Operation Torch - Arzew Landings

DATE: 18/02/2024

TIME (GMT): 19:00

ERA: WW2

MAP(S): Tobruk

TYPE: COOP

GAME: Arma 3

EVENT: Official

AUTHOR(S): Jarvis for Brothers in Arms

SLOTS: 70 / 90

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RATING: (23)

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The US landings on Arzew, taking place in the early hours of the 8th of November 1942, was apart of the larger Operation Torch, otherwise known as the Allied invasion of North Africa. The landings were undertaken by the newly established 1st Ranger Battalion - its formation largely being inspired by the British Commandos. The 1st Rangers were a lightly armed but highly specialised unit which drew mission critical assets, such as machine guns, explosives and new Bazooka anti tank launchers from its Battalion supply pool, as per mission requirements.

As part of the planning for Operation Torch, Allied intelligence established a sizeable Vichy French, German and Italian force stationed within the coastal town of Arzew; with the threat only 20 miles away from the landing beaches at Oran, Allied command elected to send elements of the 1st Infantry Division to take the town through naval landings. Arzew itself was well defended by the heavy guns of Batterie du Nord and Fort de la Pointe, along with a large Vichy French garrison. The French artillery would decimate any landing craft attempting to land on Arzew, so, the 1st Rangers would be tasked with landing before the main force under the cover of darkness and taking out the forts.

Lieutenant Colonel Darby's 1st Rangers would land on Arzew and its surroundings at 02:00 Hours on the 8th of November using British LCA landing craft. The French defenders were caught off guard, possibly thinking the approaching infantry were their allies, both forts were quickly surrounded and overwhelmed by the Rangers with minimal casualties. Once the guns had been destroyed by the Rangers, flares were launched by the raiding party, however, due to an LCA of TF Darby sinking earlier that night, the wrong colour of flare would be used, confusing the Royal Navy offshore, leading to a 2 hour delay in the main force landing. The first deployment of the 1st Ranger Battalion would be a complete success.

02:00 Hours, 8th November, 1942 - The 1st Ranger Battalion led by Lieutenant Colonel William Darby commences its mission as part of the wider Operation Torch. The capture of the coastal town of Arzew.