Operation Torch was a Allied invasion of Vichy French North Africa during World War 2 with the goal of gaining control of the region from Morocco to Tunisia in order to trap German and Italian forces. In November 1942, over 125,000 British and American troops landed in Morocco and Algeria at Casablanca, Oran, and Algiers in ships and facing resistance from Vichy French forces who controlled the territory. After initial fighting and negotiations that led to local French leaders agreeing to an ceasefire, the Allies gained control of North Africa which allowed them to launch later attacks against Axis forces in Europe.

1. Operation Torch By: Jamie Black and Lauren Cherry

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

3. 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

4. This shows where America and British forces attacked France in North Africa. Specifically, Casablanca, Oran, Algiers.

5. Soldiers transporting themselves and weapons during Operation Torch Soldiers attacking during Operation Torch

6. 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

7. 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

8. 35,000 men in total Offensive weapons included five aircraft carriers, three battleships, seven cruisers, 38 destroyers, and other vessels of transportation.

9. Forces landed at Safi, Fedala, and Mehedia-Port Lyautey (cities in N. Africa) Safi fell the most easily – on the first afternoon of the attack Port Lyautey was tougher, but the French was unable to hold their ground and collapsed within a few days Fedala was the riskiest part of the operation because it was easiest to reach by water. Because of this, the US and French Navy got into dogfights .

10. 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.

11. 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

14. 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.

15. THE END

16. 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 http://www.historynet.com/wars_conflicts/world_war_2/3026106.html