Period After the Fall of Oran

Air movements began even before the fall of Oran, when on the 10th two C-47's were dispatched to Blida and Maison Blanche to ferry military personnel, returning the same day. The next day 13 planes carried 134 paratroops to Maison Blanche. During the succeeding days and weeks Spitfires flew reconnaissance patrols while the air forces were built up.

No time was lost in organizing the Twelfth Air Force for the expected encounter with the Luftwaffe, for the struggle in Tunisia was entering a hazardous stage and air reinforcements were badly needed. Incoming ground echelons and new units were sent east as soon as practicable. French airdromes were repaired and new ones hastily laid out in wheat fields and sheep pastures. Supplies at first were a problem, but air service, quartermaster, and ordnance organizations moved in rapidly, and within a week the supply situation was well in hand, though eventually the numbers of incoming troops were so great that thousands of them had to live in pup tents in the rain and mud.