Operation Torch

Operation Torch (initially called Operation Gymnast) was the British-American invasion of French North Africa in World War II during the North African Campaign, started November 8, 1942.

1. The Allies planned an Anglo-American invasion of northwestern Africa — Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, territory nominally in the hands of the Vichy French government. The Vichy French had around 125,000 soldiers in the territories as well as coastal artillery, 210 operational but out-of-date tanks and about 500 aircraft, half of which were Dewoitine D.520 fighters — equal to many British and U.S. fighter aircraft. In addition, there were ten or so warships and 11 submarines at Casablanca.

• True or False?

2. General Dwight D. Eisenhower was given command of the operation. The Allied Naval Commander of the Expeditionary Force would be Sir Andrew Cunningham; his deputy was Vice-Admiral Sir Bertram Ramsay; who would plan the landing effort. Where did Eisenhower set up his headquarters?

• London

• Washington, DC

• Gibraltar

3. The Western Task Force (aimed at Casablanca) comprised American units, of the U.S. 2nd Armored Division, the U.S. 3rd and 9th Infantry Divisions - 35,000 troops in all. They were transported directly from the United States. Who was the commanded the Western Task Force?

• Major General George Patton

• Major General George Cooper

• Major General George Marshall

4. The Center Task Force, aimed at Oran, included the 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, and the 1st Armored Division - 18,500 troops. They sailed from Britain. Who commanded the Center Task Force?

• Major-General Lloyd Fredendall

• Major-General Byron York

• Major-General George Lennon

5. The Eastern Task Force, aimed at Algiers, consisted of two brigades from British 78th and the US 34th Infantry Divisions and two British Commando units - 20,000 troops. Who commanded the Eastern Task Force?

• Lieutenant-General Kenneth Mayberry

• Lieutenant-General Mark Reynolds

• Lieutenant-General Kenneth Anderson

6. Eisenhower, with the support of Roosevelt and Churchill, therefore made agreements with Admiral François Darlan that he would be given control if he joined the Allied side. This meant the Vichy regime was maintained in North Africa, with its Hitlerian laws and concentration camps for opponents.

• True or False?

7. When Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini found out what was happening, they immediately ordered the occupation of Vichy France and reinforced Axis forces in Africa. What French battleship decided to join the Allies?

8. After consolidating in Algeria, where did the Allies strike?

• Libya

• Tunisia

• Spain

9. Who commanded the German and Italian troops?

• General Erwin Rommel

• General Henry Von Becker

• General Albert Schwartzman

10. Who arrived in Tunisia in late February to take charge of the new 15th Army Group headquarters which had been created to take overall control of both the Eighth Army and the Allied forces already fighting in Tunisia?

• General Harold Alexander

• General George Patton

• General Henry Arnold

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