Gibraltar | 2005 | 2 Pence | World Commemoration | Operation Torch
Gibraltar
Operation Torch
Operation
Torch, initially called Operation Gymnast, was the British-American invasion of
French North Africa, beginning on 8 November 1942. Led by General
Dwight D. Eisenhower, the operation aimed to remove Axis forces from North
Africa and establish a base for future Allied attacks on southern Europe.
Allied forces landed at Casablanca, Oran, and Algiers.
Before the
invasion, American consul Robert Daniel Murphy gathered intelligence and
established contact with French officers who were sympathetic to the Allies. Major
General Mark Clark met these officers at Cherchell, Algeria, and secured
their support. General Henri Giraud was also brought out of Vichy France
but was not given overall command. The successful landings marked an important
turning point in the North African Campaign and paved the way for further
Allied operations in Europe.
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