They were not at all optimistic about a cross-Channel amphibious operation in 1943, and they were completely against launching such an operation in 1942. Whatever the difficulties of such an operation, they believed that American know-how and resources could solve them.īritish military leaders, led by the formidable chief of the Imperial General Staff, Field Marshal Alan Brooke, took a very different approach. But their preferred date was spring 1943, when American ground forces would be better prepared, trained and equipped to fight the Wehrmacht on the European continent. Some American military planners believed that it might be necessary to invade northwestern Europe in 1942 to take the heat off the hard-pressed Soviets. In the summer of 1942 the plight of the Soviet Army seemed desperate, as Adolf Hitler’s panzer divisions pushed ever onward toward Stalingrad and the Caucasus. Army’s chief of staff, viewed the strategic problem in simple terms: The United States should concentrate its military might on achieving a successful lodgment on the European continent as soon as possible. In fact, this amphibious operation inevitably postponed the landing in France until 1944, but at the same time it allowed the United States to complete mobilization of its immense industrial and manpower resources for the titanic air and ground battles that characterized the Allied campaigns of 1944.Īmerican strategic thinking in early 1942 aimed at defeating Nazi Germany before turning to the problems that a flood of Japanese conquests and victories were raising in the Pacific. It may have been the most important strategic decision that Allied leaders would make.

In both a direct and an indirect sense, Torch’s impact was enormous on the course of Anglo-American strategy during the remainder of the war. That landing, code-named ‘Torch,’ reflected the results of long and contentious arguments between British and American planners about the future course of Allied strategy - arguments that were finally stilled by the intervention of the American president, Franklin D. On November 8, 1942, the military forces of the United States and the United Kingdom launched an amphibious operation against French North Africa, in particular the French-held territories of Algeria and Morocco. Great product, flame was a little larger than i hoped but all good and delivered promptly.Operation Torch: Allied Invasion of North Africa | HistoryNet Close Made my blow torch fluctuate power when soldering on a low heat, possibly just unlucky with this particular one?. I’ll reserve judgement on soldering until i use it on changing my rads for new in a few months time. It’s definitely a more concentrated flame which should help in tight places. I’m not saying that this doesn’t work for soldering, just not for what i bought it for. The original tip is alot more aggressive to get the work piece hotter, quicker. There’s no way this tip gets the pipe hot enough. I use my mapp gas torch for brazing smaller 15/22mm copper pipework for my job when oxy acetylene isn’t allowed on site. Might work for soldering but not for brazing. Good product, easy to use prevents unnecessary scorching if working in confined spaces.

Make a smaller flame for them tight spaces and uses less gas. Rothenberger torch a totally new lease of life for a fraction of the cost of a replacement. Much easier to solder in tight areas like airing cupboards or under boards etc. Makes the flame much more concentrated and defined. Didn’t need the allen key as the nozzle on my torch simply screws off and you screw this new one on in its place.ĭon’t know why they don’t come as standard. “Might work for soldering but not for brazing, Rubbish for brazing, this is serious dave” Suitable for Superfire, Quickfire and Jet Torches.Key specs for Rothenberger Superfire and Quickfire Torch Swirl Flame Burner: This is a more precise and concentrated heat resulting in a better finish and less heat damage to surrounding areas. I found the burner supplied with the torch very wide and a little too hot causing solder runs. Makes soldering copper pipe neater and safer than the original nozzle. I bought this thinking that it may reduce the time to braze, but actually, it doesn’t even touch 1/2’it will be fine for soldering, and the more concentrated flame should help, but keep the default burner for brazing. The normal burner can (at a push) braze up to 3/4′, but takes time and the flame is less concentrated. Much more control than the original burner that came with the torch, better for confined areas and to avoid burning the back of kitchen units etc.Īs already noted by another reviewer (who i should have taken note of before buying), this is rubbish for brazing (copper to copper, using hard solder).

Quickfire torch