In early November 1942, the Western Allies launched Operation Torch, the Anglo–American invasion of French North Africa. On 17 November, II. "Gruppe" of JG 2 was withdrawn from the English Channel Front and ordered to San Pietro Clarenza, Sicily. At the time, the "Gruppe" was equipped with the Fw 190 A-3, some Fw 190 A-2s, and received the A-4 variant in early December. This made II. "Gruppe" of JG 2 the only Fw 190 equipped fighter unit in the Mediterranean Theater. The "Gruppe" flew its first missions on 19 November, securing German air and sea transportation to Tunis. That day, elements of II. "Gruppe" began relocating to Bizerte Airfield. On 9 February 1943 Rudorffer claimed to have defeated 8 British pilots during a 32-minute aerial battle, and for the first time became an "ace-in-a-day". Again on 15 February he claimed 7 kills. Among his claims during the North Africa were 10 Allied bombers.