| Original caption: “United States Troops landing on a beach in French Morocco. Note tank in water at left, and Landing Craft Vehicle (LCV) in center.” The LCV carries the markings of USS Hugh L. Scott (AP-43) of Transport Division 3, Task Group 34.9, Center Attack Group, landing at Fedala, Morocco during Operation Torch on November 8, 1942. Captain Harold J. Wright (November 8, 1893 – February 16, 1975) in command. A raider unit was supposed to land on Yellow Beach on November 8 and seize the bridges over Wadi el Mella, but they arrived after sunrise and felt Commando operations in daylight were ill-advised. They returned to USS Scott, rested and refitted, and while they were directed to Blue 3 Beach they were unable colocate it and returned to the ship. Scott’s initial wave of landing craft reported to USS Charles Carroll (APA-28) for loading at 0645 Hours, some 2 hours late. The evening of November 11, at 1800 Hours, Admiral Henry K. Hewitt (February 11, 1887 – September 15, 1972), commander of amphibious operations; and Captain Robert R. M. Emmet (January 27, 1888 – July 1, 1977), the transport commander; wanted USS Hugh L. Scott to report to Casablanca as soon as possible with other ships anchored at the extremity of the anchorage to avoid U-boat attack. After discussion, it was decided that too much traffic would clog the Casablanca Harbor, so she remained where she was anchored. At 1948 Hours on November 11, 3 transports in the outer anchorage were torpedoed. 1 sank within the hour; the other 2 were saved through swift seakeeping and repair. 87 percent of Scott’s cargo was unloaded by November 12, with a 3rd unloaded just on that day. At 1758 Hours, U-130 commanded by Korvettenkapitän Ernst Kals (August 2, 1905 – November 2, 1979) fired 5 torpedoes, 4 from her bow tubes and 1 from her stern. USS Hugh L. Scott was hit; landing craft rushed to her aid and rescued most of the crew. The ship lost 8 of 43 officers and 51 of 623 sailors. 609 survivors were landed ashore and housed at a Catholic Church. U-130 escaped the Fedala anchorage, but was sunk in action on March 5, 1943. | |
| Image Filename | wwii0741.jpg |
| Image Size | 554.84 KB |
| Image Dimensions | 2855 x 2204 |
| Photographer | |
| Photographer Title | United States Army Signal Corps |
| Caption Author | Written or Adapted by Jason McDonald |
| Date Photographed | November 8, 1942 |
| Location | |
| City | Fedala |
| State or Province | Casablanca |
| Country | Morocco |
| Archive | Naval History and Heritage Command |
| Record Number | SC 163437 |
| Status | Caption ©2026 MFA Productions LLC Please Do Not Duplicate or Distribute Without Permission; Image in the Public Domain |
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