D&D Beyond Place of Event. The operation marked the first time that British and American forces worked together on an invasion plan and would take place from November 8-16, 1942. Operation Torch (8-11 November 1942) was the Allied invasion of Vichy occupied North Africa, and was the first significant land operation carried out by American troops in the war against Germany. During the eight-day operation, Allied forces suffered close to 500 dead and 720 wounded; Vichy forces suffered nearly 1,400 dead and 2,000 wounded. 8–16 November 1942 . Note the yellow Operation Torch markings visible around the fuselage stars of some of these airplanes. Location of Archival Materials. Operation Torch was the name of the Allied invasion of northwest Africa in the hopes and goal of removing the Axis presence on the continent. Recipient Name. Operation Torch also saw the first large scale American airborne drop when the US 509th Parachute Regiment captured two airfields near Oran. Northern African Locations: This section pertains to the landing areas, locations, and indigenous personnel during Operation Torch, November 1942. Douglas SBD-3 Dauntless scout bombers and Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat fighters on the flight deck of USS Santee (ACV-29) during Operation Torch. The landing at Algiers was aided by an attempted coup within the city by pro-Allied forces. Operation Torch (8 November 1942 – 13 May 1943) was an Allied invasion of French North Africa during the Second World War. Therefore, the Vichy government in Algiers was more concerned with putting down this coup than with countering the Allies landing on the beaches. Operation Torch: Invasion of North Africa . The French colonies in the area were dominated by the French, formally aligned with Germany but of mixed loyalties.Reports indicated that they might support the Allies. "Time to shine the light on Crimson" Fandom Apps Take your favorite fandoms with you and never miss a beat. NHHC; Author Name. Operation Torch landed over 100,000 U.S. and British troops at nine beachheads along the Moroccan and Algerian coasts, assisted by 670 vessels and heavy air cover.