australian senate committees committees australian senate committees senators established australian senate purposes determined body senate committees operation australian parliament decades involved maintenance government australian parliament particularly hearings budget public inquiries policy questions history committees existence parliamentary committees mentioned section constitution australia makes reference powers privileges senate house_of_representatives members committees house senate committees engaged limited activities number domestic committees operated establishment parliament prior significant committee established regulations committee legislative scrutiny committees present committee system created series standing permanent committees established mirrored portfolio activities government reforms significantly enhanced expertise power senate senate undergoing fundamental dramatic changes witnessed commonwealth parliament states decided years ago introduction wide ranging committee system red upper house potentially powerful parliamentary chamber australia reforms significant gave senate committees role examining budget referred estimates process estimates hearings hitherto confined senate committee role committees enhanced subsequent developments scrutiny bills committee established examining bills played role complemented examination delegated legislation regulations committee second senate adopted procedures systematic bills committees increasing level legislative scrutiny taking place parliament committees adopted extensive procedure consideration budget creating second opportunity year senators follow issues identified initial budget estimates hearings second hearings referred budget estimates committee system range functions remained essentially purposes committees functions committees depend type committee work undertaking committees established senate standing orders standing committees legislative general purpose standing committees referred simply standing committees established standing order standing committees actually pairs committees legislation committee references committee legislation committees responsible bills referred chamber examining government budget activities called budget estimates process examining annual reports activities references committees responsible conducting inquiries topics referred chamber select committees select committees temporary committees established senate deal particular issues occur particular group senators wishes examine issue depth existing committee suited addressing particular topic australian senate select committees included ones set examine administration indigenous affairs mental health select committees usually cease exist reporting chamber exception senate select committee forms existed decade domestic committees domestic committees responsible aspects senate affairs selection bills committee meets sitting fortnight consider bills coming senate referred committees detailed consideration procedure committee considers matter relating procedures senate referred senate president committee regularly examines reports chamber suggested changes operation senate committees times day chamber sit rules govern order business established standing order senate privileges committee responsible reporting matters parliamentary privilege referred senate afforded parliamentary privilege essential parliament committees able operate effectively bulk work privileges committee work associated right reply people adversely named senate involving investigations senate committee proceedings complaints witnesses connection evidence given committees allegedly misleading evidence given committees legislative scrutiny committees purpose scrutiny bills committee assess legislative proposals set standards focus effect proposed legislation individual rights liberties obligations parliamentary regulations committee performs similar task subordinate legislation committees senators members joint committees committees jointly established chambers australian parliament addition political parties caucus committees comprising members parliamentary party committees policy focus committees parliament bound parliament rules procedures list committees committees 43rd parliament exist category membership rules committees senate committees formed commencement new parliament accordance rules set standing orders committees exist day following parliament contrast lower house committees cease exist soon parliament election important high profile committees pairs standing committees members chairman legislation committee chosen government members deputy chair non government members reverse case references committees chair casting vote event committee vote tied government effectively controls legislation committees non government parties control references committees membership rules committees including operated coalition period control shown committees types members members participating members case standing committees members outlined addition senator arrange senate agree participating member committee gives rights members important exception unable vote motions private meetings committees committees governed standing orders senate able pass resolutions govern certain aspects operations processing correspondence submissions inquiries committees designed assist senate main formal structure work senate refers committee examination committee reports senate matter reports parliamentary presented senate session committees gather evidence hold public hearings assist process gather evidence committees exceptions travel place place hear evidence committees able order production documents appearance witnesses powers practice evidence taken committees written submissions public hearings published committees power evidence camera regularly committees hold public hearings conduct business private meetings minutes private meetings confidential contrast example new_south_wales parliamentary committees rules governing committees slightly different conducting budget estimates hearings particular estimates hearings senator ask questions officials appearing committee normally members ask questions evidence taken confidential basis normally option available committee standing orders senators direct questions government agency portfolio areas committee oversight committee restrict agencies senators direct questions committee control happens public hearing writing work senate committees typical year life senate legislation committee conduct days hearings budget estimates sessions february additional estimates june main budget estimates october november budget estimates addition typically conduct inquiries pieces legislation considered parliament references committee conduct inquiries policy issues referred senate inquiries usually result report senate exceptions election committee consolidated list reports prepared senate committees published department senate inquiries topics bills committee inquiries typically begin reference issue proposed law committee inquiry report senate committee submissions seeking public input matter referred committee publish submissions help inform views committee committee hold public hearings committee members ask questions key interested issue inquiry hearings held australia broadcast result published records evidence taken opportunity submissions greater accessibility committees compared parliament provide individuals organisations valued opportunities engage democratic processes committees frequently ask relevant government agencies respond issues raised submissions evidence given inquiry evidence gathered usually follows period research analysis committee deliver report senate generally include recommendations commonwealth government expected table response report stating responses recommendations committee scrutiny budget following introduction appropriation bills parliament expenditure proposed bills referred senate legislation committees inquiry result generally known budget estimates hearings senate standing committees usually conduct days hearings budget estimates sessions february additional estimates june main budget estimates october november budget estimates hearings ministers assisted senior public servants answer questions senator relate operations expenditure departments agencies receive federal government funding hearings ministers house_of_representatives represented minister senator budget management reforms 1980s 1990s saw change including greater emphasis outcomes decreasing emphasis reflected activities senate committees senators questions increasingly results government activities away concern impact senate committees impact senate committees varies subject debate work committees frequently partisan activity parliamentary chambers unanimous committee reports agree recommendations party lines uncommon result recommendations contribute subsequent government policy announcements occasionally changes government actions work regulations committee led revisions subordinate legislation significant respects committee scrutiny bills contributed amended withdrawn impact committees legislation overall described limited particularly committees review bills controlled government majority senate committees affected party composition senate clerk senate harry evans argued government majority seats senate resulted limitations committees readily governments responded requests information statistics published political party australian democrats support contention committee operations government control senate particularly respect selection topics committee inquiry senator leader government senate pointed political rivals previously cut debate bills senate government prominent senate committee inquiries high profile senate committee inquiries senate select committee certain maritime incident investigated known children overboard affair events subsequent senate committee inquiries widely reported inquiry formed basis play certain maritime incident high profile inquiries included community affairs committee inquiry children institutional care brought wide public notice experiences children placed care circumstances directly responsible state governments churches making public victims abuse neglect select committee mental health contributed widespread discussion mental health issues major funding boost services inquiry migration amendment designated arrivals bill contributed government decision proceed controversial migration legislation


estates estates polish estates polish parliament half 19th century region austrian empire body existed history polish parliament succeeded general local territories austrian partition estates disbanded following uprising succeeded land polish estates question primarily clergy nobility token representation represented history parts polish lithuanian commonwealth lesser poland territories included austrian partition early partition poland order reduce dissent austrian empire allowed polish nobility newly acquired territories continue tradition holding local parliament like meetings gave permission advisory body polish held year implementation delayed eventually held sessions body real power write petitions monarch obligation act polish legal scholar noted surface continued polish parliamentary tradition real goal powerless body intended austrian court drive wedge groups polish nobility reducing unity influence composed wealthy nobility deputies city sessions lasted days session parts austrian held commonwealth territories briefly included warsaw following polish austrian war populace represented warsaw short lived territories question restored austria following occupation terms congress vienna estates soon afterward francis austria called new named estates polish met scholars like body continuation discuss austrian emperor decreed members wear special uniform polish parliament like body history polish politics dress code requirement establishment center polish cultural study reflected conservative attitudes body members nobility landed gentry late 1830s influx new members body progressive representative 1840s saw debate subject abolition estates met voted proposal abolish lacked power implement wait emperor decision estates disbanded following uprising peasant rebellion aimed ironically nobles supportive abolition spring nations unrest emperor tried estates members refused demanding representative composition increased powers emperor turned demand thee estates succeeded country polish composition organization number members fixed varied low years averaged deputies composed clergy nobility titled certain relatively high income level deputies city representing later chancellor university members holding offices titles wealth representative conservative estates met days year exceptions convened years time november uprising neighboring polish congress kingdom estates dedicated location meet evade emperor limitation proceedings duration topics discussed members met session locations session met monastery buildings owned university like preceding estates limited met hear emperor distribute tax assessments grant titles nobility individuals held similar titles austrian empire prepare petitions appeals heard emperor polish 19th century historian wrote role estates listen government decisions file petitions waited royal reply years notes estates powerless comedy purpose fulfill congress vienna requirement having form national representation lands austrian partition


raid raid operation successful british amphibious attack heavily defended dry dock german occupied france second world war operation undertaken royal_navy british auspices combined operations headquarters march targeted loss dry dock force large german warship need repairs return home waters english channel gap heavily defended british units including royal_navy home_fleet having haven available atlantic coast obsolete destroyer hms accompanied smaller craft crossed english channel atlantic coast france rammed dock gates ship packed delayed action explosives hidden steel concrete case detonated later day putting dock service remainder war years force landed destroy machinery structures heavy german gunfire sank set small craft intended transport england fight way town try escape overland forced surrender ammunition expended surrounded raid men force returned britain killed prisoners war german casualties dead killed raid exploded recognise bravery decorations awarded members raiding party including victoria crosses war battle honours awarded operation known greatest raid military circles background north bank miles nearest british port population port outer harbour known avant port formed piers atlantic_ocean leads lock gates gates control water level basin affected tide basin larger inner dock called accommodate ships tons old entrance located southwest dry dock built house ocean liner dock largest dry dock world completed old mole halfway southern pier avant port old entrance basin battle denmark fought german ships british ships hms prince wales hms hood hood sunk damaged prince wales forced retire damaged ordered consort proceed independently headed french port port atlantic coast dry dock able accommodate ship size intercepted british sunk route britain naval intelligence division proposed commando raid dock late german battleship declared operational january royal_navy royal_air_force raf drawing plans attack planners combined operations headquarters looking potential scenarios escaped naval blockade reached atlantic decided port able accommodate especially like damaged route needed repairs came conclusion dock unavailable germans unlikely risk sending atlantic combined operations examined number options planning destruction dock stage war british government tried avoid civilian casualties ruled bombing attack raf time possess accuracy needed destroy dock loss civilian life special operations executive approached agents destroy dock gates decided mission capabilities weight explosives required needed agents carry royal_navy unable mount operation miles estuary naval ships large cause sufficient damage detected range planners examined commando force feasible accomplish task unusually high spring tide march allow light ship pass sand banks estuary approach docks bypassing heavily defended channel approach shallow infantry landing ship planners believed destroyer draft shallow enable plan purpose raid destroy objectives dock old gates water pumping machinery installations boats shipping area initial combined operations plan required specially destroyers carry raid packed explosives rammed dock gates board use demolition charges destroy nearby dock installations gun destroyer blown second ship come evacuate ship crew time raf carry number air raids area plan presented admiralty refused support certain loss destroyers eliminate dry dock question suggested provide old free french destroyer flotilla small motor launches transport evacuate approval mission operation given march french ship involve free french forces increase number people aware raid consequently decided navy provide ship raf complained raid draw heavily resources number aircraft assigned raf bomber command reduced time day raid british prime minister winston_churchill complicated matters ordered bombing place targets clearly identified combined operations headquarters worked closely intelligence organisations plan raid naval intelligence division compiled information variety sources detailed plan town provided secret intelligence service information coastal artillery nearby sourced war office military intelligence branch intelligence dock came pre war technical journals operational intelligence centre selected route timing raid based intelligence location minefields german recognition signals sourced knowledge luftwaffe patrols compiled air ministry air intelligence branch plans pulled timing worked raid expected longer hours crew board motor launches old mole return base composition raiding force revised combined operations plan required destroyer ram dock gates number smaller craft transport royal_navy provide largest contingent raid overall command senior naval officer commander robert ship selected ram dock gates hms commanded lieutenant commander stephen world war destroyer previously uss united_states_navy come service destroyers transferred united_kingdom destroyers bases agreement converting raid took days raise draught sand banks estuary achieved completely stripping internal compartments dockyard removed inch guns torpedoes depth charges deck replaced forward gun light quick firing pounder installed raised deck level bridge given extra armour plate protection rows armour fixed sides ship protect open deck funnels removed forward cut angle resemble german destroyer bow packed tons high explosives set concrete decided explosive charge timed detonate raiders left harbour prevent germans away crew open ship abandoning ship disabled sunk getting dock motor launches detailed crew ashore charge reset explode boat left naval units involved hunt class destroyers hms accompany force french coast remain sea raid motor gun boat headquarters ship raid commander commanding officer board motor torpedo boat commanded sub lieutenant michael objectives outer dock gates open torpedo inner dock gates gates closed instead torpedo gates old entrance basin assist transporting motor launches assigned 20th 28th motor launch boats armed guns mounted forward aft complement twin lewis guns minute assigned 7th motor launch flotilla flotilla details boats armed torpedoes instead transporting boats engage german shipping found estuary auxiliary fuel tank fixed upper deck increase range class submarine hms leave rest convoy position act navigational beacon guide convoy estuary man selected lead commando force lieutenant colonel charles newman commando provide largest contingent men raid special service brigade headquarters raid provide experience units men drawn nos divided groups travel command captain group objectives securing old mole eliminating anti aircraft gun positions southern old town blow power station bridges locks new entrance basin avant port capture mole major objective point evacuation mission group command captain burn land old entrance basin objectives destroy anti aircraft positions area german headquarters blow locks bridges old entrance basin guard counter attack submarine base group command major william bill second command secure immediate area destroy dock water pumping gate opening machinery nearby underground fuel tanks groups subdivided assault demolition protection teams assault teams clear way demolition teams carrying explosive charges self defence protection teams armed thompson guns defend completed tasks aided planning operation captain bill royal engineers pre war experience apprentice great western railway father dock master cardiff docks british expeditionary force france duties included determining disable french captured studied submitted report detailing dock action german forces germans troops immediate area port defended naval artillery battalion command battalion composed guns railway guns positioned guard coastal approaches heavy guns supplemented guns 22nd naval brigade command brigade equipped anti aircraft guns ranging calibre guns dual role anti aircraft coastal defence weapons concrete submarine installations submarine base harbour defence companies responsible local defence security ships submarines moored harbour companies harbour defence boats patrol river command harbour commander infantry division german_army unit responsible defence coast division troops based town located villages nearby able respond attack port kriegsmarine german_navy surface ships estuary destroyer armed guard ship port night raid harbour defence boats ships 16th 42nd basin inside dock 6th 7th boat commanded respectively permanently based port known submarines present day raid submarine base inspected boat commander chief day raid asked base subject attack british replied attack base hazardous highly raid outward journey destroyers small boats left cornwall march formed convoy lanes destroyers middle arrival head old mole starboard lane old entrance basin theirs having range reach taken tow march reported boat surface opened fire escort destroyers left convoy engage boat later identified boat promptly unsuccessfully attacked depth charges destroyers returned convoy convoy encountered french fishing crews taken ships sunk fear report composition location convoy convoy received signal commander chief plymouth german torpedo boats area hours later signal informed hunt class destroyers hms cleveland hms dispatched speed join convoy convoy reached position nautical miles changed course estuary leaving sea patrol convoy adopted new formation torpedo lead followed rest formed columns astern destroyer bringing rear casualty raid developed engine trouble abandoned submarine directed navigation beacon sea guide convoy time raised german naval ensign attempt german thinking german destroyer march raf squadrons comprising started bombing runs bombers stay feet supposed remain port minutes divert attention away sea orders bomb clearly identified military targets drop bomb time turned poor weather port cloud meant aircraft bombed targets aircraft managed bomb nearby targets unusual behaviour bombers concerned march issued warning parachute landing progress march followed ordering guns cease firing extinguished case bombers locate port placed heightened state alert harbour defence companies ships crews ordered air raid shelters reported seeing activity sea began type landing ordered extra attention paid approaches harbour dry dock hours march convoy crossed mouth estuary twice time able pull free group proceeded harbour darkness got minutes passage dock gates entire convoy illuminated combined banks estuary naval signal light demanded identification replied coded response obtained german boarded raid bursts fired shore battery replied ship fired friendly forces deception gave little time german gun bay opened fire convoy mile dock gates ordered german flag lowered white ensign raised intensity german fire increase guard ship opened fire quickly ships convoy responded shooting passed ships convoy range engage targets ashore firing gun hit number times increased speed bridge killed replacement wounded replaced blinded knew close objective heavy fire turned estuary cleared end old mole cut anti torpedo entrance rammed dock gates striking home minutes later scheduled force impact drove ship feet gates disembarked assault teams demolition teams mortar group demolition teams tasked destroying dock pumping machinery installations associated dry dock wearing captain roy man assault troop tasked pump house roof gun high securing bridge provide route raiding parties exit dock area roy sgt don scaling grenades accomplish head rush secure bridge form enabled bob montgomery demolition teams exit area lost men action fifth team succeeded completing objectives half men killed commando groups successful transporting groups destroyed approach boat land old mole managed reach gates old entrance basin team succeeded planting charges moored basin vicinity continued past dock engaging targets appeared control running circles time crew detonated charges gathered rear ship taken came alongside destroyer took men board including wounded major went evacuated wounded old mole knowing boats col newman aboard need landed ashore actions direct mortar fire gun position submarine causing heavy casualties directed machine gun fire armed forced withdraw newman organised defence succeeded keeping increasing numbers german reinforcements bay demolition parties completed tasks ashore newman realised evacuation sea longer option gathered survivors issued orders best england surrender ammunition exhausted surrender help newman led charge old town bridge machine gun fire advanced new town attempted narrow streets town surrounding countryside eventually surrounded ammunition expended option surrender captured men reached neutral spain eventually returned england small ships destroyed run burning starboard column boat catch fire captain managed beach end old mole starboard boats managed reach objective leading boat port column got feet mole face heavy direct fire hand grenades set fire crew rescued torpedo looking targets opportunity large reported harbour commanders awarded distinguished service order bravery rest port column destroyed disabled reaching mole set fire survivors blown man survived launch successfully taken crew sunk way estuary torpedo armed boat task moving river high speed draw german fire away landings soon passing hit steering damaged took minutes repair steering turned started direction opening fire armed passing return fire set engine fire came heavy fire arrived near port sergeant thomas commando manning aft lewis gun engaged gun positions run wounded refused leave gun treatment reached open sea attacked short range german torpedo boat jaguar returned fire aiming torpedo boat bridge wounded remained gun german commander asked surrender firing drum drum ammunition refused boarded died wounds recommendation jaguar commander awarded posthumous victoria_cross commando headquarters group landed commander went check firmly stuck dock surviving crewmen taken board returned boat ordered carry alternative task torpedo lock gates old entrance basin successful torpedo attack ordered leave way estuary stopped collect survivors sinking hit set fire docks positioned mid river engage enemy gun forward pounder manned able william alfred savage commander reported rate supporting fire evidently felt area dock undoubtedly overcome resistance area enemy fire ships seven burning realised landing places old mole entrance basin recaptured germans headed sea way continuously illuminated german hit times german guns passing ordered follow smoke hide boats reached open sea smaller calibre guns range stopped firing heavier artillery continued engage boats miles shore german killed savage gun awarded posthumous victoria_cross exploits citation recognised savage bravery unnamed crews motor gun boat motor torpedo boat motor launches continued carry duties exposed positions face close range enemy fire return journey german torpedo boats convoy evaded previous day sighted hms destroyers turned opened fire range miles minutes german boats turned away making smoke destroyers sighted accompanying soon transferred casualties expecting boats arrive headed home hunt class escort destroyers hms hms cleveland arrived sent commander chief plymouth shortly ships spotted luftwaffe german aircraft scene engaged raf bristol appeared area earlier machines crashed sea german planes arrived driven coastal command atlantic weather conditions deteriorated amid concerns growing german threat damaged small ships able commander ordered crews smaller boats sunk small vessels managed return england reached rendezvous waited destroyers appear having attacked moved atlantic try avoid german air_force appeared overhead approached low level closer look ships opened fire hit cockpit plane went sea aircraft appear seaplane attempted bomb ships left damaged machine gun fire surviving eventually reached england following day explodes explosive charges hms detonated noon march dry dock destroyed reports vary fate dock swept away wall water sunk swept far end dock sunk party senior german officers civilians tour killed total explosion killed men wreck seen inside dry dock months later raf photo reconnaissance planes sent photograph port according captain robert montgomery royal engineers attached commando meant detonated delay caused believes acid pencil away morning progressed captured comrades joined german day explosion organisation workers assigned clean debris wreckage march torpedoes delayed fuse setting exploded old entrance basin raised germans organisation workers ran away dock area german guards uniforms british uniforms opened fire killing germans thought hiding town street street search townspeople killed aftermath explosion dry dock commission remainder war raid success cost men royal_navy took raid men returned england escaped neutral spain gibraltar help french citizens took ship england gibraltar men killed prisoners war taken sent fallen british raiders buried cemetery military honours cemetery located kilometres west recognise achievement decorations awarded raid total includes victoria crosses awarded lieutenant commander lieutenant colonel newman commander posthumous awards sergeant able savage distinguished service orders awarded major william captain roy lieutenant lieutenant decorations awarded conspicuous gallantry medals distinguished conduct medals distinguished service crosses military crosses distinguished service medals military medals men awarded france mentioned despatches adolf_hitler furious british able sail flotilla ships immediate reaction dismiss chief staff commander chief west raid german attention atlantic wall special attention given ports prevent repeat raid june germans began concrete gun quantities previously boat hitler laid new plans meeting armaments minister albert august calling construction defend atlantic coast norway spain battleship entered atlantic remained norwegian threaten allied shipping destroyed raf november legacy battle honours presented war raid called greatest raid survivors formed association society registered charity united_kingdom memorial raid erected bears following inscription new hms type frigate launched october carried ship bell rescued raid presented town pennsylvania end second world war people voted lend bell new ship long remained royal_navy service bell returned town june hms decommissioned september tree seat national memorial dedicated men raid seat bears inscription memory royal_navy sailors army killed raid march documentaries version raid climax british war film gift horse film follows career navy destroyer hms actually hms raid named operation portrays main events actual battle war film attack iron coast released highly fictionalized version raid presented story raid bbc documentary entitled greatest raid time episode television series world war greatest raids military channel american heroes channel devoted episode raid titled commando die released early times mission video game enemy mission person perspective british commando mission video game medal honour european assault mission perspective fictional soldier william


river campaign river campaign important battle italian campaign second world war fought elements british eighth army corps german 10th army lasting december campaign occurred primarily vicinity river eastern italy campaign designed offensive launched general sir alexander allied 15th army group intention german_army winter line defensive system advancing eventually rome beginning december infantry divisions british canadian indian new_zealand included armoured brigade armoured brigades british canadian corps corps attacked heavily defended german positions river achieving december week nearly continuous combat operations sides designed pinned created defensive positions near narrow pit known held days canadians succeeded german defences forcing german withdrawal line december line attacked corps december strong german defences stalled canadian forces british new_zealand forces villa captured end december general exhaustion allied forces prevented capture advance harsh winter weather set clear allied generals progress alexander called offensive background late 15th army group general sir alexander fighting way northward italy determined german opposition commanded albert forces prepared succession defensive lines east mountain spine british eighth army general bernard montgomery october eighth army crossed river pushed german defenders line defences delayed logistical problems able attack line defences barbara line river november november forward elements eighth army contact forward defences german winter line set high ground north river main attack corps lieutenant general charles comprising british infantry division major general 8th indian infantry division major general russell supporting attacks inland 2nd new_zealand division lieutenant general bernard corps lieutenant general miles delayed bad weather late november days hard fighting germans withdrew defences prepared high ground north river offensive strategy order battle river runs central mountain spine italy adriatic coast south german defences centerpiece winter line guarded eastern route montgomery hoped punch winter line capture advance rome infantry division corps line actions sustained casualties months relieved fresh 1st canadian infantry division major general chris ready renew offensive december infantry division sent mountains relatively quiet left wing army joining british 5th infantry division major general corps montgomery plan canadian division attack coastal inland hills relatively fresh 2nd new_zealand division attack 8th indian infantry division hold centre relatively static role facing corps 1st parachute division brigadier general richard coast right stood division major general succeeded colonel december inland 26th division brigadier general von right flank inland facing corps infantry division brigadier general supported elements 1st parachute 5th mountain division brigadier general units formed corps 10th army responsible line east canadian division december canadian forces began series large scale assaults major crossing points river objective securing large defensive line primary points attack chosen villa western edge canadian sector san south san small town near italian coast primary infantry battalions selected assault positions objective crossing river scheduled start morning december villa task taking villa westernmost crossing point given princess canadian light infantry having conducted reconnaissance objective night december attack plan devised battalion commander lieutenant colonel cameron detailing objectives rifle companies objectives secured early morning december anglo canadian reinforcements moved villa intention expected potentially strong german elements german regiments 26th maintained strong defences town december companies crossed river moving villa hour vicious fighting erupted town companies canadian infantry struggled break german defensive lines company broke german defences company attacked northeast continuing engage regiment regiment near villa canadian infantry companies occupied villa german forces maintained substantial defences outskirts town company continued advance steadily eastern town encountering significant resistance regiment regiment approximately hour fighting companies villa occupied canadian forces shortly dawn mid morning german positions town begun involving tanks 7th company 26th regiment regiment field guns substantial infantry forces afternoon infantry companies fought attacks german forces eventually managing push northern edge town taken casualties german casualties estimated strong german formation surrounded canadian positions villa rendering exploitation unlikely col advised ready withdraw river german forces counterattack order allow canadian division greater concentration force night december indian 21st infantry brigade indian 8th infantry division amalgamated western flank 1st canadian division lines result withdrawal canadian efforts focus achieving san san canadian attack san canada began late december company establishing taking heavy casualties early morning december company withdrawn additional companies resumed offensive secured held river struggling enter san single objective taken canadian units pinned coordinated defensive fire companies regiment simultaneously small arms fire prevented company moving road san company remained southern banks early morning afternoon having failed capture san hastings prince edward regiment sent rifle companies aid company attacked positions west san inflicting casualties german forces area attack san companies stalled rapidly 26th regiment armoured companies reinforced sector result ordered prepare withdrawal san san attempts cross san villa hastings prince edward regiment launched attack river defences small coastal hamlet san december single rifle company making attack achieved little territorial gain lieutenant colonel kennedy commander hastings prince edward regiment ordered withdrawal december strong german coastal defences prevent advancement despite incorporation tanks artillery assault nightfall german defenders possessed control san hastings prince edward regiment withdrawing southern bank river taking december major general devised new plan taking river 48th canada princess canadian light infantry resumed assault san southwest town royal canadian regiment break created hastings prince edward regiment southwest san link 48th operation scheduled start afternoon december attack began massive artillery barrage german positions continuously hours light infantry support battalion joined hitting german positions bursts machine gun fire moment heavy bombardment lifted 48th initiated attacks company 48th able quickly cross taking minimal casualties company subjected heavy fire german mortars artillery positions eventually companies managed establish strong positions western ridge overlooking san night december units royal canadian engineers constructed bridge allow armour equipment san following day 48th secured positions west san royal canadian regiment involved intense fighting southwest san companies advanced strong prepared german defences regiment company quickly tied german mortar fire company flanked german positions north san nightfall companies held positions thick german defences night december subjected regiment repulsed support continuous canadian artillery morning december completed bridge river enabling tanks 14th armoured regiment calgary regiment transport companies river san mid morning san cleared german defenders strong positions existed outside town hour tanks broken german positions near castle companies linked 48th princess canadian light infantry san finally establishing firm canadian positions river near end december german forces division fell second defensive line formidable obstacle known attacks canadian crossed river new_zealand division launched brigade attack operation december division british 2nd independent parachute brigade command left flank supported heavy concentrations artillery air support surprise achieved commander corps persuaded new position launch major attack december initially new_zealand attack progressed german defenders regained attack lost momentum heavily fortified defensive positions 24th infantry battalion fought way slow house house fighting centre town pinned prospect progress significant armoured support combination concealed minefields dug german armour task allied tanks impossible early hours december new_zealand commander bernard ordered withdrawal town view attack artillery bombers indian division impossible bridge canadian new_zealand divisions finding progress difficult decided bring indian 21st infantry brigade attack orders seize river crossing available indian engineers rushed build bridge completed december allowed infantry supporting armour cross expand far bank bridge named impossible bridge local geography required built backwards enemy bank river initial attacks following loss san river division withdrew primary defensive line north san line centred natural known average depth general initial plan position achieve roads consisted frontal assault 2nd canadian infantry brigade seize ridge capture gain positions road german defences adequately prepared including gun pits shelters december canadian battalions attempt cross succeeded capturing ridge directly south attempts german positions unsuccessful december battalions attempt loyal regiment suffering heavy casualties attempts german positions sector badly company able gain reverse slope newly arrived german units forced remaining men withdraw december general sent battalions 3rd canadian infantry brigade german defences assault started poorly canadian artillery plans captured soldiers division regiment west nova_scotia regiment attacked subject regiment approximately regiment called attacks taken heavy casualties west princess canadian light infantry fared little better company taking heavy casualties assault attempts december battalions 3rd canadian infantry brigade attacks driven german resistance evening december heavily depleted division relieved positions units 1st parachute division december devised new assault plan taking small force royal small set west german positions infantry armour forcing 1st parachute division withdraw attack begin dawn companies royal attacking artillery support companies control lateral highway leading company captain paul pushed support ontario regiment company found involved southwest company began assault manor house away strong german defences caused heavy casualties attackers men tanks objective despite arrival remaining forces captured manor house men company remained fit continue fighting efforts capture awarded victoria_cross eighth army intensify attack indian division committed montgomery decided raise stakes bringing british 5th infantry division relatively corps high mountains left wing 8th army insert new_zealand indian divisions allow indian division narrow concentrate attack montgomery divisions continue attack sea december british 17th infantry brigade 5th division brigades place new_zealand division command 5th division headquarters brigades arrived left hand divisions organised command corps commanded lieutenant general miles left canadian division indian 21st brigade december established solid impossible bridge night second 8th indian division brigade 17th indian infantry brigade passed attacked 1st battalion royal stormed village wild night fighting 1st battalion 5th rifles seized point nearby holding determined including tanks afternoon december evening 1st battalion 12th frontier force regiment attacked left established positions lateral road running parallel north impossible bridge evening december 1st 5th battalion essex regiment indian division 19th indian infantry brigade held reserve committed left flank frontier force regiment advance direction overran number german positions end december attacks 15th regiments 3rd battalion secured positions lateral road ensuring 8th indian division firmly embedded main german defences december new_zealand division frontal assault launched 5th brigade operation florence new flanking attack right village afternoon 5th brigade established lateral road driven shallow german forward defensive line exhausted nearly reserves divisional headquarters optimistic prospects day given heavy casualties inflicted day germans launched counterattack december throwing men 6th parachute regiment sent 26th division relieve exhausted 9th regiment troops arrived late evening long journey supported tanks attacked right hand new_zealand positions held 21st battalion held retired daylight german counterattack repelled 20th regiment attacked squadrons tanks intense artillery anti tank fire tanks infantry separated tanks target threat operation florence come end german line pushed sustained casualties ill afford firmly held furthermore new_zealand division time fought needed period consolidation reorganisation december british 5th division completed line new_zealand indian divisions followed period hostile patrolling corps main burden fighting assumed corps canadians pushed indian division left flank attacking villa taking preparation hoped final attack shifted 2nd canadian infantry brigade occupy positions belonging 1st brigade planned attack york regiment frontal assaults attack fail 1st brigade royal canadian regiment german defences forcing withdrawal december companies york regiment attacked little hour fighting canadians forced attack afternoon heavily depleted companies royal fought large german counterattack royal canadian horse artillery firing rounds support canadian forces december planned largest assault campaign beginning canadian artillery bombard depth minutes barrage forward continuing pound german defences bombardment area barrage 48th advance lateral road time 8th indian division attack northward preventing german reinforcements reaching 48th reached crossroads royal canadian regiment north advance road battalions supported tanks rivers regiment attack went extremely artillery shifted barrage german defences quickly recovered machine gun fire devastated advancing forces company royal canadian regiment platoon commander killed wounded attack quickly abandoned december canadian forces tried royal canadian regiment attacked crossroads noon time determined operation successful armoured forces rivers regiment moving start lines shortages fuel poor weather hour postponed hour came powerful barrage supported companies royal canadian regiment eastward evening company controlled crossroads having met virtually resistance advance objective german forces evacuated falling prepare strong defence elements powerful 1st parachute division firmly entrenched town villa order pressure 19th indian brigade ordered attack villa exploit gains far river ran mountains adriatic attack went december failed desperate fighting 5th battalion essex regiment renewed attack following morning success counterattack german repulsed midday essex advanced remainder village deadly small scale house house battles continued rest december days determined parachute soldiers south villa 3rd 15th taken december continuous brigade line established december reinforcements form 3rd battalion 8th regiment brought forward barrage launched east villa battalions involved 5th battalion royal west tasked south east village supported tanks villa finally cleared end december troops 8th indian division entered village find correspondent described scene giant child box blocks corps attacks december lieutenant general corps launched new attack push german line afternoon british 5th infantry division attacked right wing corps stream objective secure flank 2nd new_zealand division turn attack northwest west order roll defences north british 5th infantry division achieved objectives 5th new_zealand infantry brigade attacked december despite intensive artillery support guns yards tired new_zealand battalions struggled progress afternoon clear new_zealand commander bernard defences 26th division reported remarked question advance question holding got corps effectively settled posture active defence patrolling week december 1st parachute battalion german 1st parachute division supporting units prepared strong defences italian coastal town engineers infantry destroyed turning streets debris filled maze major streets mined demolition charges main traps town german forces buried tanks rubble leaving turrets exposed december strength loyal regiment moved covering eastern flank day encountered heavy machine gun fire attempts enter nightfall battalions held western edge encountered heavy resistance attempts secure following day company loyal regiment launched attacks eastward city centre accurate german sniper fire rapidly stalled advance remainder week battle degenerated small scale version battle vicious house house fighting narrow streets debris course battle canadian forces developed innovative mouse tactics moving houses avoid german sniper fire open streets german december caused significant casualties canadian forces town danger allied advances west 1st parachute regiment abandoned town following day leaving canadian forces canadian casualties fighting town approached killed wounded aftermath villa captured looked require eighth army strike concentrated blow complete line main adriatic december corps coastal plain battlefield drifting snow biting winds movement communications ground cloud ceiling visibility fell grounded montgomery realising eighth army longer strength conditions force way rome recommended general alexander eighth army offensive halted alexander agreed ordered maintain aggressive patrolling order pin units corps adriatic sector prevent moving reinforce corps opposite mark clark fifth army allied offensive continue spite attempts winter fifth army break valley failed spring approached alexander concentrated forces great secrecy adriatic bringing bulk eighth army striking power combined attack armies fourth final battle early took surprise led allied capture rome early june


battle san battle san october known defensive battle chinese pinyin fought korean war united_nations forces primarily australian british chinese communist people volunteer army fighting occurred limited offensive corps operation commando offensive ultimately pushed chinese river line destroyed elements chinese armies following heavy fighting smaller battle san took place day period saw 3rd battalion royal australian regiment numerically superior chinese force important san hill san hill features conjunction units 1st commonwealth division tactics developed japanese new_guinea second world war australians gained advantage high ground assaulted chinese positions unexpected directions repelled repeated chinese aimed capturing san sides suffering heavy casualties australians finally relieved british battalion peace talks ongoing operations proved actions war manoeuvre lasted previous sixteen months replaced static war characterised fixed defences reminiscent western month later chinese subsequently captured san british fierce fighting gained today battle widely regarded australian_army greatest accomplishments war background military situation following general army douglas dismissal commander chief forces korea replaced general matthew consequently april general james van fleet replaced commander eighth army united_nations forces korea chinese spring offensive april ended defeat following months sporadic operations mid june august war entered new phase van fleet returning offensive july kansas wyoming lines strengthened limited offensive east central sector mid august seized high ground bloody ridge battle bloody ridge september offensive sector continued targeting hill complex north bloody ridge known heartbreak ridge organisation british commonwealth ground forces fighting korea united_nations command undergone considerable change months following battles river late april transferred 27th british infantry brigade 28th british commonwealth brigade formation departed hong_kong protracted negotiations governments australia britain canada india new_zealand south_africa agreement reached establish integrated formation aim increasing political significance contribution solution operational problems faced commonwealth contingents 1st commonwealth division formed july division including 25th canadian 28th british commonwealth 29th british infantry brigades command major general james corps formation division occupied west central sector line approximately kilometres north capital seoul 28th brigade included infantry battalions 1st battalion king scottish 1st battalion king light infantry 3rd battalion royal australian regiment command brigadier george taylor period commanded lieutenant colonel francis peace talks july september led fighting undertook mainly defensive duties helping construct defences kansas line south river conducting extensive patrolling northern battalion reduced operational tempo opportunity train reinforcements period culminated limited largely unopposed divisional advance kilometres north wyoming line operation september prelude opposing forces late september early october continuing attack heartbreak ridge van fleet developed plan limited offensive western section known operation commando advance kilometres north 38th parallel aim pushing chinese forces giving united_nations forces leverage truce negotiations occurring operation commando scheduled october corps commander lieutenant general john daniel envisioned concept operations corps divisions advance broad conjunction 25th infantry division left flank neighbouring corps seizing new defensive line known line divisions advance included 1st commonwealth division 1st cavalry division 9th south korean division 1st south korean division remain existing position left flank sector occupied 1st commonwealth division chinese communist forces dug group hills overlooking river division faced troops chinese division army overall command chinese forces divided regiments men regiments dug prepared defensive positions overhead protection regiment support 28th brigade faced forward regiments regiment deployed battalion hill second battalion hill hill battalion reserve west task allocated british commonwealth force positions intention advancing line southern bank line hills north total objective stretched kilometres primary objectives advance capture san hill san hill task taking positions allocated 28th british commonwealth brigade formation bearing fighting planned capturing line phases phase scheduled october 28th brigade hill east central sector second phase october 25th brigade assault hill features south western ridge running river lastly phase scheduled october 28th brigade capture hills bulk division strength concentrated right flank held 28th brigade 25th brigade hold left flank 29th brigade held reserve providing battalion brigades reinforcements san assaulted phase support san taken phase operation 1st battalion royal northumberland commander 29th brigade duration operation commando careful reconnaissance planning took place week prior commencement operation taylor emphasised use indirect fires air support tactics limit casualties exploitation weak points chinese defences direct support brigade 16th field regiment royal new_zealand artillery inch pounder field guns addition divisional corps assets included inch mortars inch millimetre heavy artillery total guns mortars support british tank squadrons 8th royal irish preliminary operations given primary task capturing hill studied approaches air ground previous attempts san american troops unsuccessful regardless tactics developed japanese new_guinea second world war running tops ridges intended gain advantage high ground cover afforded vegetation ease movement crest lines order assault chinese positions unexpected directions chinese defenders san testing newly developed tactic called mobile defense small units stationed hills order exhaust attackers bulk chinese defenders later counterattack forces consolidate newly gained positions phase operation australians tasked capturing chinese outpost hill allow tanks medium machine guns provide direct fires northern eastern slopes hill support attack south east likewise assault capture hill finally days start operation commando 28th brigade crossed river assemble 25th brigade october following day company moved forward carefully assembly areas ready advance following morning company advanced position metres canadian positions north east hill company metres rear afternoon company subjected heavy losing soldier wounded company command major detached 25th brigade strengthen extended available afternoon october battle capture hill october october company moved north metres hill crossing open valley cover darkness heavy mist company moved company artillery mortar fire targeted known chinese artillery positions counter battery fire prior dawn switching support assault hill simultaneously assaulting hill support squadron 8th royal irish reached positions opposition company gained high ground north proceeded patrol short distance west objective taken wounded chinese killed captured mid morning australians successfully captured objectives expecting counter attack australians hill began digging attack occurred company subsequently returned allocated position company companies received day wounding men company captain jim took defence hill company went reserve company according plan troop tanks section medium machine guns moved hill began directing fire northern slopes hill support following preparation artillery mortar fire lead british assault companies begun advance hill chinese expecting assault direction initial british moves met strong resistance forced withdraw second assault reached objectives lower slopes gains consolidated nightfall attack schedule yards short final objective resistance encountered initial phase hill secured afternoon october assault slowed positions northeast slopes hill known hill chinese held british right flank company detached assist attack san morning australians tasked chinese defences capturing position heavy chinese artillery fire slowed progress rounds falling 28th brigade area previous hours total times weight allied artillery fired brigade included rounds division left flank delay meant canadian attack scheduled day 25th brigade sector postponed continuing requirement use divisional artillery support 28th brigade capture hill fall san october october company command major jack attacked long spur running east peak hill known hill launching assault australians quickly killed drove defenders pressing spur routing remainder chinese company reaching objectives australians took advantage initiative gained far pushing platoon summit hill amid heavy fighting australians cleared eastern slopes san despite having received orders thirteen chinese killed captured fighting australian casualties included wounded subsequently died later awarded distinguished service order leadership company withdrew rear position replaced company occupied position held company metres north hill led simultaneous assault western face san fearing caught attacks chinese defenders abandoned hill withdrawing northwest heavy indirect fire given strong resistance exhibited chinese canadians expected tough fight 25th brigade prepared assault objectives second phase divisional plan loss hill chinese unexpectedly withdrew prepared defensive positions hill captured opposition 2nd battalion princess canadian light infantry encountered opposition captured hill features losing killed wounded stiff fighting chinese killed ease canadians captured initial objectives allowed press attaining final objectives line nightfall resistance encountered heavy chinese artillery fire caused number casualties including killed canadians subsequently occupied positions destined hold months fighting 28th brigade left flank met slight resistance securing hill southwest san relieved canadians nightfall preparation phase operation brigade plan day schedule unexpected ease experienced canadians overall divisional attack running according plan determined hold following loss hill chinese moved fresh troops heavily reinforcing number positions including san fall san october final objective san steep hill rising metres valley metres north hill following delay capturing hill ready implement plan early day phase begin october royal northumberland scheduled attack intermediate objective hill adjacent san assisting australians assault hill australians moved position northeast hill afternoon october night october divisional artillery hit chinese positions batteries inch millimetre batteries air strikes squadron south african air_force planned targeting chinese concentrations north west objectives cut supplies reinforcements australians scheduled begin attacks light following heavy artillery preparation dark moved amid dense fog found difficult maintain position time commence attack planned struggled metres objective following delays assault commenced initially achieving surprise number forward chinese outposts fell occupying strong defensive positions hill chinese regained initiative poured heavy machine gun rifle fire attackers crossed valley forcing withdraw suffering heavy casualties running low ammunition having expected main axis assault south chinese positions stronger previously considered unable gain summit despite company gaining summit midday earlier morning companies moved north valley anti tank platoon crossed taking positions north order protect right flank assaulting companies west series objectives assaulting hill initially attack east attack southwest hill facing stiff resistance hill unable forward assist previous attempts capture san failed approach steep eastern slopes feature wide open valley dominated fire mutually supporting chinese positions consequently australians planned cross valley cover darkness position chinese flank foothills scaling position light company create diversion left flank company clear lower slopes company passed assault chinese main defensive position known victor feature depth assault following casualties previous nights hill effect constant reduced men contrast australians faced fresh chinese battalions san total men company commanded captain henry led heavy mist visibility limited thick vegetation drifted right intended axis advance having lost direction suffering similar fate assaulting companies separated battalion attack turned series independent company attacks company slowly continued forward mist lifted suddenly left dangerously exposed halfway slope objective australian approach surprised chinese apparently expecting assault north company succeeded closing grenade range chinese victor fierce minute fire fight australians cleared objective assistance direct fire supporting tanks indirect fire support artillery losing killed wounded included australian wounded company commander platoon commanders remained command despite gunshot wounds chinese losses included killed captured initial phase company attacked southwest spur leading hill met stiff opposition diversion largely successful causing chinese reinforce attack believed main effort company continued press attack high ground uniform feature assaulting deeply entrenched chinese positions included heavy automatic weapons successfully captured intermediate objectives assigned platoon company pushed forward assist clearance feature later lieutenant clark awarded military cross sergeant awarded bar distinguished conduct medal actions fighting time total chinese casualties included killed captured australians believed large number chinese wounded following progress companies company moved capture final objective immediately commenced assault hill capturing prisoners loss chinese dug barbed wire obstacles attackers australians rapidly gained position san fallen australians chinese withdrawing heavy artillery mortar machine gun fire hill maintained pressure chinese day unable capture feature regardless efforts conjunction company attack rapid advance company tank artillery support carried day company continued attack heavy opposition indirect fire slowly pushing chinese defenders later platoon detached assist company consolidate defence san following capture remaining withdrawn heavy artillery fire played supporting role attack efforts company vital suffering casualties killing chinese capturing san captured australians began digging modifying south facing linear chinese trench system round defensive position mutually supporting weapons pits fully expecting chinese counter attack evening moved assault pioneer platoon bolster hasty defences chinese occupied key positions sierra feature summit hill continued defend scene considerable fighting days come australians attempted clear october sides exhausted fighting night october expected australians opportunity develop position add depth defences probe chinese positions taylor ordered australians capture central remaining chinese position sierra feature wooded halfway summit san day renew attack hill southern approach hill proved strongly defended chinese obvious overcome taylor need split fire defenders high ground north west san known vital adjacent hill dominated north assault planned morning reserve company attack east australian positions san firm base allowing opponents hill october platoon company command lieutenant arthur moved forward sierra heavy mist conceal movements strength expecting feature occupied instead australians found large number chinese prepared defensive positions fire support outnumbered australians immediately conducted quick attack grenades inflicted heavy casualties chinese forcing survivors withdraw subjected constant platoon continued hold hours cutting assault tree line long grass accurate rifle machine gun fire forcing chinese withdraw leaving dead wounded australian killed initial assault sierra number later wounded defence chinese casualties included killed wounded seven captured later awarded military cross day assaulted hill south attempted work way eastern western flanks feature despite preparation divisional artillery machine gun platoon firing vickers medium machine guns support san unable progress chinese machine guns located objective flanking movements blocked chinese small arms grenades taken casualties days fighting afternoon spent force sensing weakness chinese launched assault forcing withdraw contact previous plans assault occurred issues resupply dangerous approach march required despite efforts failed capture objective way finally secure hill ridge hill australians tasked capturing following day company subsequently allocated attack preparation ascended hill late afternoon october finally securing crest light joined platoon northwest summit form day conduct assault early hours october allied artillery mortar bombardment began targeting chinese positions moved tactical headquarters hill assaulting troops stepped line departure allowing direct battle forward position fire support waiting fog lift artillery fire safe moment attack finally began company moved depth trees long grass initially chinese withdrawn night suddenly lead australian small arms fire rear series intense fire fights ensued australians fought finally fell australians losing killed wounded chinese casualties included killed result fighting captain henry lieutenant jim hughes awarded military cross corporal park corporal awarded military medal surviving chinese withdrew artillery mortar fire began fall company moved quickly consolidate position hampered faced pressing shortage ammunition difficulties evacuating casualties remainder day company subjected intense indirect fire company hill anti tank platoon assault pioneer platoon reinforced company platoon company moved forward support company hill heavily shelled minutes beginning inevitable chinese counterattack heavy mist concealed chinese advance assisted penetrate australian perimeter night october attacked occasions flanks force battalion strength australians beat chinese desperate hand hand combat chinese swept forward stopped intense small arms artillery fire assault sergeant seeing platoon gunners wounded manned light machine gun breaking chinese assault controlling fire men sergeant strong arranged resupply ammunition forward australian sections awarded military medal intensity fighting led severe shortage ammunition defenders attempts resupply australians plagued heavy use salvaged ammunition situation momentarily company vickers medium machine guns destroyed chinese ammunition belts subsequently broken dispersed soon resulted large number mechanical failures weapon causing additional problems defenders evacuation casualties issue assault pioneer platoon commanded lieutenant run ammunition forward number specialist ammunition nearly exhausted australians resorted kicking attacking chinese brutal fighting fearing australians overwhelmed persistent chinese attacks taylor ordered korean resupply australians divisional concentration artillery fired support ultimately company succeeded holding hastily constructed defensive positions night october chinese finally gave order preserve remaining strength chinese division forced pull kilometres surrendering control hill fight light chinese dead wounded lay australian defences contrast savage fighting night chinese parties allowed come forward collect wounded flag truce australians victorious exhausted days heavy fighting aftermath casualties hours later relieved san having lost killed wounded chinese casualties hill severe killed determined body count captured hundreds thought likely killed wounded later estimated australians destroyed chinese battalions day battle advanced hill time opposition sending patrols confirm chinese withdrawn met patrols taking control area hill occupied october assault pioneer platoon anti tank platoon platoon company remained san evening october pioneers killed chinese probe position finally relieved october leadership immediately awarded number awards distinguished fighting royal australian regiment subsequently granted battle honours san san today battle san widely regarded australian_army greatest accomplishments korean war assessment battle british commonwealth system proved robust bear strain fighting disruption problems experienced despite difficulties adequate flow ammunition equipment food water maintained occasions australians endured hunger hours rounds small arms grenades mortar rounds day battle moved man loads korean service corps australian soldiers long distances extreme terrain fire resupply operations required considerable effort bravery effect number korean killed wounded san evacuation casualties resupply ammunition times proved problematic heavy sniper fire disrupted parties number occasions resulting forward companies running short ammunition quality support given british australian infantry artillery tanks high standard proved critical factor tanks operated terrain new_zealand gunners fired rounds direct support paint barrels guns air support including provided south african important battle noted pioneering use tunnel warfare chinese korean war fighting company chinese soldiers defended positions shaped tunnel capable housing men served bomb shelter base company leader later claimed tunnel enabled defenders inflict casualties suffering casualties return impressed report commander people volunteer army later ordered construction metre deep tunnels entire line formed formidable obstacle forces overcome stalemate period subsequent operations operation commando finally ended october corps having successfully seized line destroying elements 42nd 47th chinese armies chinese losses estimated casualties losses majority 1st cavalry division borne fighting hills south line remained communist hands requiring follow operation known operation succeeded capturing positions october supply lines near seoul free chinese peace talks ongoing operations proved actions war manoeuvre lasted previous sixteen months replaced static war characterised fixed defences trench lines patrols parties minefields reminiscent western construction defensive began immediately operations confined reverse slopes day artillery mortar fire operations hazardous patrolling forward line began order prevent chinese gaining control land war contest warfare attrition growing western political ensured commanders increasingly limiting casualties total casualties 1st commonwealth division operation commando amounted killed wounded bulk occurred fighting hill hill addition heavy casualties suffered lost killed wounded chinese army later received keeping casualties light despite estimates placing casualties higher operation played crucial role bold series holding flanking movements coordinated accurate sustained artillery direct tank fire driven chinese san san held key position unsuccessful forcing chinese retire month later san subsequently chinese amid fierce fighting second battle san private bill later awarded victoria_cross gained remained chinese hands end war


action september action september inconclusive frigate engagement napoleonic wars british_royal_navy french_navy frigates british frigate defeated french vessels near isle france mauritius british reinforcements able recapture ship french secure british frigate hms new arrival indian_ocean command captain robert served previous year unpopular officer death battle provoked storm controversy britain claims committed suicide shame losing ship murdered crew abandoned men said refused load guns remained command rumours accurate determined issue discussed prominent naval histories subject lawsuit action came direct consequence battle grand port weeks earlier british squadron destroyed failed attack grand port harbour isle france gave french forces island significant regional advantage british frigate recently captured commanded commodore british reinforcements hastily area french blockading force arriving reinforcements constant danger attack powerful french units ship reinforce squadron days arrival region engaged french ships attempting drive away saint severely wounded opening exchanges subsequently died crew fought hard overwhelmed french frigates forced surrender arrive hms drive french warships background british_royal_navy french_navy frigate squadrons indian_ocean french led commodore ordered disrupt british trade region particularly targeting large east carried millions pounds worth goods britain empire british force commodore tasked blockade eventual capture defended island bases french isle france action french frigate named caroline captured east prizes saint paul major operation islands landed soldiers defences harbour sent ships bay seizing town shipping harbour including caroline captains performed engagement robert hms caroline british warship renaming hms placed command sent britain despatches following year french continued attack british trade convoys achieving important victories action november action july captured east numerous smaller merchant ships large portuguese frigate active commanding successful invasion july renaming island basing squadron saint paul island eastern shore base ships positioned begin close blockade isle france led initially captain samuel hms sought reduce french movement seizing number fortified offshore islands starting grand port island captured french squadron broke british blockade took shelter grand port resolved attack ensuing battle grand port disaster squadron led frigates bay adequately assessing channel coral reefs sheltered harbour result frigates grounded range enemy remaining outnumbered confined waters complicated battle lasting days frigates captured scuttled entire crews prisoner reinforcements arrived late british commodore chased saint flagship indian_ocean lengthy journey britain time command developed reputation strict regularly beating men extent provoked brief mutiny reputation spread switched commands captain richard hms met storm protest crew men aboard served preference brutal punishment known navy crew sent letter admiralty insisting serve concerned considered mutiny admiralty sent popular officers message protest quietly dropped courts martial mutiny entire crew liable attack emphasise threat frigate hms brought alongside open cannon ready fire crew allowed aboard frigate sailed indian_ocean days later carrying instructions authorities madras prepare expeditionary force invade isle france isle france journey madras took months number stops passage final small british island base rodriguez early september informed disaster grand port initiative immediately sailed south augment weakened squadron arriving isle france september spotted french schooner near gave chase schooner reefs grand bay eastern island ordered frigate boats enter creek schooner fled small craft entering hope capturing vessel boats approached french soldiers militia appeared banks began firing british sailors fire returned royal marines boats barge grounded soon ambush sprung trapped french gunfire killing men wounding boat reached grounded abandoned schooner men aboard unable vessel forced depart coming fire wounded men escape french trap boats determined sail directly september arrived saint landed wounded came ashore news learning french frigates offshore blockading port french ships spotted harbour small brig isle france information whereabouts raised flags successfully french believing frigate flagship hms french ships commanded british frigates captured grand port battle stationed saint paul west saint received word arrived saint immediately sought drive french blockade sailing eastwards came sight squadron british flagship followed small hms hms staunch recognised intention joined attack embarking soldiers regiment foot replace losses grand bay french believing assumed east named disguise fell isle france british force staunch fell rapidly pulled far ahead longer british ships similarly realised lack british squadron recognised faster ships soon catch result slowed prepared meet british frigate night fell found outnumbered began launch rockets hope attracting attention french closed ship action nautical miles flashes powerless darkness september gap closed french ships opened fire returning fire immediately second french broadside struck minutes broadside ball tearing foot ankle large wooden splinter thrown struck thigh leg shattering bone brought ship surgeon remnant leg hastily bound command lieutenant john crew pulled away perform hasty repairs guns wrecked rigging leaving british frigate largely slowly moving ahead engaged close range counter attacked found sides angled position able british ship inflicting significant damage casualties ruins wounded places refused leave deck ship master lieutenant shot chest collapsed guns casualties increased return fire ragged stopped entirely guns capable firing french fire stopped light showing nautical miles away unable affect surrender hauled flags minutes french prize crew boarded battered frigate seized magazine shot gunpowder shipped ammunition exhausted arrives breeze pushed forward began close consort watching masts gave way collapsed hull dead ship exact manner death cause lasting controversy joined staunch bore french ships prize persuaded abandon tow damaged port napoleon pulled alongside french prize crew surrendered later reported number british sailors sea approach swam requesting allowed pursue french ships hope capturing dismissed idea given shattered state instead towed frigate return journey french frigates achieve pursuing distance running capturing honourable east india company armed brig aurora sent india reinforce september arrived saint paul fortifications harbour sea seeking drive away french blockade unable bring action returned port napoleon september present attacked captured french flagship commodore action september aftermath action campaign lone british frigates briefly overwhelmed superior french forces sailed independently join squadron occasion able recapture lost frigate drive french attackers action particularly violent british casualties totalling killed wounded including single officer soldiers embarked seriously damaged ready return active service months french losses severe suffering killed wounded killed wounded action considered defeat admiralty reported london gazette british naval authorities particularly disturbed rumours began concerning death captain behaviour crew battle prominent rumours suggestion murdered crew historian william james wrote insist captain sic death wound inflicted people goes point shot cannon gives story committed suicide avoid shame defeat cut limb suffered bleed death story alluded edward history fear survive capture truth end known certainty james ultimately concludes wound certainly mortal likely cause death second accusation proved controversial aftermath engagement claim crew abandoned guns refused load deliberately fired sea protest behaviour brutality known navy james describing excessively severe officer career cruelty james accuse crew deliberate attempt sabotage ship engagement instead poor gunnery commander significantly failure practice gunnery regularly authors understanding crew stating cut guns shot second broadside historian hall stated preferred french fight accusation provoked outrage naval officers captain jones launched successful lawsuit forcing hall william commented unfortunately reason suppose captain sic reputation extreme severity crew men behave behaved later suggestion committed suicide suggesting wound cause death modern historians scathing behaviour robert calling brutal richard describing unfortunate victim cruelty suspicions crew failed support hated commander


raid raid operation attacks royal_navy german held port late spring world war attacked conjunction neighbouring harbour april order block vital strategic port situated nmi inland sited conduct raiding operations british coastline shipping lanes satellite ports vital german plans war allied commerce close lanes english channel allowed quicker access western approaches boat fleet bases germany plan attack british raiding force sink obsolete cruisers canal mouth preventing raiding ships leaving canal smaller narrower channels giving access considered secondary target raid consequently fewer resources provided force assaulting attack garnered limited success assault complete failure german marines defended port taken careful preparations drove british assault ships forcing abortion operation final stage weeks failure operation second attack launched proved successful sinking entrance canal ultimately close completely plans attack came summer threat finally stopped days war town liberated allied land forces captured advancing german divisions race sea rapidly identified important strategic asset german_navy situated nmi inland centre network canals emptied sea small coastal towns land barrier protected bombardment land sea largest calibre artillery secured raiding parties royal_navy natural advantages port german_navy constructed extensive training repair facilities equipped provide support destroyers torpedo boats boats raiding forces causing concern admiralty proximity british coast lanes english channel boats western approaches heaviest shipping lanes world time late spring admiral bacon attempted success destroy lock gates monitors effort failed increasingly important atlantic campaign reached height early admiralty seeking radical solutions problems raised submarine warfare including instructing allied naval marine forces department plan attacks boat bases belgium allied naval marine forces newly formed department created purpose conducting raids operations coastline german held territory organisation able command extensive resources royal french navies commanded admiral roger deputy commodore staff began planning methods late april ready plans operation planning block decided conduct raids ports access sea attacked large force consisting numerous supporting warships faced similar smaller force immediate command plan obsolete cruisers hms brilliant expended blocking canal emptied ships stripped essential fittings lower holds ballast filled rubble concrete ideal barriers access sunk correct channel correct angle weather right force cross english channel darkness attack shortly midnight coincide raid miles coast coordinating operations assault forces stretch german defenders hopefully gain element surprise covering squadron heavy bombardment offshore squadron monitors destroyers artillery support royal marine artillery near allied held flanders closer support offered motor launches small torpedo boats coastal motor boats lay smoke screens obscure advancing evacuate crews cruisers blocked channel british order battle offshore squadron lord class monitors guns hms marshal lord prince eugene general class monitors guns hms destroyers hms mentor french_navy light craft torpedo boats french motor launches squadron hms brilliant destroyers hms swift destroyer leader light craft motor launches coastal motor boats artillery support provided royal marine heavy artillery allied held flanders force covered english channel seven light cruisers destroyers saw action attack assaults eventually launched april twice delayed poor weather force arrived port shortly midnight final preparations monitors took position offshore small craft moved forward begin laying smoke covering approach monitors opened fire german shore defences including powerful battery carried guns long range artillery duel developed cruisers began advance harbour mouth searching marker indicated correct passage diverse navigation difficult belgian coast stage attack began seriously wrong strong winds blowing land swept smoke screen face advancing cruisers commanders attempted navigate dead wind disclosed squadron german defenders immediately opened fire volunteer crews suffering heavy casualties commanders increased speed despite poor visibility continued narrow channels searching bank directed shipping canal commander alfred led assault hms brilliant effective german counter measure brilliant spotted ahead headed directly coming heavier fire passing navigation marker speed cruiser suddenly brought halt throwing men decks sticking fast deep mud outside harbour mouth warnings relayed following close passed captain lieutenant commander henry hardy shocked brilliant dead ahead time port quarter brilliant settling mud wreckage artillery long range machine gun fire continued combined crews ordered evacuate officers set charges sink current useless locations men cruisers coastal motor boats relay offshore squadron destroyers moved closer cover retreat monitors continued heavy fire leave picked launch commanded lieutenant main assault complete failure blockading forces returned dover assess disaster forces commanders conferred facts failed operation revealed german commander better prepared counterpart recognised navigation night attack successful strong familiarity port british possessed simply remove german commander ordered moved east canal mouth centre wide acting fatal assault force aftermath assault miles away successful blocking major channel cause german forces larger raiders longer leave port smaller ships including submarines able traverse addition hours narrow channel carved british intelligence realise weeks defeat entirely british media public reaction admiralty particularly allied naval marine forces failure completely second operation planned cruiser hms proved successful ultimately failed completely close planned operation conducted rapidly clear new channel carved allow access boats calling larger double assault stretch resources allied naval marine forces far british losses futile attempts close cost casualties loss ships remain active raiding base german_navy october


battle gun battery battle gun battery occurred june operation normandy landings second world war allied intelligence believed gun battery composed heavy calibre guns threaten british landings sword beach miles away 9th parachute battalion 3rd parachute brigade attached 6th airborne division given objective destroying battery battalion arrived normandy parachute descent dispersed large area instead men heavy weapons equipment arrived battalion assembly point regardless pressed home attack succeeded capturing battery discover guns lower caliber expected czech manufacture range metres hit targets sword beach explosives able recover surviving men tried disable guns british withdrawn guns action germans attack day british failed recapture battery remained german control august german_army started withdraw area background june british 6th airborne division given task securing left flank allied landings objectives destruction gun battery allied planners judged size concrete gun guns calibre guns range miles threaten sword beach west 3rd british infantry division land later day british forces unit assigned destroy battery 9th parachute battalion 3rd parachute brigade commanded lieutenant colonel battalion normal complement men supported section royal engineers loads transporting trailers stores including explosives anti tank gun transporting volunteers carry coup main landing position coincide ground assault april force taken hill seven days royal engineers built scale replica battery including obstacles barbed wire fences following days spent holding getting acquainted layout battery carried practice assaults night nature mission battalion given additional medical support section parachute field ambulance unit present attack directly involved company 1st canadian parachute battalion company tasked provide covering fire 9th battalion approach withdrawal battery assault completed battalion clear position royal_navy cruiser hms open fire battery attempt destroy naval gunfire battery battery composed foot thick steel reinforced concrete gun casemates built organisation designed protect world war vintage czech guns buildings site included command bunker building accommodate men ammunition magazines visit march inspect defences field marshal ordered builders work faster casemates completed battery defended anti aircraft gun machine guns gun positions enclosed area yards surrounded barbed wire obstacles feet thick feet high acted exterior border yard deep minefield obstacle anti tank ditch covering approach nearby coast original commander battery killed royal_air_force bombing raid replaced commanded engineers 1st battery artillery regiment static infantry division battery complement men chiefly gunnery crews course team included staff officers assistants medical observation teams maintenance teams guards arms intended battery remain siege months sufficient rations generator fuel kept site event water supply came interrupted remarkable structure featured prominently propaganda time assault midnight june 9th parachute battalion advance party landed brigade reached battalion assembly area problems men remained mark company positions battalion second command major george smith reconnaissance party left scout battery time royal_air_force lancaster bombers started bombing run completely missed battery bombs landing south meantime having problems arrived correct drop zone found damaged landed smoke debris left bombing marker lights seen pilots transport aircraft main body 9th parachute battalion land drop zone located battery battalion scattered number landing considerable distance designated drop zone lieutenant colonel landed rest stick yards away drop zone farmhouse command post german battalion brief fire fight helped scattered reached drop zone men arrived battalion assembly point torpedoes machine gun mortars anti tank gun field ambulance section missing aware time constraints decided wait longer reduced battalion headed battery joined major smith reconnaissance party outside village reconnaissance party cut way barbed wire marked routes minefield divided men assault groups settled await arrival england left ground tow rope snapped unable locate battery land expected run hit anti aircraft fire landed miles away edge minefield troops involved fire fight german troops heading reinforce battery garrison launched assault soon battery ordering explosives detonated form paths outer perimeter attacked defenders alerted explosions opened fire inflicting heavy casualties attackers survived reach disabled firing throwing grenades air casemates cleared white grenades crews neglected lock doors leading battery bombing raid battery guns moved inside casemates steel doors left open ventilation battle germans killed similar number prisoners war rest garrison escaped hiding underground present bombing command bunker raid set battery unable gain entry volume fire british time reconnaissance patrol army unit half track mounting large anti aircraft gun arrived crew intended seek cover position instead gun engage battery hands explosives british gathered plastic explosives issued use bombs try destroy guns time returned directed regiment 2nd 3rd batteries fire battery aftermath battalion survivors men set left battery headed secondary objective village battalion weak managed liberate half village await arrival 1st commando brigade later day complete capture british withdrawn germans battery position unable sword beach command bunker able guns action unable direct accurate fire landings observers infantry regiment holding able direct guns position june battery assaulted troops commando 1st special service brigade attack daylight repulsed heavy losses withdrew engaged battery guns firing open sights british succeeded completely destroying battery remained german control august german_army started withdraw france