Operation Torch Culmination

Three culmination points Allied planners must consider are: 1) Loss of tactical surprise due to weather deterioration after D -3, 2) Allied forces unable to develop the port and aerodrome IVO Bone, and 3) Allied forces unable to sustain the required build up rate necessary to support operations at and to the east of Bone. In all three of these case, the resultant delays increase the chances of Axis forces consolidating positions around Tunis thus denying Allied forces use of the port. Favorable weather conditions are necessary for Operation TORCH to proceed as planned. Any delay, due to weather, not only results in the loss of tactical surprise but may also result in a buildup of defenses at each port. It is not the buildup of defenses that dictates culmination, rather, it is the duration of the unfavorable weather. Allied forces would reach culmination in this case when convoys and their escorts reach the limits they are able to remain at sea.
Without this properly developed port, Allied forces would be required to use the port at Algiers, some 400 miles further west. This would result in an additional 2/3 of a division passing through an already busy port every two weeks thus delaying the thirteen divisions envisioned for this operation. Culmination is reached when the carrying capacity of the Port of Algiers is reached or exceeded. Ultimately, the effects equate to a delay in occupying Tunis, Axis forces consolidating positions around Tunis and Axis forces landing reinforcements in Tunisia prior to