• To inform the reader about Operation Torch and to enhance the reader’s knowledge about serious battles in World War II

Background

• The purpose was Operation Torch was to gain complete control of North Africa from French Morocco to Tunisia. By doing this, Rommel’s, a German field marshal, Afrika Korps would be trapped.

Dwight Eisenhower Andrew Cunningham Francois Darlan

Where did this happen?• This shows where America and British forces

attacked France in North Africa. Specifically, Casablanca, Oran, Algiers.

Soldiers transporting themselves and weapons during Operation Torch

Soldiers attacking during Operation Torch

The Attack

• The attack began on November 8, 1942 when 125,000 British, and American soldiers, sailors, and airmen invaded.

• This was the first offensive operation that the U.S. performed against Germany during WWII

The Attack cont’d• The attacks were carried out using boats

designed on land on beaches• Assault forces were divided into 3 groups

– Western Task Force– Center Task Force– Eastern Task Force

• These task forces got to the beaches by boat

The Attack at Casablanca

• 35,000 men in total• Offensive weapons

included five aircraft carriers, three battleships, seven cruisers, 38 destroyers, and other vessels of transportation.

Attack at Casablanca cont’d

• Forces landed at Safi, Fedala, and Forces landed at Safi, Fedala, and Mehedia-Port Lyautey (cities in N. Africa)Mehedia-Port Lyautey (cities in N. Africa)

• Safi fell the most easily – on the first Safi fell the most easily – on the first afternoon of the attackafternoon of the attack

• Port Lyautey was tougher, but the French Port Lyautey was tougher, but the French was unable to hold their ground and was unable to hold their ground and collapsed within a few dayscollapsed within a few days

• Fedala was the riskiest part of the Fedala was the riskiest part of the operation because it was easiest to reach operation because it was easiest to reach by water. Because of this, the US and by water. Because of this, the US and French Navy got into dogfightsFrench Navy got into dogfights..

Attack at Oran

• Center Task Force had the task of seizing and securing Oran of Western Algeria.

• Center Task Force was split into 3 groups—2 attacked from the west, and one from the east.

• Attacks were delayed due to shallow waters and hidden sandbars

• Instead, troops were landed directly on docks.

Invasion at Algiers

• Nearly all fighting took place in the port of Algiers

• One ship the British sent was destroyed by enemy artillery. Another ship was run ashore by the artillery.

• 250 men were left behind• The enemy general of Algiers

surrendered, and the city was taken later that day

Results and Aftermath

• Eisenhower appointed Darlan as the leader of French North Africa.

• Darlan was later arrested and Henri Giraud became the new leader.

• Hitler ordered German troops to attack unoccupied France—successful attack.

• WWII continued and eventually ended 3 years after these attacks.

Bibliography

• http://www.battle-fleet.com/pw/his/Torch%20Operation%20WW2%20Battles.htm

•http://www.combinedops.com/Torch.htm

• http://www.answers.com/topic/operation-torch