Allies land in North Africa

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AMERICAN FORCES LAND IN FRENCH AFRICA; EFFECTIVE SECOND FRONT, ROOSEVELT SAYS DIANAPOLIS 29 ISA 17 1992 46206 Allies land in North Africa November 1942 1us

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ALLIES LAND IN NORTH AFRICA First Day of Issue: August 17, 1992 First Issue Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Operation Torch, the code name for the Allied invasion of North Africa, initiated the bitter struggle for control of the African continent. The Torch invasion commenced on Nov. 8, when three separate forces of American and British troops landed on the beaches of Africa. If all went according to plan, the invasion would accomplish sev- eral Allied objectives, including: trap German Gen. Erwin Rommel and his desert troops between invading forces of British and American troops; allow the Allies to tighten the blockade of Mediterranean and South Atlantic sea routes; and provide a base of operation for the push into southern Europe. Of immediate consequence was the surrender of Vichy French forces fighting in Africa. Their capitulation gave Hitler an excuse to totally occupy France. German troops marched through southern France, hoping to capture the formidable French fleet at Toulon. But the French, refusing British pleas to join forces with the Allies, scuttled 73 ships in Toulon Harbor on November 27. No. 92-110 First Day of Issue Postcard Collection™ ©1992 Fleetwood® Cheyenne, WY 82008-0001 Original painting for the First Day of Issue Postcard by Chris Calle Heetwood