Hey Rocky J Squirrel!
Now we are getting into your territory in the documentary. I just completed another part of the script, which lays the basis for the invasion task force for North Africa. Here's a sneak preview:
Operation Torch, began on November 8, 1942, and consisted of U.S. and British forces, commanded by American General Dwight D. Eisenhower. Their mission was divided into three task forces; The Western, Center and Eastern, and would be the largest amphibious operation in history.
The Western Task Force, sailed from America, under the flagship USS Augusta, commanded by Admiral Henry Hewitt. The hundred ships of task force 34 were comprised of 35,000 troops, and commanded by Major General George S. Patton. He was assigned to capture Port Lyautey and Casablanca, with soldiers of the US 2nd Armored, and 3rd and 9th Infantry Divisions.
A British convoy of 300 ships, commanded by Admiral Edmund Burrough, left England, and included the two remaining task forces.
The Center Task Force, was under the command of Major General Lloyd Fredendall, and consisted of 39,000 troops. It was scheduled to overtake Oran, and included the US 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored and 1st Infantry Divisions.
The Eastern Task Force, was led by Major General Charles Ryder. The 33,000 men were to assault the port of Algiers, composed of the US 34th Infantry Division, two brigades of the British 78th, and two commando units.
These territories were controlled by Vichy France, with approximately 60,000 troops in place.
Prior to the operation, an very important role was played by General Mark Clark, who landed behind enemy lines in Algeria, risking his life to meet with Allied sympathizers. This clandestine mission was a vital key to the success of the invasion, which collected useful intelligence regarding ports and coastal defenses, helped to gather various diplomatic codes, and let Clark master his skills of diplomacy.
I plan on including a part of your taped interview for this segment of the documentary. Can't wait to get it done and show it to ya!
-----ROCKY J
