For operation torch the allies landed in Casablanca, Oman (or something) as well as other places. I have heard there was some French resistence in all of these places. Why were the French resisting allied invasion?
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Hi Mansal, these were French colonies and were loyal to the Vichy Govt.
There was a lot of hostility to the British. Churchill had ordered the destruction of the French Fleet in 1940 at Mer el Kabir to prevent it failing into German hands. You can read more about this very sad episode here:
http://www.combinedops.com/mers%20el%20kabir.htm
A friend of mine was a Commando and he landed in North Africa dressed as an American GI. It was felt that the French might be less inclined to fire on "US" troops.
But as the USA with allied the Britain there was a lot of distrust, plus we were of course landing troops on what was French territory.
In places the French put up token resistance and then surrended and joined the Allies. In others hard fighting took place.
Hope this helps you understand this subject a little more?
Cheers, Ade. -
Yes it makes more sense now. Thanks a lot man.Comment
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