Operation Torch
"The soldier is the army." -Major General George Patton
Operation Torch
This was British and American soldiers (Allied Powers) against Vichy France (French troops who supported the Axis Powers.).
Axis Generals: Admiral Francois Darlan, General Alphonse Juin, General Charles Nogues.
Allied Generals: Major General Patton, Major General Ryder, Major General Fredendall.
Operation Torch
Sunday, Nov 8, 1942, 09:00 PM
Northern Africa; Casablanca, Oran, Algiers
Operation Torch
The Central Task Force departed from Britain and consisted of the U.S. 1st infantry Division and the U.S. 1st Armored Division with 18,500 men. It was commanded by Major General Lloyd Fredendall. They landed on beaches west and east of Oran, but had difficulties landing because of insufficient reconnaissance. Overcoming the problems the were then met with stubborn French resistance. Fighting was heavy and lasted a whole day, but the French surrendered on the 9th.
The Eastern Task Force was commanded by Major General Charles W. Ryder and his U.S. 34th Infantry Division. Efforts to land directly in the harbor failed, but Allied forces surrounded the city and the French surrendered at 6:00 p.m. on the 8th.