death laden laden founder head group killed pakistan shortly utc united_states_navy seals naval special warfare development group known seal team operation code named operation neptune spear carried central intelligence agency led operation addition participating units included united_states_army special operations command special operations aviation regiment airborne cia raid laden compound pakistan launched afghanistan military officials said raid forces took laden body afghanistan identification buried sea hours death accordance islamic tradition according pakistani official united_states direct evidence inter services intelligence chief knew laden presence confirmed death posts militant websites avenge killing pakistani militant groups including pakistan vowed retaliation pakistan preventing operation raid supported american public welcomed united_nations nato european_union large number governments condemned including thirds pakistani public legal ethical aspects killing taken alive despite unarmed questioned including amnesty international controversial decision release photographic dna evidence laden death public pakistani commission report leaked july locating laden accounts laden located intelligence differ white_house cia director john stated process began fragment information unearthed resulting years investigation account states september leads followed urban compound began intensive surveillance according journalist nbc news tipped laden location pakistani intelligence officer offered details pakistani intelligence service held detention exchange bounty walk places laden august pakistani intelligence officer approached embassy station chief offered provide laden location return million reward according retired senior intelligence official story intelligence officials speaking nbc news previously reported intelligence analyst pakistani official informed intelligence laden located pakistani held house arrest near pakistani intelligence military centers official passed tests began local satellite surveillance laden residence according retired senior intelligence official speaking laden ill point financially supported saudi_arabia kept better manage complex relationship pakistani groups according official retired cia officials emphasized importance laden press nervous torture scrutiny possible prosecution german newspaper reported german federal intelligence service germany aware laden pakistan knowledge pakistani intelligence services informed cia laden pakistan states cia found precise location der questioned report produced midst scandal collaboration identity according earlier official version identification official identification early priority cia black sites bay detention camp laden believed communicate whereabouts foot soldiers commanders laden known use phones launched missile strikes bases afghanistan august tracking associate satellite phone official stated heard claims referred kuwait claims came interrogated days continuously november january point period told man known inner circle later alleged operational chief stated acquainted man active according official according official prisoner named revealed laden relied trusted known stated close laden successor revealed seen time led officials suspect traveling laden confronted account maintained original story captured transferred september told cia laden man named jan denied knowing importance officials speculated laden inner circle officials learned real said disclose learned pakistani officials stated pakistan valley brother families living laden compound officials said jan appears assessment released april speculation assault compound precaution cia found named jan concluded invention suspect picked conversation cia paramilitary located august followed compound led speculate laden location relative brother cousin killed raid afterward locals identified men named khan khan carrying old pakistani identification card identified village near northwestern pakistan pakistani officials found record khan area suspect men living false identities laden compound cia surveillance photos intelligence reports determine identities inhabitants compound traveling september cia concluded compound custom built hide significance likely laden officials living youngest wife family built story compound located end narrow dirt road google earth maps satellite photographs compound present built time new images taken located miles northeast city center miles afghanistan border far eastern pakistan miles india compound miles southwest pakistan military academy located plot land times larger nearby houses compound surrounded foot concrete wall topped barbed wire security gates floor balcony seven foot high privacy wall tall hide laden compound internet telephone service residents burned refuse unlike neighbors set garbage collection local residents called building believed owner following american raid killing laden pakistani government demolished compound february intelligence gathering cia led effort gather intelligence compound critical roles operation played united_states agencies including national security agency national intelligence agency office director national intelligence defense department according washington_post intelligence gathering effort extensive costly cia went congress december secure authority tens millions dollars agency budgets fund officials said cia rented home team observed compound number months cia team techniques including widely criticised fake program gather intelligence compound safe house abandoned immediately laden death national intelligence agency helped joint special operations command create mission pilots analyzed data raid compound created dimensional house created schedules describing residential traffic patterns assessed number height gender residents compound involved intelligence gathering measures arm national security agency known tailored access operations group things specialized installing tracking devices targeted computers mobile phone networks work tailored access operations group collect intelligence mobile phones persons interest hunt laden design laden compound ultimately contributed discovery cia official involved told washington_post place stories high watch variety angles cia process called red teaming collected intelligence independently review evidence available facts case laden living compound administration official stated conducted red team exercises forms alternative analysis check work candidate fit bill laden duplicate analysis necessary despite officials described concentrated collection effort leading operation spy agency able capture photograph laden compound raid recording voice mysterious male figure family occupied structure floors operation neptune spear official mission code operation neptune spear neptune spear appears navy special warfare insignia representing operational capacity seals sea air land objective associated_press reported time officials stating operation kill capture mission doesn kill unarmed people trying surrender clear beginning walls intention surrendering white_house advisor john said raid opportunity laden alive didn present threat individuals involved able prepared cia director said pbs authority kill laden obviously rules engagement fact thrown hands surrendered didn appear representing kind threat capture authority kill national security official named told kill operation making clear desire try capture laden alive pakistan source referencing kill capture order stated officials described reaction special operators told number weeks ago chosen train mission told think found laden job kill official recalled seals started cheer planning final decision cia vice admiral william commander joint special operations command compound january said commando raid fairly straightforward concerned pakistani response assigned captain naval special warfare development group work cia team campus virginia captain named brian set office printing plant cia compound officers began plan raid administration attorneys analysis legal issues options raid addition helicopter raid planners considered attacking compound spirit stealth bombers considered joint operation pakistani forces obama decided pakistani government military trusted maintain operational security operation laden real lack confidence secret senior adviser president told new_yorker obama met national security council march review options president concerned mission exposed wanted proceed quickly reason ruled involving defense secretary robert gates military officials expressed doubts laden compound commando raid worth risk end meeting president leaning bombing mission air_force officers tasked exploring option cia unable rule existence underground bunker compound existed pound bombs fitted guidance systems required destroy ordnance house blast radius estimates dozen civilians killed addition compound furthermore unlikely evidence remaining prove laden dead presented information security council meeting march obama bombing plan hold instead directed admiral develop plan helicopter raid intelligence community studied option hitting laden fired small tactical paced compound vegetable garden assembled team drawing experienced senior operators red squadron red squadron coming home afghanistan attracting attention team language skills experience cross border operations pakistan told exact nature mission team performed rehearsals raid locations april harvey point defense testing activity facility north_carolina version laden compound built april nevada location nevada feet elevation chosen test effects altitude raiders helicopters nevada mock chain link fences simulate compound walls left participants unaware potential effects high compound walls helicopters lift capabilities planners believed seals challenged pakistani military helicopters raid designed quiet low radar visibility helped equip train defensive capabilities known supplied fighting pakistan condition kept pakistani military base hour surveillance laden surrendered held near air base seals discovered middle raid joint chiefs chairman admiral mike pakistan army chief general try negotiate release national security council met april obama gave provisional approval helicopter raid worried plan dealing uncertain obama asked admiral equip team fight way necessary seals left afghanistan practice acre scale replica compound built restricted area known camp alpha team departed naval air station april aircraft ground air base germany landed air base moved april april admiral explained final plan bolster fight way scenario helicopters additional troops positioned nearby advisers meeting supported going forward raid vice president completely opposed gates advocated missile option changed support day helicopter raid plan obama said wanted speak directly admiral gave order proceed president asked learned arriving afghanistan caused lose confidence mission told team ready nights little good conditions raid april obama conferred advisers gave final ahead raid place following day evening president informed operation delayed day cloudy weather april obama called time wish seals thank service evening president attended annual white_house correspondent association dinner hosted comedian television actor point joked people think laden hiding hindu know day hosts span obama laughed despite knowledge operation come acting president orders directed forward operation shortly president joined national security officials situation room monitor raid watched night vision images taken sentinel appearing corner screen cia headquarters narrated happening video links cia headquarters afghanistan set situation room adjoining office live feed presented computer operated brigadier general marshall assistant commander secretary state hillary_clinton situation room described like contrary news reports movies means happening inside building wait update team ground looked president calm rarely serve day command centers monitored raid pentagon american embassy execution operation approach entry raid carried approximately dozen navy seals red squadron joint special operations command naval special warfare development group legal reasons war pakistan military personnel assigned mission temporarily transferred control civilian central intelligence agency seals operated teams reportedly equipped military assault rifles mark machine guns fire support battle rifles personal defense weapons attached knight armament insight technology ground night vision night vision body armor navy mark according new_york_times total dog involved raid military working dog belgian named cairo according report dog tasked tracking tried escape alert seals approaching pakistani security forces dog help deter pakistani ground response raid help look hidden rooms hidden doors compound additional personnel mission included language interpreter dog helicopter pilots tactical signals intelligence collectors highly classified seals flew pakistan staging base city eastern afghanistan originating air base northeastern afghanistan special operations aviation regiment army special operations command unit known night provided modified black hawk helicopters raid larger heavy lift helicopters employed black hawks appear publicly seen stealth versions helicopter fly quietly harder detect radar conventional models weight extra stealth equipment black hawks cargo calculated weather kept standby ground deserted area roughly thirds way additional seal teams consisting approximately operators quick reaction force equipped caliber machine guns extra fuel black hawks mission pakistani military attempts interfere raid holding seals stationed border afghanistan case reinforcements needed raid helicopters supported multiple aircraft including fixed wing fighter jets according cnn air_force team combat search rescue helicopters available raid scheduled time little helicopters enter pakistan low ground helicopters hilly terrain earth techniques reach compound appearing radar pakistani military flight took minutes according mission plan helicopter compound yard team seals fast ground time second helicopter fly northeast corner compound deploy interpreter dog seals secure perimeter team courtyard enter house ground floor target helicopter experienced hazardous condition known vortex ring state aggravated higher expected air temperature called hot high environment high compound walls stopped helicopter tail compound walls damaging tail helicopter rolled pilot quickly buried aircraft nose seals crew pilots helicopter seriously injured soft crash landing ended pitched degree angle resting wall helicopter landed outside compound seals scaled walls inside seals advanced house walls doors explosives killing laden seals encountered residents compound guest house main building floor adult males lived second floors laden lived family second floors section compound cleared reportedly small knots children level including balcony laden room laden killed raid initial versions said men woman killed laden adult son laden brother wife intelligence official told fire fight took place earlier versions said opened fire team seals door lightly injuring seal bullet fragments short took place seals killed wife allegedly shot wounded right shoulder male relative said shot killed seals second team floor main house shots fired seals thought armed later confirmed true official report woman near later identified wife version shot killed laden young adult son said encountered seals staircase main house shot killed second team unnamed senior defense official stated people killed armed interior house pitch dark cia cut power neighborhood seals wore night vision seals encountered laden floor main building laden wearing local loose fitting pants known later found phone numbers fabric laden bedroom door americans advancing stairs retreated room lead seal fired shot missed hit robert later publicly identified seal shot laden rolled door confronted laden inside bedroom reports according sources laden found shot dead states laden standing woman hands shoulders pushing forward immediately shot laden twice forehead laden floor matt entered room time claims fired shots laden fallen body simultaneously versions laden wives said seals arabic charge lead seal shot leg grabbed women aside weapon kill laden allegedly nato grain open tip match rounds black hills ammunition seal team leader god country prompted confirmation enemy killed action watching operation white_house situation room obama said got reports said weapons near laden room including russian pistol according wife shot reach according associated_press guns shelf door seals body seals encountered women children raid restrained plastic ties raid forces moved surviving residents outside pakistani forces discover injured continued raiders arabic laden year old daughter allegedly struck foot ankle piece flying debris laden body taken forces bodies killed raid left compound later taken pakistani custody wrap raid intended minutes told time team entry exit compound minutes according associated_press assault completed minutes time compound spent killing defenders moving carefully compound room room floor floor securing women children clearing weapons including false door searching compound information personnel recovered pistols computer hard drives documents dvds thumb drives dozen cell phones electronic equipment later analysis seals discovered large stored house helicopter emergency landing damaged unable fly team destroyed safeguard classified equipment including apparent stealth capability pilot smashed instrument panel radio classified fixtures inside cockpit seals packed helicopter explosives blew seal team reduced operational helicopter held reserve dispatched carry team laden body pakistan official department defense narrative mention operation later accounts indicated helicopters returned airfield body laden flown aircraft carrier uss aircraft escorted navy fighter jets according officials laden buried sea country accept remains body called government approved burying body ocean muslim religious rites performed aboard north arabian sea hours laden death preparations began local time sea burial completed body washed wrapped white sheet placed weighted plastic bag officer read prepared religious remarks translated arabic native speaker afterward laden body placed flat board board upward body slid sea worthy fights memoir leadership war peace wrote laden body white given final prayers arabic placed inside black bag loaded heavy metals pounds iron chains inside apparently ensure sink float body bag placed white table rail ship table tipped let body bag slide sea body bag slide took table table surface weighted body sank depths pakistan communication according obama administration officials officials share information raid government pakistan chairman joint chiefs staff michael called pakistan army chief local time inform operation according pakistani foreign ministry operation conducted entirely forces pakistan inter services intelligence officials said present called joint operation president ali denied pakistan foreign secretary later confirmed pakistani military aware attack reached compound american helicopters left identification body forces multiple methods positively identify body laden measurement body corpse laden seals scene tape measure measure corpse seal known height lay body height comparison later caused obama donated million helicopter operation afford buy tape measure facial recognition software photograph transmitted seals cia headquarters virginia facial recognition analysis yielded percent likely match person identification women compound including laden wives identified laden body wife laden called raid inadvertently assisting identification armed forces ground dna testing associated_press new_york_times reported laden body identified dna testing tissue blood samples taken sister died brain cancer abc news stated samples taken laden dna samples analyzed information sent washington afghanistan physically bringing sample military took bone body use dna testing according senior defense department official dna acid analysis conducted separately department defense cia positively identified laden dna samples collected body compared comprehensive dna profile derived laden large extended family based analysis dna probability mistaken identity basis analysis approximately defense official initial review materials removed compound department assessed information including personal correspondence laden video footage possession local accounts beginning local time resident sent series describing noise helicopters overhead rare occurrence window quiet plane flew city neighbors took roofs watched american special forces stormed compound neighbor said saw soldiers emerging helicopters advancing house instructed turn lights stay inside man said heard shooting screams explosion grounded helicopter destroyed blast broke bedroom window left debris nearby field local security officer said entered compound shortly americans left sealed army dead bodies male female female injured said lot blood floor easily marks like dead body dragged compound numerous witnesses reported power possibly service went time raid apparently included military academy accounts differed exact time journalist concluded interviewing residents routine rolling reported questioning survivors raid people compound time attack americans took away person alive possibly laden son said survivors included wife daughter children apparently laden unnamed pakistani security official quoted saying laden daughters told pakistani investigators laden captured alive family members shot dead american forces dragged helicopter compound residents officials said people compound killed including laden pakistani officials gave conflicting reports suggesting survivors sunday_times subsequently published excerpts pocket guide presumably dropped seals raid containing pictures descriptions likely compound residents guide listed adult children laden families ultimately found compound lack information follows sourced adults dead laden son identified early accounts khan described sunday_times brother wife age unknown surviving women laden wife laden fourth wife laden fifth wife injured khan pakistani wife minor children daughter son son age unknown infant twin daughters laden grandchildren unidentified daughter killed boys spoke pakistani investigators children khan sons daughter age unknown child age unknown aftermath leaks news white_house announced president addressing nation later evening public leaks simultaneously separately navy reserve officer keith actor professional wrestler johnson twitter anonymous government officials confirmed details media numerous major news sources reporting laden dead number leaks characterized david presidential address obama appeared major television networks good evening tonight report american people world united_states conducted operation killed laden leader terrorist responsible murder thousands innocent men women children president obama remembered victims september attacks praised nearly year old war said disrupted terrorist plots strengthened homeland defenses removed government captured killed scores obama said took office finding laden priority war laden death significant blow far war continue reaffirmed war islam defended decision conduct operation pakistan said americans understood cost war stand security threatened families lost loved ones terror said justice remark book ended president bush statement joint session congress following september attacks justice reactions official announcement large crowds spontaneously gathered outside white_house ground zero pentagon new_york times square celebrate michigan large muslim arab population small crowd gathered outside city hall celebration middle eastern descent beginning end obama speech second sent platform twitter news laden death filtered crowd nationally televised major_league_baseball game philadelphia rivals philadelphia_phillies new_york_mets cheers began tampa florida conclusion professional wrestling event occurring time wwe champion john_cena announced audience laden caught compromised permanent end prompting chants exited arena march stars stripes forever deputy leader egypt muslim brotherhood said laden dead western forces pull iraq afghanistan authorities iran similar comments palestinian authority leaders contrasting reactions welcomed laden death head administration strip condemned saw assassination arab holy warrior 14th quoted los_angeles_times saying forgiveness doesn mean forget happened necessary counter measures counter measures widely reported endorsement laden killing criticized buddhist circles journalist cited video discussion argue comment taken context supports killing self defense cbs new_york_times poll taken laden death showed americans feel safer result death americans polled believe killing laden likely increase threat terrorism short term india minister home affairs said laden hiding deep inside pakistan matter grave concern india showed perpetrators mumbai terror attacks including controllers terrorists actually carried attack continue sheltered pakistan called pakistan arrest amidst calls similar strikes conducted india freedom information act requests raid described great detail officials physical evidence proof death offered public journalists independent parties requested information freedom information act numerous organizations filed requests seeking partial release photographs videos dna test results including associated_press cbs news judicial watch fox news citizens united npr april judge james held department defense required release evidence public according draft report pentagon inspector general admiral william special operations commander ordered department defense purge computer systems files laden raid sending cia mention decision final version inspector general report according pentagon protect identities navy seals involved raid legal justification records transfer seals effectively working cia time raid ostensibly means records raid belong cia documents related raid handled manner consistent fact operation conducted direction cia director cia agency spokesman preston said statement records cia operation laden raid created conduct operation persons acting authority cia director cia records said absolutely false records moved cia avoid legal requirements freedom information act national security archive criticized maneuver saying records gone black hole transfer ensure files placed cia operational records records system cia operational files exemption subject black hole trying access files prevents public official record raid bypasses important federal records keeping procedures process united_states defense department prevent release military files citing risks national security contested court judge pentagon turn non sensitive portions records cia special authority prevent release operational files ways challenged federal court richard reporting associated_press wrote maneuver represent new strategy government shield sensitive activities public scrutiny judicial watch followed request lawsuit june january obtained documents admiral william tried important email written friday instructs team destroy documents image right inspector general draft report described secretary defense disclosed classified information makers zero dark thirty including unit conducted raid ground commander legality law following attacks september congress passed authorization use military force terrorists authorized president use necessary appropriate force nations organizations persons determines involved attacks obama administration justified use force relying resolution international law set forth treaties customary laws war john iii served state department senior lawyer president george bush second term said strike legitimate military action run counter self imposed prohibition killing prohibited long standing assassination prohibition executive order signed action military action ongoing armed conflict prohibited kill specific leaders opposing force assassination prohibition apply killings self defense similarly legal adviser state department said domestic law use weapons systems consistent applicable laws war precision targeting specific high level leaders acting self defense armed conflict unlawful constitute assassination david director northwestern university school law center international human rights said fact laden previously indicted district court southern district new_york conspiracy attack defense installations factor normally individual indictment purpose capture person order bring court try object literally execute indictment expert stated important determine mission capture laden kill navy seals instructed kill laden trying capture violated american ideals international law international law address pakistani parliament pakistan prime minister said people issue violation sovereignty covert air ground assault hideout security council member states join efforts terrorism repeatedly emphasized accordance international law human rights humanitarian law pakistani president denied report guardian government secret agreement permitting forces conduct raids search leaders testimony senate judiciary committee attorney general holder said operation laden justified act national self defense target enemy commander field called killing laden tremendous step forward attaining justice nearly innocent americans murdered september commenting legality international law university_of_michigan law professor said lot depends believe laden war suspect mass murder case able kill suspect represented immediate threat holder testified laden attempt surrender good basis brave navy seal team members order protect people building according anthony international law expert european council foreign relations laden combat daughter said alleged violation protocol geneva conventions security council released statement news laden death secretary general ban moon said relieved united_nations special issued joint statement seeking information circumstances laden killed actions taken states terrorism especially high profile cases set way right life treated future instances handling body islamic tradition burial sea considered inappropriate preferred forms burial available prominent islamic criticized decision head university egypt seat muslim learning said disposal body sea religious human values scholars like hold sea allowed special cases death occurred aboard ship regular practice occurred case body buried ground head pointing islam holy city stated advantage burial sea site readily identified accessed preventing focus attention terrorist shrine guardian questioned laden grave shrine strongly discouraged addressing concern egyptian islamic analyst lawyer said americans wished avoid making shrine laden unmarked grave land accomplished goal guardian quoted official explaining anticipated difficulty finding country accept burial laden soil professor islamic law university jordan stated burying sea permitted receive body provide muslim burial true correct claim muslim world ready receive laden body similar note grand stated buried sea according islam family want simple islam dig grave remote island prayers sea muslims extraordinary circumstances serves chaplain director islamic center new_york university argued sea burial respectful professor university author muhammad grave death rites making islamic society explained islamic law ordinary killed battle pointed controversy muslim world laden mass murderer muslims entitled respect mainstream muslims time suggested burial handled cultural sensitivity laden son laden published complaint burial sea deprived family proper burial laden laden death reported left written short time september attacks urged children join continue release photographs cnn cited senior official saying sets photographs laden body exist photos taken aircraft hangar afghanistan described recognizable photos taken burial sea uss placed body photos raid include shots interior compound died raid source told abc news photos taken military servicemen scene depict physical damage high caliber bullet cbs evening news reported photo shows bullet hit laden left eye blew left blew away large portion frontal skull exposing brain cnn stated pictures afghanistan hangar depict massive open head wound eyes bloody senator jim viewed photos stated photos taken body showed laden face blood material washed away released public debate military photos released public taken place supporting release argued photos considered public records photos necessary complete record photos prove laden death prevent conspiracy theories laden alive opposition release photos expressed concern photos anti american sentiment middle_east obama ultimately decided release photos interview aired minutes obama stated don stuff trophies don need spike football obama said concerned ensuring graphic photos somebody shot head floating additional violence propaganda tool republican members congress senator graham criticized decision stated wanted photos released senator john_mccain representative mike rogers chair house intelligence committee supported decision release photos selected members congress congressional leadership serve house senate intelligence homeland security judiciary foreign relations armed forces committees shown laden photos interview senator jim said photos laden alive identification reference photos burial sea ceremony group judicial watch filed freedom information act request obtain access photos soon raid department defense declined process judicial watch request prompting judicial watch file federal lawsuit judge james district court district_of_columbia issued ruling denying release photographs judge panel court appeals district_of_columbia circuit consisting chief judge senior judge harry edwards judge rogers affirmed ruling holding post images properly classified secret exempt disclosure judicial watch filed petition writ august seeking supreme_court review january supreme_court declined hear case associated_press filed request photographs videos taken raid day laden killed requested plans laden capture reports performance equipment mission copies dna tests confirming laden identity defense department rejected request processing legal provision time process requests defense department rejected request appealed alternative accounts seal target book published november seal target seal contradicted account given government sources according helicopter crashed beginning raid instead seals jumped roof razor helicopter entered floor hallway roof terrace wife hallway headed seals blinded light pushed floor seals went past laden stuck head bedroom door saw seals slammed door closed time son laden ran stairs floor killed shots seals broke bedroom door laden wife edge bed shouting arabic seals laden bed time kept seals fired shots laden missed second missing laden final hit laden chest head killing instantly account total time jumping roof laden death seconds time razor helicopter shot killed came door guest house firing seal sniper fired shots fired round bursts bullets went killed wife standing razor team cleared guest house breached way main house explosives razor team entered main house khan pointed gun killed shots seal team fired total shots killing laden laden wife khan wounding laden wife minutes operation razor took roof main house landing spot outside compound razor crossing courtyard green unit flight deck control systems went line helicopter settled slowly bounced ground broke apart hit ground second time failed green units removed later examination media accounts reported plan fast rope inner courtyard clear main house ground floor helicopter crashed outer courtyard seal team board seal team exited needed breach walls house result laden killed minutes operation account differs wrote seal team inserted roof main house laden killed seconds operation main house cleared pentagon disputed account raid calling incorrect special operations command disputed account saying true happened easy day matt seal participated raid wrote account mission book easy day significantly account wrote helicopter approach landing matched official version according laden americans advancing floor room seal fired hit right head laden bedroom seals found floor pool body matter women crying body seals allegedly grabbed women moved away shot laden repeatedly chest dead according weapons room rifle pistol unlike official account version laden wife raid addition states report laden daughter having wood striking foot false explains wife injured fragments author asserted seal sat laden chest cramped helicopter body flown afghanistan stated search laden room death uncovered bottle men hair february conducted interview anonymous individual called shooter stated laden placed wives pushing shooter claimed laden stood gun reach fired shots laden forehead killing member seal team said story presented false complete november seal robert disclosed identity shooter series interviews washington_post reports american intelligence analyst wrote according intelligence sources tipped laden location unnamed pakistani intelligence insider collecting million reward according sources pakistan purposely stood armed forces allow raid original plan kill capture laden sources stated keeping laden house arrest near military headquarters money provided according telegraph account explain forces encountered resistance way residents warned stay houses day raid later stated laden body thrown helicopter hindu account picked published daily_telegraph national post vancouver sun calgary herald windsor star daily_mail new_zealand herald journalist said pakistani inter services intelligence kept laden house arrest said pakistani army chief director aided mission kill capture laden according pakistani officials aware laden location guarding compound soldiers pakistan decided laden location american aid declining pakistani officials aware raid assisted carrying according laden basically invalid pakistani intelligence sources stated learned laden location pakistani walk seeking million reward tracking nbc news france subsequently reported sources indicated walk extremely valuable asset sources disputed walk knew location laden pakistan based journalist news international reported walk identity allegation denied family white_house denied report similar claims accounts laden death appeared based different sources intercept concluded claims identities known story broke nbc news independently reported pakistani intelligence officer source original laden location report conspiracy theories reports laden death universally accepted despite unreleased dna testing confirming identity laden year old daughter witnessing death statement confirming death swift burial laden body sea speed dna results decision release pictures dead body led rise conspiracy theories laden died raid internet suggested government raid internet forums hosted debates alleged hoax role pakistan pakistan came intense international scrutiny raid pakistani government denied sheltered laden said shared information cia intelligence agencies compound united_states direct evidence chief knew laden presence pakistan raid unconfirmed report pakistan allowed chinese military officials examine wreckage crashed helicopter connections attracted refugees fighting tribal areas valley afghanistan people don care ask said khan foreign minister resident city reasons possibly came city home leader laden operational chief reportedly moved family pakistan inter services intelligence raided house december find account exposed outright lie american officials said satellite photos site field told houses pakistani officials informed american counterparts time city hiding place leaders officials began providing intelligence laden compound knowing lived january arrested indonesian wanted connection nightclub bombings staying family clerk post office arrested suspicion travel allegations pakistan numerous allegations government pakistan shielded laden critics cited proximity laden heavily fortified compound pakistan military academy chose pakistani authorities operation double standards pakistan perpetrators mumbai attacks government files leaked disclosed american diplomats told pakistani security services laden time forces approached pakistan inter services intelligence helped afghanistan fight nato troops according leaked files december government told officials pakistan aware laden whereabouts cia chief said cia ruled involving pakistan operation feared effort work mission alert targets secretary state clinton stated cooperation pakistan helped lead laden compound hiding obama echoed sentiments john obama chief advisor said laden support pakistan said people referring hiding plain sight looking able hide long indian minister home affairs said laden hiding deep inside pakistan matter grave concern india showed perpetrators mumbai terror attacks including controllers terrorists actually carried attack continue sheltered pakistan called pakistan arrest pakistani born british stated shocked learned laden living city thousands pakistani troops reviving questions alleged links elements pakistan security forces august american spy novelist security analyst posted spy billed national security blog suggesting pakistan sheltered laden return million bounty government officials denied allegations pakistani army chief general butt said according knowledge laden kept intelligence bureau safe house director general intelligence bureau pakistan brigadier occurred knowledge army chief general possibly current chief army staff general private american security firm published february indicate officials pakistan knew laden safe house given access papers collected american forces laden house reveal pakistani officers included mid senior level retired general british journalist revealed told undisclosed source ran special desk assigned handle laden desk led officer decisions report superior military bosses knew told pakistani response according pakistani intelligence official raw phone tap data transferred analyzed pakistan concentrating information september information laden compound inhabitants slipped pakistan radar months laden left invisible contacting militant networks noted focus placed entering leaving compound transfer intelligence regular occurrence according official stated raid think came went day pakistan believe personnel present area special operation occurred according pakistani high commissioner united_kingdom pakistan prior knowledge operation happen pakistan know certain things happened happened consent americans got know struck struck precisely pakistani ambassador said pakistan pursued laden intelligence location existed pakistan glad american partners superior intelligence superior technology grateful pakistani official stated pakistan assisted terms authorization helicopter flights operation conducted united_states said event want operation case went wrong june arrested owner safe house rented cia observe laden compound cia code officials present situation room including president told reporters code laden watched speaking cia headquarters narrated action said visual later enemy killed action words commander ground god country officials subsequently explained step mission labelled execution ensure participants large operation kept synchronized minimum radio traffic indicated raiders reached step capture killing laden laden identified general code target operation abc news reported regular code new_yorker reported laden native americans offended renowned 19th century leader linked laden chairman fort tribe successor tribe wrote letter obama asking right wrong president nation requested government change code officials national congress american indians said focus honoring high number native americans serve military assured code laden senate committee indian affairs heard testimony issue tribal leaders defense department comment intended intelligence death laden officials bush administration bush office legal counsel attorney john attorney general michael wrote stating enhanced interrogation techniques authorized legally clarified torture yielded intelligence later led locating laden hideout said caused reveal nickname laden officials legislators including republican john_mccain democrat senate select committee intelligence countered statements false noted report cia director stated mention nickname come government interrogation suspect said believe tortured called statements sought information staff senate intelligence committee confirm fact best intelligence gained cia information describing real role true relationship laden obtained standard non means enhanced interrogation technique written letter issue saying provided useful information role subjected enhanced interrogation techniques techniques timely effective way obtain information matter debate established definitively information obtained subjected torture wrote learned cia custody important note subjected enhanced interrogation techniques attempted provide false misleading information attempts role end cia custody revealed true specific whereabouts information discovered intelligence means addition officials state shortly september terrorist attacks cia secret prisons told pseudonym later captured confirmed pseudonym captured provided false misleading information denied knew instead group asserted nickname torture months later questioned use abusive techniques intelligence post evidence seized compound said include cell phones computers hard drives computer including thumb drives dvds notes documents weapons assortment personal items described senior pentagon intelligence official single largest collection senior terrorist materials public intelligence analysts studied detail records phone numbers found laden clothing helped course months members countries kill laden closest associates cia attacks pakistan material gathered compound stored fbi laboratory virginia forensic experts analyze dna trace evidence left material copies material provided agencies officials want preserve chain custody case information needed evidence future trial special cia team given responsibility digital material documents removed laden compound cia team working collaboration government agencies catalog analyze intelligence laden youngest wife told pakistani investigators family lived feudal village muhammad nearby district half years prior moving late material seized compound contained strategy afghanistan america withdrawal country thousands electronic captured conversations laden deputies world showed laden stayed touch established sought new alliances groups nigeria according material sought control factions loosely affiliated independent actors believed reputation central message laden worried times personal security annoyed organization utilized arab spring improve image acted according washington_post hand chief executive fully engaged group crises financial problems recruitment rebellious field managers sudden staff resulting campaign hand hands manager participated terrorist group operational planning strategic thinking giving orders advice field scattered worldwide material described laden relation seventeen documents seized raid consisting electronic letters draft letters dating september april released terrorism center west_point year day laden death available washington_post documents covered subjects news media america affiliate organization targets america security arab spring documents laden stated strength limited suggested best way attack compared tree concentrate trunk refused promotion requested leader arabian peninsula people line examined laden said told arabian peninsula expand operations wake christmas day bomb plot writing need extend develop operations america limited blowing seized material shed light relationship iran detained relatives wake invasion afghanistan including members laden family relationship iran according terrorism center unpleasant necessity fueled mutual distrust explicit reference institutional support pakistan wasn mentioned documents instead laden instructed family members avoid detection members pakistani intelligence couldn track find according seized material commander international forces afghanistan david president barack_obama assassinated visits pakistan afghanistan opportunity laden opined vice president joe target totally unprepared post president lead crisis laden person suicide attacks opinion persons undertake attacks instead planned reform way central leadership greater naming branch leaders deputies expressed opinion killing muslims weakened organization helped writing cost small sympathy muslims enemy exploited mistakes image masses united_states department justice released documents march documents trial convicted plotting bomb manchester shopping mall included letters laden year death showed extent damage cia program addition information data recovered intelligence value documents computer items contained personal files including family correspondence large pornography officials refused characterize type pornography found modern nature helicopter stealth technology revelations tail section secret helicopter survived demolition lay outside compound wall pakistani security forces cloth barrier light hide wreckage later tractor hauled away hidden journalists obtained photographs revealed previously undisclosed stealth technology aviation week said helicopter appeared significantly modified black hawk serial numbers found scene consistent built performance operation confirmed stealth helicopter evade detection militarily sensitive densely populated area photos showed black hawk tail stealth shapes boom swept noise reducing blade tail appeared silver loaded infrared suppression finish similar requested return wreckage chinese government expressed interest according pakistani officials pakistan custody wreckage weeks return secured senator john experts disagreed information tail fragment stealth technology operational fixed wing aircraft cancelled helicopter modified black hawk confirmed operational stealth helicopter likely valuable information come radar absorbing paint tail section local children seen picking pieces wreckage selling august fox news reported pakistan allowed people republic china scientists examine helicopter tail section especially interested radar absorbing paint pakistan denied claims previous attempts capture kill laden february team attacked laden home cia investigated reported hired saudi_arabia saudi_arabia accused lying laden interests august operation infinite reach navy launched cruise missiles suspected training camp outside afghanistan laden expected reports said people killed foreign working behalf cia fired rocket propelled grenade convoy vehicles laden traveling mountains afghanistan hitting vehicles laden riding december opening stages war afghanistan launched following september attacks allies believed laden hiding rugged mountains despite positions failed capture kill


november reconnaissance sortie japan november united_states_army air forces conducted flight allied aircraft tokyo region japan raid april photo reconnaissance sortie highly successful aircraft crew taking thousands photographs later plan air raids japan final months world war attempts japanese air units anti aircraft gun batteries destroy failed available fighter aircraft guns reach high altitude operated background late united_states twentieth air_force bomber command prepared conduct strategic bombing raids japanese home islands bases islands attacks replace largely unsuccessful operation raids conducted bomber command aircraft based india staging bases china june bomber command conducted photo reconnaissance sorties japan effort aircraft flying china lacked range reach japan main industrial centers photographic intelligence bomber command unable develop detailed plans raids intended targets october committee operations analysts provided advice commanders suitable strategic bombardment targets recommended photo reconnaissance flights conducted japan main industrial areas soon possible provide intelligence direct raids islands operations conducted photographic reconnaissance squadron photo reconnaissance unit bomber command formed june conducting flights americas deployed china burma india theater unit flew mapping missions region december disbanded formed united_states april equipped new photo reconnaissance variant boeing heavy bomber delays development unable commence training type august began receive operational october began depart islands october supported unit ground arrived september photo reconnaissance sortie arrived october hour flight field california commander bomber command brigadier general encouraged exhausted airmen rest insisted conducting flight japan soon possible november crew led captain took bound japan weather conditions tokyo perfect photo reconnaissance skies free clouds flying feet aircraft repeatedly passed complex aircraft engine plants west tokyo moving photograph similar facility near city overall american airmen took photos mission surprised encounter strong head winds reported ground speed passing tokyo miles hour strong winds region known time greatly complicated bomber command later air raids imperial japanese army air service 47th responsibility providing fighter aircraft guard tokyo area november unit fighters began airfield intercept aircraft designed high altitudes japanese airmen unable closer feet aircraft formations fighters fired machine guns hit batteries japanese anti aircraft guns unsuccessfully fired american aircraft american aircraft fly tokyo raid april sighted japanese civilians aftermath returned flight hours duration later day day crew named aircraft tokyo rose reference propaganda broadcaster received distinguished flying cross flight members crew later issued awards photographs taken sortie important source intelligence twentieth air_force american units especially november proved day air campaign japan weather conditions home islands entirely clear cloud later stated sortie probably greatest single contribution air war japan conducted sorties japan bomber command raid tokyo november missions frustrated bad weather lost mission november squadron aircraft end month continued fly reconnaissance sorties japan end war

1 November 1944 reconnaissance sortie over Japan


liberation operation anger known operation quick anger military operation seize city april closing stages second world war occasionally referred second battle liberation operation canadian army liberation netherlands led 49th british infantry division supported armour 5th canadian armoured division royal_air_force air strikes boats royal_navy western allies tried liberate september operation market garden poor planning unexpected presence german armoured units delayed advance ground forces meant 1st british airborne division defeated new south city fresh planning began new year canadian army sought ways link units advancing netherlands april liberation city distinct possibility canadian corps secured eastern bank river advanced north canadian corps prepared assault operation began april proceeded plan infantry brigades 49th division city days totally allied control allowing canadians advance netherlands weeks battle general truce brought major combat operations country end german commander chief netherlands surrendered canadian army days later germany surrendered bringing war europe close background battle september allies launched operation market garden effort advance line open route british 1st airborne division landed fought days city surrounding towns countryside british 2nd army advance failed reach nearly annihilated withdrawing south line island winter residents killed battle evicted homes systematically looted value aid refugees germany shattered settlements turned strong defensive positions resist future allied advances road bridge british fought hard bombed allies october deny use germans extensively shelled allies winter hit short falling german fired rockets retaliation dutch railway workers strike supposed aid allies september advance germans banned inland freight movement prevented food grown north reaching south west country caused thousands deaths dutch population allied crossing lower rhine february allies launched operations grenade striking east land captured market garden directly germany paved way operations varsity crossing river rhine upstream 21st army group advanced rapidly north west_germany whilst british 2nd army advanced west general henry canadian army given task netherlands canadian army instructed plan advances lower rhine assumed responsibility november plans delayed winter subsequent allocation resources operation operation saw advantages seizing opening route coming crossing rhine draft plan city known operation anger compiled february subsidiary operation lieutenant general charles commander recently arrived canadian corps thought safer wait rhine crossed launching action anger shelved canadian corps commanded lieutenant general guy struck west seized approaching east saw opportunity open route city north ordered corps commanders coordinate advances accordingly wary trying seize north march 49th west riding division nicknamed polar bears island november came command canadian corps april division supported canadian units led operation destroyer clear island carefully timing initial attack coincide corps clearance east bank april elements corps crossed east met units corps town opposite rest island cleared day allies occupied southern bank preparation assault original february plan operation anger called immediate crossing near soon river reached situation allowed operation quick anger alternatively german defenses considered strong better prepared crossing downstream operation anger ruled operations corps crossed advanced anger proceed additionally reconnaissance patrols april determined german observation posts positions heights overlooking river crossing dangerous attempts create southern bank watching germans technique proved successful buildup operation screen stretched town kilometres miles west south bank river south strong winds lack appropriate generators reduced effectiveness additionally ground island deteriorating april considering alternatives decided attacked east preparations allied forces attack necessarily delayed whilst 49th division moved canadian corps prepared cross north caused logistical problems roads island jammed traffic delay caused concern enemy time prepare assault event appeared troops equipment improve situation attack planned proceed phases initial assault carried 56th british infantry brigade cross night buffalo ontario regiment clearing eastern southern districts city phase british infantry brigade forward attack high ground north phase british infantry brigade advance 56th positions secure high ground north bank west city heights secure 5th canadian armoured division advance city corps resume advance west british took canadian units command churchill tanks british armoured division 1st canadian infantry division 5th canadian armoured division placed support composite group known provided diversion south river crossing assisted landing craft flotilla royal_navy provided landing craft previously royal army service corps run river operation corps royal canadian engineers build bailey ferries soon locations enemy bank captured deploy bailey bridge soon situation allowed bridge built advance upstream floated nearer prior attack soon situation allowed bridge floated position hopefully allowing armour cross river faster enemy expect canadian pioneers lay heavy artillery attack buildup battle maintained smoke screen hope germans true direction crossing allied order battle 49th west riding infantry division polar bears major general stuart 56th infantry brigade brigadier senior 2nd battalion south wales 2nd battalion gloucestershire regiment 2nd battalion essex regiment infantry brigade brigadier gordon 4th battalion lincolnshire regiment 4th battalion king yorkshire light infantry battalion york lancaster regiment infantry brigade brigadier wood 1st battalion regiment 7th battalion duke wellington regiment 11th battalion royal scots attached units 5th canadian armoured division 11th armoured regiment ontario regiment 12th independent machine gun company princess units british armoured division assault squadron royal engineers german forces german forces netherlands overall command recently designated fortress holland german holland change little effect units ground rout forces previous year formation hoc battle groups units difficult allied intelligence determine german strength north rhine years war approximately troops 30th german corps believed area command general believed men infantry division regiment miscellaneous units occupying area including divisional battle school dutch natural defence provided rivers high ground north west city turned strong defensive position battle previous year day opening assault issued decree cities defended price failure death battle april corps launched operation crossing north prior striking west morning april informed operation underway ordered 49th division commence attack evening day spent bombarding enemy artillery ground attack aircraft raf laid rocket firing typhoon sorties german positions attack preceded heaviest artillery fired canadian corps field gun battery guns fired rounds minutes average rate rounds gun minute pioneer corps fired smoke shells course battle barrage south provoked strong german response suggesting probably prepared attack south east phase initial assault proceed entirely plan crossing set begin delayed late arrival assault craft additionally explosive charges eastern bank river designed clear path failed detonate 2nd battalion gloucestershire regiment discovered companies forced cross separately assault planned despite companies 2nd battalion began crossing separately way illuminated reflecting light clouds overhead guns firing coloured direction attack cover heavy machine guns mortars company reached west bank began objectives face light opposition sustaining casualties slight delay secured landing area bailey bridge royal canadian engineers began floating components bridge position second wave 2nd battalion south wales crossed river heavy artillery fire assault craft drifted downstream crossing ashore advanced rapidly city advance stalled 7th battalion duke wellington regiment originally cross phase sent river support 2nd battalion essex regiment river set ferry begin moving tanks ontario regiment phase royal canadian engineers continued assembling bailey bridge night hours hour traffic rolling allowed phase operation proceed soon troops brigade tanks ontario regiment moving 56th brigade positions relatively little resistance morning south wales beat counterattack near railway junction late morning british advanced large factory complex eastern area city battalion infantry troops 46th machine gun battalion set strong point germans moved morning escaped earlier 4th battalion lincolnshire regiment tasked clear complex germans relatively fresh able offer resistance support tanks ontario regiment division germans eventually overwhelmed battle lasted day evening april resistance city broken brigade preparing cross phase brigade crossed island overnight morning april ready 56th brigade positions german defence battalions encountered significant numbers mines advanced company duke wellington regiment ambushed believed german counterattack led french tanks later germans idea british later day dutch soldiers 34th volunteer division supported armour duke wellington positions dutch eventually beaten heavy fighting knocked tanks able blunt later british advance area end day allied units reached objectives secure 5th armoured division began moving high ground north city night met elements units operating enemy lines earlier month april duke occupied city zoo discovering live polar bear offered brigade commander declined germans cleared surrounding area april bringing operation anger end aftermath allies liberated ruined city looting previous year houses little devoid furniture household goods doors canadian broadcasting corporation correspondent matthew described city deserted burning shell 49th division war diary noted town destroyed evidence battle lay liberation likened entering ancient tomb allied advance continued immediately 5th canadian armoured division began moving high ground north city night april change original plan head west division given new mission known operation moved north secure towns large german force 5th division night 16th hoping break west beaten heavy losses april 49th division attacked occupied dutch liberated town hours april temporary truce came effect allowing distribution food aid dutch civilians areas german control operation agreed surrender german forces netherlands british recorded killed wounded action unclear includes canadian casualties german figures prisoners war recorded sources casualties similarly unknown high allied men killed battle buried war cemetery war whilst germans buried field graves eventually interred germans killed netherlands units involved battle later awarded battle honour princess granted honour research captain king able demonstrate regiment


operation operation united_nations protection force military plan designed guard portion united_nations protected areas attack croatian army croatian war independence operation developed staff charge western sector west scheduled implemented companies princess canadian light infantry battalion deployed area attack occurred area mandate elements plan 3rd battalion clashed army republic january operation 2nd battalion implemented plan march demonstrate resolve sector west deputy commander considered plan impractical security concerns background november croatia serbia yugoslav people army agreed plan designed halt combat operations croatian war independence allow negotiation political settlement addition plan protected civilians specific areas designated united_nations protected areas croatia went effect january shortly plan accepted european community announced decision grant diplomatic recognition croatia january held areas croatia organised republic serbian despite plan requirement immediate withdrawal personnel equipment croatia stayed seven months troops eventually pulled transferred equipment problems begin deploy march took months fully assemble tasked maintaining monitoring local police creating conditions return internally displaced persons refugees comprised exiled controlled territory serbs fled areas western captured croatian army operations late portion western encompassing area approximately kilometres miles designated western sector west peace plan unlike controlled area south centred town held area included section belgrade motorway sector west divided areas responsibility western portion motorway section surroundings assigned battalion area east containing rest motorway town battalion north canadian battalion established northernmost portion sector west argentine battalion unlike canadians disposal armoured personnel carriers troops equipped small arms sector west commanded argentine brigadier general maria staff work assigned canadians established storage depots army heavy weapons near moved heavy weapons kilometres miles away sector west storage facilities guarded allowed access maintain weapons canadian order battle initially included elements 1st battalion royal 22nd regiment 3rd battalion royal canadian regiment 8th canadian lieutenant colonel jones lead elements unit reached croatia april took weeks troops arrive september troops replaced 3rd battalion princess canadian light infantry headquartered barracks towns plan operations staff sector west developed defensive plans assigning priority plan operation envisaged active defence assuming attack main axis belgrade motorway supported general thought attack sector west control belgrade motorway object croatian attack area likely employ substantially larger forces operation expected deploy company position defensively forces attempt deter advancing demonstrate resolve defend sector west engage weapons mortars protect withdrawal withdraw protection companies required hours notice advance reach designated positions time presumably retrieve heavy weapons storage force resist reaction operation january launched operation aimed capture bridge canadian troops acted accordance operation dug positions reinforcing troops hours expecting attack sector west reinforcements deployed prepared blow bridge river linking sector west held territory bosnia prevent army advancing area response operation president ordered retrieve tanks storage sector west attack nova local authorities led sector west demanded explanation order said croatian forces attack january met protect sector west croatian attack agreeing provide written guarantee effect accepted assurance cancelled attack orders reinstated cancelled times days february canadian troops deck bridge spanning channel north place demolition charges protested authorities saw route link controlled territory bosnia crucial evacuation event anticipated croatian attack situation mid february attack sector west exercise 2nd battalion replaced 3rd battalion april commander 2nd battalion lieutenant colonel jim instructed troops approach tasks differently 3rd battalion unlike predecessor want forces aware operations ordering battalion observe radio silence according canadian journalist carol eager fight instructed troops return fire necessary situation sector west deteriorated general replaced march major contribution deterioration minimal involvement local authorities contrast cooperative approach sector west croatian population performed operation exercise tasks needed evacuate march april canadian sector west deputy commander colonel recommended plan redesigned primarily means felt operation triggered armed clash forced withdraw croatia exposing grave danger aftermath according croatian political scientist unclear limited resources operation unclear motivation troops stop brigades according plan indicate elements retreat croatia clash questioned feasibility operation advance warning requirement considered impossible meet reliable military intelligence movements outside kilometre zones united_nations military observers present considered operation operation mandate authorised use force prevent armed incursions croatian authorities resented operation croatia considered defending protecting serbs failing ensure aspects plan return refugees homes september relocated sector west sector south northern mandate croatia expired march united_nations security council adopted resolution establishing united_nations confidence restoration operation croatia instead sector west captured operation flash early resistance main axis day advance belgrade motorway anticipated planners operation


landing bay landing bay allied amphibious operation undertaken november new britain campaign world war landing conducted change responsibility allied operations new britain australian 5th division major general taking 40th infantry division needed operations philippines purpose operation establish logistics base bay south coast new britain support 5th division planned operations near major japanese garrison stage australian brigadier 6th brigade directed secure bay area region believed initial landing conducted combat ready force comprising reinforced australian 14th 32nd battalion protected warships aircraft standby expected opposition landing november work soon began logistics facilities base established bay support australian operations near conducted early conjunction advances northern new britain campaign effectively larger japanese force isolated allies conducted operations background december early united_states_army united_states marine_corps units landed western new britain goal securing area launch attacks flank main allied offensive north coast new_guinea american forces defeated japanese garrison western new britain battle battle cape gloucester battle late april army 40th infantry division assumed responsibility allied positions new britain division subsequently maintained positions cape cape gloucester conduct offensive operations japanese forces east island result fighting new britain largely peter dennis called truce japanese troops separated man land australian led native troops allied intelligence bureau conducted small scale campaign australian government agreed responsibility military operations northern solomon islands australian new_guinea including new britain australian_army 5th division major general selected replace 40th infantry division new britain august unit assume responsibility island november instead maintaining american bases western new britain australians planned operate closer japanese forces positioned peninsula north east island time australian allied intelligence estimated japanese forces new britain amounted personnel japanese island forming general eighth area army japanese personnel focused sustaining rice growing undertaken supplement limited supplies arriving japanese supporting elements limited aircraft capable action ships barges personnel tons stores april small japanese observation posts located south coast new britain far west village near cape approximately miles east larger force stationed henry bay wide bay area south main force stationed month force responsible south coast new britain ordered destroy japanese posts west henry bay unit comprised native troops led australian officers non commissioned officers operations japanese observation posts began june fifth month patrol american troops attacked position causing garrison retreat centre island attacks force followed early september japanese observation posts west wide bay destroyed japanese troops conducted small scale native population wide bay officers attempted persuade population area inland severe conducted operations south coast new britain officers sought discourage japanese moving west wide bay area circulating rumours local population large australian base established bay reality base existed time force continued attacks japanese positions early october ordered cease offensive operations concentrate intelligence gathering ahead landing australian infantry support units bay operations june october assisted occasional air attacks naval conducted elements allied air forces navies preparations support 5th division planned offensive operations australian high command new_guinea area new_guinea force determined logistics base needed established closer army forces new britain conference held august involving commanders new_guinea force 5th division decided investigate area north coast new britain bay area south coast island accommodate bases 5th division september party personnel 5th division new_guinea force royal_australian_air_force raaf landed bay corvette investigated area days assisted personnel surveyed bay concluded region suitable base bay accommodate liberty ships built nearby party visited area housed american base favourable report special unit reported japanese personnel remained bay area september commander australian_army combat forces general thomas approved proposal establish base bay agreed battalions 6th brigade landed bay formation battalion sent time 6th brigade consisting 19th 36th 14th 32nd battalions led brigadier militia formation previously seen combat infantry battalions 36th fought battle late early battalion commanders australian imperial force veterans taken fighting germans italians north_africa greece syria 36th battalion dispatched cape early october relieved battalion infantry regiment raaf conducted attacks preparations landing bay night october force bristol light bombers drawn squadrons attacked japanese stores anti aircraft positions results mission unclear raid squadrons conducted stores north evening october bombs dropped landed target area raid took place october involved squadrons striking stores west landing patrols continued report japanese troops located bay area australian command decided landing combat ready force protected naval vessels intended precaution sudden japanese offensive provide useful experience units involved landing designated operation initial landing force bay operation comprised 14th 32nd battalion group company 1st new_guinea infantry battalion advance party 5th base sub area combat troops base personnel embarked transport cape alexander november transport sailed afternoon escort royal australian navy warships destroyer frigate sloop swan australian forces involved landing transport escorted ran motor launch towed workshop barge bay escort addition company army engineer boat shore regiment attached force unit equipped landing craft sailed bay 14th 32nd battalion raised state victoria mainly victorian soldiers elements raaf available support landing plan operation specified required squadron reinforced squadrons attack landing area november additional observe warships prior landing air strike cancelled raaf officer attached landing force coordinate air support opposition expected cape alexander escorts arrived bay november joined allied vessels shortly voyage uneventful 14th 32nd battalion war diary records unit accommodation board transport poor cramped dirty wet facilities greatly insufficient landing 14th 32nd battalion commenced company making wave elements battalion ashore opposition encountered 14th 32nd battalion began establish defensive living positions addition personnel battalion detailed stores regarded lack opposition fortunate landing craft carry soldiers ships shore arrived late perceived raaf failed provide adequate support pleased brigade performance operations new britain time expressed pleasure having nearly reached war man strong advanced party 5th base sub area landed november began work establishing logistics facilities covering landing force days swan proceeded wide bay bombarded japanese positions departing new britain area motor launches remained bay conducted patrols south coast island search japanese barges ran aground patrol november sank days later tow allied base crew survived japanese air raid conducted bay november days landing ground forces secured bay area personnel manned outpost warn approach japanese forces combat troops patrolled established positions near main landing area november company 1st new_guinea infantry battalion moved landing craft northern shore bay subsequently guarded tracks leading area unit later relieved responsibility maintaining positions east bay period 14th 32nd battalion remained near landing area companies gradually established outpost november aftermath base construction remainder 5th base sub area arrived bay november accompanied party native labourers time advance party erected bay cubic metres stores equipment major base construction works began second week landing completion buildings delayed shortages engineer stores 3rd railway construction company reinforced logistics units november worked building roads headquarters 5th division opened bay november work major facilities bay began december include large dock buildings 8th general hospital stores depots time decided sufficient stores bay support soldiers days work completed squadrons fighter aircraft royal new_zealand air_force later based 6th brigade 36th battalion gradually brought bay area final elements arriving december shipping shortages low priority given building forces new britain april elements 5th division brought forward bay company engineer boat shore regiment remained bay replaced 41st australian landing craft company february subsequent operations allied intelligence japanese uncertain officially assumed command forces new britain november adopted cautious approach bay built base operations australians began sending patrols fight information harass japanese limited advances taking place northern southern coasts island pushing east japanese strong hold peninsula continued operate area passing information 5th division japanese lacked information movements allied forces new britain learned change command australian radio broadcasts australian advance hampered shortages shipping aircraft communications limited operations brigade strength january 36th battalion dispatched cape north coast new britain barge began sending company sized patrols subsequently reached point open bay base peninsula april australian forces advanced south coast island began securing area late february engineer support enabling crossing river clashes followed mount australians fought gain control heavily defended ridges overlooking henry bay heavy rain flooding hampered efforts april australians secured wide bay effectively japanese peninsula able contained remainder campaign enabled allies focus attention borneo