Quote:
Originally posted by chromeboomerang:
Anyone have addittional data? Ship losses for either side?
http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USA/...ria/index.html
General Patton impatiently awaited a launch to the beach. He had planned to be ashore by 0800 but was delayed when a major naval battle developed. About 0700 a French cruiser, seven destroyers, and two submarines had sortied out of the harbor at Casablanca, and French aircraft drove American spotting planes away from the landing beaches. A few minutes later the Jean Bart began firing on the Augusta and the Brooklyn. U.S. Navy planes soon drove off most enemy aircraft, but the naval battle raged. For over four hours American cruisers and destroyers swerved and darted in tight patterns to avoid torpedoes and bracketing salvos while returning fire. By 1130 the French ships were driven off, and Patton's landing craft could be lowered over the side.
4 hours seems a good long battle.
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I don't know too much of the naval battle that developed but, I don't know what the French Navy thought they could have accomplished. The U.S. 3rd and 9th Infantry Divisions were already ashore and well established by 0800. Fort Blondin had been silenced by the 30th Infantry which had been firing on the invasion fleet but, it fell very quickly.
Regards,
MARNE
__________________
"ROCK OF THE MARNE"
Sgt. James Dunigan III
Able Co., U.S. 30th Infantry Regiment
U.S. 3rd Infantry Division(Reenacted)