battle battle second world war engagement german soviet forces eastern near kilometres miles south west moscow soviet_union july august german offensive code named operation citadel german led largest armoured clashes history battle german offensive countered soviet counter operation russian operation russian germans battle final strategic offensive able launch eastern extensive loss men tanks ensured victorious soviet red army enjoyed strategic initiative remainder war germans hoped weaken soviet offensive potential summer cutting large number forces anticipated kilometres long north south kilometres east west eliminating germans lines soviet numerical superiority critical sectors regain initiative soviet_union plan envisioned pair breaking northern southern flanks german dictator adolf_hitler believed victory german strength improve prestige allies considering withdrawing war hoped large numbers soviet prisoners captured slave labour german armaments industry soviet government german intentions provided british intelligence service aware months advance attack fall neck soviets built defence depth designed wear german armoured germans delayed offensive tried build forces waited new weapons mainly new tank larger numbers tiger heavy tank gave red army time construct series deep defensive belts defensive preparations included minefields fortifications artillery fire zones anti tank strong points extended approximately depth soviet mobile formations moved large reserve force formed strategic counter battle time second world war german strategic offensive halted break enemy defences penetrate strategic depths maximum depth german advance kilometres north kilometres south red army succeeded winter previously counter following german attack successful strategic summer war background battle slowly ground conclusion red army moved general offensive south exhausted german forces survived winter january wide gap opened army group army group don advancing soviet armies threatened cut german forces south don river including army group operating army group center came significant pressure fell soviets february february soviet western newly created central fronts prepared offensive envisioned army group center february southern sector german strategic crisis december field marshal von strongly requesting operational freedom allow use forces fluid manner february met hitler headquarters discuss proposals previously sent received approval hitler soviet forces advancing region february remaining german forces reorganised south army group don renamed army group south placed command directly north army group dissolved forces areas responsibility divided army group south army group center inherited responsibility massive breach german lines february hitler arrived army group south headquarters hours soviets liberated hastily evacuated 19th given freedom action intended forces series flanks soviet armoured formations goal destroying corps arrived france january refitted near strength armoured units 1st army army group pulled strengthened forces operation hastily prepared receive later known battle commenced february 4th army general launched counter attack german forces cut soviet mobile continued drive north march march soviet offensive launched february central army group center abandoned march allow attacking formations south counter threat advancing german forces exhaustion red army coupled loss mobility onset spring resulted cessation operations sides mid march left extending german area control centered city german plans preparation heavy losses sustained army opening operation resulted shortage infantry artillery units total men undertake offensive burden offensive attacking soviet defenses holding ground flanks advance carried primarily divisions view exposed position army group south proposed forces strategic defensive anticipated soviet offensive attempt cut destroy army group south river february proposed waiting offensive develop delivering series exposed soviet flanks hitler concerned political implications taking defensive stance preoccupied holding rejected plan march presented alternative plan german forces pinch rapid offensive commencing soon spring subsided march hitler signed operational order authorised including soviet resistance attempted persuade von commander army group centre immediately attack central defending northern face refused believing forces weak launch attack axis advances blocked soviet forces shifted central area north mid april amid poor weather german forces exhausted need operational order postponed april hitler issued operational order called offensive operation citadel begin shortly directive drafted kurt chief staff offensive succeed deemed essential attack soviets chance prepare extensive defences launch offensive military historians described operation term lightning war military historians use term works battle operation citadel called double directed surround soviet defenders seal army group centre provide general walter model 9th army form northern cut northern face driving south hills east securing rail line soviet attack army group south commit 4th army army detachment pierce southern face force drive north meet 9th army east von main attack delivered 4th army spearheaded corps paul corps commanded von advance left army detachment advance right 2nd army command walter contain western portion april model met hitler review express concern reconnaissance information showed red army constructing strong positions shoulders having withdrawn mobile forces area west argued longer preparation phase continued operation justified recommended completely abandoning citadel allowing army await defeat coming soviet offensive radically plan citadel mid april considered citadel offensive profitable shared model asserted best course action german forces strategic defensive ground allow anticipated soviet forces extend allow german forces counterattack type fluid mobile battle excelled convinced red army deliver main effort army group south proposed left wing army group strong moving right wing stages river followed counterattack flank red army advance continue sea reached soviet forces cut hitler rejected idea want terrain temporarily hitler called senior officers advisors munich meeting hitler spoke minutes reasons postpone attack essentially model arguments number options forth comment going offensive immediately forces hand delaying offensive await arrival new better tanks radically operation advocated early attack requested additional infantry divisions hitler responded available spoke strongly discounted model reconnaissance materials albert minister armaments war production spoke difficulties rebuilding armoured formations limitations german industry replace losses general argued strongly operation stating attack pointless conference ended hitler coming decision citadel aborted days later hitler controlling military postponed launch date citadel june following meeting continued voice concerns operation likely forces attempting rebuild considered offensive planned forces violated laid essential elements successful attack opinion limited german resources men needed pending defence western_europe meeting hitler asked necessary attack east year think knows entire world doesn care capture reason forcing attack year eastern hitler replied know thought turns stomach concluded case reaction problem correct leave despite reservations hitler remained committed offensive early preparatory phase hopeful offensive german strategic fortunes east challenges offered citadel increased focused expected new weapons believed key victory principally tank tank destroyer greater numbers tiger heavy tank postponed operation order await arrival receiving reports powerful soviet concentrations area hitler delayed offensive allow equipment reach citadel increasing delay june alfred chief staff instructed armed forces propaganda office portray upcoming operation limited concerns allied landing south france italy delays deliveries new tanks hitler postponed time june profoundly concerned delays supported offensive june following discussion operations staff suggested abandoning offensive hitler postponed operation july finally july hitler announced july launch date offensive month quiet period descended eastern soviets prepared defences germans attempted build forces germans period specialised training assault troops units underwent training combat rehearsals built scale duplicate soviet strong point practice techniques positions divisions received replacement men equipment attempted strength german forces offensive included divisions divisions tank strengths greater neighboring divisions force markedly infantry divisions essential hold ground secure flanks time germans initiated offensive force amounted men tanks assault guns percent german armour eastern guns mortars soviet plans preparation offensive soviet central western fronts army group centre abandoned shortly began early march southern flank central threatened army group south soviet intelligence received information german troop concentrations spotted details intended german offensive sector spy ring switzerland soviets verified intelligence spy britain john government code school park raw directly moscow provided soviet intelligence luftwaffe airfields region soviet politician wrote march soviet dictator joseph notified possible german attack sector senior officers eager strike ended number key officers including deputy supreme commander recommended strategic defensive going offensive letter april wrote phase enemy collecting best forces including tank divisions support large number aircraft strike grouping north east grouping south east consider forces offensive near future order enemy better enemy exhaust defences knock tanks bringing fresh reserves general offensive finally finish main force consulted commanders senior officers general staff april end agreed germans probably target believed decision defend germans initiative countered germans drawn trap armoured power destroyed creating conditions major soviet decided meet enemy attack preparing defensive positions wear german launching offensive preparation defences fortifications began end april continued german attack early july month delay german decision attack implementation allowed red army ample time thoroughly prepare commanded tasked defending southern face central commanded defended northern face waiting reserve commanded february central reconstructed don northern operation responsible destruction 6th army central fronts constructed main defensive belts sectors subdivided zones fortification soviets employed labour civilians belt web minefields barbed wire fences anti tank ditches deep infantry anti tank obstacles dug armoured vehicles machine gun main defensive belts belts prepared positions fully occupied heavily fortified sufficiently fortified exception small area immediate combined depth main defensive zones kilometres defensive belts kilometres deep germans managed break defences confronted additional defensive belts east manned brought total depth defences nearly kilometres central fronts dug kilometres kilometres trenches respectively laid cross pattern ease movement soviets built bridges kilometres roads red army combat engineers laid anti tank mines anti personnel mines highest concentration main defensive belt minefields achieved anti personnel anti tank mines kilometre times density defence moscow example 6th guards army spread nearly kilometres protected anti tank anti personnel mines defensive belt anti tank anti personnel mines second defensive belt furthermore mobile obstacle detachments tasked laying mines directly path advancing enemy armoured formations units consisting combat engineers mines division level company combat engineers normally equipped mines corps level functioned anti tank reserves level command letter dated april warned germans attack strong armoured force expect enemy greatest reliance year offensive operations tank divisions air_force infantry appears far prepared offensive operations year view threat strengthen anti tank defences central fronts assemble soon possible nearly artillery including guns anti aircraft rockets tasked anti tank defence dug tanks self propelled guns strengthened anti tank defences anti tank forces incorporated level command anti tank strong points majority concentrated likely attack routes remainder spread anti tank strong point typically consisted anti tank guns anti tank rifles seven heavy light machine guns supported mobile obstacle detachments infantry automatic firearms independent tank self propelled gun brigades regiments tasked infantry soviet preparations included increased activity partisans attacked german communications supply lines attacks army group north army group centre june partisans operating occupied area army group centre destroyed locomotives railway wagons bridges sector partisan attacks railways attacks delayed build german supplies equipment required diversion german troops suppress partisans delaying training offensive central partisan headquarters coordinated attacks june soviet air forces flew sorties night resupply partisan groups operating army group centre provided communication daylight air support major partisan operations special training provided soviet infantry manning defences help overcome tank evident start german invasion soldiers packed trenches tanks driven overhead signs fear gone training exercise referred soldiers combat soldiers spring midst attacking infantry separate armoured vehicles separated armoured vehicles vulnerable infantry armed anti tank rifles demolition charges disabled destroyed point blank range types attacks effective massive ferdinand tank destroyers lacked machine guns secondary armament soldiers promised financial rewards tank destroyed people defence providing destroyed tanks soviets employed military deception mask defensive positions troop conceal movement men included gun constructing dummy airfields depots generating false radio traffic spreading rumours soviet troops civilian population german held areas movement forces supplies took place night ammunition carefully concealed blend landscape radio transmission restricted fires forbidden command posts hidden motor transport forbidden according soviet general staff report major luftwaffe raids soviet airfields sector june dummy airfields according historian contrast soviet aviation apparently succeeded destroying luftwaffe aircraft ground soviet deception efforts successful german estimates issued mid june placed total soviet armoured strength tanks result vast soviet strength soviet strategic intentions main tank soviet tank arm red army attempted concentrate production tank arm contained large numbers light tank example 5th guards tank army roughly contained soviets assembled large number lend lease tanks included british built bulk soviet armour including deeper reserves organised soviets men tanks artillery pieces aircraft defend amounted percent total manpower red army percent mortars artillery percent aircraft percent tanks contest air superiority luftwaffe strength eastern started weaken especially luftwaffe forces east depleted squadrons shifted germany defend increasing allied bombing campaign end june percent luftwaffe total aircraft remained east luftwaffe achieve local air superiority concentrating forces majority german aircraft left available eastern slated citadel goal luftwaffe remained unchanged priority german air fleet gain air superiority battlefield enemy reinforcements finally critical point reached land battle render close air support changing strengths opponents prompted luftwaffe operational changes battle previous offensive campaigns initiated luftwaffe raids opposing airfields achieve air superiority point war red army equipment reserves extensive luftwaffe commanders realised aircraft easily replaced making raids futile mission abandoned addition previous campaigns use medium bombers flying block arrival reinforcements mission rarely attempted citadel luftwaffe command understood support crucial success operation citadel problems supply hampered preparations partisan activity particularly army group center slowed rate supply cut short luftwaffe ability build essential petrol oil engines munitions unlike red army units reserves aircraft replace damaged aircraft course operation fuel significant limiting factor help build supplies support citadel luftwaffe greatly curtailed operations week june despite conservation resources luftwaffe resources sustain intensive air effort days operation began citadel luftwaffe confined operations direct support forces ground mission luftwaffe continued use dive bombers new development aircraft calibre cannon wing gun pod half groups assigned support citadel equipped literally cannon bird aircraft air groups strengthened recent arrival cannon ground attack version months preceding battle supporting army group center noted marked increase strength opposing formations formations encountered displayed better training flying improved equipment greater skill luftwaffe seen earlier introduction fighters gave soviet pilots near luftwaffe terms equipment furthermore large numbers ground attack aircraft available soviet air_force fielded large quantities aircraft supplied lend lease huge supplies ample reserves replacement aircraft meant red army formations able conduct extended campaign intensity effort opposing forces germans operation germans armies large portion total tank strength eastern july 9th army army group centre based northern contained men combat soldiers south 4th army army detachment army group south men combat soldiers men combat soldiers respectively 2nd army held western contained estimated total german forces total strength men attacking armies contained combat soldiers army group south equipped armoured vehicles infantry artillery 9th army army group center 4th army army detachment tanks assault guns 9th army possessed tanks assault guns german industry produced tanks self propelled guns april june tigers total tigers new battalions 51st 52nd equipped offensive delayed attached division corps army group south 51st 52nd battalions arriving june july units little time perform reconnaissance orient terrain found breach methods considered essential successful use armour led experienced commanders tank crews new recruits little time familiar new tanks let train function unit battalions came direct training ground lacked combat experience addition requirement maintain radio silence start attack meant units little training battalion level radio procedures furthermore new experiencing problems proved unreliable morning july units lost mechanical breakdown leaving available launching offensive red army red army fronts defence created battle area held reserve central fronts fielded armies men combat soldiers men combat soldiers respectively reserve additional men total size soviet force men actual combat soldiers comparison strength operation citadel red army offensive phase preliminary actions fighting started southern face evening july german infantry launched attacks seize high ground artillery observation posts prior main assault attacks number red army command observation posts main belt defence captured elements division 3rd 11th divisions seized village proceeded capture midnight ordered guns mortars rocket launchers bombard forward german positions particularly corps north central headquarters reports anticipated german offensive came july ordered artillery bombardment begin hope disrupt german forces concentrating attack outcome hoped bombardment delayed german formations failed goal disrupting schedule inflicting substantial losses germans began artillery bombardment lasted minutes northern face minutes southern face barrage ground forces attacked aided close air support provided luftwaffe early morning july launched large raid german airfields hoping destroy luftwaffe ground effort failed red army air units suffered considerable losses lost aircraft july compared aircraft lost luftwaffe losses 16th air army operating northern face lighter suffered 2nd air army luftwaffe able gain maintained air superiority southern face july began obtain control skies northern face evenly contested began gain air superiority july maintained rest operation operation northern face model main attack delivered corps supported tigers attached heavy tank battalion covering left flank corps attached regiment ferdinand tank destroyers right flank corps consisted time infantry divisions tanks assault guns left corps army corps consisted reinforced assault infantry division regular infantry divisions corps contained tanks assault guns opposing 9th army central deployed heavily fortified defensive belts initial german advance model chose initial attacks infantry divisions reinforced assault guns heavy tanks supported artillery luftwaffe sought maintain armoured strength divisions exploitation red army defences breached breakthrough achieved forces advance jan major model staff later commented model expected breakthrough second day breakthrough occur delay bringing divisions red army time react corps commanders thought breakthrough extremely unlikely following preliminary bombardment red army counter 9th army opened attack july infantry divisions division attached assault guns heavy tanks tank destroyers pushed forward companies tiger tanks attached 6th infantry division largest single grouping tigers employed day opposing 13th armies central 20th 6th infantry divisions corps spearheaded advance corps remaining divisions followed ready exploit breakthrough heavily mined terrain fortified positions 15th rifle division slowed advance safe lanes cleared minefield morning information obtained prisoner interrogation identified weakness boundary 15th rifle divisions caused german preliminary bombardment tigers struck area red army formations countered force resulting hour battle red army armoured units lost tanks germans lost tigers track damage red army counter attack defeated defensive belt breached fighting delayed germans long rest 29th rifle corps 13th army initially deployed belt forward seal breach red army minefields covered artillery fire making efforts clear paths fields difficult costly remote controlled engineer clearing vehicles met limited success heavy battalion sent battle damage later repaired returned service recovery large vehicles difficult day corps penetrated red army defences corps reached heavily fortified small town second defensive belt controlled roads railways leading south day germans penetrated red army lines loss men killed missing wounded red army counter attack ordered 17th guards 18th guards rifle corps 2nd tank army 19th tank backed close air support counterattack german 9th army following day july poor coordination 16th tank corps 2nd tank army commenced counterattack dawn july preparatory artillery barrage 16th tank corps fielding tanks attacked corps ran tiger tanks heavy tank battalion knocked tanks forced rest withdraw 17th guards rifle corps 13th army later morning corps responded attack 17th guards rifle corps entrenched village second defensive belt attack commenced artillery barrage spearheaded tigers heavy tank battalion failed break red army defence germans suffered heavy casualties high ground provided clear view 19th tank corps joined 17th guards rifle corps resistance decided dig remaining tanks minimize exposure defended rifle division 29th rifle corps attacked july german infantry assault infantry 9th divisions germans unable defenders heavily fortified village days july model concentrated effort 9th army sides considered vital positions response pulled forces parts sectors germans attacked july captured half town intense house house fighting soviet counterattack following morning forced germans withdraw series ensued sides control town exchanged times days july germans secured town soviet continued forth battles nearby hill battles attrition heavy casualties sides referred troops mini war diary 9th army described heavy fighting new type mobile attrition battle german attacks nearby village failed penetrate soviet defences including powerful attack july germans tanks assault guns 2nd 4th 20th divisions supported available luftwaffe air power northern face july meeting model held headquarters corps clear german commanders 9th army lacked strength obtain breakthrough soviet counterparts realized wished maintain pressure soviets order aid southern offensive operation northern began kilometre wide attack july reduced kilometre wide following day attack frontage dropped kilometre wide july kilometre wide occurred july soviets completely halted german advance july soviets launched operation counter offensive threatened flank rear model 9th army 12th division far held reserve slated committed northern 36th infantry 18th 20th divisions face soviet operation southern face july german attack commenced preliminary bombardment main attack delivered 4th army organized densely concentrated opposing 4th army soviet 6th guards army composed 22nd guards rifle corps 23rd guards rifle corps soviets constructed heavily fortified defensive belts slow weaken attacking armoured forces provided superb intelligence headquarters able exact location germans place offensive weight initial german advance corps division commanded walter strongest single division 4th army supported flanks 3rd 11th divisions supplemented company tigers attack dawn july backed heavy artillery support advanced kilometre guards rifle division 22nd guards rifle corps regiment advancing left wing stalled minefield subsequently stranded regiment subjected barrage soviet anti tank artillery fire inflicted numerous casualties engineers moved cleared paths minefield suffered casualties process combination fierce resistance minefields thick mud mechanical took toll paths cleared regiment resumed advance ensuing battle heavy casualties sustained including regimental commander colonel fighting terrain south village surrounding stream regiment regiment advancing right wing pushed village tanks deployed arrow formation effects soviet defence tigers leading assault guns flanks rear followed infantry combat engineers attempts advance repulsed luftwaffe 3rd division advancing left flank good progress end day captured reached infantry division right flank 11th division sufficient progress reaching end day end july wedge created belt soviet defences corps east night july combat engineers man land cleared lanes soviet minefields dawn july divisions corps division adolf_hitler 2nd division das 3rd division attacked 6th guards army 52nd guards rifle division main assault led tigers total tanks assault guns attacked kilometre strongest divisions advanced screened right flank 1st division advanced left flank 2nd division advanced formations center following closely tanks infantry combat engineers coming forward demolish obstacles clear trenches addition advance supported luftwaffe greatly aided breaking soviet strong points artillery positions hours corps broken soviet belt defence entire positions second soviet defensive belts 2nd division vanguard came fire tanks destroyed soviet tanks soon engaged division 1st guards tank army clashed 2nd division hour battle resulting soviet tanks withdrawing battle bought time units 23rd soviet guards rifle corps lodged soviet second belt prepare reinforced additional anti tank guns early evening 2nd division reached minefields marked outer perimeter soviet second belt defence 1st division secured pushed forward second belt defence attempts break rebuffed end day 1st division sustained dead wounded missing lost tanks 2nd division forced wedge far defences 6th guards army 3rd division making slow progress managed guards regiment 52nd guards rifle division 23rd guards rifle corps rest parent division attempts sweep regiment eastward flank neighbouring rifle division 23rd guards rifle corps failed regiment reinforced tank brigade commander corps requested aid iii corps right corps units spare end day 3rd division limited progress tributary river lack progress undermined advance sister divisions exposed right flank corps soviet forces temperatures reaching degrees frequent thunderstorms fighting conditions difficult 6th guards army confronted attack reinforced tanks 1st tank army 2nd guards tank corps 5th guards tank corps 51st guards rifle divisions moved vicinity kilometres north east path 1st division guards rifle division deployed road leading army detachment facing army detachment consisting iii corps corps commanded 7th guards army dug high ground eastern bank northern german corps tasked crossing river breaking 7th guards army covering right flank 4th army heavy tank battalion equipped tigers attached iii corps company tigers attached divisions south infantry battalions 6th division crossed river heavy soviet bombardment company tigers heavy tank battalion able cross bridge destroyed rest 6th division unable cross south traffic jam crossing remained western bank river day units division crossed river attacked unable break poorly cleared minefields strong resistance south 6th division 19th division crossed river delayed mines moving forward kilometres end day luftwaffe bombed friendly fire incident wounding 6th division commander von von 19th division south infantry tanks 7th division crossed river new bridge built specifically tigers causing delays despite poor start 7th division eventually broke belt soviet defence pushed log advancing kilometres got day operating south 7th division infantry division infantry division corps formations attacked kilometres armour support advance began crossing river swift advance guards rifle division corps took village penetrating red army defence line soviet counter attack supported tanks beaten assistance artillery batteries having suffered casualties morning facing considerable resistance soviet forces corps dug night delaying progress allowed red army forces time prepare second belt defence meet german attack july 7th guards army absorbed attack iii corps corps reinforced rifle divisions reserve 15th guards rifle division moved second belt defence path iii corps development battle evening july committed reserves rifle divisions army decisively contain 4th army corps axis defensive belt red army second defensive belt blocking breakthrough soviet rear forced commit strategic reserves reinforce 5th guards 5th guards tank armies 2nd tank corps southwestern objected premature commitment strategic reserve personal complaints addition july ordered 17th air army air fleet serving southwestern support 2nd air army serving july 5th guards tank army began advancing 5th guards tank army commander lieutenant general described journey midday dust rose thick clouds settling solid layer bushes grain fields tanks trucks dark red disc sun hardly visible tanks self propelled guns artillery armoured personnel carriers trucks advancing flow faces soldiers dark dust exhaust hot soldiers tortured shirts wet sweat stuck bodies 10th tank corps subordinate 5th guards army rushed ahead rest army arriving night july 2nd tank corps arrived miles southeast morning july ordered powerful counterattack 5th guards 2nd guards 2nd 10th tank corps fielding tanks self propelled guns supported available air power aimed defeat corps expose right flank corps simultaneously 6th tank corps attack corps prevent breaking free soviet rear intended counterattack turned series attacks poor coordination 10th tank corps attack began dawn july ran straight fire 2nd 3rd divisions losing forces later morning 5th guards tank corps attack repelled 3rd division 2nd tank joined afternoon repelled 2nd guards tank corps masked forest village miles north presence unknown corps advanced infantry division detected german air reconnaissance attack subsequently german ground attack aircraft armed anti tank cannons tanks destroyed marked time military history attacking tank formation defeated air power soviet counterattack succeeded advance corps day end july corps advanced kilometres start citadel broken second defensive belts slow progress corps caused shift elements corps west help corps regain momentum july effort corps shifted forward progress direction advance shifted north northeast discussed early 4th army plan outset offensive time soviets shifted reserve formations path defensive positions manned 2nd tank corps reinforced 9th guards airborne division anti tank artillery regiment 33rd guards rifle corps german advance south slower planned faster soviets expected july german units reached river day german infantry crossed river despite deep defensive system minefields german tank losses low point turned corps northward heading directed northeast heading main concern inability army detachment advance protect eastern flank corps july army detachment finally achieved breakthrough surprise night attack 6th division seized bridge effort push troops vehicles river advance south corps result soviet army encircled appeared hoped breakthrough hand battle expected continue advance late evening july issued orders attack day attack begin north river 3rd division driving northeast reaching road strike southeast attack soviet positions rear 1st 2nd divisions wait attack soviet positions soviet position attack rear forward advancing main soviet defences dug west slope right 2nd advance eastward high ground south turn south roll soviet line open gap unknown night july moved 5th guards tank army assembly area preparation massive attack following day headquarters started receiving reports ominous sound tank engines soviets moved assembly areas soviet artillery regiments preparation counterattack soviet artillery barrage began steel steel steel order commence attack west slopes came armour tank brigades soviet tank corps 1st started advance taken largely surprise soviet tanks aggressively advanced corridor carried 9th guards airborne division battle mounted tanks holding rails amid dust highly confused tank battle began north east 3rd engaged soviet 33rd guards rifle corps tasked soviet defences unit beat number attacks offensive division tank losses occurred late afternoon advanced fields hidden soviet anti tank guns 3rd succeeded reaching road hold cost division half armour majority german tank losses suffered occurred south soviet 18th 29th tank corps 5th guards tank army thrown 1st acting 2nd holding line south 2nd tank corps 2nd guards tank corps early afternoon clear attack failed luftwaffe local air superiority battlefield contributed soviet losses partly directed german units flanks corps end day soviets fallen starting positions battle considered tactical defeat red army heavy tank losses operationally draw soviet victory 5th guards tank army corps accomplished objectives soviet counterattack failed thrown defensive stop german breakthrough tank losses battle contentious subject soviet tank losses estimated soviet records complete losses damaged soviets claimed enormous german losses stating destroyed tanks including tiger tanks inflicting deaths german records indicate tanks destroyed damaged manpower losses estimated killed termination operation citadel evening july hitler summoned headquarters east prussia days earlier western allies invaded sicily threat allied landings italy southern france hitler believe essential forces italy offensive welcomed news aware soviets initiating massive offensive sector welcoming forces spent week fighting maze defensive works believed verge breaking open terrain allow engage destroy soviet armoured reserves mobile battle stated account let enemy mobile reserves committed completely beaten hitler agreed temporarily allow offensive south following day ordered reserve corps south support 1st army removed force believed needed succeed july german forces withdrew start line following day ordered corps withdrawn transferred italy strength soviet reserve formations greatly german intelligence soviets soon went offensive post war memoirs lost victories highly critical hitler decision operation height tactical battle claims near victory extent soviet reserves far greater realised reserves equip 5th guards tank army launched operation couple weeks later rebuilding formation time essential thing concentrate available force decisive action hitler accept risk resulted commanders unable restricted fighting type mobile battle wanted despite success type action months battle result battle attrition ill prepared little chance winning soviet north operation soviet offensive operations summer planned begin strength german forces dissipated offensive german momentum north slowed soviets launched operation july army group centre directly north command attacked eastern face western commanded attacked north western assault led 11th guards army lieutenant general supported 1st 5th tank corps soviet sustained heavy casualties pushed areas achieved significant endangered german supply routes threatened 9th army threat 9th army compelled fully defensive stretched 2nd army stood way soviet force german commanders wary attack forces quickly withdrawn offensive meet soviet offensive operation reduced inflicted substantial losses german military paving way liberation soviet losses heavy replaced offensive allowed soviets seize strategic initiative retained remainder war south operation operation intended main soviet offensive aim 4th army cut extended southern portion army group south heavy losses sustained operation citadel soviets needed time refit delaying start offensive august attacks launched weeks earlier rivers drew attention german reserves defending forces face main blow offensive initiated fronts northern wing army group south drove german positions making broad deep august soviets liberated august outskirts reached soviet advance finally halted counter attack 2nd 3rd divisions ensuing tank battles soviet armies suffered heavy losses armour setback soviets focused heavy fighting city liberated august battle referred germans fourth battle soviets refer offensive operation results campaign strategic soviet success time major german offensive stopped achieving breakthrough germans despite advanced armour previous years unable break depth soviet defences caught guard significant operational reserves red army result changed pattern operations eastern soviet_union gaining operational initiative soviet victory costly red army losing considerably men german_army soviet_union larger industrial potential pool manpower allowed absorb losses overall strategic strength unaffected wrote failure suffered decisive defeat armoured formations reformed equipped effort lost heavily men equipment long time come time defend eastern soviets exploited victory periods quiet eastern enemy undisputed possession initiative victory initiative firmly passed red army remainder war germans limited reacting soviet advances able regain initiative launch major offensive eastern western allied landings italy opened new german resources attention location plan attack timing determined hitler blamed defeat general staff unlike gave commanding generals liberty important command decisions hitler interference german military matters progressively increased attention political aspects war decreased opposite true campaign trusted judgment commanders decisions led battlefield success increased trust military judgment stepped operational planning rarely military decisions resulting red army gaining freedom action course war casualties losses casualties suffered combatants difficult determine factors regard germans equipment losses complicated fact determined efforts recover repair tanks example tanks disabled day appeared day later repaired german personnel losses lack access german unit records seized end war transferred united_states national archives available taken soviet_union declined confirm existence soviet losses russian military historian based figures soviet archives considered historian david reliable source soviet casualty figures figures supported historian calculated total soviet losses german offensive casualties central suffered casualties medical casualties total casualties suffered casualties medical casualties total suffered casualties medical casualties total soviet total casualties amounted men operation soviet losses amounted casualties medical casualties total loss men western reported casualties medical casualties suffered casualties medical casualties central lost casualties medical casualties soviet losses operation totaled men listed casualties medical casualties lost casualties medical casualties total lost casualties medical casualties total soviet equipment losses german offensive came tanks self propelled guns destroyed damaged vehicles committed battle soviet losses roughly times larger german losses operation tanks self propelled guns lost initial strength loss percent tanks self propelled guns lost employed loss ratio suffered soviets roughly favour german military large soviet reserves equipment high rate tank production enabled soviet tank armies soon replace lost equipment maintain fighting strength red army repaired damaged tanks soviet tanks rebuilt times fight soviet tank strength went tanks august repair damaged vehicles according historian soviet air forces losses german offensive amounted aircraft northern flank southern flank total casualties uncertain research indicates total soviet air losses july august german offensive operation german losses reviewed german archive record calculated operation citadel casualties suffered killed reported missing wounded 9th army suffered casualties army group south suffered casualties soviet casualties suffered facing operation men killed reported missing presumed killed captured wounded casualties incurred including killed missing total casualties battles men operation citadel tanks assault guns destroyed july battle started operational days dropped july hitler ordered stop german offensive sent following preliminary assessment enemy action mechanical combat strength sank rapidly days evening july operational lost total hit burnt caught fire approach march need repair damaged hits mines mechanical breakdown percent mechanical easily repaired approximately repaired way recovered repair service evening july operational total need repair slow increase combat strength large number losses hits july heavy fighting july army group south claimed tanks assault guns lost july 9th army reported lost total tanks assault guns losses break assault guns tigers flame tanks germans ended offensive soviets began succeeded pushing germans steady retreat report august showed numbers total operational german_army forced fighting retreat increasingly lost tanks combat abandoning destroying damaged vehicles entire eastern tiger tanks lost july august damaged occurred offensive tanks sustained damage period july july total number german tanks assault guns destroyed july august entire eastern estimates destroyed battle writes red army lost armoured vehicles german destroyed reports luftwaffe losses planes lost german offensive destroyed operation lost operation reviewing reports luftwaffe presents different figures july reports aircraft lost damaged viii total written viii


6th airborne division palestine 6th airborne division palestine initially posted region imperial strategic reserve envisioned mobile peace keeping force positioned able respond quickly area british_empire fact division involved internal security role palestine british mandate end world war terms mandate great_britain responsible government security country long stated british aim establish jewish homeland palestine jewish immigrants arrived country arab resistance world war prompted british immigration time saw rise jewish resistance movement eventually came conflict british authorities british 6th airborne division arrived response increasing terrorist activity involved internal security responsible search operations guarding convoys key installations situation worsened men division patrol towns cities enforce deal rioting civilian population protected jewish arab settlements violence loss division members killed wounded time end british mandate coincided post war reduction british_army peace time levels division numbers gradually reduced end tenure palestine division strength reduced real terms brigade size disbanded soon withdrawal palestine background july british mandate palestine created terms mandate great_britain responsible government defence country establishment jewish homeland september league nations great_britain decided jewish homeland formed land east river jordan instead separate country known kingdom jordan encouraged british jewish immigrants mainly europe came settle palestine arab resistance violence influx immigrants came head commission recommended states formed arab jewish divide country british restricted number jewish immigrants white paper end jewish immigration reached white paper limit arab concerns led british putting restrictions immigration scale holocaust known british stance remained led inevitable confrontation british authorities illegal jewish immigrants militant groups widespread belief jewish community british practising different nazi_germany jewish immigrants survivors holocaust entered country illegally jewish resistance movements time jewish resistance movement formed comprising pre existing jewish groups time formed trained national army jewish males females required join second world war obtained numerous surplus weapons equip members gave priority increasing jewish population bringing immigrants country europe attempted prior notice attack security service personnel area evacuated axis forces posed threat middle_east second world war organized time elite force organization numbered members members subject military discipline served british forces war splinter group formed happy methods group called national military organization land israel short launched campaign violence government carrying terrorist attacks estimated membership group hebrew acronym fighters freedom israel known british press stern gang membership consisted men jewish group contemplated working italians germans war assassinated members british authorities declared war great_britain british 6th airborne division despite 6th airborne division airborne divisions raised british_army second world war deployed palestine division served europe participated normandy landings june later battle december rhine crossing march spent weeks advancing germany baltic_sea end war europe planned send division burma form airborne corps 44th indian airborne division atomic bombings hiroshima nagasaki japanese surrender ended war changed british plans 6th airborne division nominated imperial strategic reserve royal_air_force troop carrier formation located middle_east quick reaction peace keeping force british_empire initially wing raf squadrons transport aircraft available provide troop transport september division route region airborne training conditions palestine deteriorating time division arrived instead training deployed internal security second world war division comprised 3rd parachute brigade 5th parachute brigade consisting parachute infantry 6th brigade composed infantry 5th parachute brigade sent india ahead rest division division dispatched middle_east 2nd parachute brigade assigned bring strength 1st airborne division disbanded 1st parachute brigade joined division replacing 6th brigade august 5th parachute brigade returned far_east joined division disbanded soon major manpower development came 3rd parachute brigade disbanded 2nd parachute brigade remaining division withdrawn england sent germany operations commanded wartime commander major general division began deployment palestine advance party arrived september followed tactical headquarters september 3rd parachute brigade october 6th brigade october 2nd parachute brigade october arriving sea newly arrived troops sent camps conditions regain fitness long sea journey england end month divisional headquarters established 2nd parachute brigade remained 3rd parachute brigade moved region 6th brigade moved long division involved operations enforcing night time end october railway divisional area november british government confirmed examine conditions jews europe consult arabs ensure jewish immigration time persons month hindered unhappy announcement far jewish national council arranged hour strike day rioting started jewish jerusalem resulted 3rd parachute brigade deployed patrol streets following days operation involving 6th brigade followed attacks stations night november palestine police force dogs tracked attackers settlements ali following search operation police inhabitants soldiers prevent reinforcements settlements reaching villages day november police involved hand hand fighting villagers eventually withdrew calling brigade enter settlements enforce law order leaving men hold estimated crowd remainder brigade entered settlements carried charges time tear gas disperse crowds cleanup operation persons later arrested near end year night december attacks carried police stations palestine railways installations british_army 3rd parachute brigade enforced night time december took operation search members involved attacks brigade questioned inhabitants arresting eighty mission operation january time objective search town 3rd parachute brigade police suspects taken custody rest month brigade involved smaller operations operation january searched district march major general james took command division action involving division night april units attacked railway installations divisional area attack railway station police post progress mobile patrol 9th parachute battalion arrived crossing bridge patrol wounded took reinforcements arrived 5th 6th parachute battalions morning tracks thirty men discovered leading away area plane later located men directed section 8th parachute battalion intercept small battle fourteen wounded prisoners taken march 1st parachute brigade joined division 6th brigade left division april remained palestine 31st independent infantry brigade reduced division manpower cent strength brigade equal parachute brigades combined april carried attack divisional car park night car park guarded men 5th parachute battalion attackers thirty men established fire base house overlooking car park attack began bomb thrown guard tent gunfire directed soldiers area attackers stormed car park inside compound entered guard tents killing unarmed soldiers looting rifle racks weapons duty soldiers responding attack killed approaching car park total seven men division killed deliberate attack group targeting british_army established defences form assault following day seventy suspects rounded evidence involvement found response attack british imposed road night restaurants public entertainment venues closed members division attacked jewish houses injuring occupants involved later punished british_army attacks security services increased level june ranks ordered armed times duty travel pairs day night near end june division received orders operation arrest jewish leaders suspected involved sabotage murder civil military personnel nationwide operation involving 6th airborne division palestinian police force army units country secondary objectives gather intelligence arrest members found operation started june 2nd parachute brigade responsible 1st parachute brigade jewish settlements 3rd parachute brigade operation ended july suspects arrested connection resistance movements instead arrested refusing names asked 6th airborne division arrested persons suspected members jewish leaders major incident july british administrative military headquarters located king david hotel bombed members division directly involved royal engineers 9th airborne squadron called charge search survivors secure building left standing days located survivors bodies ninety victims assist search responsible 8th 9th parachute battalions moved jerusalem july british response bombing came july division carried operation shark believing bombers sheltered dwelling building searched members population questioned operation surrounded city imposed inhabitants allow population buy food lifted hours second day end operation division parachute brigades given quarter city search fourth quarter responsibility 2nd infantry brigade attached division operation days brigade questioned people detained questioning searches arms found containing machine guns mortars rifles pistols round ammunition found forged bearer bonds equipment large explosives division operations searching arms 3rd 8th parachute battalions 9th airborne squadron royal engineers villages dawn august days settlements searched large quantity weapons including heavy machine guns mortars found remaining months year division carried patrols rail road networks mined mines killed men division attempting orders issued blow mines december road killed men 2nd forward observation unit airborne change command occurred december major general left division replaced commanding division second time december january division brigades carried seven search operations arresting people january attacks roads division area attack wounded men 4th 5th parachute battalions attack day carried 1st parachute battalion headquarters killing jewish policeman wounding soldiers police officer january 6th airborne 1st infantry division swapped locations airborne division assuming responsibility north country remained division 2nd parachute brigade withdrawn england january arrival north 1st parachute brigade assumed responsibility district 3rd parachute brigade district division headquarters located monastery 1st parachute brigade took command frontier force battalion arab legion cover large area north division mainly responsible security port largest country protected oil installations oil pipeline prevented illegal immigrants landing coastline january announced non essential british civilians evacuated situation evacuation took place february control 8th parachute battalion royal_navy group men carried acre prison break releasing jews arabs time mortar attack carried 2nd parachute battalion camp diversion unit reach prison platoon 1st parachute battalion minutes later men battalion divisional units bathing sea short distance prison truck load escaping prisoners opened fire unit armoured car escaping truck reached improvised road block set crashed fire division bathing party killed attackers jewish arab recaptured thirteen jews men wounded short battle going 1st parachute brigade establishing acre surrounding area caught attack officers 9th parachute battalion june officers dining restaurant men approached fired machine guns windows officer killed outright wounded officers returned fire car gunmen escaping crashed later examination revealed wounded july police officers patrol shot killed following day 3rd parachute brigade area imposed night time lifted july leadership division changed august major general hugh given command october british war office announced division reduced brigade 3rd parachute brigade disbanded leaving 1st parachute brigade palestine 2nd parachute brigade england 1st parachute brigade assumed responsibility cover commitments 2nd battalion middlesex regiment attached brigade meeting november united_nations general_assembly decided end british mandate august palestine separate arab jewish states jerusalem international city jewish state cent land population jews arabs arab state arabs jews population jerusalem arabs jews december trouble came quarter town opposite heights fighting started arab jewish inhabitants police requested help army company 8th parachute battalion assigned task arabs fired british unit december causing injuries tension heights area remained high january jewish settlements dan attacked arab arab liberation army crossed border syria division responded immediately sending troop armoured cars 17th 21st village afternoon 1st parachute battalion joined battle air support royal_air_force called battle ended arabs withdrawing casualties known jews killed wounded arabs british troops assist controlling region hoc formation called established command division commander royal artillery brigadier division artillery 17th 21st 1st parachute battalion 1st battalion irish guards involved breaking attacks arab jewish forces arabs directly attack british engage british attempted intervene attack jewish settlements february arab liberation army command estimated strong believed volunteers neighbouring arab states joined month february announced 6th airborne division disbanded left palestine 1st parachute brigade handed 1st guards brigade april gradually division units left country division units comprising divisional headquarters 1st parachute battalion 1st airborne squadron royal engineers departed aftermath end second world war campaign british mandate palestine cost british dead numbers 6th airborne division october april men dead wounded enemy action ninety men died causes associated hostile act searches jewish arab settlements men division located mortars machine guns sub machine guns rifles pistols land mines hand grenades rounds ammunition february 2nd parachute brigade moved england germany british_army rhine 6th airborne division disbanded april shortly return england leaving 2nd parachute brigade brigade sized airborne formation british_army day end british mandate david ben chairman jewish agency palestine announced establishment state israel parts known british mandate palestine announcement catalyst start arab israeli war


offensive offensive bulgarian world war military operation fought september operation took place final stage balkans campaign september combined force serbian french greek troops attacked bulgarian held trenches pole good field time kingdom serbia present day republic macedonia assault preceding artillery preparation devastating effects bulgarian morale eventually leading mass september second formation assaulted bulgarian positions vicinity lake effectively employing machine gun artillery fire managed stall allied advance sector collapse pole forced withdraw allies pursued german 11th army bulgarian 1st army pushing deeper macedonia september allies captured remnants 11th army parallel development anti rebellion forced bulgaria sign armistice withdraw war treaty included capitulation 11th army bringing final tally german bulgarian prisoners granting allies artillery pieces bulgarian downfall turned strategic operational balance war central powers brought end noon september came effect prelude june assassination austro hungarian heir ferdinand precipitated austria-hungary declaration war serbia conflict quickly attracted involvement major european countries pitting central powers coalition starting world war serbia defeated autumn phase serbian campaign prompting france britain transfer troops gallipoli campaign greek macedonia established effort support remnants serbian army conquer macedonia august offensive bulgaria invaded greece easily conquering greek territory east greek army ordered resist pro german king constantine surrender territory recently won difficulty second balkan war straw supporters liberal party politician allied assistance launched coup secured greek macedonia causing national june gained control country immediately declaring war central powers joining allied army orient operating balkan greek entry war division reinforcements army received spring year created strategic advantage allies launched offensive heavily fortified commencing battle utilizing cover heavy artillery franco force rapid push enemy trenches conquering surrounding system fortifications greek casualties amounted killed action missing action wounded france lost approximately men killed injured total soldiers central powers prisoners war including small number german engineers artillery specialists served bulgarian units considerable amounts military equipment fell hands plan bulgarian counterattack remained bulgarian soldiers refused operation greek french press opportunity efforts greek army favorably influencing greek fall prompted bulgarian prime minister resign june assumed office immediately pursued secret negotiations britain offering bulgaria exit war condition bulgaria fully retains eastern macedonia british prime minister david lloyd george rejected proposal assuring greek ambassador london britain act greek interests late july bulgarian commander chief sent german field marshal paul von message rumored offensive detailed bulgaria inability adequately defend portion requested germany immediately reinforce balkan austria-hungary required strengthen positions albania august pledged provide bulgaria support situation permits reluctance support bulgaria manifested early september german battalion stationed macedonia germany information escaped prisoners war determined forces engage hostile actions west lake pole human august 2nd 3rd bulgarian divisions stationed pole ordered emergency preparations new evidence indicated frontal assault pole secondary attack human september pole reinforced machine gun company battalions heavy head army group general friedrich von stated defensive measures defense feasible failed account departure bulgarian chief staff subsequent replacement widespread plagued bulgarian troops refused participate fortification works poor rations fatigue contributed low morale day prior offensive general louis laid final plan operation phase consisted combined franco serbian attack positions 2nd 3rd bulgarian divisions expected create breach line area pole posing danger bulgarian supply lines river metres pole good field peak dominated region providing excellent observation points defenders pole surrounded developed system trenches combination rough terrain area impassable wheeled transport pole lower steep mountains parts averaged metres second anglo franco force attack bulgarian 1st army river lake preventing forming new defensive positions area initial advance allow orient progress support units meantime anglo force strike mount occupying pass sector previously subject major known battle august second battle april engagements ended decisive bulgarian victories forcing allies limit operations small raids fire july bulgarian defenses underwent period considerable reorganization personal supervision general sector divided kilometres defensive areas protected mountain division 9th infantry division respectively bulgaria established combat security outposts distance kilometres enemy trenches reinforcing defenses dominant dub mountains similarly pole defenses consisted series mutually supporting trenches built observation posts machine gun positions artillery pieces expected march allied army orient towns finally seizing units stationed prevent bulgarian flanking maneuver main body force widen breach case collapse pole bulgarian 1st army german 11th army armies annihilated favorable circumstances perform organised retreat new defensive line river prevention retreat achieved rapid penetrating attack offensive battle pole september forces commenced gun artillery barrage enemy positions aircraft bombed enemy positions truck column moving day sent telegraph stating indications point enemy offensive target 11th army sides pole bulgarian high command attempt perform attack lacked necessary vehicles pack animals barrage cause significant number casualties severely affected bulgarian corps night september franco serbian patrols reported artillery barrage dealt sufficient damage barbed wire separating trenches september french 17th colonial divisions struck pole serbian division assaulted greek archipelago division 3rd division 4th division acted link serbian french troops entering combat offensive immediately caused wave mass bulgarian units remaining artillery squadrons able hold ground course battle division broke columns suffered heavy casualties left column managed reach position located metres peak end day right column captured pole rushing metres segment steep terrain 17th division seized suppressing signs resistance franco greek regiments attempted storm pushed ensuing counterattack powerful pockets resistance streams facilitated defense greek units focused fall created opening bulgarian rear surrounding units flight dispersed cover soldiers division took western nearby mountain range considerable difficulty elements unit successfully flanked 17th division engaging frontal assault serbian 1st army thrust failed produce intended results attack later night secure peak french divisions ordered remain position serbian yugoslav divisions moved forward end day bulgaria lost approximately percent soldiers involved battle including prisoners war dead initial artillery pieces casualties amounted killed action morning september overran mountain range peak joined 35th greek regiment crossed river later marching franco units stormed second time met heavy artillery machine gun fire attack rebuffed loss greeks roughly number french lives attempts area suspended 1st army orient performed night attack fortified zone suppressing defenders 1st division group moved position river north conjunction division night september gap constituted line extended kilometres width kilometres depth allied command ordered air department continue attacking bridges river september components 1st division group raided mount key position housing bulgarian artillery greeks rapidly descended began climbing cliffs bare hands garrison proceeded abandon positions retreat eastwards having lost artillery cover forces followed comrades retreat division conquered advanced yugoslav divisions overran time danube divisions seized peaks halted september 11th french colonial division 6th greek regiment occupied villages approaching monastery bridge air raid destroyed bridge north bulgarian forces failed putting stop allied offensive abandoning wounded large quantities military equipment end day allied troops advanced kilometres enemy territory seizing strategic importance later enable continue pushing deeper macedonia battle september allies commenced gun artillery barrage bulgarian positions bulgaria responded kind artillery duel continuing following days night september bulgarian positions targeted gas shells attack failed produce considerable effect preceding arrival new gas masks adequate training defenders september british corps executed maneuver 9th bulgarian division greek division british brigade assaulted bulgarian trenches west taking numerous prisoners north east direction crete division 28th british division advanced lake clearing bulgarian outpost line 26th british division seized number bulgarian security outposts quickly repulsed heavy artillery fire counter attacks recaptured lost ground division managed limited gains flanks having suffered numerous casualties lost momentum meantime 22nd british division overtook central supported concentrated artillery machine gun fire 3rd bulgarian brigade pushed allies end day sum forces starting point british brigade having lost percent soldiers offensive resumed september night heavy operation involved british brigades 2nd french regiment 14th greek divisions following hours intense fighting allies managed overrun town mount hill ridge mount dub remaining bulgarian hands aftermath engagement allied command found unable offensive operations sector longer possessed adequate reserve manpower bulgaria lost total dead wounded captured greek casualties amounted killed injured missing british suffering dead wounded subsequent operations september 17th french colonial divisions 1st serbian army crossed river news breakthrough pole prompted defenders abandon positions rush defense homeland order prevent future occupation september allies aware bulgarian withdrawal observing series fires dump explosions bulgarian positions pursuit british corps launched immediately serbian advanced guard approached creating wedge 1st bulgarian 11th german armies effort force retire albania 2nd bulgarian army headed pass avoiding direct engagement allies september italian 35th division general joined offensive seizing hill stronghold german division taking prisoners fighting took place road allies continued advance september general louis announced initial plan operation modified italians ordered strike aim preventing enemy forces stationed reaching railroad hub 11th colonial french division instead tasked securing half hour later french entered east franco serbian columns marched mountain range september bulgarian infantry supported artillery halted advance italian cavalry bridge italo serbian assault resulted fall september brigade captured surrounding peaks reinforced 11th colonial french division quadruple alliance high command set rallying point forces macedonia intending later strengthen units germany austria 30th french divisions occupied respectively september band bulgarian previously fled pole arrived looting city putting bulgarian high command flight mass retreating bulgarian railway center bulgaria miles capital city evening september italian cavalry wrestled saxon infantry unit later entering received information bulgarian withdrawal september leaders bulgarian national union took control troops proclaimed establishment bulgarian republic rebellious troops threatened following day came known rebellion serbian second army having previously taken entered protected garrison half battalions armored trains artillery batteries split mountain range south city position north lake september 1st 4th french colonial regiments way successfully bypassing located kilometre gap bulgarian formations protected september french general laid plan final stage offensive attack assault launched hour later french utilized thick fog advance mount forced facing heavy resistance movement 1st colonial regiment created river 4th colonial regiment seized village overtook later shifting attention road 1st colonial regiment joined opening machine gun fire retreating 61st german corps causing numerous casualties french entered bulgarian german soldiers seizing guns large amounts ordnance aftermath chaotic circumstances bulgarian delegation arrived ask armistice september granted armistice general bulgarian downfall turned strategic operational balance war central powers brought end noon september came effect treaty included capitulation 11th german_army bringing final tally german bulgarian prisoners granting allies artillery pieces rebellion bulgarian forces october ferdinand bulgaria went exile following day british_army headed east european ottoman_empire french serbian forces continued north british_army neared constantinople force capable stopping advance ottoman government asked armistice armistice october serbia desperate british nicknamed continued advance french army captured country weak german divisions tried block push near november austria-hungary forced sign armistice italian ending war november army crossed danube river enter hungarian request french general count leading hungarian government came belgrade signed armistice


battle battle korean engagement united_nations north korean forces occurring july village southern south_korea early korean war ended victory north korean forces able push troops united_states south_korea area republic korea army units unsuccessfully resisting advances north korean people army region reinforced united_states_army 25th infantry division newly arrived country subsequent fight 25th infantry division able inflict substantial casualties advancing 15th division able hold positions days fighting forces performed poorly forced withdraw county city surrounding areas 24th infantry regiment 25th division ineffective showing regiment composed black troops criticized army quick panic retreat historians described army statements biased regiment successes failures background outbreak war following invasion republic korea south_korea northern neighbor democratic people republic korea north_korea united_nations decided commit troops conflict support south_korea united_states subsequently sent ground forces korean peninsula goal fighting north korean invasion prevent south_korea collapsing forces far_east steadily decreasing end world war time closest forces 24th infantry division eighth united_states_army headquartered japan division equipment reductions military spending regardless 24th infantry division ordered south_korea 24th infantry division unit sent korea mission initial shock north korean advances fighting outnumbered weeks delayed larger north korean units additional forces arrived moved position 7th infantry division 25th infantry division 1st cavalry division eighth army supporting units south korean forces meantime systematically defeated forced south korea east_coast entire divisions overrun north superior firepower equipment advance elements 24th infantry division badly defeated battle july battle american north korean forces month defeat 24th infantry division soldiers repeatedly defeated forced south north korean force superior numbers equipment regiments 24th infantry division systematically pushed south battles 24th infantry division final stand battle completely destroyed delaying north korean forces advancing july time eighth army force combat troops roughly equal north korean forces attacking region new units arriving day 25th infantry division arrives time east_coast 12th division resting heavy battles north town crossroads center mountain roads korea situated south plateau dividing watershed han river river commanding position valley miles northeast large confused activity end july refugees defeated army poured south town units retreating passed south isolated fighting begun north republic korea forces control plateau 25th infantry division major general william newly arrived korea july received orders general walker concentrate bolster defenses central mountain corridors eighth army commander lieutenant general walker looked 25th division help forces central korea prevent major north korean movement valley upper division stood strength july battle capture action elements 25th division north korean forces took place july company 3rd battalion 24th infantry regiment led lieutenant johnson entered town afternoon units 3rd battalion failed ridge overlooking town left requested received permission withdraw town night meeting battalion command post commanders units planned renewed assault morning artillery mortars fired town ahead infantry advance soon town fire shells time likely abandoned north colonel henry fisher commanding 35th infantry regiment received erroneous message early morning stating north driven 24th infantry immediately left found battalion commander miles west town dissatisfied information received fisher small party drove burning encountered north korean troops south korean civilians 3rd platoon engineer combat company attached company entered town attempted halt spread flames unable high shifting winds 24th infantry met light resistance north korean troops town drove securing town hours fighting cost killed wounded north korean casualties fight estimated army preoccupied battle took little notice credited victory south news capture picked media fight won black soldiers black unit secured 3rd battalion turned control town 18th regiment capital division capital division concentrated bulk forces opposed 8th division vicinity remainder month drawing battle lines major general 25th division guard main approaches town falling north main road crossed plateau passed base plateau miles north secondary mountain road crossed plateau farther west mountains turned east main road 2nd battalion 35th infantry held blocking position northwest supported platoon tanks company tank battalion battery field artillery battalion 1st battalion 2nd battalion stayed hours sent reinforce 27th infantry regiment north south line communications westward effect battalion troops stood units approach second road leading west 24th infantry regiment assembled later battalions 2nd battalion 35th infantry took hill position northwest south south stream flowed past north stream battalion held line brigadier general wilson 25th assistant division commander ordered company battalion inserted center line north stream strong protests battalion commander lieutenant colonel john wilson thought american troops strengthen defense want company dependent stability engagement company positions ground rose hill small arms range heavy rains swollen stream company positions rolling large channel meantime 2nd battalion 17th regiment ambushed battalion north korean troops near forcing withdraw north korean attack july north attacked troops resisted briefly withdrew positions company communicating intentions withdrawal plan line incorporate troops company expected send message adjust defenses compensate north korean troops quickly flanked company began attacking rear precipitated withdrawal swollen stream prevented company crossing south 2nd battalion positions walking wounded crowded stream effort failed officers officers tied pair twisted telephone wires bodies tried swim bank line turn swept downstream ashore bank started men drowned trying cross swollen river covering fire platoon tanks south held north allowed survivors eventually escape company lost men killed wounded missing morning north korean tanks crossed river moved artillery fire battery field artillery battalion knocked tanks immediately fifth moved river air strike later destroyed 2nd battalion 35th infantry position received orders withdraw point miles north july july battalion fell miles day moved position south day july 35th infantry ordered blocking position line hills miles south road days fallen miles encountering strong resistance north korean patrols battle 35th infantry merely executed series division orders collapsed heavily involved fighting 6th division continued hard fought action road mountains gradually fell 1st division mountains 6th division july destroyed seven north korean tanks days later 1st division relieved northwest 24th infantry destroyed tanks inch captured tank intact remnants 2nd division relieved 27th infantry regiment road incorporated 1st division july 25th division taken 1st 2nd divisions sector westward seoul highway troops moving line eastward northward july divide north korean possession units moving valley upper vicinity prisoners taken time captured later said 1st division suffered casualties struggle control divide including division commander wounded replaced 13th division following 1st suffered casualties engaged period 15th division north_korea weaker divisions consisted inexperienced youth moved concentrated attack north korean troops aiming push forces south time organize effective defensive line simultaneously appearance road southern base plateau north north approached secondary mountain road west july company 35th infantry attacked north confronted north korean battalion times size company fought effectively inflicted heavy casualties day rains caused flooding river unit rear cut route supply assisted artillery able 24th infantry elements 24th infantry regiment similar experience west day 2nd battalion 24th infantry elements 17th regiment advancing mountains miles northwest town came contact 48th regiment 15th division leading element north korean troops company leading 2nd battalion moved dirt road gorge mountain walls suddenly north korean light mortar automatic weapons fired company stopped men dispersed sides road soon north korean rifle fire came dispersed men companies immediately began withdrawing manner troops began retreating orders ignoring officers commands stay position colonel white regimental commander heard difficulty drove scene found battalion coming road disorder men state panic historians blame retreat officers individual soldiers mustered men ordered retreat soldiers withdrawing day 17th regiment north korean position launched attack captured light machine guns mortar north appeared 17th regiment fought hills days making limited gains moved join units army reorganization progress left 24th infantry regiment guarding west approach plateau tendency panic continued nearly 24th infantry operations west men left positions rear abandoned weapons positions occasions units lost equipment fire causing logistical shortages cases majority unit desert position sign north korean fire july battalions 24th infantry concentrated remote battle positions difficult resupply road miles west shortage troops forced regiment devote troops leaving reserves respond attacks elements 15th division advancing road cleared mountain passes closing regiment july end month north constant contact 24th infantry supported field artillery battalions battery field artillery battalion north relied heavily charges close rapidly lines caused heavy casualties north mortars artillery inflicted significant casualties american lines turn days july 24th infantry generally tried hold positions day withdrew night performance mixed north korean attacks units held positions ran ammunition higher officers attempted units position unsuccessful face mounting north korean resistance notably company fought surrounded north korean attackers rest regiment able drive july 1st battalion suffered casualties north korean mortar fire men preparing perimeter defense night general panic arose reasons unclear deserted positions state alarm colonel white found combat engineer company battery field artillery battalion left line personally battalion officers unable men listen white tried rally men field artillery maintained sustained barrage fire slow north advance night artillery fired rounds holding north withdrawal final days fight west major john regiment senior officers set check point west town stopped vehicle coming west taking attempting retreat filled seven men claiming retreating position overrun averaged day day battle contingent military police dispatched specifically collect men abandoning positions return july 24th infantry withdrawn high ground west miles town north korean troops hit regiment heavy attacks beginning morning targeting 3rd battalion forward positions lacking reserves plagued regiment began come apart senior commanders personally lines help resist korean advance regiment deteriorated badly time general recalled 1st battalion 35th infantry placed defensive positions 24th infantry hold line 24th withdrew day north pressed regiment forward line resistance lieutenant gilbert commanding company men quit forward line white ranking officers ordered gilbert position refused saying scared senior officer returned forward position men regimental commanders pleaded unsuccessfully gilbert return position arrested tried fire capital offense sentenced death sentence later reduced years prison served finally night july 24th infantry regiment withdrew 1st battalion 35th infantry covered withdrawal 15th division set new defensive line day 25th infantry division moved deal growing attack south aftermath days action area 24th regiment suffered battle casualties killed wounded missing light casualty count partially credited effective use fortifications north korean caution advancing fight fact 24th infantry troops quick withdraw blamed regiment black unit left military recently abolished segregated system poor performance fight walker seeing 24th infantry ineffective unit resolved use trip wire force lines requiring reinforced regiment reserve conduct resistance 24th broke leaders saw poor performance reason demand integration armed forces easy war 24th infantry fully october reaching upper valley end july north korean divisions engaged drive southward suffered heavy casualties 1st division battling plateau 6th division suffered great losses ground battle took losses aerial attack prisoners reported time reached end july men push 15th division according prisoners lost heavily artillery mortar fire drive troops 24th infantry regiment men end july fight contrast 13th division bypassed west save minor skirmishes troops 2nd battalion 35th infantry engaged consequently suffered relatively casualties years war battle investigated example prevalence racism army korean war 24th infantry officially overwhelmingly african american soldiers historians contend accomplishments particularly ignored shortcomings seized depict 24th sub par unit african americans inferior soldiers whites historians pointed performance 24th infantry poor exaggerated racism black soldier white army book william william hammond george concluded combination line inexperienced white officers firm effective asserting authority primary factors performance 24th contend regiment performed similarly units 24th infantry division 1st cavalry division engagements training troops effective fighters matter weeks lieutenant colonel charles member 24th infantry participated battle claimed memoir courage racism korean war 24th infantry good performances particularly ignored soldiers denied medals actions racism


operation operation croatian failed croatian army offensive region croatia fought december early stages croatian war independence offensive employed single infantry brigade main attacking force supported unit handful tanks armoured personnel carriers offensive met hardly resistance initial stage achieving tactical surprise operation poorly planned supported executed result limited training combat experience offensive established short lived evacuated panic days operation commenced tank mortar fire yugoslav people army deployed north operation criticised poor planning execution insufficient preparation reconnaissance training inappropriate command control methods applied operational group charge offensive lacked clear objectives croatian military authorities investigated offensive found little written documentation including written unit level orders pertaining operation led admiral conclude offensive formally authorised formal investigation specifically charge failures simply problems observed instead background following electoral defeat government socialist republic croatia ethnic tensions worsened yugoslav people army confiscated croatia territorial defence weapons minimize resistance august tensions escalated open revolt croatian serbs centred predominantly populated areas parts eastern croatia followed unsuccessful attempts serbia supported montenegro serbia provinces obtain yugoslav presidency approval operation croatian security forces january skirmish insurgents croatian special police march supported serbia allies asked federal presidency wartime authorities declare state emergency request denied march came control serbian president preferring campaign expand serbia preserve yugoslavia publicly threatened replace serbian army declared longer recognized authority federal presidency end month conflict escalated croatian war independence stepped increasingly supporting croatian insurgents preventing croatian police intervening early april leaders croatian revolt declared intention integrate area control known serbia government croatia viewed declaration attempt croatian government responded forming croatian national_guard garde development hampered united_nations arms introduced september october croatia declared independence yugoslavia month later renamed croatian army late saw fighting war yugoslav campaign croatia culminated siege battle western managed push points secure mountain early december operation order battle principal force committed offensive planned operational group infantry brigade attached operational zone command single combat unit deployed reserve area responsibility brigade commanded captain operational zone deployed armoured unit attached directly operational zone unit consisted tanks armoured personnel carriers assigned 10th brigade croatian support right flank infantry brigade protection left flank assigned 2nd battalion 2nd guards brigade supported 2nd battalion infantry brigade reinforce infantry independent armoured unit soldiers battalion attached battalion 10th brigades soldiers assigned serve guides tank addition battalion tasked reconnaissance harassment rear securing captured infrastructure special police assigned support battalion indirectly main offensive force 36th engineering battalion tasked river crossing infantry brigade commanded major general croatian defences immediately west city north positioned right southern bank river largely consisting brigades opposite bank 100th infantry brigade held positions west flanked infantry brigade right 10th brigade croatian west planned main axis operation extended brigade commanded colonel timeline infantry brigade arrived december ordered undertake offensive evening leaving time preparation reconnaissance reconnaissance sabotage detachment battalion special police force ferried river night december capturing village preparing support infantry brigade river crossing 36th engineering battalion completed crossing point village lead elements infantry brigade crossed river half hour later river crossing unopposed defending force launched mortar attack crossing point nonetheless 1st battalion infantry brigade cleared river morning reached spending hours crossing river independent armoured unit headed kilometres miles south unit intercepted armour forced turn situation 10th brigade start south 2nd battalion independent brigade cross commander joined unit 3rd battalion infantry brigade reached village right southern bank river unable join force south bridge separating battalion rest brigade remained control evening 2nd battalion ordered separate main axis offensive protect right flank 1st battalion brigade performing task originally assigned 10th brigade croatian time 10th brigade commanding officer relieved duty failure advance regardless unit remained inactive units managed cross river december surprised reported inflicting considerable casualties night december air temperature dropped troops sought shelter morning held infantry brigade addition 36th engineering platoon battalion removed engineering equipment crossing leaving boats command post infantry brigade remained detached main offensive force december approximately independent armoured unit advanced northwest advance tanks captured crew killed capture nearly simultaneously commenced tank mortar attack river crossing armoured unit 1st battalion infantry brigade panicked believing crossing point lost started fall disarray sustaining considerable casualties way transport remaining armour river tanks destroyed force tanks tank destroyed explosives prevent capture boats river crossing allow quick retreat troops swam river causing cold water command post brigade fell troops started retreat entire brigade december aftermath casualties known sustained loss killed wounded loss tanks armoured personnel carriers seven boats strong infantry brigade suffered dead names later inscribed memorial plaque river crossing point aftermath offensive croatia casualties higher possibly killed wounded croatian paramilitary unit based suspected killing troops taken prisoners war retreat addition croatian forces killed civilians massacre retribution offensive killing investigated authorities concluded killings revenge deaths village operation croatian authorities charged individuals war crimes committed village failed offensive investigated researched later retired brigadier concluded offensive failed overall poor planning preparation specifically citing lack reconnaissance reserves furthermore cited inadequate leadership cause failure pointing respect 10th brigade failure advance improper employment 2nd guards brigade auxiliary role protecting flank inexperienced brigade committed offensive little training finally offensive clear goal croatian admiral criticised offensive unnecessary purely tactical politically likely appropriate authorities praised command managing operation secret launched making sure surprise secrecy reflected apparent minute infantry brigade offensive operational zone deployed east failed prepare detailed river crossing plans issue maps written brigade level commands crossings relying oral commands instead likewise troops equipped endure cold weather open limiting effectiveness concluded offensive exceeded needs capabilities investigation concluded offensive prepared days approved operational zone command documents pertaining preparations issued regardless poor preparation offensive infantry brigade subject public criticism croatia fleeing battlefield aftermath operation