battle warsaw battle warsaw fought september imperial russia poland day assault city western fortifications polish defences collapsed city evacuated largest battle final episode polish russian war conflict better known november uprising year heavy fighting large russian force crossed besieged capital poland august siege partially lifted soon successful sortie allowed communication route city rest poland large russian force remained left bank continued threaten city russian commander counted polish surrender polish counterpart jan known member moderate political forces willing negotiate russian nicholas deposed polish throne january polish parliament faction gained power warsaw russian offer surrender refused ordered forces launch assault warsaw western defences assault started september russian forces surprised poles attacking strongest polish position suburb despite staunch defence especially fort fort day outer line polish defences breached russian infantry artillery following day fights resumed time russian artillery close shell western city losses similar sides polish authorities decided risk massacre ordered evacuation city september warsaw lay russian hands remainder polish army retreated november uprising ended soon remnants polish army crossing borders prussia austria avoid captured russians 19th century fight warsaw icons polish culture described polish romantic poets adam main inspiration revolutionary initially called bombardment warsaw fall warsaw garnered sympathy poles quest independence background series revolutions struck europe july revolution france belgian revolution smaller revolts italy threatened overthrow framework european politics established congress vienna russian strongest advocates status quo uprising poland king poland senate poland january considered russia send armies belgium france rebellion poland reason capture warsaw russia main target war start hostilities course uprising army russia unsuccessfully tried capture capital poland occasions february forces field marshal von stormed eastern suburb bloody battle polish army successfully retreated warsaw capital remained polish hands unable capture warsaw frontal assault von devised plan enter city west early sent forces upstream russian divisions cross river head north warsaw new plan thwarted polish defence successive battles russians withdrew von fell ill died cholera successor von commander chief russian forces poland count decided wait polish forces fronts defeated resumed march warsaw june general attack failed corps forced cross border prussia avoid complete destruction small detachment general managed rejoin main polish force secured northern flank allowed forces new plan attack instead attacking city directly defeat intended surround warsaw cut polish controlled areas force submission july crossed near main force moved warsaw russian forces theatres directed city general von corps men guns marched unopposed reached august general von corps men guns crossed upper august captured new commander chief polish army jan hesitant fight major battle instead ordered warsaw fortified allowed russians cross unopposed opinion war won united_kingdom austria france fail believed warsaw hold weeks siege main bulk polish army intact fight decisive battle russians cut rear august forced resign replaced military governor warsaw prelude battlefield late 18th century early 19th century warsaw grew quickly poland going period turmoil constant devastating wars lacked modern permanent fortifications lines earthworks constructed sides earthworks usually metres high constructed sand clay reinforced surrounded dry moat line inner line ran approximately demolished couple years continuous line earthworks metres high strengthened numerous forts fortified houses second line defences consisted forts metres inner line defences strongest forts road outer line defences consisted smaller forts running semi circular line banks fortified outposts outer line kilometres line purpose withstand initial attacks divide attacking russian forces smaller groups large groups earthworks outer line forts forts fort forts forest fort space large fortifications covered series smaller shaped forts forts strongest fortification outer line defences fort suburb built lawrence church supported forts south headquarters fort gate polish headquarters decided man outer line defences densely populated areas reason 1830s percent buildings houses warsaw wood fire easily destroy city case enemy broke lines defences city centre fortified cut walls buildings mines hidden beneath major street crossings opposing forces russian army august warsaw entirely encircled russians count disposal formidable force main force left bank consisted soldiers supported guns soldiers guns guarded river crossings corps general von soldiers guns heading city von corps tied fighting large polish corps general samuel september main russian force rose men arms including infantry cavalry russian artillery outnumbered polish cannons mortars operated men forces assaulting warsaw divided follows infantry corps general peter von der infantry cavalry cannons mortars cavalry division prince cavalry cannons infantry corps general infantry cavalry cannons mortars cavalry division general cavalry cannons infantry division general infantry cannons corps imperial guard reserve grand duke michael infantry cannons corps general infantry cannons cavalry corps general jan cavalry cannons artillery reserve cannons 2nd light division general von infantry cavalry cannons russian force superior faced severe logistical problems count army big sustain food confiscated captured lands relied provisions transported russia directly polish territory theoretically neutral prussia epidemic cholera brought poland east prussia russian soldiers forced prussian authorities close borders russian transports avoid army ordered permanent bridges built completed start russian assault warsaw polish army polish army early september men garrison warsaw numbered infantry cavalry divided following units corps general jan infantry cavalry guns reserve corps general infantry cavalry guns garrison warsaw infantry cavalry artillery included pieces artillery types rocket batteries manned soldiers regular army members national_guard crew insufficient man defences forts abandoned engineering committee predicted warsaw fortifications require troops fully manned able bodied members security guard national_guard jewish city guard militias willing join fight army refused provide arms fear losing control city home civilians refugees defenders low food supplies ammunition supplies excellent allow polish army fight major battles warsaw arsenal stored million rifle rounds cannon shots shots cannon cholera epidemic struck warsaw august people fell ill died august riot broke city civilians soldiers killing suspected spies people killed order restored situation besieged city remained fragile training equipment morale sides trained similar manner similar equipment standard rifle sides model musket copy musket modification model musket effective range exceeding metres units polish infantry armed hunting rifles war contrary common wielding small minority polish forces artillery sides pounder pounder heavier artillery included pounders half pounders quarter cannons apart russian artillery sides lesser extent foreign guns forces sides mixture old battle hardened soldiers trained regular units war new recruits polish army primarily volunteers organised lines napoleon army meant corporal punishment military soldiers highly motivated good morale months uprising long gone early days september long string defeats partial victories coupled high command frequent changes command structure august post commander chief changed hands times meant soldiers morale low generals warsaw lacked faith aims uprising set liberal minded members instead job hoping status quo return soon forced stand promises generals supporting continued fighting jan charge early september outnumbered generals willing sign armistice russians contrast russian forces morale extremely high russian commanders ample experience siege operations captured fortified cities career including capture fortress russo persian war battle siege russo turkish war battle initial clashes facing logistical problems new polish commander chief jan replaced mid august ordered sortie right bank like predecessor conservative believed main aim november uprising return status quo russia kings poland constitution polish laws unlike believed foreign intervention unrealistic wanted force russians return peace talks defeating russian forces breaking siege defeating assault attempts according new strategy forces leave city stay right bank harass russian forces von von capture river crossings provide city supplies force divert forces fight forces left city august corps headed broke delivered needed supplies warsaw forces broke northern line communications forces east prussia corps defeated von corps clashes including battles disregard orders allowed defeated numerically inferior russians retreat avoid complete destruction departure regular units depleted forces defenders weakening crew manning line defence garrison dropped regular soldiers fresh troops poorly trained armed having defeated von august forces ordered return disregarded order followed von order return repeated september forced march allow corps cross south warsaw attack rear rejoin bulk polish army defending warsaw repeated order ignored large polish forces composed seasoned soldiers high morale thanks recent victories wandering couple days march warsaw instead coming aid warsaw following fleeing forces von waited week headed south away enemy september sent envoy warsaw requesting surrender promising revision constitution members diplomatic commission voted favour negotiations september russian commander informed acceptable solution known declaration poles requested lands taken russia poland restored deposition nicholas king poland january valid eve battle russian army moved positions villages surrounding warsaw closer polish positions guards started moving cavalry corps infantry corps moved road near infantry corps moved infantry division occupied fields cavalry division moved complete 2nd light division von took positions near road cavalry division moved supply trains reserves left battle plans initially opposed idea assault city actions forced hand force low provisions supplies early september main russian force days worth food horse fodder august accepted generals advice ordered preparations general attack days russian staff decided september main thrust aimed strongest polish positions suburb assault focus central fort surrounding fortifications russian infantry corps storm fort continue forts infantry corps focus nearby forts sectors lightly pressed attacks probably want enter warsaw counted polish defenders abandon city surrender outer ring defences pierced city centre threatened fire polish plan based fixed defence line forces second line defences acting mobile reserve divisional artillery cavalry corps cover southern sector line approximately kilometres road road line connecting fort fort forces defend western northern sector line kilometres running suburb polish forces southern city polish headquarters incorrectly assumed russians attack weakest defences suburbs september battle achieved devastating numerical superiority western russian line facing soldiers pieces artillery mortars second line formed soldiers pieces artillery facing infantry cannons cavalry soldiers reserve polish observation posts holy trinity church astronomical observatory avenue spotted enemy movements sounded alarm attack started hour polish forts opened fire approaching russians eighty guns infantry corps started polish positions distance metres battle started fort consisted wings surrounded moat partially obscured trees garden central wing reinforced church surrounding monastery fort commanded general manned battalions 8th regiment line infantry men cannons rocket launchers small detachment 14th regiment line infantry men directly hill overlooking battlefield lay smaller irregularly shaped fort manned men armed pieces artillery rocket launchers north lay fort cannons men south fort men guns julian remaining forts forts deprived garrisons strengthen defence important polish positions severely south near lay group forts outer line abandoned poles early september captured russian infantry general fight forces general von captured started attacking forts fortifications von unit clear numerical superiority russians guns poles guns quickly pushed polish defenders soon dense black powder smoke covered battlefield unable determine direction russian attacks polish commanders believed aim main thrust delivered positions realise mistake general commanding officer reserve corps tasked defending western sector immediately asked reinforcements denied general forced fight reinforce line reserve 3rd infantry division instead sent forward token force half battalion man fort support fort things worse poles general commanding officer southern sector focused entirely skirmishes notice happening reinforced battalions infantry men guns forts received reinforcements fort outer earthworks protecting forts destroyed russian artillery pieces russian artillery focused forts fort held losses infantry low artillery isolated outposts forced hide forts support neighbours crews fought artillery duel horse artillery cavalry division suffered heavy casualties pieces artillery held reserve moved forward fort guns joined artillery duel support weak came late time large assault columns formed russian infantry corps general advanced fort brigade men line second commanded general friedrich von headed fort soon von realised ordered men col join attack fort instead despite losses battalions brigade reached surrounding earthworks started clearing obstacles smoke commanders second line polish outposts approaching russians open fire contrary battle plan second line send reinforcements particularly important case forts face enemy support forts important positions suburb received token reinforcements main reserve forced fight isolation polish defenders fort fired russian horse artillery clear line sight unknown reasons poles use grenades prepared defence close quarters breach completed russian regiments 13th 14th charged gap russian soldiers stormed steps climb polish infantry retreated fort fire russian soldiers appearing cross obstacles men russian superiority bayonet fight short surviving poles taken prisoner matter minutes soon gunpowder magazine set fire exploded killing russians commanding officer 13th regiment col explosion adam poem altogether russian losses fort killed dead buried mass grave shell hole later nucleus orthodox cemetery warsaw expecting polish counter attack russian engineers started repair forts initially polish artillery forts responded fire reserves remained passive seeing activity polish russian infantry corps artillery started supporting neighbours infantry corps russian artillery suffered losses superiority evident batteries corps approached fort metres forced polish artillery dismantled withdrawn fort columns corps alexander von assaulted fort elements russian regiments 3rd 4th marine regiments 7th infantry regiment regiment stormed fort sides hoping hour artillery barrage destroyed obstacles guarding entry polish positions intact russian forces suffered considerable losses small arms fire artillery 2nd line officers ordered retreat soldiers disregarded order continued assault fort assaults repelled heavy russian losses despite losses russian infantry entered fort captured close quarters fight shot fired poles taken captive managed retreat polish lines wounded commanding officer remainder fought killed man recently captured fort range polish artillery russians withdrew started hiding fort despite loss forts convinced attack diversion refused grant general reinforcements general commanding officer 3rd infantry division disregarded orders sent single battalion 10th line infantry regiment fort reinforcements battalion led col officer started entire november uprising abandoned fort artillery cannons rocket launchers reserves ordered positions second lines defence forts russian forces preparing push second line polish defences brigadier arrived cannon positioned far recently lost fort right flank infantry russian artillery fort guns rocket launchers arrived northern flank joined defence fort time combined artillery forces russian infantry corps shifted fire forts time poles won artillery duel despite russian numerical superiority guns mortars russian artillery suffered losses forced withdraw followed infantry likewise forced hiding captured earthworks advantage success polish infantry remained hidden fixed defences seeing activity commander russian corps ordered cannons shift fire guns heavily pressed polish artillery fire half hour switching new positions right road resumed fire corps targeted enemy guns artillery duel continued situation fort critical shelled sides largest polish fort warsaw isolated including reinforcements brought col crew fort included approximately pieces artillery killed wounded including fort artillery commander replaced seriously limited polish guns rate fire accuracy damaged russian artillery metre breach sides observed artillery duel fort convinced polish counterpart come rescue fort initially hesitant finally ordered russian infantry attack fort attack carried infantry battalions men columns commanded general forces stormed obstacles crossed polish defenders met rifle fort attack repelled quickly ordered second line men advance new forces twice pushed moat commander northern wing end polish defenders withdraw fort russians followed battalions lost allowed numerically inferior force hold inside fort cover flank central wing forces general assaulted central wing fort obstacles intact polish soldiers repelled consecutive assaults famed moscow guards regiment russians lost regimental commanders forces managed reach moat force russians reached surprised staunch defence second russian infantry retreated hid fighting northern wing managed expel russian infantry killed action counter attack poles withdrew trees far fort situation general ordered company 8th line infantry regiment leave central wing join fight north new commanding officer north wing organised counter attack shouting mates remember remember led men charge pushed russians impetus lost russians retained control north west short stalemate ensued polish single pounder prevented larger enemy forces entering fort seeing forces failed decided throw forces fight elements 9th infantry regiment 10th new infantry regiment men guns ordered attack eastern northern wing simultaneously seven battalions men attack central eastern wings south pieces artillery ordered fire second line polish defences prevent polish reinforcements breaking fort time thousand russians entered northern wing strict military formations garrison men strong withstand assault poles pushed trees far northern wing killed replaced panicked sounded retreat taking men remaining soldiers tried force russians outnumbered withdraw central wing central wing command col held large column led general composed elite regiments prince prince charles time central wing defended mere men cannon combined forces friedrich von exceeded men preparing storm assaults repelled shortly polish position attacked north south simultaneously northern stalled southern led general repelled general badly wounded general ordered men 5th infantry regiment elements attack regiment entered fort forced crews commanded personally general withdraw walls surrounding church largest group polish soldiers fighting church offered capitulation remainder crew laid arms group polish soldiers defending church fired russians angered russian soldiers general prisoners war russian authorities later confirmed died field duty soon polish national hero poem trenches surrounded church prepared defence garrison composed entirely wounded noon defenders russians entered church fight fort altogether russian lost killed action fort polish casualties exceed killed wounded soldiers officers taken prisoner soldiers managed withdraw reach polish lines fights fights artillery second line gave limited support outnumbered polish troops claimed war ordered general support line apparently received order general commander 3rd infantry division manning second line supported forts line happening fort dense smoke trees garden expected polish counter attack aimed lost forts ordered troops halt advance rebuild construct new artillery facing city movement vicinity blocked polish artillery fort hours russian prepared fort serve artillery outpost pieces artillery sent rifle armed forward probe harass polish defences fort polish field artillery left fort pushed russian light infantry attacked russian corps artillery forced flee general realise fort need assistance enemy movements possibly deliver munitions fort dispatched general infantry brigade men russian rifle regiments fled columns men reached fort russian artillery opened fire inflicted dozen casualties poles realised fort lost quickly retreated forts russian rifle regiments 1st 2nd tried pursue defeated polish artillery retreated unexpectedly weak push men probably forced russians reconsider plans postpone attacks following day moment sure poles feared polish counter attack retake forts strike wedge corps ordered offensive actions halted artillery continued duel poles infantry withdrawn left forces look corps general south gate time general arrived fort inspect neglected point informed general loss fort ordered counter attack preoccupied holding second line committed battalions men reserve assault counter attack started supported token force pieces horse artillery general held heavier field cannons reserve soon poles left sortie came fire russian artillery amassed forts despite heavy fire poles reached point metres south east fort met elements russian rifle regiments 1st 2nd men despite russian numerical superiority polish force broke pushed russians defeated russian artillery eastern fort russian reinforcements appeared flanks polish commander sounded retreat returned polish lines polish counter attack failed situation retreating poles followed closely large russian force rifle regiments reinforced elements 1st 2nd 5th infantry divisions russians assaulted second polish line pierced numerous places position russian infantry difficult overtook polish guns sent forward general support polish counter attack meant artillery fire sides rear eventually counter attack 4th line infantry regiment col repelled russians polish lines smaller russian units broke tried group wooden houses suburb quickly surrounded killed point wanted organise counter attack aimed fort orders feared russians want attack south near gate preferred reserves intact polish ceased offensive actions western artillery remained active artillery duel continues general amassed artillery pieces narrow near forts started firing artillery infantry russian corps artillery barrage lasted forces russian corps eventually forced withdraw captured forts occasions russian cavalry general including regiment tried charge polish artillery positions time charge repelled shot eventually russian cavalry withdrew battle way half russian artillery fought intense artillery duel poles half started suburb polish positions second line defences barrage prepared field polish counter attack risk held war council generals von toll generals insisted assault resumed russians fresh troops dusk nearing feared dark forces lose suffer excessive losses russian commander thought attack hampered positions line held poles forts reality fort abandoned polish counter attack area decided postpone offensive actions following day sent envoy warsaw hastily called session renounced offer cease fire point battle plan russians clear polish commander chief general unsure main attack forts sizable infantry force western despite fact southern line safely polish hands repeated russian attacks repelled casualties suffered polish day approximately southern sector near including dozen killed small detachment horse artillery dispatched second line near evening general called meeting government described situation forces extremely difficult suggested talks resumed sent general camp september round negotiations met outskirts early hours september proclaimed cease fire invited meet meeting held village tavern demanded warsaw surrendered polish army evacuated disarmed await decision pardon polish soldiers rebels declined insisted uprising rebellion war waged independent states wanted grand duke michael promise return poland independence general amnesty exchange act deposition nicholas polish throne negotiations stormy noon polish commander departed warsaw consult actions agreed extend cease fire continue negotiations warfare resumed gain support parliament asked general represent joint session senate political plan end uprising costs return status quo stopped speech seriously inflated russian force strength polish units warned city inhabitants fighting continue stated return independence nicholas easily knew sure true failed convince government surrender option heated debate extended past deadline russians resumed hostilities artillery sides started duel operational situation sides suffered similar casualties previous day russian victories gave artillery clear line fire suburbs strengthened morale russian soldiers convinced battle fort fell battle far lost polish russians attack line polish defences forts forts attacks easily flanked forts second line polish hands order support advance artillery russian guns stationed open field polish plans battle remained unchanged fort evacuated polish positions close gate slightly reinforced polish forces remained equally split western southern sectors unknown poles russian orders september changed infantry corps attack group forts infantry corps assaulted north forts forces attack gate remaining forces continued attacks previous day artillery fire restarted russian soldiers ready attack previous night cold russian soldiers winter spent night open field receive food morning morale dropped significantly russians started sort ranks general correctly assumed main attack sector aimed gate reinforced area reserves including entire 4th infantry division 2nd cavalry division dispatched 1st cavalry division men closer generals intended attack flank russians assaulting strong force infantry cavalry pieces horse artillery general gathered near fort clear russians attack south plan called western sector returned fixed defences grand battery russian cannons mortars including guns grand battery prince opened fire polish positions poles initially responded field artillery pieces rocket launchers general moved guns position right russian artillery counter threat russian general von toll ordered grand battery advance metres closer poles exposed flank polish guns hidden south near road russians suffered casualties grand battery split separate units matters worse russians batteries cease fire withdraw insufficient ammunition reserves seeing artillery break polish general von toll devised new plan attack decided disregard order assault warsaw dusk nearing von toll ordered assault western southern fronts time proper artillery preparation von toll wanted defenders sheer numerical superiority meant increased casualties polish artillery fire distract polish artillery prevent firing russian columns attacking forts forces lead attack directly gate von toll dispatched general receive blessing new plan refused ordered subordinate continue polish forts artillery russian commander chief away von toll decided act despite orders assault retreat masses russian troops started preparations assault polish positions near gate strong force occupied positions sides road near screening force included brigade infantry guns brigade cavalry guns guard regiment cavalry regiments cavalry cavalry guns screening forces columns formed left column commanded col composed infantry regiments men altogether finland guard regiment reserve men column storm fort right column commanded col composed reinforced infantry regiment men 4th regiment men guards rifle regiment men finland rifles men reserve column assault fort southern forces attack force pressure poles assault started left column suffered significant casualties reached fort met polish reinforcements dispatched general commanding officer sector thousand russians clashed poles inside fort defeated bayonet charge retreat attack failed polish artillery batteries active von toll decided use cavalry reserves regiments 3rd division cavalry followed road linking ordered charge polish artillery poles visibility battlefield time prepare attack russian advance slowed terrain russian cavalry switched columns battle line polish artillery opened shot fire russians russian commander reorganised forces repeated charge russians repelled reaching polish artillery regiment lost men taking charge half hour russians finally stormed fort defeated polish battalion defending forced polish mobile artillery advancing russian columns grand battery fall russian right column approaching fort defended men fort approached russian formed reinforced regiment seeing polish commander ordered cavalry reserve charge russian infantry russian stormed fort repelled forced moat polish cavalry charged russians formed infantry squares defeated forced retreat counter threat russian infantry general charged cavalry reserve general von cavalry battle ensued saved infantry polish artillery line fire blocked polish russian commanders threw cavalry fight soon forces sides similar sides forces soon lost battle turned series polish armed russian armed heavier swords poles initially victorious managed general general von attacked additional russian reinforcements retreat forced polish artillery crews retreat line russian guard regiment von riding grey heavy horses wearing distinctive bright red uniforms pursued fleeing polish cavalry space forts met polish cavalry reinforcements 3rd mounted rifle regiment hold place 4th regiment attack russians flank plan enacted russian veterans broke new polish line defence 3rd regiment broke started retreat followed russians general ordered infantry artillery open fire mass cavalry polish russian small groups russians retreated rejoin lines apparent war fury tried storm heavily defended gates warsaw killed polish infantry small group succeeded killed far gate palace kilometres city cavalry battle ended regiments engaged skirmish annihilated poles managed contain defeat russian cavalry charge initial successes caused widespread panic polish ranks garrison fort abandoned positions leaving guns retreated fort fight likewise garrison fort panicked commanding officer col ordered soldiers block guns abandon main assume defensive positions facing wall fort expecting russian cavalry enter fortification allowed russian infantry capture fort fortified red inn polish head fort unopposed polish officers managed contain panic time open rank fire approaching russians force withdraw fort remained russian hands apparent panic polish ranks convinced renew assault fresh forces despite losses columns suffered col reinforced battalions finnish guards regiment men guns fort north captured fortified inn directly rear garrison offered light resistance retreating disarray situation critical russians possession large second line polish defences despite apparent gravity situation polish defenders sufficient fresh troops counter attack regain initiative russians recently captured positions far ahead artillery aimed fire polish fixed artillery positions line defences numerous mobile artillery batteries forts inn received constant fire fire sides russians hide outer sides unable return fire observe field polish 3rd foot rifle regiment approached inn unopposed retook soon retook russians abandoned forts russian light infantry tried retake unsuccessful field artillery batteries free leave safety inner defences return battlefield open fire grand battery despite hours intensive fighting west commander relatively peaceful southern sector general reinforce defenders western approaches russian assault west attack failed forced polish artillery pressure russian grand battery free support main russian attack westernmost polish defences time grand battery shell second line relative damaging defences morale crews polish manning forts ordered lie losses soldiers field cover suffered casualties grand battery guns forts general von toll initially planned order infantry start assault aides ordered postpone attack eventually von corps advanced forts columns russian horse artillery reached position fort started defenders close range shaken fire grand battery poles abandoned fort retreated surprised russian infantry approached rare example artillery capturing fortified position help forces fighting nearby fort heavy end garrison fell man simultaneously von corps attacked forts polish position evangelical cemetery heavy fighting followed russian commanders including proposed fighting postponed following day general von toll insisted reaching line polish defences sunset surrounding forts changed hands times end remained russian hands russians broke midnight general arrived warsaw new ultimatum signed polish surrender general dispatched russian headquarters greeted grand duke michael wounded shortly michael believed poles playing time allow corps return convinced send general warsaw draft act surrender agreement apparently signed paper stipulated polish army free leave city day cease fire come effect warsaw spared experienced siege political clauses included arrived warsaw generally agreed russian terms considered harsh returned russian headquarters grand duke michael agreed allow polish army free passage amnesty fighters uprising exchange prisoners new terms acceptable return liberal wing government won temporary majority ousted power replaced head government general commander chief september ultimatum required warsaw surrendered immediately bridge suburb threatened complete destruction city following day following heated debate new polish authorities decided comply sent letter army withdrawing avoid prove loyalty letter expressed hope russians allow free passage troops unable withdraw deadline army honour terms negotiated grand duke michael surrender warsaw formal convention effect lengthy negotiations russians initially respected terms polish army withdrew continued north fortress senate civilians left city grim silence soldiers including high ranking officers decided stay city lay arms soldiers stayed warsaw officers generals food stores opened contents distributed civilians following evening grand duke michael entered city leading imperial guard warsaw aftermath large scale evacuation supplies warsaw ordered fortress prepared lengthy siege magazines contained thousand cannon rounds thousand musket rifle rounds provisions months siege treasury polish government intact contained million fall warsaw synonymous fall poland poles foreigners commemorate crushing november uprising wrote taking warsaw capitulation poland capital final triumph mother russia writers poets joined celebrate soon practically dismantled kingdom poland constitution abolished government given russian officials warsaw university closed news fall warsaw spread quickly french government pressured polish opposition support poles relieved french minister foreign affairs declared chamber deputies order reigns warsaw phrase best known comments fall warsaw later ridiculed supporters polish cause russian capture city wave sympathy poles towns united_states voted change names warsaw news battle reached residents warsaw virginia warsaw kentucky shortly battle december authorities issued taking warsaw assault medal awarded russian veterans monument captors warsaw constructed near demolished poland regained independence spot occupied post war monument soldiers plans monument closer site battle warsaw commemorated tomb unknown soldier warsaw inscription casualties early official russian data assert thousand killed wounded russian seven thousand polish later number polish losses mentioned russian army dispatches given officers soldiers number includes killed wounded sources total polish casualties probably day second day battle numbers include sick wounded taken prisoner following russian entry warsaw altogether polish army lost men september number includes period immediately following battle russian official estimates killed wounded day second day battle numbers considered low later historians monograph battle notes official casualty figure russian soldiers killed action including generals officers soldiers missing presumed dead notes understated russian regiments suffered tremendous losses known official roll papers data apparently omitted official papers army battle wounded russian soldiers warsaw hospitals field hospitals outside city casualty rate wounded russians high low number medical staff russian army estimates russians killed battle died wounds missing presumed dead time capitulation poles held russian prisoners war warsaw russians held captives


battle battle known affair british engagement fought east suez_canal north station vicinity april defence suez_canal campaign world war ottoman force led german general friedrich von surprise attack half squadrons british 5th mounted brigade widely scattered east mounted brigade ordered area protect new railway water pipeline built suez_canal infrastructure extended past canal zone defences peninsula von attack completely successful equivalent little regiment day associated ottoman attack close suez_canal failed met strong british opposition von force active area offensive early columns attacked canal northern central southern routes peninsula growing imperial strength attacks suez_canal difficult ended dominance ottoman force area ottoman_empire attacks april demonstrated intention continue opposing british_empire region imperial reaction attacks double strength forces 2nd light horse brigade new_zealand mounted rifles brigade sent established strong imperial presence contested ground soon australian 1st light horse brigade sent forward 52nd lowland division arrived long beginning august battle fought ground background sir murray imperial commander chief egypt partially addressed threat von forces suez_canal organising defences sectors southern sector headquarters covered area central sector headquarters covered area northern sector headquarters port said covered area port said sector advanced headquarters support forward defences british_empire improved lines communication doubling single railway line ran cairo suez_canal pumped water river sweet water canal supply troops towns suez_canal conclusion gallipoli campaign sides large numbers troops available british decided suez_canal defences positions canal eastwards desert murray aimed extend railway water pipeline permanent forward imperial base men established february requested permission war office london extend infrastructure considered advance northern route combined destruction central route water sources regular patrols base permanently secure suez_canal advance agreed war office decision advance rails arrived march weeks later miles track stretching laid egyptian labour corps royal engineers new appointments brigadier general took command district april days later major general lawrence responsible sector canal defences covered northern section raids undertaken australian light horse corps accompanied egyptian transport corps carrying supplies rations ammunition purpose raids destroy water sources central inland route ottomans offensive late january early february provide forward protection railway construction workers infrastructure 5th mounted brigade ordered early april signs renewed ottoman activity area detected result 5th light horse regiment ordered reinforce 5th mounted brigade arrive april prelude ottoman forces von moved challenge growing imperial presence force ninety officers ranks comprising 1st 2nd battalions company 3rd battalion 32nd regiment regiment arab mountain guns battery 8th regiment guns 9th regiment half batteries field ammunition column ottoman arab force travelled peninsula northern route runs far coast mediterranean_sea nearly parallel series date reliable water stretch miles east near suez_canal northern route ottoman egyptian frontier viable british thought possible ottoman troops cross based permanently fertile area hold contested ground area position protect canal striking distance area patrolled daily ottoman aircraft bombed recently established camp april day imperial deployments april george day easter sunday dawn found 5th mounted brigade dispersed wide area brigade royal gloucestershire queen regiments deployed follows squadrons troop officers ranks 2nd lowland field company royal engineers squadron machine gun gloucestershire men detail royal army medical corps army corps transport squadron squadron troop near gloucestershire squadron machine gun reserve small oasis miles south south west men 5th battalion royal scots thirty corps including 4th battalion royal scots 52nd lowland division holding hill miles april brigade headquarters squadron troop arrived moved response intelligence report ottoman force distance south agreement commander lawrence prepared launch surprise attack dawn april found destroyed large camp capturing prisoners having covered distance miles heard news ottoman attacks battle oasis occupied squadron detachment royal engineers thirty hours ottoman attack second squadron arrived hours attack defensive works extensive squadrons stood dense sea fog common time year heard sound pumps operating wells yards south west officer investigated found ottoman soldiers completely surprised small ottoman force opening fire causing heavy casualties following retreat met heavy rifle fire larger force soon british squadrons right attacked camp assaulted north east south east overwhelming strength range yards ottoman attack began heavy fire light guns machine guns rifles commander detachment orders retire attacked force leave engineers ottoman attack resisted hours officers ranks casualties survivors officers ranks surrendered squadron gloucestershire captain lloyd baker stood arms patrol sent returned report clear soon small ottoman patrol fired retired heavy fire heard message received half hour later attack repulsed message reported attack renewed message reported attacked ottoman attack driven patrol sent saw ottoman soldiers marching open order long lines miles away followed troops formed body cavalry advancing south west surround battery mountain guns near opened fire north east killed horses minutes retiring captain lloyd baker decided stay protect party royal engineers hoping support gloucestershire squadron maintained rapid fire increasing numbers ottoman attackers british reinforcements gloucestershire fought way garrison lieutenant colonel charles took command garrison heavy fire ottoman rifles machine guns continued hours ottomans gradually pressed flanks eventually working way yards ottomans rushed garrison shortly flank held gloucestershire collapsed ordered general surrender asked captain brother brigadier general bring horses allow men possible chance escape captain effects wound reached came saw camp captured surviving horses horse holders meet escaping total eighty men escaped officer away gloucestershire lost officers ranks killed ranks wounded taken prisoner casualties worse loss officers ranks killed men taken prisoner regiment wiped mustered battle men garrison men defended area yards containing small sent investigate loss communication commander garrison visited posts command sent patrol south east ordering troops stand arms patrol saw mist saw large group ottoman soldiers opened fire alerted nearest garrison armed men lewis gun swept ottoman ranks effective fire attackers soon fell leaving dead wounded ottoman mountain gun battery unable find british positions ottoman forces attempted british position south stopped fire small defensive works flank containing non commissioned officer men shortly ottoman soldiers repeated attack south eastern got yards defensive barbed wire routed steady fire british australian reinforcements brigadier general ordered water advance complete saw shells moved reinforce line gloucester squadron left remaining squadrons moved attack north east halfway moved hour later attack place force engaged ottoman flanking troops advanced mile strong opposition soon saw tents camp burning decided best option fall reinforcements commanded lieutenant colonel attacked ottoman force north driven troops machine gun section gloucestershire moved intercept column ottoman soldiers retiring south east shortly leaving firing heard high ground ottoman artillery north camp gloucestershire advanced ottoman artillery ceased fire minutes later seen withdraw distance gloucestershire pushed ottoman soldiers high ground south ottoman reinforcements stopped advance strength ottoman attacks gradual withdrawal necessary long enable wounded retire unfortunately gloucestershire aware reinforcements flank late finally coming sight seen force hour earlier able communicate reinforced companies 4th battalion royal scots hill railway miles rear approaching small detachment reinforcements sent south eastern ottoman firing line found south track yards principal shortly mist cleared british aircraft dropped message main ottoman force retreat rifles attacking squadron australian 5th light horse regiment arrived midday moved south east pursuit main ottoman force garrison attacked ottoman rearguard broke fled leaving seventeen troops taken prisoner remainder 5th light horse regiment arrived took pursuit captured officer thirty ranks killed seventy men british casualties aftermath commander 5th mounted brigade decided retire suez_canal squadrons joined abandoning equipment ride overnight arrived april squadrons 5th mounted brigade completely surprised commander important reserve force position critical time following false intelligence support regiments half squadrons killed wounded captured overwhelming success ottoman army operations battle demonstrated attacking strength determination von force efficient implementation appropriate tactics particularly timing false intelligence success ottoman infantry ability march peninsula fit launch attacks force determination april commander australian new_zealand mounted division mounted division major general harry took command advance positions 2nd light horse brigade new_zealand mounted rifles brigade mounted division ordered area unopposed ottoman force 52nd lowland division reinforced garrison came command battle area held british forces main bases regular patrols carried area issue resolved battle august british_empire forces won decisive victory


operation retribution operation retribution german known operation punishment april german bombing belgrade capital kingdom yugoslavia days german led axis invasion yugoslavia operation commenced april concluded april resulting yugoslav civilian military command control widespread destruction largely centre city significant civilian casualties bombing belgrade preceded commencement ground invasion hours earlier coincided air attacks large number royal yugoslav air_force airfields strategic targets yugoslavia invasion resulted surrender yugoslav forces april background union germany austria yugoslavia shared border came increasing pressure neighbours fell line axis powers april yugoslavia gained second frontier kingdom italy country invaded albania september november hungary joined pact italy invaded greece romania joined pact time yugoslavia surrounded axis powers client states neutral stance war tremendous pressure february adolf_hitler invited yugoslav prime minister foreign minister requested yugoslavia join pact weeks later bulgaria joined pact day german troops entered bulgaria romania closing ring yugoslavia pressure applied hitler march yugoslav regent prince paul visited prince paul delayed decision march royal yugoslav air_force croatian secretly following day british troops began landing greece bolster defences balkan ally italians began auxiliary airfields march dispersal completed march hitler wanting secure southern flank impending invasion soviet_union demanded yugoslavia sign pact yugoslav government eventually complied march days later military coup état carried group yugoslav royal guard officers led commander brigadier general prince paul deposed replaced year old king peter declared age day yugoslav coup état hitler issued directive stated coup changed political situation balkans ordered yugoslavia loyalty considered foe destroyed quickly possible coup german reconnaissance aircraft frequently violated yugoslav fighter aircraft constant alert german incursions showed yugoslav ground observation post network supporting radio communications inadequate bombing hitler decided belgrade bombed retribution coup government signed pact order carry hitler orders march transferred fighter bomber aircraft france northern germany commander general alexander allocated aircraft attack yugoslav capital waves day night issued orders bombing march decision bomb belgrade confirmed hitler april hitler ordered general destruction belgrade replaced general directions specific military objectives minute april major defected germans flying aircraft handing locations dispersal airfields codes quickly changed afternoon british colonel visited base confirmed attack belgrade commence following morning april german ground forces crossed border april minister propaganda joseph announced declaration war yugoslav anti aircraft defences caused false alarm reported approach air raid direction romania listening posts romanian border actually heard aircraft engines romanian based warming took 51st fighter group alerted dawn reports began received luftwaffe attacks airfields patrol sent air aircraft seen approaching belgrade wave closed belgrade consisted medium bombers light bombers feet escorted heavy fighters feet fighters feet yugoslav 6th fighter brigade consisting 51st fighter group 32nd fighter group totalling intercept germans quickly engaged escorting wave departing hurricane 52nd group 2nd fighter brigade based arrived belgrade engaged claiming shot attack claimed german aircraft shot lost badly damaged pilots claimed yugoslav machines shot destroyed ground return base commander 51st fighter group relieved command failure action second wave arrived belgrade consisting fighters met remaining fighters 6th fighter brigade time claimed forced shot patrol yugoslav 31st fighter group based acting orders group commander followed germans returned bases claimed shot loss yugoslav aircraft attacks belgrade germans day invasion wave struck consisting twin engined bombers flying airfields near vienna escorted fighters attack confronted eighteen fighters 6th fighter regiment claimed german aircraft shot fourth attack day approached belgrade comprising fighters german groups attacking belgrade claimed total nineteen yugoslav fighters unidentified aircraft destroyed april actual yugoslav aircraft losses day shot damaged claimed shot german aircraft forced land germans lost significantly aircraft claimed total aircraft light bombers heavy fighters fighter luftwaffe pilot claimed victory belgrade april went credited victories awarded knight cross iron cross april total bombers dive bombers dropped long tons short tons bombs capital weak royal yugoslav air_force inadequate anti aircraft defences belgrade briefly attempted meet overwhelming luftwaffe assault eliminated threats wave attack sources vary success achieved defenders army study published states luftwaffe lost fighter aircraft shot yugoslav aircraft destroyed ground sources state shot german aircraft day air battle dive bombers subsequent waves able operate rooftop altitude according historian bombing belgrade lasted days sources state air battle belgrade lasted days owing poor flying weather april important cultural institution destroyed national library serbia hit bombs fire hundreds thousands volumes rare books maps medieval manuscripts destroyed hit belgrade zoo housed number animals nightmare smoke fire wrote winston_churchill came animals released shattered british retaliation squadron royal_air_force conducted bombing raids capital bulgaria retaliation bombing belgrade operating vickers wellington bombers flying airfield greece squadron conducted raids april april dropping total long tons short tons high explosive bombs railway targets nearby residential areas raids carried despite fact britain war bulgaria december aftermath bombing belgrade communications yugoslav military headquarters contributed decisively rapid collapse yugoslav resistance civilian casualties significant sources vary widely killed according journalist william corpses recovered ruins found official casualty figure released soon bombing killed sources mention fatalities later yugoslav estimates ranging higher contrast professor writes higher estimates downgraded following careful postwar investigations indicates figure realistic following yugoslav capitulation luftwaffe engineers conducted bomb damage assessment belgrade report stated metric tons long tons short tons bombs dropped percent listed targets bombing included royal palace war ministry military headquarters central post office telegraph office passenger goods railway stations power stations barracks mentioned seven aerial mines dropped areas centre northwest city destroyed comprising percent total area aspects bombing remain unexplained particularly use aerial mines contrast states percent housing belgrade destroyed invasion germans forced jews collect rubble caused bombing captured yugoslav partisans escaped recaptured interrogated tried yugoslav military court number war crimes charges related command operation retribution convicted sentenced death executed books journals papers


operation operation false flag operation carried yugoslav air_force service croatian capital city early stages croatian war independence devised series terrorist attacks intended create image croatia pro fascist state bombings carried august jewish community centre second near jewish graves cemetery casualties additional attacks targeted national railway network designed croatian president operation complemented operation opera propaganda campaign devised feed media activities operation abandoned september croatian authorities captured yugoslav air_force regional headquarters confiscated documents related operation authorities took nearly month analyze captured documents allowing time principal agents involved bombings flee arrested connection attack subsequently released prisoner exchange agents involved operation tried federal republic yugoslavia terrorism charges acquitted croatian authorities captured agents operation tried seven agents tried custody acquitted tried convicted existence operation confirmed testimony agent major trial international criminal tribunal yugoslavia background august insurrection took place croatia predominantly populated areas near regions eastern croatia areas subsequently named autonomous local leaders announced intention integrate serbia government croatia declared movement rebellion march conflict escalated croatian war independence june croatia declared independence yugoslavia month followed declaration came effect october renamed republic serbian december responded campaign ethnic croatian civilians yugoslav people army lending support leadership croatian police unable cope situation croatian national_guard formed development military croatia hampered arms introduced september military conflict croatia continued maintained substantial forces croatian capital bombings august yugoslav air_force service executed series activities operation aimed new croatian government operation planned include terrorist attacks hand hand activities operation opera propaganda campaign devised feed media operations intended portray croatia pro fascist state alternative operation opera operation opera operation opera operation headed colonel general head yugoslav air_force branch based operational control assigned lieutenant colonel major lieutenant colonel tasked storage substantial quantity explosives surrounding areas subsequent planting explosive devices designated locations explosives munitions stored sites august jewish community centre street jewish graves cemetery bombed operation explosions caused property damage resulted casualties public claims responsibility attack aside explosions agents assigned operation thought responsible bombing belgrade railway near railway line railway attacks ascribed operation opera aftermath immediate aftermath bombings appointed head croatian intelligence service claimed croatian right wing responsible operation abandoned croatian police captured yugoslav air_force headquarters september battle barracks materials captured inside facility included codes computer related operation notes turned materials immediate superior headquarters failed destroy response fled croatian police took month analyze captured materials properly uncover operation later claimed operation network dismantled contradicted major posted headquarters autumn croatian intelligence services launched operation aimed remaining network croatia operation joint operation croatian intelligence services authorized interior defence ministers initially headed suspects arrested end subsequently exchanged captured smuggling plane load weapons croatia operation produced list suspected croatia containing names agents tried belgrade charged terrorism crimes acquitted arrested late second trial suspects charged connection operations opera held ended custody convictions defendants tried trial international criminal tribunal yugoslavia stated operation agents left took remaining documents said extensive network croatian intelligence services ruling croatian democratic union testified railway bombing near intended croatian president bomb damage jewish community centre repaired february september government funds


battle battle october known battle apple orchard took place united_nations offensive river north korean forces invaded south_korea korean war battle fought 27th british commonwealth brigade north korean regiment encircled east attacking airborne regimental combat team october ahead advancing drop zones kilometres north capital objectives cutting retreating north korean forces withdrawing west_coast korean peninsula releasing american south korean prisoners war airborne drop success operation came late intercept significant north korean elements american landings initially met little resistance october began advance south clear road americans came heavy attack north korean regiment requested assistance 27th british commonwealth brigade leading eighth army general advance subsequently ordered forward assist american british australians crossed river noon october moved north main highway task reaching river 1st battalion highland regiment subsequently pushed road fired north korean forces hills south nightfall hills cleared 3rd battalion occupied cut midnight north korean regiment attempted break resulting heavy fighting americans north north korean attacks drove american forcing battalion main defensive position north 3rd battalion royal australian regiment ordered lead following morning dawn americans requested assistance light october companies advanced australians passed riding tanks leading brigade australians came fire north korean rearguard position apple orchard right flank encounter battle developed carried aggressive quick attack line march road american tanks support fire support mortars artillery unavailable location unknown australian attack succeeded nonetheless north forced withdraw high ground having suffered heavy casualties tactical headquarters came attack forced fight group north having forced high ground north caught advancing australians american north attacking north rear subsequently relieved american 27th british commonwealth brigade linked following hours fighting battle largely midday north unable escape continued refuse surrender hiding death individually australians proceeded sweep area kicking straw shooting north korean soldiers found hiding attempted flee caught american british australians north korean regiment practically destroyed major battle korea australians distinguished battalion later praised performance background military situation korean war began early morning june following surprise invasion republic korea northern neighbour communist democratic people republic korea numerically superior better equipped korean people army kpa crossed 38th parallel rapidly advanced south easily overcoming south response united_nations decided intervene behalf south_korea inviting member states send forces restore situation consequence american ground forces hastily deployed attempt prevent south collapsing poorly equipped early august forced north known perimeter key allies britain canada australia committed forces initially limited naval contingents largely viewed token efforts diplomatic pressure british agreed deploy infantry brigade july later dispatch second brigade crisis worsened canadians agreed provide infantry brigade battalion arrive december total member states eventually contributed forces australia nations commit units fighting playing small significant united_nations command initially led general douglas forces deployed japan british commonwealth occupation force formed basis australian response fighter bombers squadron raaf flying missions july frigate destroyer committed naval operations time 3rd battalion royal australian regiment preparing return australia prior outbreak war remained japan july australian government announced commit strength poorly equipped infantry battalion fighting following period preparation training equipment began immediately hundreds reinforcements hastily recruited australia force soon began arriving fill battalion battalion commanding officer lieutenant colonel floyd subsequently replaced lieutenant colonel charles green officer extensive operational experience fighting japanese new_guinea second world war green took perceived inexperience september embarked korea concentrating september joined british 27th infantry brigade garrison formation committed hong_kong british government situation deteriorated perimeter late august bolster eighth army lieutenant general walker commanded brigadier brigade renamed 27th british commonwealth brigade consisted 1st battalion highland regiment 1st battalion middlesex regiment british battalions mustered men ranks brigade short transport heavy equipment integral artillery support rely entirely americans 16th field regiment royal new_zealand artillery arrived january strength nearly men addition gave brigade increased tactical weight allowing australians work familiar environment attached formation command brigade number army units including field artillery battalion tanks tank battalion company combat engineer battalion prelude opposing forces time arrived theatre north broken rapid retreat forces conducting successful amphibious assault breaking perimeter southern tip korean peninsula steady advance began driving north northwards 38th parallel 27th british commonwealth brigade airfield north seoul october vehicles road driving kilometres arrive october subsequently attached 1st cavalry division command major general gay october brigade took 7th cavalry regiment vanguard advance west_coast axis intended north korean capital north suffered heavily preceding weeks continued resist strongly lack accurate maps roads rapid movement difficult advancing forces time platoon american tanks attached battery field guns direct support 27th british commonwealth brigade subsequently moved kilometres capturing industrial town kilometres south october supported american tanks killed north took thousand prisoners loss man killed wounded sided action prior attack australians moved town establish blocking position kilometres north evening encountered north korean force withdrawing north road moving direction north australians russians poor light surrendering australians capturing thousands north weapons equipment following brief exchange mounted tank second command major captured north korean soldiers interpreter australian involvement limited regarded exposure fighting korea relatively minor incident north korean capital fell troops october 27th british commonwealth brigade passed command 24th infantry division october overall command major general john church 1st cavalry division remained complete capture hoped rest men advance continued north little respite brigade moved village british australians subsequently ordered seize previous day airborne regimental combat team ahead advancing drop zones kilometres north capital commanded colonel frank tasked objectives cutting retreating north korean forces withdrawing west_coast korean peninsula releasing american south korean prisoners war plan envisioned 1st 3rd battalions dropping southeast seize town establishing blocking positions main highways railway 2nd battalion dropped near kilometres east block highway railway line american hold positions eighth army pushed northwards link task expected complete days intelligence indicated american prisoners war moving north night hoped intercept train release men eighth army crossed 38th parallel held airfield near seoul theatre reserve intent blocking force prevent anticipated north korean withdrawal anxious expose lightly equipped projecting far forward advance kept changing date twice dropped october time bulk north korean army succeeded withdrawing safely river north korean regiment remained having ordered delay forces attempted follow strength men regiment subsequently occupied positions high ground road rail lines east kilometres south american drop zones battle october beginning october men lieutenant colonel harry wilson regimental headquarters headquarters company supporting engineer medical elements flown flying transport aircraft airfield forming han river force drop zone southeast designated drop zone william supported fighter aircraft ground preparation landing americans subsequently met occasional sniper fire experiencing limited resistance american casualties included men injured jump group landed kilometres east drop zone lost man killed parachute attacked north heavy equipment subsequently followed initial including seven ammunition battery field artillery battalion guns damaged drop unable subsequently moved west capturing hill east hill north clearing town setting wilson dispatched patrols river vicinity prepared south platoon engineers reached delayed minutes north korean fire capturing prisoners platoon moved engaged killing north capturing established command post hill river dug command lieutenant colonel jumped drop zone william shortly turning south adopting defensive position low hills kilometres south established highway railway seizing objectives american killed north captured loss preparing attack south railway highway subsequently dispersed battalion high ground south company left company right set blocking position road command lieutenant colonel william jumped drop zone easy kilometres southwest battalion suffered men injured drop secured objectives nightfall unopposed battery field artillery battalion dropped support companies established south west town company married elements 6th division pushing river flown japan watch drop air observing landing aboard american bomber accompanied number war subsequently flew announced press operation achieved complete surprise estimating north korean troops half remaining north_korea caught north 1st cavalry division 1st division south predicted soon destroyed captured advance air drop success despite optimistic predictions operation came late intercept significant north korean elements american landings initially met little resistance north korean army succeeded withdrawing north crossed river process government important officials moved mountains kilometres southeast river american south korean prisoners moved remote parts north_korea unable rescued total operation approximately men tons equipment supplies dropped americans october days followed including ton trailers guns ton trucks ammunition fuel water rations supplies sound concept operation chance success complete airborne division employed following morning captured high ground north established blocking position main highway running north strong north korean rearguard forces held line hills north american troops heard reports number american prisoners murdered nearby north korean captors kpa retreated apparent train carrying prisoners north halted railway tunnel 20th conceal jumped area men aboard shot north korean soldiers guarding waited evening meal bodies later recovered seven found died disease american survivors found nearby badly wounded later died american subsequently ordered return north korean regiment encircled october october began advance south clear road american advanced fronts company moving railway line company highway company reached encountered strong north korean force estimated battalion equipped mortars guns company caught ambush north subsequently attacked battle lasting half hours overran american company forced withdraw west railway hill having suffered men missing despite success north subsequently withdrew defensive positions high ground amid fighting american attached company private class richard wilson killed attempting reach wounded man left later posthumously awarded medal honor actions wilson repeatedly exposed north korean fire render aid wounded later helped safety following order withdraw hearing americans previously thought dead seen attempting crawl safety went battlefield search disappeared days later patrol found wilson lying dead man returned rescue having shot trying shield injury advance highway company encountered battalion sized north korean force kilometres north following sharp fight americans forced north withdraw defensive positions high ground south east town company continued established position hill immediately north digging distance separating highway railway ran north larger point american companies occupied positions roughly opposite highway railway positions kilometres apart unable mutually support elements 1st 2nd battalions successfully linked afternoon north korean regiment subsequently established defensive positions line hills extending southwest northeast highway railway ground offered best defensive terrain capital river north korean unit leave regiment tasked fighting delaying action troops advanced north result unexpected american airborne assault north korean regiment subsequently encircled found unexpectedly attacked rear threat advance north north subsequently reacted vigorously americans began south heavy fighting ensued kilometres north american subsequently requested assistance 24th infantry division temporarily attached fighting continued remained contact drop zone 6th division completed clearance town surrounds north korean british australians advance october days prior corps continued movement northward general advance eighth army following capture corps commander major general frank ordered advance continue line running approximately kilometres south river 24th division 27th british commonwealth brigade attached ordered lead attack division right flank south korean divisions 1st division corps 6th 8th divisions control corps deployed east committed attack northwards british australians covered kilometres previous days advancing rapidly slowed rain company subsequently engaged nearby village suffering casualties tanks proceeded heavily engage north korean positions village cleared australian infantry killed north took prisoners rain ceased north korean tank remained concealed earlier fighting engaged company subsequently knocked american tanks self propelled gun located nearby tank found petrol request reinforcement received headquarters 24th infantry division american division rear 27th british commonwealth brigade closest formation subsequently ordered forward assist american vanguard eighth army british australians crossed river sand bag bridge noon october moving north main highway task reaching river elements occupied command lieutenant colonel george subsequently pushed road fired north korean forces hills south town engaging column turned west river valley encountering light resistance small north korean force approximately men scattered tank fire successfully cleared foothills light october approaching decided halt night subsequently sent patrol town establishing initial contact marrying company established number houses northern edge hill immediately position strong north korean force believed nearby men thought remain town north attempt break october cut midnight north korean regiment attempted break north launching number attacks americans attack small group north succeeded company command post close quarter fighting ensured captain american company commander tackled north korean machine gunner despite wounded twice succeeded collapsing injuries later awarded distinguished service cross actions fighting continued company executive officer wounded americans eventually drove north subsequently killed nearby british australians hear sounds heavy fighting americans north miles north half hour later small group north attacked company grenades killing men wounding repulsed having suffered killed wounded large concentration north subsequently observed assembling company forward observer american artillery relocated fighting unable engage target guns battery artillery battalion ordered south support following north korean attacks americans near hill forced abandon running ammunition detecting withdrawal north attacked forcing way heavy north korean machine gun rifle fire american successfully coming action south british australians hear sounds renewed fighting began fear americans overrun north korean attacks drove company night forcing battalion main defensive position kilometres north managed reform tight perimeter northern edge attack north assaulted command post company perimeter suffered heavy casualties american direct fire action column north moved company singing approached dug forward slopes facing road platoon position gave americans good field fire overlooking rice began engage north machine guns platoon company headquarters began fire support darkness attackers claimed south americans subsequently held fire light sufficient confirm identity american rifle subsequently destroyed north korean truck head column moved road north attempted machine gun forward thwarted americans killed number men took weapon heavy fire north korean attack broken survivors attempting cover raised road continued support guns fired rounds single fire mission north killed time finally relieved later day battery artillery battalion accounted north spite losses north assaulted american positions force men falling company men assaulting headquarters company slope north knocked american machine gun hitting crew quick succession americans responded calibre heavy machine guns inch engaged north attempted overrun company position master sergeant subsequently moved forward hill heavy fire man machine gun proceeded engage attackers actions later awarded silver star hard pressed americans requested assistance overnight ordered lead following morning green subsequently decided send company advance north rapidly possible intending push tasked clearing town dawn north americans fought heavy fighting overnight previous day north korean regiment exhausted danger destroyed prepared final attempt break light october company advanced australians passed middlesex took defensive positions north moved town high explosive white grenades remaining north korean setting fire buildings planned ordered link close gap forces company captain archer subsequently passed burning town mounted tanks company tank battalion leading brigade australians came small arms light mortar fire north korean rearguard position apple orchard right flank having moved kilometres australians driven rear north korean regiment forming final assault strong north korean force approximately men subsequently allowed company battalion tactical headquarters group pass engaging north korean held features lay advancing australians american blocking relief attempt preparing deliberate attack potentially allowing north time organise defences green chose force leading company order seize initiative continue pursuit encounter battle developed carried aggressive quick attack road american tanks support fighting apple orchard october preparing assault green informed brigade headquarters plans advised believed metres north exact location americans unclear indirect fire available support attack limited american tanks initially orders fire fear hitting men mortars artillery unavailable australians proceeded attack regardless tanks carrying company turning east north korean positions apple orchard subsequently committed attack platoon commanded lieutenant david butler left near road protect australian flank supported tanks australians close objective charging position light machine guns owen guns rifles grenades tanks opened main armament machine guns face determined attack north left pits attempt safety suffer heavy casualties exposing fire assaulting american tanks flanking platoon support speed attack surprised defenders australians quickly overcame north korean outposts despite lack indirect fires north recently trained forced withdraw loss australians wounded leadership assault later awarded military cross private charles received military medal bravery north killed initial attack killed australians cleared position setting fire north korean dug outs forcing remaining defenders flee north broke green pushed company higher ground right company intention clearing ridge overlooking highway company moved forward left road platoon battalion tactical headquarters followed closely company assaulted came attack apple orchard east road forced fight group north regimental police battalion fighting defend attack australians eventually killed north loss men wounded despite personally involved heavy fighting green continued control battle company subsequently ordered clear north threatening battalion headquarters sending platoon forward establish contact americans running low ammunition contact morning continued suffer casualties having forced high ground north caught advancing australians american north unable north north attempted breakout open rice fields west gap 27th british commonwealth brigade north suffered heavy casualties cut tank rifle fire company survivors took refuge number rice platoon engaged australians sniper fire fled east escaping higher ground dispersed company subsequently ordered clear pockets resistance remaining battalion position middlesex battalion passed australians tanks linked following hours fighting battle largely midday north unable escape continued refuse surrender hiding death individually clearing objectives platoon moved forward platoon clashed number north korean fields company subsequently deployed extended line substantial action soon developed scene later likened driving australians subsequently proceeded sweep area kicking straw shooting north korean soldiers found hiding attempted flee leadership butler subsequently awarded silver star private john cousins received bronze star role action aftermath casualties despite uncertain situation lack indirect support green tactical handling australian battalion bold decision quickly attack line march proved decisive preoccupied fighting americans north north unprepared australians attack rear caught american 27th british commonwealth brigade north korean regiment practically destroyed north korean casualties apple orchard killed wounded captured australian casualties numbered seven men wounded including engaged total north korean losses fighting 27th british commonwealth brigade exceeded killed captured survivors subsequently fled westwards major battle korea australians distinguished battalion later praised performance action known battle apple orchard royal australian regiment later granted battle honour confidence success prepared australians battles face months followed reported killing north capturing fighting altogether american casualties operation killed action wounded killed injured jump 2nd section gun platoon support company awarded distinguished unit citation afternoon returned middlesex battalion subsequently ordered push successfully relieving americans place nightfall battalion occupied defensive position kilometres north returned road october moving shortly went theatre reserve 27th british commonwealth brigade 24th division continued advance highway intending defeat north bring war close forces pushed river chinese border resistance continued met 27th british commonwealth brigade crossed river moved october removed restrictions movement forces south river prepared final phase advance directive joint chiefs staff chinese intervention behalf north_korea intense period fighting followed australians involved number major battles coming days subsequent operations afternoon october platoon fired companies north crossed river conduct reconnaissance west bank subsequently forced withdraw australians took prisoners acting forward elements brigade evening green sent companies river establish defensive positions subsequently broke frontal assault positions mortars north process forming north supported tank attacked forward australian companies early following morning resulting australian losses killed wounded north suffered heavy casualties including killed captured australians subsequently succeeded defending north withdrew intelligence indicated british australians facing north korean 17th tank brigade preparing line defence kilometres away war considered 27th british commonwealth brigade continued pursue north advance increasingly encountered strong resistance approached border took lead battalion brigade october kilometres morning aircraft reported large north korean formation consisting battalion sized force infantry supported tanks self propelled guns positioned wooded battle ensued australians strong north korean armoured force defended positions north korean counter attacks evening following day australians advanced high ground overlooking killing capturing number north skirmishes afternoon town cleared remaining elements 27th british commonwealth brigade opposition fighting heaviest undertaken australians entering war north korean casualties included killed captured australian losses killed wounded including green wounded stomach artillery fire battle dying days later november wounds following capture 21st infantry regiment set rapidly road west encountering strong north korean position quickly turned noon november lead battalion reached kilometres river americans clashed north korean armoured force north 5th 9th infantry regiments 24th infantry division secured advancing kilometres border weeks october chinese moved divisions people volunteer army river overall command marshal order reinforce remnants kpa south korean intelligence 13th army group crossed border october penetrated kilometres north_korea reinforced early november divisions 9th army group total divisions composed men chinese subsequently ambushed forces widely dispersed corps 8th cavalry regiment 24th infantry division ordered river result 27th british commonwealth brigade began moving south general withdrawal face chinese phase offensive