battle battle arabic called battle pass battle khan battle fought forces arab kingdom syria french army levant july near khan anti lebanon mountains kilometers west damascus british backed arab revolt ottoman_empire arab forces army captured damascus october arab government subsequently formed syria recognized internationally instead france great_britain agreed divide arab territories ottoman_empire despite earlier british promises leadership arab territories form ruled state return arab participation british war effort french attempts establish control syria challenged inhabitants government march arab kingdom syria proclaimed king month later syria allocated france mandate league nations battle occurred france sought assert claim damascus government prior engagement general france issued ultimatum demanding rudimentary arab army demand ultimately time communicated agreement french forces launched offensive damascus lebanon war minister general set confront remnants arab army volunteers battle better equipped french forces command general defeated syrian forces killed action french troops entered damascus following day encountering little resistance soon expelled syria despite arab army decisive defeat battle symbol syria arab world desperate courage stronger imperial power background october end world war army led backed british_army captured damascus ottomans arab revolt ottoman_empire war ended month british conquest damascus leadership henry mcmahon british high commissioner cairo promised support establishment kingdom arab provinces ottoman_empire return launching revolt ottomans british french governments previous arrangements division ottomans arab provinces agreement fears throne syria attended january paris conference recognized french government sovereign ruler syria called syrian sovereignty rule european powers attending conference called european established arab territories ottoman_empire led june king crane commission published conclusions commission determined people syria overwhelmingly rejected french rule furthermore stated commission french rule mean certain death distinguished people french forces commanded general landed november ultimate goal bringing syria french control shortly french forces deployed valley wide area damascus king wishes delegate general said agreed french deployment disbandment arab troops near agreement said contrary earlier agreement french prime minister held french troops deploy valley league nations ruled matter condemned said accused following arab army withdrawal christian raided town prompting attacks local muslim forced christian families coast amid developments armed groups rebels emerged valley french officer assaulted muslim rebels opposed french presence believed arab government responsible act demanded apologize response violated agreement said occupied french deployment syrian coast valley provoked unrest syria political divisions political camp called confronting french camp sought compromise march syrian national congress proclaimed establishment kingdom syria king action immediately rejected british french san conference called allied powers april allocation arab territories finalized france given mandate syria france allocation syria turn syrian national congress months instability failure good promises french general gave ultimatum july demanding arab army submit french authority july face french military invasion july entire cabinet exception war minister agreed ultimatum issued disbandment orders arab army units damascus road hills anti lebanon mountains overlooking valley days later informed french liaison damascus acceptance ultimatum unclear reasons reach july sources suspicious french intentions accused french intentionally delaying delivery notice official excuse advancing damascus evidence indication french sabotage news disbandment submission led riots damascus july suppression led deaths opposed surrender remnants army opportunity confront french prelude july dispatched education minister arab government representative meet headquarters persuade end army advance damascus responded extending ultimatum day new stringent conditions france allowed establish mission damascus supervise implementation original ultimatum establishment french mandate returned damascus day communicate message called meeting cabinet july consider new ultimatum colonel french liaison officer damascus interrupted meeting demand french army allowed advance water wells abundant originally planned launch offensive damascus spring anti lebanon range lack water sources amid steep barren mountains led change plans accordingly sought occupy khan isolated damascus road situated crest mountain pass anti lebanon located kilometers west damascus motivated occupy khan proximity railway message confirmed fears cabinet intent taking syria force cabinet subsequently rejected ultimatum issued largely symbolic appeal international community end french advance july set damascus force army regulars volunteers divided northern central southern columns headed cavalry units french forces launched offensive khan shortly dawn july syrian forces waiting positions overlooking low end battle clashes took place french tank divisions stormed central position syrian defensive line french cavalry infantry units assaulted northern southern positions cavalry syrian units engage french syrian forces initially stiff resistance lacked coordination different units early clashes syrian artillery fire inflicted casualties battery french soldiers french tanks faced heavy fire attempted gain ground french artillery took toll syrian forces french broken central trench point hours clashes syrian forces managed briefly pin companies relatively isolated french right flank losses inflicted units represented roughly half french army total casualties nonetheless battle effectively having turned decisively favor french french forces reached headquarters mines laid route little information known battle syrian according version french forces meters distance rushed syrian stationed near demanded open fire shells fired french tank unit spotted machine gun fire account events attempted trenches french forces approached position shot french set charges death marked end battle intermittent clashes continued surviving syrian fighters bombed air french retreated damascus battle general addressed general follows general order july general deeply happy address general troops line 2nd 11th 10th light infantry men africa regiment batteries african groups batteries company tanks bombardment groups squadrons hard fight july broken resistance enemy defied months engraved glorious page history country general aftermath initial estimates casualties claimed syrian dead french casualties turned exaggerated french army claimed soldiers killed wounded missing action syrian fighters killed wounded king observed battle village apparent routed cabinet exception interior minister din quietly secured deal french departed town located southern approaches damascus french forces captured july fight victory french troops besieged captured damascus july short time majority forces fled surrendered french parties arab groups opposed french rule continued resist quickly defeated king returned damascus july asked form government decided composition cabinet confirmed french general condemned rule syria accusing having dragged country inch destruction stating utterly impossible remain country denounced statement insisted remained sovereign head syria authority granted syrian people verbally dismissed french order family syria departed damascus july cabinet members initially traveled south region gained allegiance local tribal leaders french ultimatum tribal leaders expel face bombardment compelled head west british held palestine august avoid departure syria marked end goal establishing leading arab state syria combatants arms french forces estimates combined size french army levant divisions participated battle ranged troops troops units consisted infantry battalions number cavalry artillery units participating units infantry regiment 2nd regiment division african regiment battalion number volunteers mount lebanon reportedly joined french forces army levant equipped plain mountain artillery batteries guns backed tanks fighter bombers commander french forces general syrian forces syrian forces fought battle consisted remnants general hindi disbanded arab army unit based force arab army regulars disbanded units damascus mounted soldiers assembled general numerous civilian volunteers estimates number arab army soldiers local arab army units disbanded days prior battle order king acceptance terms set general july ultimatum according historian recruited soldiers volunteers participated battle civilian militia units assembled led merchant mosque muslim scholar killed battle muhammad participated battle men quarter damascus muslim scholars damascus including ottoman fifth army preacher mosque muhammad scholar ali preacher mosque participated battle equipped rifles discarded retreating ottoman soldiers world war army cavalry arab revolt possessed number machine guns artillery batteries according versions ammunition low bullets rifle bullets machine gun shells cannon ammunition bullet rifle types correspond legacy french took control territory french mandate syria lebanon france divided syria smaller centered certain regions including greater lebanon state state syrian coastal mountains states damascus reportedly went tomb kicked said awake returned presence victory cross crescent decisively defeated battle gone arab history synonym heroism hopeless courage huge odds betrayal according iraqi historian ali according british journalist robert battle struggle syrian learns school ignorant historian wrote following battle syrian resistance khan soon took epic proportions viewed arab attempt stop imperial states defeat caused popular attitudes arab world exist present day hold western world commitments makes arab people stands way imperial designs major pan asserted battle important events modern history arab nation event annually commemorated thousands visit grave


lithuanian coup état lithuanian coup état lithuanian military coup état lithuania resulted replacement elected government conservative authoritarian government led coup took place december largely organized military role remains subject debate coup brought lithuanian nationalist union conservative party time power fairly new insignificant party membership numbered won seats parliamentary elections lithuanian christian democratic_party largest party time collaborated military provided constitutional legitimacy coup accept major posts new government withdrew military handed power civilian government ceased playing direct role political life party remained power lithuania occupied soviet_union background lithuania incorporated russian_empire occupied germany world war declared independent february years marked lithuanian wars independence delaying international recognition establishment political institutions newly formed army fought poland october poland annexed historic modern day capital lithuania surrounding area controversial action source ongoing tension powers interwar period lithuania second largest city designated interim capital state constituent assembly lithuania elected april adopted constitution august elections took place october disputed constitutional issue role presidency eventually powers government heavily weighted favor parliament members elected people year terms new directly elected president authorized appoint prime minister prime minister charged confirming cabinet ministers presidential term limited year terms succession parliamentary system proved unstable formed november december principal political actors time coup active independence movement republic years served lithuania president april june withdrew formal political involvement published political criticism served brief prison term represented lithuania treaty brest later served prime minister minister defense minister foreign affairs resigned government continued write publish political criticism sentenced short prison term chaired post world war commission went serve head 6th cabinet ministers second served prime minister oversaw organization lithuanian armed forces member second parliamentary election regular elections held time led lithuanian christian democratic_party strongly supported roman_catholic_church clergy obtain majority lithuanian people disillusioned party members involved financial scandals diplomatic privileges moscow deal cocaine purchased cheap low quality smoked pig fat germany instead buying lithuanian farmers minister finance transferred large sum money state budget personal account party strategies economic crisis perceived ineffective additional tension arose recognized ecclesiastical province poland despite lithuanian requests govern directly rome vatican policy tradition decision implied pope recognized polish claims constituted loss prestige christian democrats diplomatic relations severed improve april pope established reorganized lithuanian ecclesiastical province regard lithuanian proposals demands peasant popular union social democrats formed left wing coalition opposition christian democrats coalition constitute majority went add representatives minorities lithuania germans region poles jews june elected 3rd president lithuania prime minister members peasant popular union causes reasons coup remain subject debate domestic situation definitely troubled historians pointed specific european 1920s influence including coup italy coup poland historians cited general trends europe resulted end 1930s governments european nations democratic displayed compromise frequent shifts government created chronic perception crisis historians discussed exaggerated fear communism factor lack stable center reach parties left right parties accused according historian saw true heroes independence movement returning power democratic means elections government lifted martial law effect restored democratic freedoms granted broad amnesty political prisoners time lithuania truly democratic change meet universal approval released prisoners communists quickly new freedoms speech organize protest attended approximately people june protest dispersed new government opposition protest platform public attack government alleging allowing illegal organizations communist_party lithuania outlawed freely continue activities despite local nature incident presented major threat lithuania military government said incapable dealing threat allegations lithuania signed non aggression treaty soviet_union september treaty conceived previous government dominated christian democrats christian democrats voted treaty strongly supported drew sharp criticism lithuania exchanged repeated recognition rights region international isolation treaty demanded lithuania alliances countries time soviet_union member league nations france looking reliable partners eastern_europe baltic states contemplating union november student demonstration forcibly dispersed police lithuanian students gathered near communist led workers union police fearing armed clashes groups intervened attempted stop demonstration seven police officers injured thirteen students arrested attempt legally overthrow government christian democrats suggested motion confidence response incident rejected public outcry arose government seeking support ethnic minorities allowed opening polish schools lithuania time polish government closing lithuanian schools fiercely contested region coalition government directly confronted christian democrats proposed budget reduced salaries clergy subsidies catholic schools controversies created government military reform program revealed conservative military officers fired military began planning coup preparations considerable academic debate concerning involvement planning coup ousted government forced exile wrote planning coup historian asserted idea coup raised early time frame disputed military action autumn personal secretary held knew coup inspired organized coup editor lithuanian shift orientation took place late november cited evidence informed coup issue november appeared newspaper critical government christian democrats date newspaper published articles november student protest article headlined threat lithuania article argued communists posed genuine threat current government incapable dealing date newspaper ceased issuing criticisms christian democrats september military officers led captain organized committee generals members month later group called revolutionary general headquarters lithuanian formed groups closely coordinated efforts december military planned detailed actions investigated areas action place informed leaders lithuanian national union christian democratic parties rumors plan reached social democrats took action coup movements polish army region purpose induce troops potentially opposed coup coup late evening december soviet consul informed possible coup following night pay attention warning coup began night december 60th birthday president celebrated attended numerous state officials budget cuts military church spending passed night military forces occupied central military government offices arrested officials colonel initiated military reform program tried rally troops coup soon arrested dispersed president placed house arrest colonel released prison serving day sentence fist fight officer declared dictator lithuania later day colonel asked new president situation military create impression coup solely initiative involved joined response invitation serve nation prime minister resigned president appointed new prime minister representing lithuanian national union invited christian democrats join forming new government restore degree constitutional legitimacy party agreed reluctantly worried prestige looking near future christian democrats reasoned easily win upcoming elections regaining power constitutional means avoiding direct association coup keeping strategy allowed members lithuanian national union prominent posts initially president refused resign eventually persuaded polish invasion imminent sworn uphold constitution december delegates met social democrats peasant popular union elected new speaker formal head state hours elected president deputies voted passed vote confidence new cabinet formed constitutional observed lithuanian national union secured major roles assumed office minister defense minister interior aftermath official rationale given military actions prevented imminent coup allegedly scheduled december martial law declared communists arrested leaders executed december blow communist_party lithuania inactive time concrete evidence found communists planned political parties organizations according military casualties associated coup apart executions sources cite case captain allegedly shot guards presidential palace died day later hospital international recognition new government prove difficult western powers pleased ratified non aggression treaty soviet_union september looking government change priorities lithuanian foreign policy surprising british daily_telegraph french united_states new_york_times wrote coup expected friendly relations soviet_union relations poland anti democratic unconstitutional nature coup emphasized western press reported news assessed positive development lithuanian struggle international diplomatic opinion held strong authoritarian leader provide internal stability earlier years republic lithuania genuinely democratic essential freedoms curtailed martial law christian democrats believing coup merely temporary measure demanded new elections held stalled predicted party popular elected president meantime nationalists discussing constitutional changes increase powers executive branch powers april group tried organize coup defend constitution plans discovered rebels arrested member april protested arrest delivering motion confidence government constitutional right dissolved constitution violated new elections held months april christian democratic newspapers calling new elections censored christian democrats withdrew government thinking nationalists acting able sustain result lithuanian national union took upper hand dispute larger influential rival assumed absolute control state coup major event interwar lithuania dictatorship years government outlawed activities political parties coup continues difficult issue soviet_union describe subsequent occupation lithuania liberation describes regime authoritarian fascist coup described extreme form light lithuania political


action february action february unusual minor naval engagement western coast haiti british frigate frigate manned loose rebels battle fought background napoleonic wars collapse government haiti aftermath revolution years earlier french expelled haiti newly independent nation ruled jean murdered replaced advisors rulers divided country confused political situation followed number minor appeared including led south island called department small navy defected vessels collection sailors countries led notorious named stationed haiti british frigate hms southampton captain sir james lucas tasked observing political situation orders interfere intermittent conflict orders include ships reasoned flagship large frigate recently renamed reported presented threat international trade region sailing intercept ship discovered gulf ordered surrender refused frigates exchanged shots superior discipline southampton prevented boarding british ship greater numbers half hour battered ship surrendered crew ashore bringing port royal jamaica jamaica actions approved superiors renamed returned background napoleonic wars caribbean_sea initially important theatre naval conflict ships operating french british spanish dutch colonies preyed enemy trade royal_navy launched series amphibious operations eliminated french dutch colonies brought conflict caribbean end threat attacks british trade region significantly reduced royal_navy reduced presence caribbean remaining british ships distributed observe trouble spots region included independent nation haiti haiti won independence france caribbean nation fought lengthy bloody war french known revolution armies slaves led jean succeeded driving french fortified ports systematically eliminating start napoleonic wars french reinforcements garrison haiti delayed intercepted british_royal_navy blockaded island took garrisons removing prevent massacre rapidly established monarch haiti reign cut short closest advisors organised assassination assuming control haiti laid claim northern country south sides constant low level civil war decade minor rulers sprang period especially south gave parcels land followers establish private took command small state region following death ruler early french sent number reinforcement convoys blockaded colonies hope strengthening garrisons british invasions began ships including frigates lost missions reached destinations successfully failed attempts expedition caribbean arrived april des finding guadeloupe surviving colony intended anchor supplies blockaded des british squadron vice admiral sir alexander attempting break april led main squadron northwest puerto_rico frigates slipped northeast arriving safely squadron defeated april frigates remained june attempted break return france laden trade goods british blockade squadron soon pursuit june frigate hms captured fight captured month later north_atlantic years old considered commissioning royal_navy instead sold form nucleus new navy battle point january navy defected reasons unknown placed noted french named command squadron included frigate renamed corvette brig armed cannon took board crew men mixture french american began cruising gulf british observer haiti time captain sir james lucas frigate hms southampton strict orders respect flags minor emerged coast january word reached port prince movements immediately sailed intercept concerned allowed powerful squadron waters begin attacks merchant ships regardless february discovered ships anchor south island demanded come aboard southampton commissioning papers establish authority commanded warship captain refused sent aboard lieutenant note purported signed general chief south authority commission warships ordered lieutenant tell ships submit southampton taken port royal jamaica ownership established naval authorities minutes consider proposal british officer accompanied lieutenant answer informed minutes intention submitting british ship told intent fighting ship indicate bow gun fired ahead returning southampton lieutenant relayed message bow gun fired followed seconds later broadside southampton responded kind engagement repeatedly attempted board southampton vastly superior numbers british crew aware enemy intentions repeatedly way disciplined vessel easily able remain contact ship half hour highly efficient gunners southampton knocked main masts leaving unable manoeuvre vulnerable repeated pounding close range despite severe damage ship suffered crew continued fire cannon irregular intervals minutes shot prompting broadside british ship smaller vessels support frigate fleeing near shelter batteries hour heavy fire hailed discover surrendered somebody aboard replied seriously wounded longer command identity person gave surrender known aftermath southampton stopped firing remaining masts ship fell overboard casualties immense crew dead wounded including subsequently died injuries loss man killed wounded crew seeking rid prisoners landed sailing port prince rest landed temporary jury masts fitted journey jamaica british retained prisoners trial port royal repaired jamaica subsequently restored returning service action attacking ship officially sanctioned commanding officer commended caribbean rose importance later outbreak war britain united_states american threatened british trade routes royal_navy ships sent defeat including southampton wrecked bahamas anti patrol november significant actions region napoleonic wars presence royal_navy patrols large scale french american operations caribbean


action november action november minor naval engagement fought frigate squadrons adriatic_sea adriatic campaign napoleonic wars action series operations conducted british_royal_navy french_navy contest dominance adriatic period adriatic surrounded french territory french client states result british interference highly movement french troops supplies action came months british achieved decisive victory french battle squadron action engagement action november result british interception french military convoy traveling cannon resulted british victory french ship escaping capture british force suggested action factor napoleon decision change direction planned eastwards expansion balkans russia background war coalition french maintained client kingdoms italy naples controlled western shores adriatic years strategically important islands territories seized treaties giving napoleon direct command eastern shore treaties france seized important fortress islands notably important shipyards maintaining control adriatic harder seizing threat attack austrian russian ottoman armies mountainous terrain balkans forcing development garrisons effectively sea royal_navy mediterranean battle sought disrupt french convoys adriatic following russian withdrawal royal_navy dispatched small frigate squadron operate sea squadron commanded captain william seized island present day use base campaign french allies forced french_navy deploy significantly larger forces combat escalating series raid counter raid continued march french commander adriatic bernard attacked force twice available ensuing battle routed opponents captured ships sank killed aftermath battle badly wounded returned britain hms leaving captain james brisbane command adriatic conflict theatre widely dispersed brisbane delegated command commanders small squadrons independent cruisers dispersed forces continued success french convoys november independently sailing hms eagle attempt send supplies captured unarmed frigate following day message received port george warning french convoy sighted close island chase british commander november captain murray hms frigates sloop responded signal squadron seek destroy convoy attempted invasion previous march bred caution british defenders compelled sailors marines port george leave gun hms protect harbour weakened squadron delayed force departing port george assumed british squadron convoy comprised survivors battle sailing supply island shortly passing southern british squadron encountered neutral merchant ship carrying lieutenant john hms unite malta seen french ships passing identified convoy heading north south ordered merchant ship return bring warning french convoy command commodore consisted ships large frigates smaller convoy departed november carrying cargo cannon squadrons key symbol indicates officer killed action subsequently died wounds received ships ordered sequence formed battle battle casting south close island captain gordon active sighted french force november sailing north west initially french ships held course determining approaching squadron british spread sail escape pursuit evident maintain pace larger frigates turned north east hopes escaping independently active initially gave chase smaller ship recalled sent unite keeping active pursuit larger french ships clear soon catch heavily laden french ships sent telegraph signal gordon remember battle action months raised signal remember nelson shots fired close island main action begin hour exchanged shots stern bow guns firing broadside simultaneously pressing sail effort reach ambition thwarted shot brought main slowing suddenly allowing pull little ahead active arrived action firing forcing bring round protect colleague conflicts active separated different particularly suffering severely active taking heavy damage pounder shot captain gordon leg height engagement british ship appeared horizon sloop hms persuaded longer protect battered superior numbers set sail west away opponents battered distant pursue active concentrated soon lost masts forced surrender prevent total destruction escaped later reaching safely having suffered severe damage engagement unite secondary engagement battle contested initially sight combatants firing shots pursuing unite smaller size vessels faster larger counterparts result unite caught smaller ship pursuit ships exchanged long range shots stern bow guns caused casualties aboard unite external appearances frigate similar size fifth rate unite fact french ship lightly armed carrying small guns opponents result clear ship unite captain surrendered firing token broadside destroyed powerful ship aftermath casualties suffered action relatively heavy sides british ships reduced crews suffered men killed wounded french lost casualties losses unknown believed heavy given battered condition french lost cargo aboard amounted bronze iron cannon iron wheels gun carriages numerous military stores promotions granted junior officers active crews received praise prize money service operation similar rewards crew unite probably smaller armed opponent total prize money anticipated captured ships sufficient quality warrant purchase royal_navy hastily built personal warship result weak construction designed armed scale warship ultimately transferred britain briefly renamed hms broken materials sold nearly decades later battle actions recognised attached naval general service medal awarded application british participants living france action significant consequences loss ships cannon blow french army balkans napoleon took interest engagement suggested british historian james henderson action convinced napoleon inability control adriatic_sea vital launching operations balkans action factor decision abandon plans invade ottoman_empire instead turn attention russia french_navy flight deemed captain court relieved command murray visited return east indies hms wrecked napoleon greeted words government blame loss taken frigates effects adriatic slight action confirming overwhelming british dominance region french_navy continue seek reinforcements squadrons concentrating construction new ships italian ready result significant action year adriatic


battle day day battle american_civil_war took place july began engagement isolated units army northern virginia confederate general robert lee army union george soon escalated major battle culminated outnumbered defeated union forces retreating high ground south pennsylvania day battle proceeded phases combatants continued arrive battlefield morning brigades confederate henry division hill corps delayed union brig john infantry reinforcements arrived john union corps confederate assaults pike repulsed killed early afternoon union corps arrived union position west north town confederate second corps richard began massive assault north robert division attacking oak hill early division attacking open fields north town union lines generally held extremely heavy pressure overrun phase battle came renewed assault north returned entire division west accompanied division heavy fighting woods near lutheran theological seminary oak ridge finally caused union line collapse conducted fighting withdrawal town suffering heavy casualties losing prisoners simply retreated took good defensive positions cemetery hill waited additional attacks despite orders robert lee heights richard chose attack historians debated battle ended differently found background military situation opposing forces union confederate morning defense cavalry morning july union cavalry division brig john awaiting approach confederate infantry forces direction northwest confederate forces brigade brig briefly clashed union forces day believed pennsylvania militia little consequence regular army cavalry screening approach army general realized importance high ground directly south knew gain control heights army hard time decided utilize ridges west ridge ridge seminary ridge proceeding west east town appropriate terrain delaying action small division superior confederate infantry forces meant buy time awaiting arrival union occupy strong defensive positions south town cemetery hill cemetery ridge hill early morning commanding left wing army ordered corps march location corps oliver howard follow closely confederate henry division hill corps advanced deployed cavalry led artillery battalion major william infantry brigades followed commanded brig james archer joseph davis proceeding easterly columns pike miles west town brigades met light resistance cavalry deployed line eventually reached col william cavalry brigade shot battle claimed fired lieutenant jones 8th illinois cavalry fired unidentified man gray horse half mile away act merely symbolic soon faced confederate deploying columns line battle men mounted determined resistance delaying tactics fence posts rapid fire breech loading modern myth armed multi shot repeating able fire times faster muzzle loaded rifle breech loading design meant union troops stand safely cover great advantage stand providing easier target far relatively affair reached ridge pushed federal east ridge vanguard corps finally arrived division james troops led personally conferred briefly bring men forward davis versus morning infantry fighting occurred pike ridge north unfinished railroad bed opened shallow cuts ridges south dominant features run woods called woods property john brig union brigade opposed davis brigade regiments north pike south left brig solomon meredith iron brigade opposed archer general directed brigades position placed guns maine battery james hall stood earlier general rode horse east end woods shouting forward men forward god sake drive woods fell horse killed instantly bullet striking ear historians believe likely killed random shot volley rifle fire directed 2nd wisconsin assumed command corps right union line regiments brigade fired davis brigade position ridge davis line overlapped right making union position ordered regiments seminary ridge commander new_york col francis miller shot inform troops withdrawal remained fight heavy pressure second order came minutes men casualties losing officers men davis victorious men turned union positions south railroad bed drove east seminary ridge confederate effort north pike archer versus meredith south pike archer men expecting easy fight recognize black hats worn men facing woods famous iron brigade formed regiments western states indiana michigan wisconsin reputation fierce fighters crossed run climbed slope woods right longer union line reverse situation north pike brig archer captured fighting general officer robert lee army suffer fate archer likely positioned 14th tennessee captured private patrick company 2nd wisconsin brave patriotic young archer resisted capture killed later day received medal honor exploit archer taken rear encountered army colleague greeted good good morning archer glad archer replied glad damn sight railroad cut sent reserve regiment 6th wisconsin iron brigade regiment commanded col north direction davis disorganized brigade wisconsin men fence pike fired halted davis attack men caused seek cover unfinished railroad cut 6th joined new_york new_york known 14th brooklyn brigade commanded col pike regiments charged railroad cut davis men seeking cover majority foot cut shown map center cut deep effective firing position deep feet making situation difficult absence overall commander general davis location unknown men regiments faced fire charged cut 6th wisconsin american flag went times charge point took fallen flag seized corporal color guard union line neared flanks folded took appearance inverted union men reached railroad cut vicious hand hand bayonet fighting broke able pour fire ends cut considered surrender colonel took initiative shouting colonel regiment major john blair 2nd mississippi stood responded replied command regiment surrender fire later described happened officer replied word promptly handed sword men held threw muskets self possession discipline held men pouring general volley saved lives enemy mind goes fearful excitement moment marvel despite surrender leaving standing holding seven swords fighting continued minutes numerous able escape ridge union regiments lost engaged davis attack prevented striking rear iron brigade overwhelmed confederate brigade unable participate significantly combat rest day confederate losses killed wounded prisoners engaged midday battlefield temporarily quiet confederate henry faced embarrassing situation orders general lee avoid general engagement army northern virginia concentrated area excursion ostensibly find shoes essentially reconnaissance force conducted infantry division started general engagement losing far remaining brigades brig col john arrived scene division brigades hill corps hill remaining division richard anderson arrive late day considerably confederate forces way divisions second corps commanded richard approaching north towns york brigades robert marched road left reaching town advance wooded crest oak ridge link left flank hill corps brigades early approached road union cavalry outposts north town detected movements remaining division edward johnson arrive late day union reorganized lines units corps arrived hand corps artillery col charles followed brigades division commanded brig thomas placed end line corps arrived south noon moving roads oliver howard surveying area roof brothers dry goods store downtown heard killed command union forces field recalled heart heavy situation grave surely moment god helping stay till army comes assumed command field howard immediately sent summon reinforcements iii corps daniel corps henry howard corps division arrive sent north position oak ridge link right corps division commanded temporarily brig alexander filled howard corps commander division brig francis placed right support division arrive brig von placed cemetery hill batteries artillery hold hill rallying point union troops hold positions placement hill corresponded orders sent earlier day howard killed beat oak hill corps division forced positions broad plain north town east oak hill linked corps reserve division brig john robinson brigades sent forward heard arrival howard defensive line particularly strong north soon outnumbered corps suffering effects defeat battle terrain men occupied north poorly selected defense held hope reinforcements corps arrive baltimore pike time difference afternoon afternoon fighting west hill corps attacks corps north corps attacking corps oak hill saw howard troops deploying interpreted start attack implicit permission set aside lee order bring general engagement attacks oak hill initially sent brigades south union troops represented right flank corps left flank corps east west brig george col edward brig alfred georgia brigade stood guarding flank awaiting arrival early division attacks fared poorly veteran regiments brigade brig henry manning line shallow inverted facing north ridge road men sent forward coordinating flank fell heavy fire corps troops failed perform rudimentary reconnaissance sent men forward stayed rear minutes earlier men concealed woods stone wall rose fire yards away creating casualties north stories told groups dead bodies lying parade ground formations heels boots perfectly aligned bodies later buried scene area today known pits source local tales supernatural phenomena brigade worn ammunition withdrew brigade robinson replaced brigade brig paul committed reserve brigades brig daniel attacked paul brigade held crucial position paul bullet temple permanently survived wound lived years battle end day commanders brigade wounded daniel north_carolina brigade attempted break corps line southwest pike ran stiff resistance col roy stone pennsylvania brigade area railroad cut morning battle fierce fighting eventually ground attack lee arrived battlefield men mid attack seeing major assault underway lifted restriction general engagement gave permission hill resume attacks morning line division fresh brigades north col john brigade deployed line extended south ground defended iron brigade left flank 19th indiana north largest brigade army drove iron brigade fighting war iron brigade pushed woods temporary stands open ground east fall lutheran theological seminary meredith downed head wound worse horse fell left iron brigade brigade col defending open ground ridge right stone facing west north pike attacked daniel casualties severe afternoon 26th north_carolina largest regiment army men lost heavily leaving day fight men commander colonel henry fatally wounded bullet chest end day battle men standing highest casualty percentage battle regiment north south union regiments 24th michigan lost color shot commander col henry wounded head captured pennsylvania brigade lost highest ranking casualty engagement struck bullet head apparently saved stuffed paper new hat large head consequences blow unconscious hours command involvement day battle unable urge division forward supplement struggling assault oddly passive phase battle typically aggressive tendencies young general lee army seen forward accord hill shared blame failing order forward claimed illness history know motivations mortally wounded day left report early attacks corps oliver howard corps difficult defensive problem divisions brigades cover wide farmland north town temporarily command corps howard overall command field deployed division brig alexander left brig francis right left brigades col george von col brig col von howard recalled selected line logical continuation corps line formed left decision criticized historians far forward right flank vulnerable enemy suggests line stevens run feet north railroad shorter line defend better fields fire secure right flank making federal defense difficult advanced farther north division occupying foot elevation rock creek named known today justification wanted prevent brigade division occupying artillery platform general claimed afterward misunderstood orders taking position official report states directing movements troops shower bullets severely wounded carried battle field taking following howard directive advance early division artillery platform von fortified position cemetery hill position turned unfortunate created line assaulted multiple sides ordered brigade sitting north end town order position forward assist brigades arrived late insufficient numbers help historian harry judges decision ensured defeat corps richard second division early swept road deployed battle line brigades wide mile half mile wider union defensive line early started large scale artillery bombardment georgia brigade brigadier general john gordon directed frontal attack pinning defenders brigades brigadier general harry colonel swung exposed flank time launched synchronized assault gordon defenders targeted gordon men von brigade regiments initial target thomas jackson flanking attack men 54th new_york held long overwhelmed pennsylvania succumbed attempting rally troops shot captured second brigade came attack gordon union brigades conducted retreat south left flank corps attack focused division subjected deadly artillery early batteries deployed attacked infantry early troops able employ flanking attack roll division right fell confusion town desperate counterattack new_york von brigade surrounded sides causing suffer casualties howard witnessing disaster sent forward artillery battery infantry brigade von reserve force col charles battle line north town overwhelmed provided valuable cover retreating soldiers high price men captured guns battery collapse corps completed fight hour suffered casualties prisoners half number sent forward cemetery hill losses gordon brigades break original faulty attack stalled launched reserve brigade paul brigade road brigade left flank corps daniel brigade resumed attack east oak ridge time successful early coordinated attack flank west union troops fallen seminary built hasty running yards north south western face hall bolstered guns battalion division hill corps stepped exhausted lines men finish corps survivors brigade brig alfred scales attacked northern flank regiments north virtually annihilated artillery war charge come concentrated scale guns spaced yards apart fired spherical case explosive shells double rounds approaching brigade emerged fight men standing single lieutenant command scales wrote found squad marked place regiments rested attack continued southern central area col ordered south_carolina brigade regiments men advance rapidly fire prominently horseback leading men untouched directed men weak point union left yard gap left hand regiment pennsylvania attempting guard flank broke union line rolling north scales men continued pin right flank union position men corps retreating northern battle pursued masses ordered withdrawal east cemetery hill southern flank north_carolina brigade brig james lane contributed little assault kept busy clash union cavalry road brig edward thomas georgia brigade reserve rear summoned hill assist exploit breakthrough union retreat sequence retreating units remains unclear corps cast blame main versions events extant prevalent version triggered collapse ran line second line seminary defense collapsed time robinson division center gave way spread left right howard told corps forced retreat corps collapsed flank reduced embarrassment men career effectively ruined howard story union troops retreated different states order brigades seminary ridge said deliberately slowly keeping control col artillery informed order retreat found realized situation ordered gun crews withdraw walk wishing panic infantry start rout pressure eventually increased ordered remaining guns street abreast hill failed commit reserves pursuit seminary defenders great missed opportunity near railroad cut daniel brigade renewed assault union soldiers surrendered taken prisoner paul brigade attack seriously isolated robinson ordered withdraw ordered 16th maine hold position cost rear guard enemy pursuit regiment commanded col charles returned stone wall road fierce fire gave sufficient time rest brigade escape considerably disarray seminary 16th maine started day men end holding action survivors corps sad reminder retreat heavy pursuit streets town corps planned routes hand hand fighting broke places parts corps conducted organized fighting retreat stand private citizens panicked amidst turmoil artillery shells overhead fleeing refugees added congestion soldiers sought avoid capture hiding alexander person climbed fence hid kitchen garden family rest day battle advantage corps soldiers familiar route cemetery hill having passed way morning corps including senior officers know cemetery union troops climbed cemetery hill encountered determined scott midday miles south maryland heard killed immediately dispatched commander corps trusted subordinate scene orders command field determine appropriate place major battle original plan man defensive line pipe creek miles south maryland battle underway making difficult option arrived cemetery hill met howard brief disagreement command order senior officer howard yielded direction arrived commanded units field day took control union troops arriving hill directed defensive positions defiant persona choice battlefield told howard think strongest position nature fight battle saw howard agreed concluded discussion sir select battle field brig warren chief engineer army inspected ground concurred evening lee understood defensive potential union_army held high ground cemetery hill sent orders carry hill occupied enemy found avoid general engagement arrival divisions army face possibly contradictory order chose attempt assault reason battle fatigue men late afternoon johnson division corps hour arriving battlefield difficulty assaulting hill narrow corridors afforded streets immediately north requested assistance hill general felt corps depleted day battle general lee want bring richard anderson division reserve consider taking hill union position cemetery hill early opposed idea reported union troops probably corps approaching york pike sent brigades john gordon brig william extra billy smith block perceived threat early urged waiting johnson division hill johnson division arrived pike east town preparation hill small reconnaissance party sent advance encountered picket line 7th indiana infantry opened fire captured confederate officer soldier remainder fled attempts seize hill july came end lee order criticized left discretion numerous historians proponents lost cause movement prominently early despite reluctance support attack time speculated aggressive jackson acted order lived command wing lee army differently second day battle proceeded confederate artillery cemetery hill commanding length cemetery ridge federal lines communications baltimore pike stephen suggested invoked original plan defensive line pipe creek withdrawn army movement dangerous operation pressure lee rest armies arrived evening early morning johnson division joined richard anderson joined hill divisions corps commanded james arrived morning cavalry brigades stuart area wide ranging raid northeast lee felt loss eyes ears army stuart absence contributed accidental start battle morning left lee unsure enemy july union arrived midnight corps iii corps took positions cemetery ridge corps corps nearby east corps significant distance battlefield marching rapidly join army day significant simply prelude bloody second days ranks 23rd biggest battle war number troops engaged quarter army men lee army engaged union casualties confederate slightly


battle battle local sound fought july town pennsylvania union confederate forces american_civil_war battle involved largest number casualties entire war described war turning point union george army defeated attacks confederate robert lee army northern virginia ending lee attempt invade north success virginia lee led army valley begin second invasion north campaign army high spirits lee intended shift focus summer campaign war ravaged northern virginia hoped influence northern politicians prosecution war penetrating far pennsylvania philadelphia president abraham_lincoln joseph moved army pursuit relieved command days battle replaced elements armies initially collided july lee concentrated forces objective engage union_army destroy low ridges northwest town defended initially union cavalry division brig john soon reinforced corps union infantry large confederate corps assaulted northwest north collapsing hastily developed union lines sending defenders retreating streets town hills south second day battle armies assembled union line laid defensive formation resembling late afternoon july lee launched heavy assault union left flank fierce fighting little round devil den peach orchard union right confederate demonstrations escalated scale assaults hill cemetery hill battlefield despite significant losses union defenders held lines day battle fighting resumed hill cavalry battles east south main event dramatic infantry assault center union line cemetery ridge known charge charge repulsed union rifle artillery fire great loss confederate army lee led army retreat virginia soldiers armies casualties day battle costly history november president lincoln dedication ceremony national cemetery honor fallen union soldiers purpose war historic address background military situation shortly army northern virginia won major victory army battle april robert lee decided second invasion north unsuccessful maryland campaign september ended bloody battle upset plans summer campaigning season possibly reduce pressure besieged confederate garrison invasion allow live bounty rich northern farms giving war ravaged virginia needed rest addition lee man army threaten philadelphia baltimore washington possibly strengthen growing peace movement north initial movements battle june lee army began shift northward virginia following death thomas jackson lee reorganized large corps new corps commanded james corps richard second hill hill reported jackson division commanders new level responsibility cavalry division remained command stuart union_army joseph consisted seven infantry corps cavalry corps artillery reserve combined strength men major action campaign took place june cavalry forces station near virginia confederate stuart surprised alfred combined arms force cavalry divisions infantry stuart eventually repulsed union attack inconclusive battle largest predominantly cavalry engagement war proved time union horse soldier equal southern counterpart mid june army northern virginia cross river enter maryland defeating garrisons winchester second corps began crossing river june hill corps followed june army pursued keeping capital lee army crossed june lee gave strict orders army minimize negative impacts civilian population food horses supplies generally seized outright northern farmers merchants confederate money received towns notably york pennsylvania required pay lieu supplies threat destruction invasion seized northern african americans escaped fugitive slaves sent south slavery guard june elements early division corps occupied town chasing newly raised pennsylvania militia series minor skirmishes early laid borough tribute collect significant supplies soldiers burned railroad cars covered bridge destroyed nearby rails telegraph lines following morning early departed adjacent york county controversial lee allowed stuart portion army cavalry ride east flank union_army lee orders gave stuart latitude generals share blame long absence stuart cavalry failure assign active role cavalry left army stuart best brigades absent army crucial phase approach days battle june lee army arc miles northwest miles north near river dispute use forces defending ferry garrison offered resignation abraham_lincoln general chief henry looking excuse rid immediately accepted replaced early morning june george gordon commander corps june lee learned army crossed river ordered concentration forces located eastern base south mountain miles west june hill corps hill brigades north brig ventured memoirs henry division commander claimed sent search supplies town especially shoes troops approached june noticed union cavalry brig john arriving south town returned engaging told hill seen general believed substantial force near town pennsylvania militia despite general lee order avoid general engagement entire army concentrated hill decided mount significant reconnaissance force following morning determine size strength enemy force wednesday july brigades division advanced opposing forces union army initially joseph george replaced command june consisted men following organization corps commanded john divisions commanded brig james brig john robinson corps commanded divisions commanded brig john john alexander iii corps commanded daniel divisions commanded david andrew corps commanded george george june divisions commanded brig james barnes samuel corps commanded john divisions commanded brig wright brig howe john newton corps commanded oliver howard divisions commanded brig francis brig von corps commanded henry divisions commanded brig williams john cavalry corps commanded alfred divisions commanded brig john david artillery reserve commanded brig robert tyler artillery officer brig henry hunt chief artillery staff advance operational command left advanced wing army consisting iii corps note union units army actively involved campaign directly involved battle included portions union corps militia state troops department garrisons including ferry confederate reaction death thomas jackson lee reorganized army northern virginia men infantry corps corps commanded james divisions commanded george john bell hood second corps commanded richard divisions commanded early edward johnson robert corps commanded hill divisions commanded richard anderson henry cavalry division commanded stuart brigades commanded brig wade lee albert william jones john col john day battle ridge ridge seminary ridge anticipating march west morning july laid defenses ridges west town ridge ridge seminary ridge appropriate terrain delaying action small cavalry division superior confederate infantry forces meant buy time awaiting arrival union occupy strong defensive positions south town cemetery hill cemetery ridge hill understood gain control heights army difficulty division advanced brigades forward commanded brig james archer joseph davis proceeded easterly columns pike miles west town july brigades met light resistance union cavalry deployed line according lore union soldier fire shot battle jones jones returned mark spot fired shot monument eventually men reached col william cavalry brigade raised determined resistance delaying tactics fence posts fire pushed union east ridge vanguard corps john finally arrived north pike davis gained temporary success brig brigade repulsed heavy losses action unfinished railroad bed cut ridge south pike archer brigade assaulted known woods iron brigade brig solomon meredith enjoyed initial success archer capturing men including archer general shot killed early fighting directing troop artillery east woods wrote union cause lost man considered best general army assumed command fighting pike area lasted resumed entire division engaged adding brigades col john north_carolina brigade came line flanked 19th indiana drove iron brigade 26th north_carolina largest regiment army men lost heavily leaving day fight men end day battle men standing highest casualty percentage battle regiment north south slowly iron brigade pushed woods seminary ridge hill added william division assault corps driven grounds lutheran seminary streets fighting west proceeded divisions second corps marching west accordance lee order army concentrate vicinity turned south roads union corps oliver howard raced north baltimore pike road early afternoon line ran west north northeast troops deployed north pike right flank air division corps unable deploy time strengthen line forced throw reserve brigades salvage line confederate second corps divisions robert early assaulted flanked union corps positions north northwest town confederate brigades col edward brig alfred suffered severe losses assaulting corps division brig john robinson south oak hill early division brig francis advanced corps division directly north town known represented corps line susceptible attack multiple sides early troops overran division constituted right flank union_army position wounded captured attack positions collapsed north west town howard ordered retreat high ground south town cemetery hill left division brig von reserve assumed command battlefield sent heard killed commander corps trusted subordinate ordered command field determine appropriate place major battle told howard think strongest position nature fight battle saw howard agreed concluded discussion sir select battle field determination morale effect retreating union soldiers played direct tactical role day general lee understood defensive potential union held high ground sent orders cemetery hill taken previously served jackson general known issuing orders determined assault attempt decision considered historians great missed opportunity day significant simply prelude bloody second days ranks 23rd biggest battle war number troops engaged quarter army men lee army engaged second day battle plans movement battle evening july morning july remaining infantry armies arrived field including union iii corps division commanded george begun march early morning arrive late july union line ran hill southeast town northwest cemetery hill south town south nearly miles cemetery ridge terminating north little round corps hill remnants corps defended cemetery hill corps covered northern half cemetery ridge iii corps ordered position flank shape union line popularly described formation confederate line paralleled union line mile west seminary ridge ran east town curved southeast point opposite hill union_army interior lines confederate line nearly miles long lee battle plan july called corps position attack union left flank facing northeast road roll attack sequence begin john bell hood divisions followed richard anderson division hill corps progressive sequence attack prevent shifting troops center bolster left time edward johnson early second corps divisions demonstration cemetery hills prevent shifting troops turn demonstration scale attack favorable opportunity presented lee plan based faulty intelligence exacerbated stuart continued absence battlefield instead moving left attacking flank left division face daniel iii corps directly path dissatisfied position assigned southern end cemetery ridge seeing higher ground favorable artillery positions half mile west advanced corps orders slightly higher ground road new line ran devil den northwest farm peach orchard northeast road south farm created peach orchard brig andrew division position road david division south subject attacks sides spread longer small corps defend effectively attack early got permission lee await arrival brigades marching assigned position men came sight union signal station little round avoid detection wasted time hood divisions launch attacks respectively attacks union left flank divisions slammed union iii corps forced send reinforcements form entire corps brig john division corps corps small portions newly arrived corps confederate assault lee plan hood division moved east intended losing alignment road attacking devil den little round coming hood left drove multiple attacks stretched iii corps overwhelmed peach orchard attack eventually reached run valley valley death beaten pennsylvania reserves division corps moving little round iii corps virtually destroyed combat unit battle leg shattered division destroyed anderson division coming left starting forward reached crest cemetery ridge hold position face corps including bayonet charge small 1st minnesota regiment confederate brigade ordered desperation buy time reinforcements arrive fighting devil den col strong vincent corps hold little round important hill extreme left union line brigade relatively small regiments able resist repeated assaults brig law brigade hood division chief engineer brig warren realized importance position dispatched vincent brigade artillery battery new_york occupy little round mere minutes hood troops arrived defense little round bayonet charge 20th maine initiated episodes civil war propelled col chamberlain prominence war attacks union right flank second corps attack johnson division hill got late start hill defenders union corps sent left defend attacks portion corps remaining hill brigade new brig george insistence constructing strong defensive works reinforcements corps men held confederate attackers capture portion abandoned works lower hill dark early brigades attacked union corps positions east cemetery hill col andrew harris 2nd brigade 1st division came attack losing half men early failed support brigades attack remaining division robert failed aid early attack moving cemetery hill west union_army interior lines enabled commanders shift troops quickly critical areas reinforcements corps troops retained possession east cemetery hill early brigades forced withdraw stuart cavalry brigades arrived noon role second day battle brig wade brigade fought minor engagement newly promoted year old brig george armstrong michigan cavalry near northeast day battle lee plan general lee wished renew attack friday july basic plan previous day attack left attacked hill ready union corps troops started dawn artillery bombardment hill effort regain portion lost works attacked second fight hill ended harry judged seven hours bitter combat union line intact held strongly lee forced change plans command virginia division corps plus brigades hill corps attack corps position right center union line cemetery ridge prior attack artillery confederacy bring bear positions bombard weaken enemy line largest artillery bombardment war confederate guns began artillery bombardment probably largest war order save valuable ammunition infantry attack knew follow army artillery command brig henry jackson hunt return enemy fire waiting minutes cannons added din army northern virginia critically low artillery ammunition significantly affect union position charge cannon fire subsided southern soldiers stepped advanced quarters mile cemetery ridge known history charge approached fierce flanking artillery fire union positions cemetery hill north little round musket fire corps union center commander artillery held fire confederate bombardment order save infantry assault correctly predicted day leading southern commanders believe northern cannon batteries knocked opened fire confederate infantry approach devastating results nearly half attackers return lines line broke temporarily called angle low stone fence north patch vegetation called trees reinforcements rushed breach confederate attack repulsed advance brig lewis brigade george division angle referred high water mark confederacy arguably representing closest south came goal achieving independence union military victory union confederate soldiers locked hand hand combat attacking rifles rocks bare hands ordered turn captured cannons union troops discovered ammunition left double shots having charging shortly wounded times significant cavalry engagements july stuart sent guard confederate left flank prepared exploit success infantry achieve cemetery hill flanking right hitting trains lines communications miles east called east cavalry field shown accompanying map york roads stuart forces collided cavalry brig david division brig brigade lengthy mounted battle including hand hand sabre combat ensued charge leading 1st michigan cavalry attack wade brigade blocking stuart achieving objectives rear hearing news day victory brig launched cavalry attack infantry positions corps southwest big round brig protested orders killed attack brigade suffered significant losses aftermath casualties armies suffered casualties union casualties killed wounded captured missing confederate casualties difficult estimate authors referred confederate casualties martin recent work regimental strengths losses documents killed wounded captured missing nearly lee general officers killed wounded captured casualties sides entire campaign following tables casualties corps union confederate forces day battle bruce wrote town looked universal moving day interrupted documented civilian death battle wade widely known years old hit stray bullet passed kitchen town making bread nearly killed outright bodies lying hot summer sun needed buried quickly horse burned series piles south town violently ill confederate retreat armies heavy rain bloody fields july day garrison surrendered grant lee reformed lines defensive position seminary ridge night july evacuating town remained battlefield hoping attack cautious union commander decided risk decision later criticized armies began collect remaining wounded bury dead proposal lee prisoner exchange rejected lee started army northern virginia motion late evening july cavalry brig john entrusted escort miles long wagon train supplies wounded men lee wanted virginia route maryland army followed pursuit half spirited recently rain swollen trapped lee army north bank river time union troops finally caught river rear guard action falling waters july added names long casualty lists including general mortally wounded brief letter henry written july lincoln remarked major union victories continued complete work prosecuted far literal substantial destruction lee army rebellion relayed contents lincoln letter telegram despite repeated pleas lincoln continued week pursue lee army aggressively destroy crossed river safety south campaign continued virginia light engagements july minor battle gap abandoned attempts pursuit armies took positions river union reaction news victory news union victory electrified north headline philadelphia_inquirer proclaimed victory eclipsed new_york george strong wrote results victory charm robert lee broken army found general handle stood terrible work spite long list hard fought failures dumb moment government strengthened fold home abroad union enthusiasm soon dissipated public realized lee army escaped destruction war continue lincoln complained secretary navy army held war hollow hand close brig alexander wrote father july stating washington politicians chase disgusted write lee won battle effect confederacy fact lost militarily politically final hours battle confederate vice president alexander approaching union lines norfolk virginia flag truce formal instructions confederate president jefferson davis limited powers negotiate prisoner exchanges procedural matters historian james speculates informal goals presenting peace davis hoped reach washington south lee victorious army marching north president lincoln hearing results refused request pass lines furthermore news reached london lingering hopes european recognition confederacy finally abandoned henry adams wrote disasters rebels hope success conceded idea intervention end immediate reaction southern military public sectors setback disaster sentiment lee successful july fought battle july union_army strong defensive position fled successfully stood ground july withdrew realized attack withdrawal disaster handled furthermore army kept away virginia summer predicted threaten rest year lee positive view campaign writing wife army returned sooner originally contemplated having accomplished proposed leaving relieving valley presence enemy drawing army north quoted saying john brother confederate secretary war sir whip seen months army quiet dove southern publications charleston mercury criticized lee actions campaign august offered resignation president davis quickly rejected focus lost cause movement writers edward early explain reasons confederate defeat war fundamental premise argument south doomed overwhelming advantage manpower industrial possessed north claim suffered robert lee time invincible betrayed failures key subordinates failing seize cemetery hill july stuart army cavalry intelligence key campaign especially failing attack july early lee originally intended view seen great lost opportunity decisive victory lee meant end war confederacy favor address war evident months later november soldiers national cemetery dedicated ceremony president abraham_lincoln honored fallen purpose war historic address historical assessment decisive victory controversies nature result battle subject controversy years seen overwhelmingly significant time particularly war continued years retrospect cited turning point usually combination fall following day based observation lee army conducted strategic army merely reacted initiative grant speculative viewpoint lost cause writers confederate victory resulted end war currently widely held view decisive victory union term considered lee offensive july turned decisively campaign pennsylvania terminated prematurely time argued temporary setback goals campaign largely met common definition decisive victory intended military victory battle determines significantly influences ultimate result conflict historians divided example david called strategic loss confederacy james wrote lee men earn possessed power reputation carried pennsylvania summer days archer jones wrote strategic impact battle fairly limited wrote proved near decisive action eastern theater pointed heavy toll army battle longer possessed truly effective instrument accomplishments task army needed thorough reorganization new commanders fresh troops changes grant appeared scene march joseph wrote lost opportunities near successes plagued army northern virginia northern invasion duty invading force breakdown discipline army northern virginia remained extremely formidable force wrote lee invasion north costly failure best army simply preserved strategic stalemate eastern theater peter refers military context armies losses effectively destroyed lee offensive capacity implying cumulative losses result single battle thomas writing army military review journal definition decisive application description concludes decided accomplished battle fails earn label decisive battle military historian john agrees landmark battle largest war surpassed union restored belief certain victory loss confederacy exactly decisive battle end confederate use northern virginia military zone setting grant overland campaign lee prior robert lee established reputation invincible general achieving stunning victories superior numbers usually cost high casualties army seven days northern virginia campaign including second battle bull run maryland campaign inconclusive battle successful historians attempted explain lee winning streak interrupted dramatically issue attempts portray history lee reputation manner supporting different partisan goals major factors lee loss arguably attributed men performance subordinates management thereof failing health performance opponent george army campaign lee influenced belief men invincible lee experiences army northern virginia convinced including great victory early rout union troops july morale plays important role military victory factors equal lee want army desire fight resisted suggestions principally withdraw recently captured select ground favorable army war correspondent peter alexander wrote lee acted probably impression troops able carry position formidable case committed error commanders fall lee concurred judgment writing president davis blame attached army failure accomplish projected expectations public blame expecting prowess controversial assessments battle involve performance lee subordinates dominant theme lost cause writers historians lee senior generals failed crucial ways directly causing loss battle alternative viewpoint lee manage subordinates adequately compensate shortcomings corps commanders richard hill recently promoted fully accustomed lee style command provided general objectives guidance commander jackson jackson translated detailed specific orders division commanders lee principal commanders received criticism campaign battle james suffered severely wrath lost cause authors directly criticized lee writings republican war critics accuse attacking later lee intended july chance hit union_army defensive positions question lack motivation attack strongly july argued army place force attack alternative view lee close contact battle agreed delays morning july criticized performance considerable speculation attack looked like dan moved iii corps peach orchard stuart deprived lee cavalry intelligence good campaign taking best brigades path away army arguably led lee surprise vigorous pursuit meeting engagement july escalated battle prematurely prevented lee understanding disposition enemy july disagreements stuart situation originate relatively vague orders issued lee modern historians agree generals responsible extent failure cavalry mission early campaign richard universally criticized failing seize high ground afternoon july disagreement centers lee orders provided general guidance act historians speculate jackson survived aggressively seized hill rendering cemetery hill changing entire battle differently order lee difference subordinate hill received criticism ineffective performance actions caused battle begin july despite lee orders bring general engagement historians point hill kept lee informed actions day hill illness personal involvement remainder battle lee took explicit step removing troops hill corps giving charge addition hill illness lee performance affected heart troubles eventually lead death diagnosed staff physicians march modern doctors believe fact suffered heart attack wrote jefferson davis physical condition prevented offering supervision field said dull making use eyes frequently final factor lee faced new formidable opponent george army fought home territory new army command deployed forces relatively effectively relied strong subordinates decisions needed took great advantage defensive positions shifted defensive resources interior lines strong threats unlike predecessors stood ground battle face fierce confederate attacks lee quoted battle saying commit advantage prediction proved correct stephen wrote fact matter george unexpectedly odds thoroughly robert lee wrote soldiers army received sense triumph grew faith men knew extremely competent general lesser ability courage lost battle detractors similar situation lee suffered partisan attacks performance experiencing person supporters predecessor joseph congress joint committee conduct war radical republicans suspected tried vain relieve command daniel daniel accused planning retreat battle politicians including lincoln criticized considered half hearted pursuit lee battle number competent subordinates john warren henry hunt heroes battle defended print overall experience battlefield preservation today national cemetery national military park maintained national_park_service nation revered historical landmarks best known civil war faces threats preservation interpretation historically significant locations battlefield lie outside boundaries national military park vulnerable residential commercial development july comfort inn opened cemetery hill adjacent cemetery modern historic field baltimore pike corridor attracts development concerns preservation successes emerged recent years proposals open casino defeated recently public pressure forced pennsylvania gaming control board reject proposed gambling hub intersection routes near east cavalry field civil war trust successfully purchased transferred acres site country club control department interior half acres old battlefield preserved far civil war trust preserved acres site acres national military park commemoration postage civil war centennial post office issued postage stamps commemorating 100th famous battles occurred year period beginning battle fort centennial issue battle commemorative stamp issued battle battle wilderness centennial commemorative stamp commemorative half dollar battle produced typical period low january america beautiful quarters released cent coin commemorating national military park battle reverse coin depicts monument cemetery ridge pennsylvania infantry popular culture film records survive held battlefield 50th anniversary veterans enacted charge spirit reconciliation meeting carried great emotional force sides 75th anniversary veterans attended ceremonial mass hand shake stone wall recorded sound film heard giving rebel earth song cycle published battle battle depicted film based michael novel killer angels film novel focused primarily actions lawrence chamberlain john robert lee james battle day focused cavalry defense second day chamberlain defense little round day charge south winning battle popular premise point divergence american_civil_war alternate histories examples depict significant reference alternate battle simply fantasy sci elements account battle novels bring jubilee ward moore south won civil war civil war trilogy grant comes east retreat william albert jackson douglas lee force arms billy bennett harry southern victory series analogous battle taking place camp hill southeast pennsylvania town short fiction lee won battle winston_churchill happened history rewritten time murray collections hard day mother william alternate generals old man summer lost order hadn lost james american history east lee alternate generals art war tribute george sword spoof armies post apocalyptic world fight battle site distant future film television time tunnel episode death merchant twin peaks season play play acted characters 1990s confederate states america abraham_lincoln vampire hunter ultimate general tactical battle video game released october allows user lead thousands soldiers battle developed game designed creator series improve total war games celebrated total war community memoirs primary sources paris louis albert battle history civil war america digital scanning inc isbn published new_york state william fox daniel new_york final report battlefield albany company war department war rebellion compilation official records union confederate armies washington government printing office


utah beach utah beach code sectors allied invasion german occupied france normandy landings june day world war westernmost landing beaches utah peninsula west mouths rivers amphibious landings utah undertaken united_states_army troops sea transport sweeping naval bombardment force provided united_states_navy coast guard elements british canadian dutch allied navies objective utah secure peninsula location important port facilities amphibious assault primarily 4th infantry division tank battalion supported airborne landings airborne division intention rapidly seal peninsula prevent germans reinforcing capture port quickly possible utah sword beach eastern flank added invasion plan december changes doubled frontage invasion necessitated month long delay additional landing craft personnel assembled england allied forces attacking utah beach faced battalions regiment static infantry division improvements fortifications undertaken leadership field marshal beginning october troops assigned defend area poorly equipped non german day utah began airborne units arrived tasked securing key crossroads controlling flooded farmland utah beach infantry advance inland airborne objectives quickly met landed far drop zones unable fulfill objectives day beach infantry tanks landed waves beginning quickly secured immediate area minimal casualties engineers set work clearing area obstacles mines additional waves reinforcements continued arrive close day allied forces captured half planned area contingents german defenders remained secure 4th infantry division landed troops utah cost casualties airborne troops arriving parachute numbered additional men casualties men lost engineering units tank battalion vessels sunk enemy german losses unknown captured june time germans destroyed port facilities brought operation september allied planning decision undertake cross channel invasion continental europe year taken conference held washington allies initially planned launch invasion draft plan accepted quebec conference august general dwight appointed commander supreme headquarters allied expeditionary force general bernard montgomery named commander 21st army group comprised land forces involved invasion december montgomery saw plan proposed amphibious landings divisions thirds airborne division generals immediately insisted scale initial invasion expanded divisions airborne divisions allow operations wider change doubled frontage invasion miles miles allow quicker men difficult germans respond speed capture port lieutenant general bradley selected utah vii corps major general collins experience amphibious operations pacific theater operations initial assaults replaced major general commander vii corps utah beach westernmost landing beaches peninsula west mouths rivers terrain utah neighboring beach difficult cross meant troops landing utah isolated germans flooded farmland utah restricting travel beach narrow help secure terrain inland landing zone rapidly seal peninsula prevent germans reinforcing port airborne divisions assigned german territory early hours invasion need acquire produce extra landing craft troop carrier aircraft expanded operation meant invasion delayed june production landing craft late continued early existing craft relocated theaters douglas transport aircraft crews took route england early field indiana bringing number available troop carrier planes thousand plan attack amphibious landings utah preceded airborne landings inland peninsula commencing shortly midnight minutes naval bombardment begin followed air bombardment scheduled amphibious landing planned waves beginning consisted landing craft vehicle personnel carrying companies 8th infantry regiment craft right land green beach opposite les dunes craft left intended uncle red beach yards south landing craft tanks carrying amphibious tanks tank battalion scheduled land minutes infantry second wave scheduled consisted carrying companies 8th infantry combat engineers naval demolition teams clear beach obstacles wave scheduled consisted bringing tanks plus armored assist clearing paths beach followed fourth wave landing craft detachments combat engineer battalions assigned clear beach high low water marks troops involved operation overlord including members 4th division scheduled land utah beach left barracks second half proceeded coastal points preserve secrecy invasion troops possible kept contact outside world men began embark transports june ships force naval group assigned utah began journey plymouth june hour invasion necessitated bad weather meant convoy recalled hastily portland ships met rendezvous point nicknamed circus southeast isle assemble convoys cross channel began clearing lanes evening june german preparations field marshal von overall commander western reported hitler october weak defences france led appointment field marshal oversee construction enhanced fortifications atlantic wall special emphasis likely invasion stretched netherlands believed normandy coast possible landing point invasion ordered construction extensive defensive works shore addition concrete gun strategic points coast ordered wooden stakes metal mines large anti tank obstacles placed beach delay approach landing craft movement tanks expecting allies land high tide infantry spend time exposed beach ordered obstacles placed high tide mark terrain utah flat offering high ground place fortifications shallow beach varies depth yards depending tides germans flooded flat land beach streams opening mouth admit defense sector eastern coast peninsula assigned von static infantry division unit equipped lacking transport provided captured french soviet czech equipment men non german recruited soviet prisoners war poles known deeply unreliable southernmost miles sector manned troops stationed spaced apart barbed wire traps removal ground cover beach terrain hazardous infantry german infantry division 6th regiment arrived stationed inland reserves detecting allies shifted intended airborne drop zones southeast units day june bombing normandy began midnight british american bombers attacking targets coast inland aircraft departed england midnight transport airborne divisions drop zones enemy lines airborne dropped beginning tasked controlling utah beach destroying road rail bridges gathering fighting units difficult shortage radios terrain stone walls marshes troops airborne began arriving primary objective destroying additional bridges capturing intact bridges quickly captured important crossroads town liberated invasion began working protect western flank commander infantry division trying return headquarters near war games killed patrol hours main invasion force landed raiding party members 4th cavalry regiment swam ashore saint thought german observation post men killed seventeen wounded mines german artillery fire troop transports assigned force reached assigned position miles coast soldiers 4th division units assigned utah boarded landing craft rough seas hour journey designated landing point eighteen ships assigned bombard utah included navy battleship nevada royal_navy monitor heavy cruisers royal_navy navy naval bombardment areas beach commenced dark gunners switching pre assigned targets beach soon light uss destroyer bombardment group sunk struck fire battery command walter troops scheduled land utah starting hour earlier british beaches areas received minutes naval bombardment assault troops began land shore coastal air bombardment undertaken minutes immediately prior landing martin bomber command cloud cover pilots decided drop low altitudes feet bombing highly effective loss aircraft landing beach troops reach shore companies 2nd battalion 8th infantry arriving companies landed segment code named green companies left uncle red leading company man reach beach landing craft pushed south strong currents found near exit yards intended landing zones opposite exit les dunes senior officer ashore general officer brigadier general roosevelt 4th infantry division personally scouted nearby terrain determined landing site actually better immediate vicinity badly damaged bombers bomber command addition strong currents washed ashore underwater obstacles deciding start war right ordered landings routed second wave assault troops arrived companies 1st battalion 8th infantry landed green uncle red accompanied engineers demolition teams tasked removing beach obstacles clearing area directly beach obstacles mines contingent tank battalion comprising amphibious tanks supposed arrive minutes infantry strong caused minutes late launched tanks yards shore yards planned tanks company personnel lost hit miles south destroyed remaining arrived intact wave arriving included conventional tanks tanks tank battalion followed fourth wave detachments combat engineer battalions assigned clear beach high low water marks company came small arms fire defenders positioned houses road headed enemy near northwest yards inland met little resistance headquarters 3rd battalion company disabled enemy heavily damaged preliminary bombardment companies men proceeded inland yards captured short skirmish travelled south farm road parallel beach causeway companies moved south beach enemy encountered minefield came enemy machine gun fire soon captured position tank battalion expecting help beach fortifications immediate area job quickly completed infantry little initially landing area totally secure point combat teams prepared push inland additional waves reinforcements continued arrive beach removal mines obstacles beach job performed quickly tide came assignment combat engineer battalions tanks teams explosives destroy beach obstacles blow gaps sea wall allow quicker access troops vehicles tanks pushed wreckage way create clear lanes landings moving inland 4th division begin movement flooded farmland beach link airborne dropped enemy lines dawn 2nd battalion tanks headed causeway discovered captured parachute infantry regiment dozen german trapped allied forces surrendered causeway directly eventually main exit road beach securing causeway required capture marie miles inland germans blown small bridge movement delayed engineers repair cleared tanks road causeway quickly units opted walk flooded areas road defenders positioned marie including 6th regiment infantry division members parachute infantry successfully attacked batteries manor took marie house house street combat clearing way 8th infantry 3rd battalion advance causeway practically unopposed 8th infantry 1st battalion headed causeway captured parachute infantry enemy soldiers case dozen caught forces surrender 22nd infantry 3rd battalion tanks moved north beach tasked eliminating german possible discovered tank fire destroy concrete direct hit called artillery fire naval vessels offshore evening combined 12th infantry travelled directly flooded fields position far short target day form defensive perimeter northern end southern end men 6th regiment moved position near saint preventing parachute infantry advancing day center airborne able consolidate position work lieutenant turner squad men held hours far larger enemy force attempting retake crossroads north task force led colonel included tanks tank battalion armored cars squad infantry worked way beach stopped reinforcing line german defenders miles south town reinforcements arrived mission chicago mission detroit mission mission bringing additional troops heavy equipment like landed far drop zones landed target experienced difficulty heavy cargo shifting landing crashing wooden fuselage cases crushing personnel board german defenders took toll units heavy losses inflicted area near particular members airborne landed west widely scattered surrounded enemy forces quickly realized unable achieve day objectives wait reinforcements took days happen germans set defensive positions river hours airborne unable establish radio contact units collins aboard command ship uss airborne finally relieved division began day ashore june original plan push north port collins changed assignment cut peninsula german forces preventing reinforcements entering area poor performance led replaced experienced airborne 9th infantry division reached west_coast june cutting 9th division joined 4th infantry divisions took control peninsula fierce fighting fell battle june time germans destroyed port facilities brought operation september maps success 4th infantry division meet day objectives utah beach partly arrived far south landed troops cost casualties airborne troops arriving parachute numbered additional men casualties men lost engineering units tank battalion vessels sunk enemy german losses unknown forces landing utah beach cleared immediate area hour penetrated miles inland close day hours landing airborne captured important crossroads failed line defenses day planned airborne forces landed far drop zones unable meet day objectives widespread scattering forces effect confusing german defenders slow react highly trained 4th division faced mediocre german unit composed best troops sent eastern allies achieved maintained air superiority meant germans unable observations preparations underway britain prior invasion unable launch airborne day extensive allied reconnaissance provided attackers detailed maps defenses terrain unlike neighboring beach preliminary aerial bombardment highly effective utah command structure german high command factor allied success utah normandy campaign