Name/Title
USS Texas (BB 35) Operation Torch [Cover]Description
A cover was mailed “Free” by Lieutenant T.W. McConville, Navy Reserve, aboard the USS Texas on October 17, 1942. This mail is stamped “Passed by Naval Censor” and initialed.Context
This cover was mailed six days before the USS Texas departed Norfolk Navy Base in secrecy on October 23, 1942. Texas sailed with Task Force 34 to participate in Operation Torch, the Allied invasion of French North Africa during World War II. Texas arrived at Port Lyautey, Morocco on November 8 and made ready for the infantry landing that morning, but did not fire her guns. At that time, the Army deemed the element of surprise more important. (Like much of Americas prewar tactics, this theory was quickly discarded).
Once the infantry were ashore, Texas gunfire was directed at French munitions area on and two days later, at gathering points for French forces. USS Texas also fired her guns on attacking French airplanes. In one instance, a Texas airplane dropped a depth charge on a group of French tanks. One Texas airplane sank during recovery due to damage. In two days of firing, Texas fired 272 14" shells and 6 5" shells.
- 8 November Gun Firing - BB35 "Action Report"