World War II Operation Reservist

Operation Torch the code name for the Allied invasion of French North Africa began in the early morning hours on November 8, 1942.  The 3rd Battalion, 6th U.S. Infantry Regiment on board the cutters H.M.S. Hartland and H.M.S. Walney broke the boom and entered Oran Harbor to execute a controversial mission called OPERATION RESERVIST.  The shore batteries manned by Vichy French forces attacked the cutters with disastrous results for the Allies.