November 1942

Monday, November 9th


11/09/42 - North Africa

ALGERIA

Gen Giraud arrives at the front. Gen K. A. N. Anderson takes command of the British 1st Army at Algiers and prepares to move light forces as rapidly as possible to Tunis and Bizerte in order to forestall enemy seizure of these important objectives. The US transport Leedstown is sunk by the enemy off Algiers. The flanking attack on Oran continues to meet resistance as it reaches the outskirts of the city, the La Senia airport is captured and French resistance at St Cloud is bypassed and contained.

MOROCCO

The Western Task Force establishes its headquarters at Fedala where Adm Hewitt transfers command of the troops ashore to Maj-Gen George S. Patton. The French continue to resist strongly at the approaches to Port-Lyautey and the airport. The 3rd Div delays its advance on Casablanca to await the unloading of its heavy equipment and artillery. The 47th Regimental Combat Team, 9th Div, organizes the Safi beachhead.

TUNISIA

German airborne troops land on El Aouina airport, near Tunis, meeting no opposition from the French.