Operation Torch order of battle


Operation Torch was the Allies of [World War II|Allied] invasion of French North Africa between 8 and 16 November 1942 during World War II. It was intended to distract the Axis forces from the Eastern front and thereby relieve the Soviet Union of the pressure it was facing to fight them. The invasion led to Oran's surrender on 10 November and France's agreement to an armistice with the Allies. Involved were British and American forces, organized into the Western, Central and Eastern task forces, which landed on beaches near Casablanca, Oran, and Algiers, respectively.

Overview

Western Task Force – Morocco

Vice Admiral H. Kent Hewitt, USN
US I Armored Corps
Major General George S. Patton, USA

French forces in Morocco

Général de division Georges Lascroux
DivisionRegiments and others

Général de division Émile Béthouart		Infantry:
Cavalry:
Artillery:
Guard:
Général de brigade Maurice-Marie SalbertInfantry:
Cavalry:
Artillery:
Guard:
Général de division Henry MartinInfantry:
Cavalry:
Artillery:
Guard:
Général de division Infantry:
Cavalry:
Artillery:
Guard:
  • III/9th Guard Regiment

Covering Task Force - Force H - Mediterranean

ViceAdmiral Edward Neville Syfret, RN

Central Task Force – Oran

Commodore Thomas Hope Troubridge, RN
US II Corps
Major General Lloyd R. Fredendall, USA
Approx. 39,000 officers and enlisted

Eastern Task Force – Algiers

Rear Admiral Sir Harold Burrough, RN
Allied Landing Forces
Major General Charles W. Ryder, USA
Approx. 33,000 officers and enlisted

19th Army Corps (French Army in Algeria)

DivisionRegiments and others

Général de division Charles Mast		Infantry:
Cavalry:
Artillery:
Guard:
Others:
  • 1st Annamite Sappers
Général de division Infantry:
Cavalry:
Artillery:
Guard:
  • 7th Guard Regiment
Oran Division Général de division Robert BoissauInfantry:
Cavalry:
Artillery:
  • 411th Artillery Regiment of Africa