Operation Blackstone

Operation Blackstone was a part of Operation Torch, the Allied landings in North Africa during World War II. The operation called for American amphibious troops to land at and capture the French-held port of Safi in French Morocco. The landings were carried out by the 47th Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Army and took place on the morning of 8 November 1942 as part of a larger operation to capture Casablanca.

Flyer that was distributed by the Allied forces in the streets of Casablanca, calling the citizens to cooperate with the Allied forces
Operation Blackstone
Part of Operation Torch of the North African Campaign of World War II

A map showing landings during the operation
Date8–10 November 1942
Location
Safi, French Morocco
Result

Allied victory

  • Americans occupy the port of Safi and repel French reinforcements
  • American forces advance north toward Casablanca
Belligerents
 United States

Vichy France

  • Morocco
Commanders and leaders
Ernest N. Harmon
 Unknown
Strength
Ground forces: 6,400 troops
Naval activity:
8 warships
6 transports
 Ground forces: 300 troops
3 tanks
shore batteries and artillery pieces
Casualties and losses
US:
3 dead
25 wounded[1]		 France:
300 troops captured

The landings from converted destroyers were mostly successful. They were initially conducted without covering fire, hoping that the French might not resist at all. When coastal batteries opened fire, the fleet returned fire. When commanding General Harmon arrived French snipers had pinned the assault troops (most of whom were in combat for the first time) on the beaches. Most of the landings occurred behind schedule; air support from the carriers destroyed a French convoy of trucks intended to reinforce the defenses.

Safi surrendered on the afternoon of November 8. But sporadic resistance continued until November 10 when the remaining defenders were pinned down and the bulk of Harmon's forces raced to join the siege of Casablanca.

[2][3]

See also

17th Armored Engineer Battalion 82nd Armored Reconnaissance Battalion

References
  1. Northwest Africa: "Seizing the Initiative in the West," Chapter VI, Taking Safi, By, George F. Howe, https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USA/USA-MTO-NWA/USA-MTO-NWA-6.html
  2. militaryvetshop.com 2nd Armored
  3. US Armored Units in the North African and Italian Campaigns 1942-45,page 8, By Steven J Zaloga

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