Force H was tasked to provide distant cover for the landings at Algiers and Oran, French Algeria, in case either the Vichy French Navy or the Regia Marina (Royal Italian Navy) attempted to intervene. If that did not happen, "Rodney" was tasked to support the Centre Naval Task Force at Oran on 8 November. Other ships had dealt with the warships in Oran's port of Mers-el-Kebir, but the four coast-defence guns of Fort du Santon overlooking the harbour were still shooting at the British ships. "Rodney" fired 16 shells from her main guns before she was forced to disengage in response to a reported submarine, but the French chose not to respond. The ship resumed firing later that afternoon, again without a response. The following morning the French guns opened fire as the battleship closed the range, nearly hitting her. "Rodney" moved further out to sea and resumed her bombardment with the aid of a land-based spotter. Her shelling thus far had not had much effect on the fort as its guns began bombarding approaching American troops. At their request the battleship resumed firing at the fort despite the presence of nearby troops and the French capitulated shortly afterwards.