sunk or beached. An initial failed attempt to capture port facilities was followed by the successful procurement of Oran on 9 November, conceding to heavy British naval artillery.

Top photo: Douglas SBD-3 Dauntless scout bombers and Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat fighters on the flight deck of USS Santee (ACV-29) during Operation Torch. Note the yellow Operation Torch markings visible around the fuselage stars of some of these airplanes. Also note the distance and target information temporarily marked on the carrier's flight deck (80-K-15250). In the Public Domain, click to enlarge.

Bottom photo: American troops on board a landing craft heading for the beaches at Oran in Algeria during Operation 'Torch', November 1942. Source: Wikipedia. Hudson, F A (Lt), Royal Navy official photographer, 1942. Photograph within the Public Domain.

The Center Task Force, targeted at capturing the vital port of Oran, demonstrated a multifaceted approach, comprising an assembly of elite and mechanized units to ensure rapid engagement and versatility on the ground. Notably, the force included the U.S. 2nd Battalion 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, renowned for their agility and capacity for rapid deployment, marking one of the earliest instances of American airborne forces being used in the European theatre. Alongside, the U.S. 1st Infantry Division, colloquially known as "The Big Red One" for its distinguished service record and identifiable insignia, lent seasoned infantry prowess to the operation. The mechanized might was further bolstered by the inclusion of the U.S. 1st Armored Division, bringing with it a formidable array of tanks and armored vehicles essential for breakthrough operations and rapid territorial gains. This composite force, consisting of approximately 18,500 troops, was tasked with the objective of securing Oran and its surrounding territories, a mission critical for establishing a secure foothold in North Africa and facilitating subsequent Allied operations.

The Eastern Task Force, aimed at capturing Algiers, was under the command of Lieutenant-General Kenneth Anderson. Comprising elements from both the British and American forces, this task force included a brigade from the British 78th Infantry Division and the U.S. 34th Infantry Division, showcasing a blend of experience and strategic versatility. Additionally, the force was augmented by two elite British commando units, No. 1 and No. 6 Commandos, indicating a commitment to rapid, high-intensity engagements. The RAF Regiment further contributed to the task force’s strength, providing 5 squadrons of infantry alongside 5 Light anti-aircraft flights. In total, the Eastern Task Force mobilized approximately 20,000 troops for the operation. This strategic assembly was designed to ensure swift and decisive capture of Algiers, thereby securing a critical point for Allied operations in the North African campaign.

The operations executed by the Eastern Task Force were facilitated by a concurrent coup in Algiers against the Vichy regime on 8 November. Consequently, French resistance at the landing zones was considerably weakened or absent. Noteworthy conflict occurred at the Algiers port, where determined U.S. Army Rangers were deployed to thwart the destruction of naval facilities by French forces. The city capitulated to the Allied forces on the evening of 10 November.

The North African campaign yielded significant advancement for the Allies. Most notably, it marked the transition to an offensive stance vis-à-vis the Axis powers after three years of defensiveness. The German-Italian Panzer-Armee Afrika, now encumbered with defending both the western and eastern flanks, encountered exacerbated logistical vulnerabilities. Additionally, the newly acquired bases in North Africa served to fortify anti-submarine strategies in the eastern Atlantic. This complex maneuvering of approximately 100,000 troops from the Americas and the British Isles showcased an intricate yet efficacious collaboration between the respective military staffs. The resultant materialization of the capability to resist on multiple fronts acted as a precursor to the Allied Casablanca Conference in January 1943, presaging further initiatives against Axis expansion.

Despite its achievements, Operation Torch did not fully attain its projected outcomes. The anticipated swift capture of Tunis by British and American forces did not materialize swiftly. Neither did the stratagem significantly reduce German military presence on the Eastern Front, which was a principal justification for the operation. The amphibious assaults revealed substantial deficiencies in logistical, communicatory, and command protocols. Nevertheless, the American military leadership commendably recognized these flaws and immediately began remedying them in preparation for imminent, more formidable operations.

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