Combat· World War II
Operation TORCH (North Africa Landings)
Operation TORCH was the Allied invasion of French North Africa, the first major American offensive against Germany and its partners.
American and British forces landed at several points in Morocco and Algeria to drive out enemy influence, open the Mediterranean, and set up bases for the fight ahead. The landings faced resistance from Vichy French forces before a ceasefire was reached. Marines took part mainly through the Navy. Ship's detachments served aboard the warships supporting the landings, and small parties went ashore with the assault. A group of Marines aboard a British ship tried to force the harbor at Oran under heavy fire and suffered losses there. Other Marines landed near Oran to help seize French ships in the harbor. Marine officers also worked behind the scenes as intelligence and staff officers, helping ease the way for the invasion.
Podcast episodes on World War II
Record no. 100