17 November 1942-13 May 1943.

Following the Operation Torch landings, (from early November 1942),
the Germans and Italians initiated a build up of troops in Tunisia
to fill the vacuum left by Vichy troops which had withdrawn. During
this period of weakness, the Allies decided against a rapid advance
into Tunisia while they wrestled with the Vichy authorities. Many
of the Allied soldiers were tied up in garrison duties because of
the uncertain status and intentions of the Vichy forces.
Captured German Tiger I of the 501st heavy tank battalion in Tunisia.

By mid-November, the Allies were able to advance into Tunisia but
only in single division strength. By early December the Eastern Task
Force, which had been redesignated British First Army under
Lieutenant-General Kenneth Anderson, was composed of British 78th
Infantry Division, 6th Armoured Division, 1st Parachute Brigade,
6th Commando and elements of U.S. 1st Armored Division. But by this
time, one German and five Italian divisions