battle battle occurred july attacked nato troops near district afghanistan far eastern province position defended primarily united_states_army soldiers 2nd platoon chosen company 2nd battalion infantry regiment airborne airborne brigade combat team surrounded remote base observation post attacking surrounding farmland destroyed heavy munitions broke american lines entered main base repelled artillery aircraft united_states claimed killed fighters loss soldiers killed wounded national army soldiers wounded deaths single battle start operations battle described attacks war attacks remote outposts contrast previous bombings attacks attack coordinated fighters groups effort disciplined sustained able precisely target key equipment wire guided missile battle focus debate united_states generating great deal interest scrutiny military professionals outside observers mainly relatively significant number coalition casualties investigations launched events leading battle initial investigation completed august july senator james requested army formally investigate battle previous investigation lieutenant general richard conducted investigation late led orders chain command june army revoked stated involved said soldiers skill successfully defended positions defeated determined enemy background nato forces southeastern afghanistan deployed sub company sized patrols pakistan border disrupt supplies flowing federally administered tribal regions pakistan established small patrol bases came regular attack forces june small contingent american troops total operating mountain center district government miles coalition military base camp blessing july army helicopter attacked vehicles claimed firing killed people locals claimed killed civilians including doctors nurses local clinic sides reported forward observation base attack indirect fire reports said going overrun base helicopter attack response indirect fire received mortar tube fired bed toyota pick initial radio intercepted reported big gun hit mortar tube commander killed hours helicopter attacked chosen company commander troops contact confirming targets radio reports changed killed shop keeper commander big gun damaged enemy wounded civilians days battle july platoon second battalion infantry regiment airborne brigade combat team established vehicle patrol base separate observation post called near july 2nd platoon chosen company departed camp blessing sunset ground assault convoy minute long drive convoy contained armored rifle squads vehicle platoon headquarters vehicle containing tow missile squad mounted heavy weapons machine guns automatic grenade launchers protected provide extra firepower protection goal create combat outpost cop connect provide security local populace coordinate million reconstruction projects disrupt activity brigade relieved newly arriving army unit weeks patrol base situated open field meters long meters wide surrounded sides buildings composed july man engineer squad arrived helicopter brought shipping container engineer equipment soldiers reinforced base existing terrain barbed wire fill number barriers essentially wall sized squad positions create firing pit big mortar broke day lift high place barriers foot height placed foot level vulnerable direct fire guns rockets attackers exploit troops dug fortifications trenches hand preparation time attack areas protected barrier wire posts stakes wire placed ground company contracted bring heavy construction equipment delayed arrival july decided soldier labor aid engineer squad end good prepare initial defense days heavier equipment arrived number men base judged defend intelligence estimates placed forces local area experienced fighters know attackers backed guerrilla groups neighboring regions far away pakistan thought possible base attacked camp prepared thought unlikely platoon sergeant later remarked expecting fire high ground direction think village let anti force turn village battle zone soldiers base noticed warning signs including groups men watching construction nearby village set higher elevation outpost groups men moving nearby mountains dinner meeting village told americans shoot men seen mountains asked keeping watch nearby day attack began flowing water irrigation ditch feeding unused field creating background noise masked sounds advancing fighters americans believed attacked base senior defense ministry official reveal told information fighters governor believed numerous pakistani militant terrorist groups banded surrounding regions including tribal agency neighboring pakistan according intelligence groups operating region included based pakistan based located strongholds agency administered tribal areas afghanistan according long war journal senior leadership including laden thought shelter region laden pakistan spokesman stated fighting afghanistan getting heavier americans drop bombs civilians ordinary people want revenge joining strengthening pointing ability enter bases kill americans nato spokesman believed moved expelled nearby small village tribe subdivision attack evening july soldiers moved ordered villagers leave soldiers set firing positions inside mosque overlooking perimeter battle july forces opened fire base machine guns rocket propelled grenades mortars attacked observation post farmland east initial attack hit forward operating base mortar pit knocking mortar mortar ammunition insurgents destroyed mounted tow missile inside combat outpost coordinated fire rpg rockets mortars tow provide heaviest accurate firepower quickly taken attackers explosion mortar shells anti tank missiles command post american perspective situation attack concentrated small team situated small observation post rocks tree outside main base round hit accurately wounding stunning soldier tyler blown machine gun position matthew phillips threw grenade mortally wounded jason fired hundreds rounds automatic weapon barrel white hot jammed tended wounds rocket grenade wounded sgt ryan tended leg switching gun jumped outpost bunker close kill insurgents firing men village hotel outside bunker shot chest killed surviving soldiers ran outpost main post leaving able hold position comrades returned hours later evacuated receive medical care soldiers killed minutes battle died later wounded times teams soldiers main base ran fire resupply observation post carry dead wounded troops responded machine guns grenades mines artillery guns camp blessing fired artillery rounds briefly breached wire observation post driven half hour intense fighting observation post soldier remained seriously wounded fought reinforcements arrived managed past main base eastern barriers american soldiers platoon leader lieutenant hawaii corporal jason killed trying deliver ammunition observation post american soldiers times fortifications thought grenades actually rocks thrown attackers soldier killed penetrated wire perimeter attack helicopters predator aircraft armed missiles arrived base minutes battle began battle soldiers helicopter fire support helicopters injured troops evacuated nearby camp wright members troop 2nd 17th cavalry airborne division wait refuel later bomber strike eagle aircraft called withdrew hours later retreated operations followed withdrew town soldiers killed attack mainly observation post reported killed wounded coalition forces found bodies battle attack highest death toll american troops country operation red wings years earlier operational issues civilian deaths caused allied operations increased sympathy residents allowed residents dismayed failure president address concerns delegation elders days previously coalition troops noticed warning signs day attack spin white influential tribal elders conducted elder community council experienced male members right attend post officer charge villagers began pouring waste water area dead space near post frequently concealed movement village army report criticized brigade commander colonel chip battalion commander lieutenant colonel william citing lack supplies equipment drinking water troops stationed time report praised performance soldiers fire report criticized actions involved commanding officers military goals stating highly approach favored rock rapidly inevitably degraded relationships army population statement portraying operational approaches airborne brigade bayonet rock negative light contradicted david book accidental guerrilla stated march fact general trend downward trend security country largely result consistent strategy local communities separate insurgents people bring benefits governance development population help population choose local khan usually military elections noted statement previous commander william commander bill understood deeply effect coalition operations people key question aftermath withdrawal battle major general army commander coalition troops regional command east afghanistan decided abandon patrol base sent additional troops assist base evacuation days engagement united_states armies withdrew statement says security forces continue perform regular patrols near village coalition forces continued maintain larger patrol base miles away concentrated protecting larger river valley district police force area disarmed americans district chief police chief briefly detained questioned released hours according spokesperson district chief speaking pentagon news conference attack chairman joint chiefs staff navy admiral mike said incident indicated involved operations pakistan afghanistan especially border better job region eliminating safe pakistan federally administered tribal areas launching pads attacks coalition forces associated_press reported attack general gain strength brigade commander colonel charles specifically conclusion interview july stated previous media accounts engagement level development platoon defences said withdrawal platoon constitute abandoning position permanent defensive infrastructure developed left stated position overrun shape manner form adding close combat sure hand grenade range army investigation investigation army completed august released public week november found attackers assisted local police forces district leader evidence included large stocks weapons ammunition discovered police barracks battle stocks villages man police force included dirty weapons appeared recently response report concluded governor local police chief probably acting cooperative american troops governor blame attack unclear local police chief investigation examined army intelligence possible assault troops access report found despite reports earlier july attack remote outpost vicinity including numerous reports local villagers attack imminent commanders reason expect large frontal assault report criticized incredible time months took nato military leaders negotiate arrangements site outpost giving plenty time coordinate plan attack base actions july senator james asked inspector general formally examine battle army investigation event request cited unreleased report army combat studies institute contractor douglas criticized senior army leaders afghanistan especially acted assault according report soldiers base critically short basic water complained repeatedly avail base position written report request lieutenant general william commander united_states_army combined arms center wrote days battle july army helicopter mistakenly attacked killed civilians including doctors nurses local clinic local platoon leader company commander captain matthew told commanders expected attack asked extra surveillance father retired army colonel david alerted office army historian report said read report sick stomach letters issued colonel charles lieutenant colonel william captain failing properly prepare defenses pentagon officials said march month awarded silver star actions battle september central command commander general david appointed marine_corps lieutenant general richard lead new inquiry battle look related issues tactical level later review conducted general charles campbell focused circumstances included affected actions including interviews officers involved reviews previous investigations exception fort combat studies institute csi narrative stating undergone pre publication academic review accordance standing csi research campbell concluded officers involved fault officers derelict performance duties exercising degree care reasonably person exercised similar command decisions theater complex combat operations grave step unnecessary particularly case possible officers judgment violating criminal statute particularly true errors omission standards come multiple non publications complete certain knowledge enemy capabilities intent commanders enjoy wide discretion exercise command responsibilities june general campbell revoked officers citing chilling effect ground operations army said second look incident proved officers derelict skill successfully defended positions defeated determined enemy masses attacks times ways places choosing secretary army john courage stating remain grateful extraordinary courage george army chief staff commended performance soldiers review study conducted date courage discipline soldiers fought universally praised soldiers trained led fought defeat determined intense enemy action overrun base fashion deserves broad recognition bravery hearts families fallen soldiers upset campbell decision family members killed action wrote letter secretary army asking findings investigation upheld reinstated addition family members letter signed senators daniel jim murray claire november army combat studies institute published historical account battle official army history battle published december places little blame senior officers involved instead blaming uncertain nature war mistakes junior officers lack knowledge army officers region complex political situation lack intelligence attack forces drawn entire region local area


battle fort battle fort took place october egyptian army israel defense forces egyptian initiated operation battle war fought fort fortification bar line located kilometres south port peninsula commencing battle artillery barrage fort surrounded isolated fort prior assaulting firing ramps intended israeli tanks occupied egyptian infantry defeated israeli attempts reinforce fort armor managed breach defenses swiftly capture fort proceeded clear utilizing teams nighttime fort completely egyptian control background operation egyptian military operation objective crossing suez_canal seizing bar line fortifications fortifications fell area operations port said military sector commanded major general sector military command independent egyptian second field army south military sector incorporated towns port said port mediterranean_sea surrounding areas independent infantry brigades 30th military sector command coast guard units commander fort lieutenant served canal week leading war israeli patrols discovered coming canal moving daily basis indicating possibly sending men long range intelligence missions act artillery observers days outbreak war expressed concern superior officer observations canal line forts stand chance attacked plan attack 30th independent infantry brigade tasked capturing fort located kilometer mark south port fort surrounded minefields barbed wire depth metres incorporated seven commander 30th brigade colonel committed infantry battalion capture israeli fort battalion cross different points area kilometres south kilometres north fort initially battalion fort cut north east south battalion assault units attack fort directions tasked overseeing defense port said sector deployed battalions west bank defend israeli naval landing canal crossing additionally reinforced company lit lightning egyptian planning company cross canal south fort advance eastward seize crossroads located kilometers east canal simultaneously working intercept enemy reserves headed fort battle isolation start war reconnaissance force swam east bank suez_canal kilometers south fort laid ropes canal facilitate crossing friendly forces operation began artillery barrage initiated fort guns rifles brigade anti tank company use high trajectory artillery guns forbidden number egyptian aircraft flying area troops tasked fort began crossing canal minutes later reached east bank proceeded climb sand wall succeeded attracting israeli fire main assault force mission attack fort later troops tasked fort east reached occupied firing ramp prepared tanks raised egyptian flag severely israeli soldiers inside fort soon company platoon arrived firing ramp reserve tanks pushed forward reinforce fort came eastern isolation force destroyed tanks range metres tank broke egyptian position proceeded immediately north fort destroyed kilometer northern isolation force remaining tanks retreated eastwards attack rifles west bank managed open breach barbed wire surrounding fort destroyed significant targets observation equipment combat engineers openings torpedoes heavy small arms fire hand grenades battalion main assault force crossing time main assault force entered israeli trenches israeli command northern kept receiving frantic calls help fort radio operator gunfire heard captured southern sector fort minutes later assault force moved northern sector fort minutes control fort power generator inside fort destroyed electricity communication lines leading fort severed informed seized israeli soldiers captured reported losing radio contact fort proceeded clear utilized teams visible psychological impact fort garrison point help wounded israeli prisoner managed secure bunker convincing panicked inside come surrender soon losing contact fort attempted reach time dead group tanks advanced company occupying firing ramp managed destroy tanks forcing remainder retreat group tanks half tracks tried break southern isolation force ambushed withdrew losing tank anti tank teams joined company firing ramp teams company ordered advance eastward seize crossroads israeli air_force began attacking egyptian forces fort west bank canal group aircraft attempted bomb fort aircraft dropped seven bombs descended low altitude escape anti aircraft fire anti air platoon kilometer mark soon shot israeli aircraft iii missile destroying troop shelters inside fort cleared transferred israeli prisoners west bank canal transferred port said intelligence gathering concentrated heavy artillery fire fort sure captured company reported israeli armored column advancing fort egyptian tanks west bank opened fire forcing israeli tanks armored vehicles withdraw company continued eastwards eventually reaching crossroads facing resistance way reinforcing anti tank teams company established defensive positions dispatched patrols secure roads leading fort aftermath fort defensive fortification bar line captured hour start assault israeli casualties killed captured egyptian losses killed including officer wounded including officers important factor leading capture fort isolation sides speed infantry reached seized firing ramp east fort israeli tanks occupied contrast capture fort attempt capture fort brigade went forced commit reserve infantry company west bank help seize fort company crossed october following day fort captured


battle battle known action action october naval battle coast dutch island world war british squadron consisting light cruiser destroyers routine patrol encountered remnants german 7th half flotilla torpedo boats route british coast mission lay minefields british forces attacked sank german flotilla torpedo boats german force attempted flee fought desperate ineffective action british force battle resulted loss german torpedo boat squadron prevented mining busy shipping lanes mouth river_thames british casualties little damage vessels outcome battle greatly influenced tactics deployments remaining german torpedo boat north_sea area loss greatly shook faith commanders effectiveness force background opening naval battle bight german high_seas_fleet ordered avoid confrontations larger opposing forces avoid costly apart occasional german raids north_sea dominated royal_navy regularly patrolled area german light forces operated regularly north_sea october routine patrol 3rd destroyer flotilla force consisting light cruiser hms captain cecil fox class destroyers hms lance loyal legion cruising island encountered waiting german squadron torpedo boats comprising remaining vessels 7th half flotilla sms german ships hostile british ships try flee scene assumed british mistaken british ships friendly vessels german flotilla sent river southern coast britain including mouth thames intercepted reaching objective british squadron german 7th half flotilla captain cecil fox squadron commander class light cruiser armed inch naval guns seven inch naval guns single mounts gun shields torpedo tubes armed pair pounder anti aircraft guns class lacked best speed mph class destroyers armed torpedo tubes inch guns pounder gun destroyers slightly faster cruiser knots mph power german vessels inferior british areas 7th half flotilla composed class completed german boats nearly equal speed british knots mph german vessels armed guns shorter range throw weight british guns biggest danger british squadron torpedo tubes carried german boats torpedoes boat battle closer approach german vessels realized nearby vessels british scattered closer germans destroyers opened fire nearest torpedo boat german vessel managed dodge fire changing course lost speed british force caught protect torpedo attack destroy germans quickly possible fox ordered squadron divide lance chased legion loyal pursued fire legion loyal damaged badly bridge blown deck sinking lance engaged steering gear causing german vessel circle fire effective bridge destroyed german torpedo boat strike colours central boats german flotilla flotilla leader tried hit torpedoes despite torpedoes german boats remained unscathed legion loyal finished came aid engaged attackers legion attacked fired torpedoes continued engage gunfire legion damaging steering mechanism forced circle sunk time lance damaged point destroyers needed lance loyal bombarding shells managed fire torpedo run lance hit destroyer amidships torpedo failed detonate sunk gunfire lance loyal taking german flotilla commander stayed afloat despite constant attacks sent boarding party found wreck german board happily surrendered thirty members crew eventually rescued sea british vessels action ended gunfire finishing abandoned hulk aftermath analysis battle seen great boost morale british days previous lost cruiser hms boat effect british morale battle reflected fictionalized inclusion novel boy allies flags robert drake controversy arose germany battle german hospital ship sent rescue survivors sunken boats seized british violating convention rules use hospital ships loss squadron german torpedo boats led drastic change tactics english channel coast flanders sorties channel torpedo boat force relegated coastal patrol rescuing downed pilots british received bonus november british fishing pulled sealed chest thrown captain chest contained german german light forces stationed coast allowing british german communications long casualties ships german seventh half flotilla sunk force sailors killed including commanding officer despite odds german vessel struck colours flotilla fought end british sailors wounded superficial damage destroyers legion shell hit man wounded machine gun fire loyal hit twice men wounded result lance superficial machine gun damage vessels unscathed thirty german sailors rescued water sinking ships taken prisoner captured officer died wounds soon german sailors later rescued neutral vessel order battle royal_navy hms light cruiser flagship hms destroyer hms lance destroyer hms loyal destroyer hms legion destroyer german_navy sms torpedo boat flagship sms torpedo boat sms torpedo boat sms torpedo boat


battle battle fought german empire portugal east african campaign world war force germans paul von won costly victory british battle present day ran short supplies find food germans invaded portuguese east africa south escape superior british forces north supply captured portuguese portugal employing troops france force major sent stop von crossing border portuguese flanked germans november battle saw portuguese force nearly destroyed troops killed captured capitulation portuguese enabled germans seize large quantity supplies continue operations east africa end war background late november germans east africa left options wanted continue war outnumbered drastically split different columns largest paul von completely cut von column defeated large british force battle lost large number troops expended virtually entire supply modern ammunition weapons way von decided invade portuguese east africa hopes acquiring sufficient supplies continue war legal attack germany declared war portugal march force intercepted allies reaching border von column able reach river facing supply shortages german general reduced force dismissing large number adequately equipped number camp followers reduced force von plans attack portuguese garrison river portuguese force native contingent led european officers veteran experience fighting africa prepare defensive positions portuguese begun building large arrival november disposal troops machine guns large supply inexperienced force match von force crossed river veterans large number battle morning november portuguese garrison received word british intelligence officer attack commence attack came unprepared order distract men germans shelled camp river high explosive rounds artillery attacked camp germans moved forces upstream crossed safely sight men portuguese resist von forces crossed river remained germans easily able flank portuguese positions completely companies german infantry attacking camp south south east west having attack portuguese commander able begin preparations assault planned receiving frontal assault force came attack rear completely surprised portuguese attempted rifle pits officers slain early engagement germans little way heavy weapons discarded artillery machine guns lack ammunition despite chronic ammunition shortage von able machine guns close rifle pits close range ensure ammunition wasted inexperience portuguese proved downfall despite firing rounds german casualties extremely light including casualty officers taking heavy casualties having lost commanding officer finding outnumbered portuguese finally surrendered despite fact military supplies continue action aftermath german casualties light european killed portuguese hand suffered massive defeat failing prevent von force crossing allowed continue campaign end war estimates portuguese casualties vary sources providing figures portuguese killed wounded nearly taken prisoner writers state portuguese killed captured prisoners war germans rounds ammunition machine guns rifles captured equipment germans managed completely resupply force von abandoned destroyed majority force german weaponry ammunition armed troops portuguese british weapons portuguese uniforms seized captured prisoners replace ragged old german ones force previously worn von stay long soon marched force south attack portuguese positions leaving company rearguard case british decided follow portuguese east africa force won victories seizing supplies ammunition moving german east africa


battle battle took place march april war resulted capture armenian military forces region lay outside contested autonomous geographic region armenian forces fighting years offensive time armenian forces advanced boundaries located armenia western border composed dozen villages provincial capital named according russian sources mountain troops regiment 7th russian army stationed armenia participated seizure operation initial heavy resistance defenses quickly collapsed provincial capital fell april currently control republic background autonomous soviet era jurisdiction population approximately ethnic armenian soviet_union approached late 1980s government expressed desire unite neighboring armenian armenia independent countries nascent republic remained internationally despite government declaration independence small scale violence ethnic groups february soon escalated use soviet built tanks helicopters fighter bombers appropriated sides collapse soviet_union armenian forces captured mountain stronghold remained defensive year fighting continued parts including nearly launched failed hold captured territory spring military upper hand initial stages war largely reduced fighting groups march fighting shifted west south surrounded elevated mountain range known mountains attack armenian forces directions including armenia proper assaulted captured area square kilometers linked armenia opened second corridor armenia send aid region rationale taking located armenia western boundary autonomous situated steep mountain range wartime population approximately primarily ethnic war voicing discontent seventy years rule said defending aggression capture towns stemmed security concerns artillery positioned towns albeit capture resulted massacre stated historically armenian region claims territory extend boundaries march military incursions forces artillery reported coming region prompting military leaders announce offensive different reason given successful commander conflict according commander southern decision town matter certainty choice stated historical issue course historical armenia reality guns unfortunately nice understand reality reality agree questioned possibility large expulsion civilians region captured responded lot blood sides emotions high isn living near medium future battle heavy resistance defeats late march military evacuating civilians region northern town second largest city assembled force men enter different directions detachment tanks troops attack southeast man unit town armenia enter west force attack village north primary attacking force come village battered village seen extensive fighting earlier weeks reinforced foreign fighters armenian offensive commenced march instead launching simultaneous attack units moved armored column later units faced resistance embankment entrenched defenses forces forced retreat troops began assault shortly advance slowed trek snowy passes mountains march forces hour battle ensued forces able break defenses stretched forces deployed region allowed advance kilometers reaching river march kilometers forces positions namesake capital crucial road intersection led village march armenian forces encircled town journalist reported seeing intensive bombardment including artillery originating armenia proper advance following days saw massive refugee column cars trucks laden intersection ordered forces halt advance remnants column dried early afternoon april assessing refugees left ordered units advance sent detachment guard vital tunnel leading south troops assumed civilians left encountered transport truck tunnel thinking military vehicle fired destroyed rocket propelled grenades assault rifles observed wreck vehicle troops realized taken vehicle filled entirely civilians workers including driver truck daughter killed rest ordered taken hospital capital died incident forces pushed forward reached vital intersection leading kilometers away capital civilians continued evacuated air intersection halted advance hours allow traffic column april forces issued radio message governor region instructing forces leave capital ultimatum placed following day identified radio khan governor responded stated going leave fight end final push deadline passed april armor entered intersection encountered line tanks infantry ensued lasted minutes defense line soon battered destroyed forces ill prepared attack noted pointing lack equipment despite having force reduced total men force weak capital ordered continue forward april armenian forces encircled capital resistance weakened commander brigade tasked defending mountains retreated political military problems began battlefield account war inhabitants town described elder brother enemy soldier hand burned leg rides old man faded jacket medals great patriotic war leaving home forever elderly woman black waving torn sheet stick radio operator turkish suddenly ground kiss feet surprised awkward tries pull shouts bends brings woman arm asks turkish don found capital row neat bleak chickens bothered grab chickens provisions road sign life middle road center town contingent reach time fighting city capital taken aside farm life town largely abandoned taking region marked continuous territory held stretching armenia proper total square kilometers retreat pass mountain range refugees death helicopters leaving april forced walk heavy snow freezing temperatures nearly civilians processed camps helicopters refugees wounded conflict zone crashed hit armenian forces human rights watch findings concluded offensive armenian forces committed numerous violations rules war including exodus civilian population fire hostage taking political offensive provoked international criticism republic chief adviser president alleged region taken easily help arrived russian regiment 7th russian army stationed armenia charge refuted operation commander moscow russian government total control armenian military operations armenia western neighbor turkey halted humanitarian aid coming borders united_states condemned offensive issuing sharp sending accompanying letter armenian government april turkey pakistan sponsored united_nations security council resolution called region withdraw immediately areas turkey president called military intervention set forth tour soviet april die heart attack days later iran condemned offensive refugees fleeing south borders attempt end hostilities russia turkey reiterated withdrawal armenian troops region followed formal peace talks


capture capture occurred september battle battle formed set piece battle fought september months palestine campaign world war cavalry phase battle carried desert mounted corps 3rd light horse brigade australian mounted division attacked captured town located southern edge plain known valley plain armageddon miles line hills australian light horse captured prisoners main supply base ordnance depot seventh eighth armies near town cut main road ottoman_empire german empire prisoners subsequently captured attempted retreat away hills egyptian expeditionary force cavalry ridden gap mediterranean_sea coast created infantry battle capture ottoman armies main lines communication supply north hills infantry battles continued september desert mounted corps captured plain day headquarters seventh army general headquarters army group captured captured days later subsequent early morning attack september german rearguard captured battle ended battle operations greater ottoman army captured hills battles fought battle including battle attack forced retreating ottoman fourth remnants seventh eighth armies eastern jordan river withdrew northwards damascus pursued desert mounted corps infantry established gap ottoman line coast early morning september australian mounted division 3rd 4th light horse brigades 5th light horse brigade temporarily detached 60th division reserve followed 4th cavalry division north plain mount range pass plain 4th light horse brigade remained garrison provide guards artillery supplies corps headquarters ordered capture 3rd light horse brigade advanced 9th 10th light horse captured town brief fire fight subsequently regiments captured ottoman soldiers attempting retreat northwards hills night september outnumbered australian light horsemen reinforced quickly possible majority prisoners marched holding camps near morning 3rd light horse brigade remained area garrison advanced capture september participating pursuit damascus background following capture february commander egyptian expeditionary force general ordered occupation jordan valley march april april second attacks took place line hills mediterranean_sea defended time quarters british infantry cavalry regiments western counter spring offensive replaced british india army infantry cavalry required reorganisation newly arrived soldiers carried series attacks sections ottoman line hills summer months training attacks including battle tell action march april aimed pushing line positions preparation major attack newly arrived infantry fighting continued summer months middle september consolidated ready large scale offensive operations september battle commenced corps commanded lieutenant general edward cover barrage broke ottoman line begin battle afternoon corps commanded lieutenant general philip began battle supported artillery barrage offensive corps continued midday september successful flanking attack corps combined corps assault forced seventh eighth armies seventh army retreated area jordan river crossing bridge rearguard captured infantry fighting seventh eighth armies hills desert mounted corps commanded australian lieutenant general harry advanced gap created corps infantry morning september ride northwards virtually ottoman forces cavalry divisions captured capture ended battle time force temporarily detached desert mounted corps commanded major general edward captured retreating ottoman german column capture bridge jordan river cut line retreat attack east river ottoman fourth army began retreat force advanced capture salt september september units force captured defeating strong fourth army rearguard second battle prelude preparation battle desert mounted corps consisting 4th 5th cavalry divisions australian mounted division 3rd 4th light horse brigades concentrated near formed surplus equipment brigades divisions moved close corps infantry divisions near mediterranean coast mounted division consisted brigades brigade regiments brigades 4th 5th cavalry divisions recently arrived france consisted british regiment british indian army cavalry regiments usually including indian states 15th imperial service cavalry brigade regiments cavalry regiments armed addition lee rifles swords australian mounted division consisting light horse brigades regiments containing headquarters squadrons men horses regiment armed addition rifles swords mounted divisions supported machine gun squadrons artillery batteries royal horse artillery honourable artillery company light armoured car units light armoured motor batteries light car patrols september 5th cavalry division lead advance deployed north west miles line 4th cavalry division orange east miles australian mounted division reserve near miles line movement restricted night hours culminated general forward eve battle night september australian mounted division moved supplies divisions concentrated rear divisional trains horse drawn transport endless strings road area iron days special emergency man pounds grain horse carried horse additional day grain horse carried line transport wagons advance initial cavalry advance coastal plain desert mounted corps advance strictly enemy forces path advance mounted units cross mount range coast plain passes 5th cavalry division took northern difficult track miles south east heading 4th cavalry division followed australian mounted division reserve crossed mountain range historic southern pass armies egyptian iii 15th century roman emperor 1st century advancing centre plain southern pass miles long yards wide followed hills feet sea level falling plain advance australian mounted division halted minutes hour saddle minutes sleep looped arm jammed deeply pocket plain known valley plain armageddon stretches white houses foothills hills northern edge miles away southern edge foot hills eastern edge close jordan river western edge near mouth pass ancient fortress tell dominates plain romans arabs army napoleon marched fought road railway network german ottoman forces palestine depended supplies communications crossed plain important communication falls map cavalry advances detail railway passed plain hills south wind narrow pass foothills climbing junction branched line ran westward eighth army headquarters turning south supply army line troops coastal plain main railway line continued south eastward seventh army headquarters defensive works kind identified plain covering approaches aerial reconnaissance flights german troops known garrison commander army group general von headquarters september von ordered 13th depot regiment military police total companies machine guns occupy defend pass possible attack reserve 3rd 4th light horse brigades australian mounted division rode miles south east arrive coast plain 3rd light horse brigade divisional troops australian mounted division resumed advance passing september pass rest breakfast arrived plain september 4th light horse brigade detached escort guard duties 4th light horse regiment served escort desert mounted corps headquarters 11th light horse regiment escorted divisional transport remainder brigade moved september organize escort transport convoy pass transport australian mounted division desert mounted corps consolidated brigade moving 5th cavalry division transport joined column combined transport began moving pass arrived september desert mounted corps objectives according surprise speed key elements warfare planned question plan raised literature according decided plan second attack april victory battle depended intense british_empire artillery barrage successfully covering line infantry attacks drive gap line cavalry advance quickly plain miles away day battle control skies achieved maintained destroying german aircraft forcing retire constant bombing raids royal flying corps australian flying corps carried cut communications army group commander von entering plain desert mounted corps ride far jordan river seventh eighth ottoman armies hills busy fighting corps plain quickly captured railways cut roads controlled lines communication retreat cut ottoman armies captured main objectives september 5th cavalry division attack von army group headquarters miles clearing plain 4th cavalry division capture occupation bridges jordan river particular hold destroy bridge miles north miles old line australian mounted division reserve occupy 3rd light horse brigade advanced capture miles starting point cutting main line retreat german ottoman soldiers mentioned place brigade await retreating turks beginning stream pass communications combined action organized ottoman forces continuing infantry attack forced ottoman seventh eighth armies withdraw northwards hills withdrew main roads railways pass capturing 3rd light horse brigade wait battle september major general henry commanding australian mounted division ordered brigadier general wilson 3rd light horse brigade capture 9th 10th light horse regiments accompanied battery cars 11th light armoured motor battery moved leaving 8th light horse regiment local protection force left advancing fast rate miles hour approaching miles north west detached troop rode enemy outpost german ottoman soldiers olive grove right flank immediately deployed swords drawn charging right turks force captured including wounded 10th light horse regiment machine guns 3rd machine gun squadron formed advanced guard road cut squadron advanced guard moved swiftly control road north column ottoman soldiers retiring remainder advanced guard rode directly passing railway station mile right cut main road leading north road east 9th light horse regiment following having cut road railway 10th light horse regiment turned south riding directly village railway station miles minutes arrive north west australian light horsemen charged town drawn swords swiftly german ottoman troops caught open 9th 10th light horse regiments attacked town different directions throwing garrison confusion machine gun duel 3rd machine gun squadron germans firing windows gardens light horsemen streets developed hours fighting germans attempted withdraw number killed remainder captured total prisoners captured general staff headquarters australian mounted division war diary described enormous booty main supply ordnance depot ottoman seventh eighth armies huge quantities war material including guns machine guns ammunition captured nearby caves large stores german beer wine food found main german air base burnt aircraft found railway station locomotives rolling stock captured number equipped workshops hospitals captured armed guard placed cases champagne later distributed wagon load worth nearly gold later buy food forage desert mounted corps lines communication forced supplies local population securing town 9th 10th light horse regiments deployed main line retreat hills outlet pass mile south wait expected retreating columns september burst machine gun fire stopped long column retreating german ottoman soldiers resulting capture prisoners guns night light horsemen capture prisoners retreated face infantry attacks hills good quality road north damascus aftermath outnumbered times 3rd light horse brigade force patrolled prisoners remainder night drawn swords reinforcements began arrive 12th light armoured motor battery arrived september 4th light horse brigade left september reinforce 3rd light horse brigade brigade moved squadron 4th 11th light horse regiments section battery 19th brigade battery section arrive found virtually plain covered prisoners motor cars wagons animals stores confusion headquarters australian mounted division arrived half hour later 14th cavalry brigade 5th cavalry division arrived help manage thousands prisoners able return division afternoon 8th light horse regiment 3rd light horse brigade quickly followed relieved arrived hours later departed way escorting convoy prisoners took hours escort prison compound total prisoners eventually held hours offensive began substantial columns seventh ottoman army seen withdrawing direction jordan river captured 11th cavalry brigade 4th cavalry division von commander army group surprised arrival cavalry early hours september combat formations available stop cavalry staff forced retire driving reach late afternoon arrangements establish strong rearguard garrison planned center rearguard line stretch lake von drove morning september received report ottoman fourth army ordered withdraw line waiting southern garrisons subsequently continued journey damascus result capture main direct northern routes plain retreating ottoman seventh eighth armies held desert mounted corps 4th cavalry division controlled area eastern edge plain captured 5th cavalry division garrisoned areas center north australian mounted division holding south patrolling surrounding area 4th cavalry division ridden miles miles sandy soil fought actions hours 13th brigade 5th cavalry division covered miles hours way australian mounted division rode miles 3rd light horse brigade riding miles hours cavalry divisions started advance days rations day supplies brigade transport supply companies arrived divisional trains supplied motor convoys arrived september australian mounted division motor ambulance transport rejoined division september main road cleared 5th light horse brigade australian mounted division attached infantry hills ordered rejoin division brigade doubled turn road arriving dusk september relieve 3rd light horse brigade withdrew 4th light horse brigade remained september ordered arrived midday september 5th light horse brigade september day battle ordered send regiment reinforce 4th light horse brigade pre dawn attack charged prepared german ottoman rearguard battle later day squadron 8th light horse regiment 3rd light horse brigade approached road squadron 12th light horse regiment advanced north captured prisoners half german day held corps commanders conference ordered pursuit damascus infantry 7th brigade 3rd division detached desert mounted corps relieve mounted cavalry divisions garrison duties infantry took captured areas marching arrive september


siege siege croatian serbian latin military engagement fought yugoslav people army croatian forces defending city surroundings croatian war independence started advance october late october captured virtually territory coast adriatic_sea attacks bombardment including old town world heritage site culminated december bombardment provoked strong international condemnation public relations disaster serbia montenegro contributing diplomatic economic isolation international recognition independence croatia pulled bosnia kilometre miles coast places east city hand equipment newly formed army time croatian army attacked west pushed areas east croatia bosnia end linked unit defending city fighting yugoslav troops east gradually died siege naval blockade yugoslav navy caused deaths croatian civilians croatian military personnel suffered fatalities end entire region recaptured operation tiger battle troops killed offensive displaced refugees mainly fled approximately refugees evacuated sea city blockade convoy civilian vessels buildings suffered degree damage numerous homes businesses public buildings looted operation plan drawn officers aimed securing area proceeding north west link troops northern western offensive came immediately war propaganda montenegro said croatian troops attack capture bay offensive war peace old town targeted president apologized attack angry response political opponents serbia international criminal tribunal yugoslavia convicted yugoslav officers involvement siege handed serbia prosecution indictment stated offensive designed region croatia integrate dominated state unsuccessful proclamation republic november addition montenegro convicted soldiers prisoner abuse camp croatia charged yugoslav navy officers leader war crimes trials resulted background august insurrection centred predominantly populated areas city parts regions settlements eastern croatia significant populations took place croatia areas subsequently named republic serbian declaring intention integrate serbia government croatia declared rebellion march conflict escalated croatian war independence erupted june croatia declared independence yugoslavia month followed decision came effect october initiated campaign ethnic croatian civilians non serbs early november ethnic remained united_nations protected area known sector south remained sector north yugoslav people army increasingly supported croatian police unable cope situation croatian national_guard formed november renamed croatian army development military croatia hampered arms introduced september military conflict croatia continued battle started august southernmost major croatian city located adriatic_sea coast walled city centre known old town site historical monuments heritage buildings largely dating republic city placed list world heritage sites city population approximately serbs croatian territory surrounding city stretches peninsula west peninsula east entrance bay border montenegro territory narrow especially near consists kilometres miles wide coastal strip land prelude commanders including yugoslav federal defence minister general chief general staff general deputy defence minister vice admiral planned military offensive attack area followed westward advance western link 9th corps northern area secured general submitted plan offensive approval september leaders montenegro said attacked ensure montenegro territorial integrity prevent ethnic clashes preserve socialist federal republic yugoslavia prime minister stated croatian borders needed revised existing border line poorly educated propaganda compounded colonel general allegations croatian troops terrorists mercenaries attack montenegro seize bay led montenegro believe croatia actually started invasion newspaper significant media source contributed spread propaganda july high ranking serbian official said political rally serbian state established west montenegro extending river renamed sea capital september mobilized montenegro citing deteriorating situation croatia despite radio broadcast appeal 2nd corps september considerable numbers refused respond september threatened harsh punishment refusing respond propaganda contrast assurances yugoslav federal authorities belgrade attack strategic plan defeat croatia included offensive cut southernmost parts croatia including rest country september artillery attacked village eastern east days later yugoslav navy blockaded maritime routes city september renamed eastern operational group 2nd operational group directly federal ministry defence general staff appointed commanding officer 2nd operational group replaced general mile october following shooting helicopter replaced october order battle tasked 2nd corps 9th military maritime sector elements 2nd operational group cutting capturing area 2nd corps deployed 1st brigade 9th employed 5th brigades corps boundary running north south near set 2nd operational group commanded 16th border patrol detachment coastal artillery group territorial defence units bar overall command 2nd operative group 9th commanded vice admiral replaced admiral died uncertain circumstances hours offensive began major general commanding brigade subordinate said killed admiral opposed offensive resigned post september joined croatian 2nd operational group initially deployed troops maintained similar troop levels offensive defences non existent outset hostilities troops city area training regular military unit platoon armed light infantry weapons stationed napoleonic era fort imperial atop hill overlooking rest troops area poorly armed croatian territorial defence disarmed unlike croatia garrisons storage depots arms munitions captured september battle barracks available defend september rifles artillery pieces captured island sent reinforce city guns mix soviet world war era divisional guns addition improvised armoured vehicle supplied city received additional croatian police croatian defence forces troops parts croatia brought number croatian troops november croatian troops defending city september appointed commanding officer defences time assessed inadequate troops initially organized territorial defence reorganized 75th independent battalion december later reinforced elements infantry brigade form infantry brigade february armed boats squadron volunteer military unit croatian navy consisting vessels sizes volunteers established september counter yugoslav navy blockade timeline advance october started offensive moving 2nd corps west field north city 2nd corps destroyed village turning south area aiming west second axis advance assigned 9th originated bay kilometres miles south east directed advance started preparatory artillery fire targets advance roads region supported yugoslav navy air_force croatian defences light casualties day occurred successful ambush village day offensive artillery attacked hill north east yugoslav air_force raided west destroying supplies electricity water end december relied fresh water supplied boats electricity electric generators days slow progress artillery attacked hill fort imperial october day shelled hotel defence post located yugoslav air_force bombarded city argentina hotel october 2nd corps captured adriatic highway rest croatia october district shelled followed yugoslav air_force strike fort imperial day october croatia offered peace talks montenegro president serbia dismissed offer offer officials offensive officially endorsed government october days later serbia publicly distanced blaming croatia provoking seventh day offensive parliament blamed attack october day declined croatian offer 9th force captured capture supported amphibious landing operation approximately kilometres miles east district october following day agreed violated soon came effect october yugoslav air_force attacked october yugoslav navy bombarded hotels housing refugees area city october started sustained artillery bombardment including old town city walls drawing protest united_states department state day 9th captured october yugoslav navy bombarded island day issued ultimatum city demanding surrender removal elected officials october captured kilometres miles south east city centre took high ground overlooking october 2nd corps south western drive slower destroyed large portion advance displaced refugees areas captured people evacuated sea october rest took refuge hotels city defence continued artillery strikes october bombardment continued november targeting western areas argentina hotels housing refugees november troops attacked old town argentina hotel small arms sniper fire positions held 3rd battalion brigade occupied positions closest city centre day fort imperial bombarded november issued new ultimatum demanding surrender noon demand rejected announced spare old town destruction day fighting resumed near artillery yugoslav navy resumed bombardment november targeting old town imperial argentina hotels wire guided missiles attack boats old town harbour larger ships port including adriatic american owned sailing ship set destroyed gunfire fort imperial attacked november attacks followed lasted end november european_union monitoring mission negotiations croatian authorities withdrawn mid november personnel attacked taken french state secretary humanitarian affairs bernard mission chief negotiations produced agreements november december yielded specific results ground instead 2nd corps units located north west closed city reaching point advance november city defences pushed hotel line day tried establish republic area occupied attempt ultimately failed november began receiving largest deliveries humanitarian aid beginning siege successful attempt sustain city convoy fleet civilian vessels largest arrived october convoy sailed port calls growing vessels approached convoy carried observers protesters president presidency yugoslavia prime minister croatia initially stopped yugoslav frigate split islands day yugoslav patrol boats armed boats squadron linked fleet escorted port return capacity evacuated refugees sail bay inspection yugoslav navy december resumed infantry weapons fire old town followed mortar fire fort imperial december heaviest bombardment old town started december old town struck millimetre missiles millimetre millimetre mortar shells wire guided missiles impact indicated use heavier weapons bombardment concentrated central old town areas north east parts old town sustained relatively impacts attack subsided killed civilians heaviest loss civilian life siege inter university centre library containing volumes destroyed attack hotel bombarded artillery aiming kill firefighters putting fires caused attack earlier day december attack old town met strong protests international media director general mayor special envoy secretary general united_nations cyrus day bombardment later day issued statement regret promised inquiry december representatives visited old town inspect damage actions noted croatian defences kilometres miles away old town fort imperial kilometre miles north fortress attacked minutes bombardment old town began attack executed 3rd battalion brigade advancing simultaneously directions primary attack consisted company sized force secondary platoon supported tanks artillery infantry reached fort imperial forcing defending force retreat fortification request help ordered artillery fire directly fortress dispatched special police unit reinforce fort imperial garrison called attack day vessel commissioned armed boats squadron named patron saint city saint sunk wire guided missile croatian counterattack december agreed force besieging largely inactive january agreement signed representatives croatia fighting united_nations protection force deployed croatia supervise maintain agreement serbia continued support conflict largely passed entrenched positions soon retreated croatia bosnia new conflict anticipated exception area attacked westward pushing elements infantry brigades reaching outskirts beginning capabilities increased dramatically months acquired large weapons battle barracks croatia personnel prepared set new army later renamed army followed declaration serbian republic bosnia january ahead february march referendum independence bosnia referendum later cited pretext war begun april artillery began bosnia confronted army republic bosnia croatian defence council reporting dominated central government leadership respectively deployed bosnia support april began offensive operations areas western southern near 4th military district commanded aimed capture eastern bank river south fighting artillery attacks city started april pushed force april came fire arranged forces resumed attack day attack succeeded capturing large territory western bank river forces based bosnia 2nd operational group renamed 4th corps croatia saw moves prelude attacks southern croatia specifically aimed port possibly split counter threat appointed general command southern encompassing areas reorganized command structure assumed command region newly deployed units 1st guards 4th guards brigades force attacked north april pushing elements infantry brigade elements arriving guards brigades modest territorial gain stabilized april reclaimed ground april ordered major attack guards brigades 1st guards brigade tasked advancing link company guarding access peninsula advance 4th guards brigade ordered secure advancing rim field time pressured international community pull east 1st guards brigade supported elements infantry brigade captured armed boats squadron landed troops previous night repulsed night attacked northern outskirts started pull infantry brigade advanced 1st battalion took positions 2nd battalion deployed 4th guards brigade recaptured 2nd battalion brigade pushed overlooking adriatic highway section tracing failed capture brigade relieved infantry brigade june targeted artillery continuously june intermittently june june 1st guards 4th guards brigades ceased advance vicinity village north aftermath regardless military outcome siege primarily remembered large scale looting troops artillery bombardment especially old town reaction international media media coverage siege reinforced opinion taking shape fall conduct serbs intent dominating croatia regardless destruction cultural heritage occurred process serbian authorities thought international community moral grounds judge interfere hundreds thousands serbs brutally killed croatian concentration camps world war protests mayor nobel prize published page advertisement new_york_times january incentive urging governments world stop destruction siege shaped international opinion croatian war independence major contributor shift international diplomatic economic isolation serbia yugoslavia came viewed state west december european economic community agreed recognize independence croatia january october december captured approximately square kilometres square miles territory recaptured counterattack pulled east subsequent operation tiger battle july october croatian civilian deaths caused advance siege croatian military personnel killed ninety killed october december total killed military operations end october suffered fatalities siege approximately refugees areas fled city refugees evacuated sea parts croatia set prisoner war camps camp captured offensive people mainly civilians imprisoned subjected physical psychological abuse abuse personnel civilians included mock executions large portion prisoners exchanged prisoners war held croatia december camps operated august buildings region sustained damage totally destroyed sustained damage cost damage estimated million marks damage old town observed team stayed city november december estimated buildings damaged heavily damaged burnt seven burnt baroque palaces greatest losses additional damage caused troops looting museums businesses private homes exhibits held memorial museum taken away contents hotels monastery targeted admitted looting took place said property distributed serbian refugees special administration set december probable looted property ended private homes sold black market airport targeted equipment taken airports following attempts justify offensive authorities serbia montenegro tried deny damage old town radio television serbia said smoke rising old town result automobile tyres set fire population echoing officials media montenegro referred offensive war peace blockade applying term land operations naval blockade according survey public opinion serbia polled know bombarded believed occurred june meeting croatian president president montenegro apologized croatia attack gesture welcomed croatia condemned political opponents montenegro authorities serbia filmmaker released documentary entitled rat war peace covering role propaganda siege camp prisoners interviews soldiers radio television montenegro broadcast documentary series archive footage titled rat war attempt destroy records television newspaper reports produced feature documentary titled convoy delivery humanitarian aid naval blockade war crime charges prosecutors international criminal tribunal yugoslavia set based security council resolution indicted 9th chief staff captain milan commanding officer 3rd battalion brigade captain 1st class charges included allegations offensive aimed area croatia annex serbia montenegro said offensive aimed blockade claim later refuted yugoslav ambassador european_union speculated siege intended force end barracks croatia claim peninsula trial completed died march custody transferred custody october trial appeals process completed final verdict conviction crimes including attacks civilians devastation required military necessity violation laws customs war sentenced seven half years prison granted early release seven years months transfer turned november pleaded guilty convicted crimes including murder cruel treatment attacks civilians violations laws war sentenced seven years prison verdict confirmed final transferred denmark serve sentence released september withdrew charges july arrested serbia transferred following insanity defence released june proceedings transferred judiciary serbia underwent psychiatric treatment military medical academy belgrade considered unfit stand trial authorities serbia charges include murder cruel treatment devastation required military necessity violations laws war authorities montenegro charged soldiers prisoner abuse committed convicted war crimes july given year sentence sentenced years sentenced appealed decision april supreme_court rejected appeal number prisoners camp sued montenegro paid compensation october croatia indicted mayor leader eastern time offensive attacks civilian population confirmed received orders april arrested serbia croatia requested released bail june september request approved left serbia returned avoiding croatian authorities filed charges officers including charged war crimes committed area prior december covered charges supplied documents collected investigation croatia indicted commanding officer 3rd battalion 5th brigade charged arson burning houses businesses public buildings october books news reports sources


river raid river raid skirmish occurred present day illinois black hawk war settlement inhabitants defenders fled illinois raid happened small band native americans fox attacked settlement defenders present men present fell ensued hour attackers withdrew killed injured attack aftermath colonel james dispatched detachment militia returned incident settlement temporarily abandoned background consequence treaty governor indiana territory group fox leaders land settlement fox tribes vacated lands illinois moved west mississippi chief black hawk disputed treaty claiming tribal councils consulted representing tribes authorization lands angered loss birthplace black hawk led number incursions mississippi_river persuaded return west time april encouraged promises alliance tribes british moved called british band warriors non combatants illinois finding allies attempted return mississippi modern iowa ensuing events led battle run number engagements followed militia michigan territory state illinois mobilized hunt black hawk band conflict known black hawk war run ambush buffalo grove killed militia member days raid river settlement prelude settlement mouth river established copper discovered near mississippi_river black hawk war erupted settlement river consisted people settlers informed black hawk invasion abandon homes safer grounds illinois end nearby towns emptied residents citizens river decided send women children leave men stick frontier partially settlement homes constructed protection left defend impromptu fortifications aaron pierce robert william man known group militia volunteers ambushed buffalo grove days later famous indian creek massacre occurred day raid river attack small raiding party independent minded braves village fox village mines carried raid settlement present day illinois river party originated west mississippi_river probably motivated desire collect needed supplies small raiding party arrived settlement found practically deserted men present men originally settlement left raiding party arrived away hunting nearby left area search horse men left settlement trying round livestock pierce remained pierce heard dog outside looked small band native americans river edge immediately sounded alarm started explode men approached protection makeshift fortification inside slipped fell enter fell musket balls lodged wall standing moments attackers slipped inside hour exchange heavy gunfire erupted parties attackers withdrew fourth man hunting nearby discovered attackers chased afternoon escaped attackers injury free fact person killed injured river raid small raiding party escaped horses horses badly wounded gunfire shot dead settlement defenders aftermath men river settlement waited overnight fled reported incident colonel james ordered militia party settlement secure sure attackers dealt accordingly detachment arrived found native americans plenty bullet holes battle group continued fort armstrong picked supplies returned incident june colonel taylor expressed concerns recent events including river raid letter general henry stated doubt attack settlement killed site abandoned


battle battle fought stream morning october district time old province south vietnam today province months absorbed heavy losses result large scale search destroy missions conducted united_states_army prompted north vietnamese leaders review war strategy south vietnam light setbacks north vietnamese forces experienced early north vietnamese general suggested north vietnamese forces victorious inflicted casualties possible military units hoping americans conclude war costly withdraw vietnam 7th 9th divisions returned battlefield objective inflicting casualties military formations iii corps tactical zone june 1st infantry division launched operation destroy elements 9th division built strength northern operation american soldiers initially limited contact defeated enemy troops separate battles june 16th infantry battalion enforced company 28th infantry engaged hour battle supported massive artillery majority casualties suffered engagement operation concluded june 1st infantry division lost soldiers dead wounded september following string attacks allied military installations north vietnamese troops major general john hay decided temporarily stop conducting large scale operations true intentions communist forces known october regiment marched long secret zone rest refit major operation disrupt resting period general hay launched operation clear section national highway stretched starting september elements 1st infantry division air lifted positions long contacts october 2nd battalion 28th infantry regiment found major bunker system located south night defensive position near stream short fire fight broke avoid fighting long battle commander 2nd battalion decided pull preparations frontal assault day morning october rifle companies 2nd battalion returned bunker system found previous day defeated regiment set ambush anticipation american attack background half united_states military forces vietnam inflicted losses terms infrastructure manpower major ground operations cedar falls junction city manhattan north vietnamese military leaders generals operations carried americans south vietnam disastrous communist forces furthermore military situation north vietnam prompted north vietnamese leaders question war strategy united_states expanded rolling thunder bombing campaign enabled american destroy threaten limited industrial consequently north vietnamese leaders feared red river targeted americans surrounding flooded time north vietnamese government afraid split order accommodate resolution government government south showing sign collapse despite unfavorable developments south vietnam north vietnamese general van believed north vietnam win war pursued strategy attrition words communists fight long possible united_states recognized war conflict vietnam achieve objective tactical level argued north vietnamese forces destroy american military units cause casualties possible got tired left general 7th 9th division disposal june military forces iii corps tactical zone began detect build troops northern located war zone stop major enemy attack major general john hay commander 1st infantry division launched operation objective trapping battalions war zone day operation 1st infantry division able march kilometers virtually unopposed june americans claimed killed soldiers major contact june lieutenant colonel soldiers 1st battalion 16th infantry regiment air assaulted clearing known landing zone ray search battalion attacked elements regiment quickly penetrated 1st battalion support artillery helicopter men repelled repeated attacks loss killed wounded june operation concluded americans claimed killed enemy troops captured cost soldiers dead wounded august action time regiment 7th division targeted special forces camp located southeast 1st infantry division area operations midnight august regiment attacked able penetrate special forces camp forced flee ammunition bunker exploded night assaulted base times occasion repelled artillery fire close air support september scale north vietnamese activities iii corps commanders military assistance command vietnam meantime hay decided end large scale operations proven enemy real intentions known instead hay continued commit 2nd brigade efforts southern province 3rd brigade provided protection engineers clearing highway prelude following engagements 1st infantry division previous months colonel commander regiment ordered troops area known long secret zone situated national highway rubber plantation located kilometers northwest province regiment supposed receive troop replacements food supplies prepare major offensive unspecified target war zone previous years 9th division month september october rest prepare winter spring different reason hay determined disrupt resting period launching operation objective clearing highway september hay ordered colonel george newman commander 1st brigade place 1st battalion 2nd infantry regiment 1st battalion 28th infantry regiment northern portion long day colonel frank commander 3rd brigade ordered deploy 2nd battalion 2nd infantry regiment 2nd battalion 28th infantry regiment southern half area early stages forces contacts october south vietnamese unit operating east highway near significant contact large formation absorbed heavy casualties enemy documents obtained south vietnamese indicated clashed battalion sized unit regiment sent attack order cover movement regiment long area early october soldiers regiment arrived long obtain needed food supplies result allied search destroy operations created significant food shortages units region marched soldiers southward stream link rear service group local units lacked adequate food supplies regiment forced wait area arrival rice essential supplies october lieutenant colonel joseph 1st battalion 2nd infantry regiment contact company sized formation kilometers south west claimed killed enemy soldiers pursue retreating formation lieutenant colonel richard commander 1st battalion 18th infantry regiment instructed conduct air assault clearing located kilometers west battalion order block enemy troops battalion landed unopposed immediately set standard field position wire protect base october 1st battalion position subjected mortar bombardment shells caused little damage believed enemy final preparations major ground attack later evening rain began fall started attacking battalion camp different directions men able hold ground support artillery mortar fire fight casualties included killed action wounded weeks later captured soldier 2nd battalion regiment revealed unit lost soldiers killed wounded battle battalion october hay pulled 1st battalion act division reaction force lieutenant colonel terry allen commander 2nd battalion 28th infantry regiment ordered depart rifle companies alpha delta air lifted site kilometers northwest village kilometers north west 1st battalion charlie company detached allen 2nd battalion protect supporting 15th field artillery regiment days later battalion deployed new blocking positions units believed moving rubber plantation october led companies northward probe immediately attacked heavy fire ordered lead company pull perimeter formed second company lead company fell artillery air support called attacking formation battle soldiers found dead casualties day killed wounded shortly battalion pulled rest mid october hay believed regiment suffered major defeat ready withdraw long secret zone ready terminate increased activity near stream 1st brigade contacts indicated battle morning october allen led rifle companies delta 2nd battalion temporary night defensive position stream patrol area southeast covered thick jungle canopy marching kilometers battalion found fortified bunker allen ordered men pull directed positions bombing runs allen men entered camp broke firing trees surrounding areas allen ordered men pull form perimeter protect wounded soldiers artillery strikes called bunker positions 2nd battalion entered camp discovered bodies dead soldiers allen men moved western end camp fire fight broke estimated soldiers later afternoon allen decided break contact return base avoid fighting battle evening meantime called air strikes inflict damage base camp primary target regiment evening brigadier general william senior officers 1st infantry division visited 2nd battalion camp praised allen men efforts presented lieutenant clark commander delta company silver star actions earlier day allen decided launch frontal attack regiment base camp determine enemy unit lack sufficient manpower suggested allen assault soldiers ground operation allen dismissed suggestions responded giving captain james george commander alpha company responsibility leading attack instead strong regiment joined soldiers company rear service group command captain van set sided ambush waited arrival reported battalion morning october 2nd battalion departed night defensive position alpha company lead followed battalion command group tail formation covered delta company company stayed protect battalion base mortar sections alpha delta companies accordance 1st brigade policy allen personally led unit battalion command group preferred supervise actions helicopter artillery support alpha company authorized located fire support bases iii iii allen men marched southward base intention entering enemy base camp slightly different direction west preceded marching artillery fire 2nd battalion stopped periodically conduct cloverleaf patrols rear flanks lead element alpha company northeast southwest trail appeared hour 1st platoon leader requested received permission cloverleaf patrols east west trail immediately 1st platoon sighted soldier scouting west trail group soldiers soon appeared george ordered 1st platoon set hasty ambush trail time position soldiers disappeared quiet minutes later 1st platoon leader reported trees moving addition sound weapons ammunition response george ordered 1st platoon reinforce ambush position happening alpha company right flank covered 2nd platoon began receive sporadic enemy fire rest 1st platoon pinned concealed bunker positions fired captured machine guns steadily increased fire came form small arms caliber machine guns unable communicate 1st 2nd george moved forward 3rd platoon find lead held positions enemy fire exploded alpha company command element killing radio operator severely wounding george forward artillery observer gunfire died alpha company virtually destroyed minutes fighting company commander wounded leaders 1st 2nd killed break contact units fired alpha company western flank sergeant quickly organized assembly area eastern round survivors shortly assembly area established george severely wounded explosion turned company allen ordered lead survivors alpha company northward join rest battalion survivors 2nd 3rd alpha company ordered withdraw perimeter formed delta company surviving elements alpha company pulled delta company began receive sporadic fire southern flank allen ordered command group remain place near prominent 1st 2nd delta company 3rd platoon hand instructed forward assist wounded men alpha company fire increased intensity soldiers delta company picked distinctive sound machine gun firing southern flank allen assumed alpha company approaching perimeter ordered cease fire feared rifle companies firing order passed formation delta company enabled soldiers regiment gain fire superiority 2nd battalion placed reserve battle attacked delta company different directions time allen tried request artillery support impossible close proximity soldiers scene characterized destruction alpha company earlier allen wounded battle fired trees nonetheless allen instructed delta company begin northward march battalion base company forward cover withdrawal withdrawal quickly descended scene chaos soldiers avoid heavy enemy fire moments battle allen struck head machine gun fire helmet finally killed burst machine gun fire hit newman flew assume command 2nd battalion took control 1st brigade alpha company linked company taken positions meters south battalion night defensive position task assisting wounded afternoon 2nd battalion charlie company company moved battle area help evacuate wounded coordinating evacuation casualties helicopter decided assemble bodies dead area protect artillery fire stage regiment withdrawn battlefield flights challenged sporadic sniper fire aftermath ordered troops battle remaining americans caught ambush men tired hungry schedule movement assignment feared american air power artillery begin inflict heavy casualties unit battle costly affair soldiers 2nd battalion 28th infantry regiment hours fighting 2nd battalion lost men killed action including lieutenant colonel terry allen member battalion command group wounded missing efforts battle american soldiers awarded silver star allen received distinguished service cross forward observer second lieutenant durham attached 2nd battalion day 15th field artillery regiment posthumously awarded medal honor heroic actions despite losses inflicted 2nd battalion military told media fight resulted major american victory general hay initially portrayed american victory cited enemy dead battle american veterans survived battle adamant ambushed defeated regiment estimate enemy dead officially provided military likely inflated emphasize scale american victory retired army brigadier general james major served operations officer 2nd battalion lack reliable intelligence allen battalion commander factors led disastrous outcome battle furthermore american soldiers allen command lacked fighting experience soldiers 9th division tough experienced light infantry regiment victory withdrew base area near border rest 9th division planning major attack objective capturing district town special forces camp accomplish goals deployed regiments reinforced battalions regiment vietnam people army artillery regiment days battle military intelligence noticed build units hay response planned insert battalions 1st infantry division position trapping inside town evening october regiment marched position northeast regiment west october regiment began assaulting special forces camp quickly repelled special forces remaining elements charlie companies 2nd battalion 28th infantry regiment airfield set field south western end soldiers alpha delta companies sent base camp adjust losses suffered kept away enemy activity


battle battle october took place united_nations offensive river followed north korean invasion south_korea start korean war battle fought australian forces 3rd battalion royal australian regiment 17th tank brigade korean people army control north_korea surrounding area detecting strong north korean armoured force equipped tanks self propelled guns wooded line advance australians launched series company attacks american tanks aircraft support despite heavy resistance north forced withdraw australians captured objectives hours fighting evening north strongly reinforced attacking australian southern flank manned company partially penetrating perimeter hours fighting assault repulsed north subsequently launched furious assault company northern position failed amid heavy losses following day australians advanced high ground overlooking killing capturing number north skirmishes afternoon town cleared remaining elements 27th british commonwealth brigade opposition north korean casualties fighting heavy australian losses included commanding officer lieutenant colonel charles green wounded stomach artillery fire battle died days later 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 strength 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 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 strength 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 october killing north taking prisoners loss man killed wounded brigade passed command 24th infantry division october overall command major general john church 1st cavalry division remained complete capture 27th british commonwealth brigade subsequently ordered seize consequently brigade continued advance north little respite october australians fought major action killing north capturing brigade prisoners loss seven men wounded intending defeat north bring war close forces pushed river chinese border resistance continued met brigade crossed river moved october removed restrictions movement forces south river prepared final phase advance directive joint chiefs staff chinese intervention support north_korea 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 equipped tanks preparing line defence kilometres away north suffered heavy casualties previous fighting river forced adopt cautious tactics advancing shorter bounds clearing high points route october middlesex continued advance involved sharp fight hills west river near village war considered 27th british commonwealth brigade continued pursue north days advance increasingly encountered strong resistance north korean infantry dug tanks self propelled guns support approached river border battle fighting october took lead battalion 27th british commonwealth brigade october kilometres light aircraft reported large north korean formation consisting battalion sized force infantry supported tanks self propelled guns positioned wooded line advance positions noted constructed dug north occupying positions forward slopes sides road called sorties undertaken united_states_air_force shooting stars north korean positions pilots claimed destroyed seven tanks self propelled guns causing casualties north korean forces claims proved optimistic hours daylight remaining green planned battalion attack companies forward command major walter brown company subsequently ordered attack north korean positions left road followed company commanded captain william attack right preparatory fire field artillery battalion inch mortars support company began fall north korean positions company launched assault ridge south road tanks support company tank battalion tank platoon led attack followed carrying infantry platoon company command lieutenant david platoon right flanking assault road attacked ridge fields meeting stronger resistance expected attackers came heavy fire tanks knocked armour piercing round hit turret american tanks providing vital close support infantry platoon successfully secured objective allowing north provide fire support assault despite strong opposition remainder company gained high ground earlier having ineffective company opposed number tanks self propelled guns bulk destroyed assault tank knocked directed fire point blank range light machine gun private john caused armoured vehicle auxiliary fuel tanks resulting ammunition exploding subsequently awarded silver star bravery company attacked north road prior dusk time support tanks australians came heavy fire north quickly overcame defenders ridge secured fighting northern position north korean tanks dug destroyed australians short range new inch proved effective anti armour weapons despite difficulties experienced use days day fighting total tanks self propelled guns destroyed australian infantry american tanks contrary reports destruction earlier day expecting counter attack green ordered company forward occupy positions road positions held companies battalion headquarters moved company company held reserve rear support company conducting limited resupply forward companies australians hastily began dig north subsequently brought substantial reinforcements soon dark moved company southern flank preparatory fire artillery mortars machine guns began following battalion sized ground assault launched weight counter attack fell platoon company holding platoon fire north metres away engaging killing men later awarded military cross leadership initial assault subsequent defence regardless north succeeded parts australian position finally repulsed following counter attacks hours fierce fighting number north succeeded penetrating perimeter moved company fired headquarters contact subsequently lost company regained north forced withdraw headquarters company captain ben cleared depth positions focus north korean counter attack shifted northern flank launching heavy assault company effort failed repulsed called indirect fire support company mortars american metres forward australian positions north finally withdrew self propelled gun continued fire sporadically australian positions clearance town october following morning australians remained position found north korean dead defensive position subsequently brought middlesex forward secure northern flank moved forward river taking positions hills overlooking advance australians clashed number north korean killing capturing skirmishes clear organised resistance ceased successful australian assault subsequent defence objectives day breaking north locally north middlesex pushed forward afternoon river aerial reconnaissance reported presence north korean tanks west regardless afternoon encountered opposition entered cleared ruined burning town securing brigade moved divisional reserve 24th infantry division church ordering 21st infantry regiment place lead order british australian infantry needed respite tanks infantry 21st infantry regiment subsequently moved brigade 27th british commonwealth brigade adopted tight security evening threat north korean added protection reserve headquarters sited reverse slope hill overlooking river rifle companies occupying forward slope west spur line thrust river bank dusk october high velocity shells likely north korean self propelled gun tank hit area shells landed forward slope sixth cleared crest detonated rear company position hitting tree tent hours sleep green severely wounded stomach fragment round evacuated mobile army surgical hospital mash succumbed wounds died days later november subsequently interred men vicinity shell landed popular respected commanding officer green loss felt australians received gay brigade victory marching kilometres hours aftermath casualties fighting heaviest undertaken australians entering war north korean casualties included killed captured australian losses killed wounded including green royal australian regiment subsequently granted battle honour following capture town 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 division secured advancing kilometres border subsequent operations 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 ultimately north 27th british commonwealth brigade penetrate november brigade began moving south united_nations general withdrawal face chinese phase offensive observer eighth army headquarters posted resume command following green death relieved position days later wake battle november cost battalion heavily losing killed wounded despite killing chinese battalion second command major bruce subsequently assumed command suffering significant casualties chinese offensive halted day logistics difficulties november remained area conducting extensive patrolling secure area small groups chinese north captured winter approached weather colder australians increasingly suffered health maintenance problems additional cold clothing equipment issued united_nations subsequently resumed offensive november chinese began second phase offensive chinese 13th army group pushing eighth army river inflicting heavy losses south 2nd infantry division right flank eighth army began long retreat time chinese 9th army group ambushed corps near reservoir freezing winter weather set eighth army succeeded avoiding corps evacuated sea december despite inflicting heavy casualties chinese forces subsequently expelled north_korea withdrew 38th parallel sought establish defensive positions