During WWII the United States formed a very strong relationship with Great Britain. Gibraltar as a British Overseas Territory played a significant role in WWII. One such historical event was carried out at Gibraltar was Operation Torch, the largest scale amphibious attack up to date in history.
I would venture to guess that most Americans don't know much about Gibraltar, and probably have never heard of Operation Torch. I know I hadn't up until recently. Operation Torch was the largest of its time amphibious attack carried out from Gibraltar in 1942, and commanded by our future President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
I was not familiar with this aspect of WWII or the major role that our American forces played here in Gibraltar. I must say the relationship forged between the USA and Gibraltar during that time was something rather special.
Geographically, Gibraltar sits at the entrance/exit to the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Since the beginning of time, Gibraltar has been a military Stronghold due to its location and great vantage point overlooking the sea. Wars, sieges and incursions have been fought in and over Gibraltar for centuries.
Because of its proximity to the African Coast, just a little over 7 miles, Gibraltar provided an excellent location to overtake Northern Africa during WWII. At the time North Africa was under the control of The Vichy France. France had already been overtaken by Nazi Germany and The Vichy France regime was technically allied with Germany.
Great Britain, in order to secure its Mediterranean overseas territories' Malta and Gibraltar, saw Northern Africa under the control of the Vichy French regime as a threat. In order to alleviate the threat and reduce the amount of German control in the area a plan was devised called Operation Torch.
"Under the Marshall Memorandum of 1942 Britain and the United States agreed that there should be a unified Command for each theatre of war." (1)
It was determined that our future President, at the time Lieutenant-General Dwight D. Eisenhower, was to be the commander of the United States forces in Europe. In August of 1942, Gibraltar was chosen as the command post for General Eisenhower to undertake Operation Torch.
The Vichy French at the time commanded North Africa and had several naval vessels, coastal artillery and aircraft along the Northern African Coast. Operation Torch was organized to remove Vichy French forces from North Africa and secure it away from Nazi Germany. It was to be the largest scale amphibious attack in history, and it was spearheaded in Gibraltar. Our future President Eisenhower had a secret military office deep inside a tunnel in The Rock of Gibraltar (and I've been there) to command Operation Torch.
November 8, 1942 was D-Day (D-day in general means the day combat was meant to be initiated). On this day, American and British Forces were leaving Gibraltar (and had sailed off) in order to invade and overtake Northern Africa out of the hands of the Vichy French. Most of the naval power was provided by the British, where as the land power and air power was from the Americans (no wonder I love the Gibraltar Airport so much, our guys were here flying planes during WWII).
In all there was 107 transports, 107,453 troops, 9,911 vehicles and 96,089 tons of supplies. Major General Patton remarked, "The job I am going on is about as desperate a venture as has ever been undertaken by a force in the world's history." (1)
By November 13, 1942 the mission had gained quite the success and General Eisenhower flew from Gibraltar Airport (where I live, just a 10 minute walk away), to Algiers to negotiate with what was left of the Vichy French regime in Northern Africa. Although some fighting and resistance continued in Northern Africa into 1943, most of the battle had been won!
"Operation Torch was successful in diffusing tensions between the Vichy French and the Allies in North Africa. The Free French had finally regained territory." -Brian Lane Herder (1)
Operation Torch created a new bond between the United States and Great Britain. The strategic planning and the attack that was carried out from here in Gibraltar paved the way for General Eisenhower to be appointed as Supreme Commander of Operation Overlord, which most of us know as D-Day at Normandy.
Operation Torch did not receive as much recognition from the United State military office and was considered to be more of a political endeavor than that of military one. However, Operation Torch most certainly laid the ground work and paved the way for the allied forces to attack at Normandy and eventually win the war.
I find it absolutely fascinating the role that American Troops played in Gibraltar during WWII. Prior to coming here, I never knew about Operation Torch or the legacy that it holds. The American War Memorial at Gibraltar holds a plaque commemorating Operation Torch as well as other plaques recognizing American Soldiers.
I think it is quite an honor to be here, seeing and experiencing this American history first hand here in Gibraltar. The American War Memorial in Gibraltar is open to the public year round. It's easy to get to,just a few minute walk from Casemates Square. If you are an American visiting Gibraltar, its definitely worth a few minute visit and some pictures.
Finally, I would like to thank the Gibraltar National Archives for their amazing work at putting this project together in Gibraltar. As an American living here, and seeing this first hand, it brings me so much joy to see.
At the opening ceremony of the exhibition, the Hon Dr Joseph Garcia CMG MP, Chief Minister said "I take great pride in saying that this exhibition is to honour the brave British and American Military Personnel to whom we owe a great deal as well as the many Gibraltarians who stood their ground in the face of tyranny." (1)
For me it's great to see this excellent connection between The United States and Gibraltar. What an honor I have to live at the border with Gibraltar, and to get to go there often.
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