Chapter 3 Summary and Analysis

Most of the fighting for the Torch landings took place over three days, from November 8-10, 1942. At Algiers, several airfields were taken easily and elements of the 168th infantry soon entered the city itself. The Vichy Commander-in-Chief, Admiral Jean Louis Darlan realized that it was only a matter of time before the Allies had control. Over 30,000 Americans and British surrounded his 7,000 troops. He extended his sword to an American general to officially surrender. The French troops then went back to their barracks but were allowed to keep their weapons. General Giraud and Mark Clark arrived to take control of the French forces. After some negotiation, Darlan agreed to order all French North African troops to cease-fire.

Oran turned out to be much more difficult to take than had been expected. A French paramilitary force at St. Cloud (on the outskirts of...