Operation Torch: North Africa Intensifies

In September of 1942, with the attack on Pearl Harbor bringing the United States into the war, the Americans prepare to enter the European Theater of Operations. While a direct invasion of continental Europe was out of the question at this time, proven by the disaster at Dieppe, it is instead decided that creating a second front in North Africa is the best immediate way of getting US troops into the foray. It is decided that British and American forces would land on three separate beaches in Algeria and Morocco, facing not only German resistance, but the troops of Vichy France. The name of the game: Operation Torch.

In the planning of the operation, the one thing assumed-yet-unknown was the loyalty of French troops in Casablanca and Algeria. France, after the Germans invaded, was divided into north and south. The north, including Paris, was directly occupied by German forces. However, the southern portions of the country were left under self rule, but still loyal to Germany. This new government was led by Marshal Petain, and based out of the town of Vichy, hence Vichy France. It was this separation that Allied planners sought to play on. They figured that resistance would be minimal or nonexistent due to the French distaste for Germans and their good relations with the US in the past.

This thinking led to the Allied troops landing on the beaches without prior bombardment of the area. Thus, the landing troops were surprised when French resistance was stronger than expected. However, this resistance was not prolonged. After Hitler learned of the Allied landings, he ordered German troops to occupy Vichy France. This led to many French commanders surrendering to the Allies.

The main objectives of the landings included the ports of Casablanca, Algiers, and Lyauty, as well as airfield south of the town of Oran by American airborne troops, the first major airborne assault undertaken by the US.While most of the fighting occurred around these areas, the fighting didn't last long and these objectives were quickly obtained. German units were marshaled quicker than expected, but due to the vast numbers of Allied troops landing on the beaches and the main German forces engaged in the east, these units did little in stemming the influx of Allied troops.

With French North Africa secured, and the French troops now on the side of the Allies, the push across North Africa could begin. More importantly, the landings of Torch served as the debut performance of US General George S. Patton, who would make a name for himself as a great tank commander, and soon he would take command of the US Seventh Army in the invasion of Sicily. Until next time, take care, and thank you.