 In "Terminal", the two destroyers, which were under the overall command of Captain Henry Fancourt were to attempt to land infantry directly onto the portside in Algiers in the hope of capturing the port facilities and preventing their destruction by the Vichy French forces.It was hoped that either complete surprise would be achieved or that the defenders would support the invasion to the extent at least of refusing to fire on the attackers.However, the Vichy forces opened fire on the ships, damaging them heavily.