Operation+Torch

Rommel's seemingly unstoppable onslaught across the desert had been stopped by General Montgomery at El Alemein. Now, Rommel was being chased across the desert and back into Libya. Montgomery was doing well, but he and other Allied commanders knew that if it was a one on one scenario, both Montgomery and Rommel would suffer heavy casualties. Therefore, the Allied commanders decided to create a pincer move to annihilate the German Afrika Korps once and for all. Their plan was simple: launch and amphibious attack on the country of Tunisia held by Vicchy French forces. The assault was to be the first major amphibious assault of the war against Germany and there was a feeling of apprehension among all who participated. November 8th, 1942, was D-Day in Africa. The Allied forces landed in three general areas. One force landed near Oran, another Casablanca, and the last in Algiers. Two beaches, Oran and Algiers, met little resistance. Only Oran had an initial problem with landing its craft as an accidental engagment occured with a French convoy. The one near Casablaca, however, is a different story. The Americans did not commence an opening bombardment, which was to try to get the Frecnch to surrender. However, it was a mistake and the French opened up on the American troops, slaughtering many of them. Anyway, this engagement was short and lasted only two days. Then, the Vicchy French in Afrika capitulated. Rommel, who was very nervous about this surrender, sent his fighting force, the Afrika Korps, to take over what was left of the Vicchy French territory. The Americans, being the type that favor action before an organized plan, engaged the veteran Afrika Korp and of course suffered heavy losses as it was their first time fighting against a very powerful opponent. However, the army learned quickly under the direction of General George S. Patton, one of the finest field commanders the US offered during this war. With this boost, Montgomery and the United States finally put the squeeze on Rommel and in 1943, the remnants of the once mighty Afrika Korp surrendered to the Allies. However, an even greater task loomed ahead, for now came the gargantuan task of the invasion of the European heartland itself. Ultimately, the Allied leaders decided Sicily to be their first point of entry.