battle battle engagement united_nations north korean forces early korean war september september vicinity north south_korea battle perimeter large engagements fought simultaneously battle ended victory united_nations large numbers united_states republic korea troops repelled strong north korean attack holding positions north crucial city army 1st cavalry division stood center perimeter defensive line tasked keeping united_nations command headquarters secured attacks north korean people army september 3rd division attacked great offensive followed week battle north able gradually push 1st cavalry division lines north able force troops withdraw completely push north forced abandon attack background perimeter outbreak korean war invasion south_korea north north korean people army enjoyed superiority manpower equipment republic korea army united_nations forces dispatched south_korea prevent collapsing north korean strategy aggressively pursue forces avenues approach south engage aggressively attacking initiating double flanks unit allowed north surround cut opposing force forced retreat disarray leaving equipment initial june offensive fights july early august north strategy effectively defeat force push south forces eighth united_states_army established perimeter august troops held continuous line peninsula north korean troops flank advantages numbers decreased daily superior logistical system brought troops supplies army north approached perimeter august attempted frontal assault technique main avenues approach perimeter august 6th division later 7th division engaged 25th infantry division battle initially battles battle mountain attacks stalled forces equipped plenty reserves repeatedly repelled north korean attacks north 4th division 24th infantry division area battle north korean division unable hold river large numbers reserve forces brought repel august 4th division forced river percent casualties region north korean divisions repulsed divisions attempts attack city battle particularly heavy fighting took place battle bowling alley 13th division completely destroyed attack east_coast north korean divisions repulsed south battle north korean troops defeats time war strategies working september push planning new offensive north korean command decided attempt flank force impossible support navy instead opted use frontal attack breach perimeter collapse hope achieving success battle fed intelligence soviet_union north aware forces building perimeter conduct offensive soon win battle secondary objective surround destroy units city mission north korean units cut supply lines august north korean commands distributed operations orders subordinate units north called simultaneous attack lines attacks defenders allow north break lines place force forces battle ordered center attack called 3rd division 13th division 1st division break 1st cavalry division 1st division battle divisions corps attacked south area remaining divisions corps 3rd 13th 1st conducted attack north northwest 3rd division attack area northwest 13th division mountain ridges north west road 1st division high mountain ridges east road defending 1st cavalry division miles division commander major general gay main avenues entry zone kept regiments concentrated outposts southwestern end line gay initially controlled 3rd battalion 23rd infantry regiment 2nd infantry division attached 1st cavalry division september british 27th commonwealth brigade commitment korean war replaced battalion line northward 5th cavalry regiment defended sector main seoul highway southeast eastward 7th cavalry regiment responsible mountainous area highway hills bordering road 8th cavalry regiment responsible road bordering hills hill eighth united_states_army commander lieutenant general walker ordered 1st cavalry division attack north september effort divert north korean strength 2nd 25th infantry divisions south gay initial decision order attack north road staff regimental commanders joined urging attack instead hill 7th cavalry zone days hill 1st division zone considered north korean assembly point 1st cavalry division accordingly prepared attack 7th cavalry sector attacks companies 3rd battalion 8th cavalry 7th cavalry right flank left 8th cavalry infantry company reserve regiment 1st battalion hill mass west bowling alley north 2nd battalion road planned attack hill coincided major kim song 19th regiment 13th division reported scale north korean attack begin dusk day 13th division said taken replacements weapons strength approximately men receiving intelligence gay alerted line units prepared attack eighth army order attack north northwest gay ordered 7th cavalry attack september seize hill hill called san large mountain mass miles northeast miles east river curves westward peak westernmost height hill ground drops abruptly river situated north lateral road midway towns critical terrain feature dominating road places securing hill 7th cavalry attack continue hill air strikes artillery preparations infantry attack morning september air_force delivered minute strike hills artillery laid concentrations hills planes came leaving heights fire immediately final strike 1st battalion 7th cavalry attacked hill heavy air strikes artillery preparations failed north positions delivered mortar machine gun fire climbing infantry stopping weak advanced force short crest afternoon battalion withdrew hill attacked northeast hill north korean troops fired support north hill day newly arrived 3rd battalion resumed attack hill south 1st battalion day column companies resolved end column squads attack failed attacks failed september north korean forward observer captured hill said north dug hill large numbers mortars ammunition hold north korean flanking moves attacks progress right 2nd battalion 5th cavalry regiment september attacked captured hill day difficulty holding hill september clear 3rd division 5th 7th cavalry regiments attacking despite continued air strikes artillery preparations infantry efforts hill large numbers troops rear attacking united_states forces night large north korean forces came gap 3rd battalion southern slope hill 2nd battalion westward north turned west occupied hill force september hill rear 7th cavalry north hill north cut road east regiment communications units west day 7th cavalry limited withdrawal hill giving capturing hill division right north korean hands left man land center strong north korean forces southward hill 7th cavalry regiment center longer use lateral supply road danger surrounded discussing withdrawal plan walker gay september issued order general withdrawal 1st cavalry division night lines occupy better defensive position movement progress right left beginning 8th cavalry regiment 7th cavalry hill area finally 5th cavalry area withdrawal caused 3rd battalion 8th cavalry hill attacked captured near road approaches walled city san 7th cavalry sector 1st 3rd 2nd battalions withdraw order withdrawal 1st battalion 8th cavalry right battalion 5th cavalry hill north cover withdrawal 7th cavalry hold open escape road withdrawal withdrawal instructions 7th cavalry colonel cecil regimental commander ordered 2nd battalion north attack rear gain possession hills new main line resistance occupied regiment efforts gain possession hill elements failed past days heavy rains fell night september mud slowed wheeled tracked vehicles withdrawal 1st battalion completed withdrawal opposition night march west 3rd battalion column joined times groups north korean soldiers apparently thought columns moving south prisoners taken withdrawal nearing dawn battalion column taken north korean mortar tank fire sustained casualties 2nd battalion north korean began withdrawal september battalion abandoned tanks mechanical failure stuck mud battalion moved rear main groups company attack hill rest battalion seize hill farther south north quickly discovered 2nd battalion withdrawing attacked battalion commander major operations officer captain james killed vicinity hills battalion discovered virtually surrounded north thought entire battalion lost moving completely cut units company numbering men hardest hit nearing hill surprised killed north korean soldiers soon north korean automatic weapons small arms fire struck company day company hill gained crest mid afternoon received radio orders withdraw night company left dead hill carrying wounded improvised litters tree branches started slopes mountain rain darkness halfway friendly fire injured captain west company commander company scattered west men quietly fire weapons west led men eastern base hill went defensive position rest night south flank division left 2nd battalion 5th cavalry hill came heavy attack battalion commander wanted withdraw regimental commander told 7th cavalry cleared withdrawal road battalion suffered heavy casualties abandoned hill september north company trying escape hill rest 2nd battalion cut eastern base hill south organized south korean carriers find dark loaded water food ammunition 2nd battalion carrier party unable find battalion dawn september men company discovered attacked north korean troops nearby positions time west heard recognized fire american weapons west company reunited weapons platoon separated night weapons platoon separated rest company encountered north trail following times night instance fired going way dawn platoon ambushed group north killing capturing north body north korean officer men took containing important documents maps showed hill assembly point 3rd division advance hill later day september captain melbourne acting commander 2nd battalion received word company location hill aerial observer sent patrol guided company safely battalion eastern base hill battalion received radio orders withdraw route soon possible moved southwest 5th cavalry sector north korean advance east 2nd battalion north attacked 1st battalion new position september overran battalion aid station killing wounding seven men night 1st battalion division orders attached 5th cavalry regiment rest 7th cavalry regiment moved point near division reserve night september 5th cavalry regiment division orders withdrew farther new defensive positions main seoul highway north korean 3rd division moving reinforcements observers sighted barges loaded troops artillery pieces crossing river miles north evening 7th 8th north korean claimed capture day situation grew worse 1st cavalry division left flank 3rd division forced 1st battalion 5th cavalry withdraw hill miles east north korean pressed forward 5th cavalry immediately locked hard fighting hills 1st battalion 7th cavalry left sector rejoin regiment finally captured hill attacks difficulty 5th cavalry regiment hold hill september midnight september north attacked took hill company hill company hill companies afternoon counterattack regiment regained hill south highway failed hills north 14th company attacked hill changed hands seven times action company suffered casualties company held hill north korean held grenade battles continued week battalions 5th cavalry regiment low strength time considered combat effective battle continued miles northwest north korean withdrawal counterattack collapsed north korean line cut main supply reinforcement routes september discovered north abandoned perimeter night units began advancing defensive positions occupying north korean units began conducting delaying actions attempting army possible north_korea north withdrew area night september forces remainder north korean armies withdrew rapidly north units rapidly pursued north passing river positions longer strategic importance aftermath north korean 3rd division completely destroyed battles division numbered men beginning offensive september men division able retreat north_korea october majority division troops killed captured deserted corps similar state north korean army exhausted perimeter cut brink defeat time 1st cavalry division suffered killed wounded captured time perimeter included casualties killed action suffered battle previous month american forces continually repulsed able prevent north breaking perimeter division numbered september excellent position attack despite casualties sgt john rice indian awarded bronze star world war killed leading squad company 8th cavalry regiment remains returned burial city iowa public cemetery denied burial race president personally intervened arranged burial military honors arlington national cemetery subsequent supreme_court case determined racial segregation public legal


battle battle november december fought australian japanese forces new_guinea peninsula campaign world war later coming capture allies battle took place amidst australian advance north australians committed elements infantry brigades australian 9th division supporting elements including artillery engineers tank support japanese force consisted primarily depleted infantry regiments 20th division limited artillery support australian advance region developed drives west forces advanced north following capture east advance north hill coast north scarlet beach australians landed earlier campaign smaller drive centre lay limited subsequently linked coastal drive possessing significant forces australian advance proved slow heavy rain harsh terrain slowed australian resupply efforts reduced mobility manoeuvre elements disease fatigue heavily depleted infantry casualties suffered illnesses combat japanese units area defended strongly short supplies end forced withdraw north subsequently fell allies december established line east coast carried advances north later month early january background september australian forces launched phase operation general douglas advance main japanese base operation initially went fell september having advanced north coast peninsula australians japanese forces foot september elements australian 9th division commanded major general george landed scarlet beach began fan south west capture begin advance coast northern peninsula point allied advance faster planned rapid advance created logistical difficulties particular engineers required develop captured areas available critical heavy rains delayed opening road road planned developed air cover provided amphibious operation forced postpone phase operation landing new britain initiative passed japanese australians advanced large force japanese consisting largely infantry regiments 26th field artillery regiment battalion infantry regiment grouped 20th division lieutenant general launched unsuccessful counter attack october retreating inland abandoned german mission sat atop metre peak november general headquarters south west pacific area decided area developed major air naval base large japanese force overlooked base area order remove threat sent 26th infantry brigade capture november november days fighting advance southern approaches infantry supported artillery armour air support seized australians having suffered heavy casualties short supplies japanese withdrew north established preparation attacks australians logistics allied allied supplies hauled landing craft vehicle personnel landing craft 2nd engineer special brigade known 9th division navy capture harbour bay provided sheltered unloading areas developed ports allowed 2nd engineer special brigade supply runs second day october boats trips totalling miles carried troops long tons cargo supplemented frequent trips larger landing craft tank landing ships tank vii amphibious force brought tanks artillery pieces capacity great fear japanese air attacks quickly darkness men employed day night unloading craft beaches november rounds pounder ammunition area stocks increasing rate loads day unloading supplies moved overland needed terrain prevented hand regard new labourers employed shortage personnel resulted australians combat troops role wounded taken aid posts dressing stations field 3rd casualty clearing station arrived bay october 2nd casualty clearing station opened plantation november patients evacuated sea small australian_army hospital ship later improvised american army hospital ship air evacuation began opened december large numbers australian american troops began arriving november develop base army engineers develop navy build boat harbour base sub area command lieutenant colonel formed november support australian operations area american counterpart known base followed november japanese japanese relied water transport logistics battle heavy shipping losses earlier year battle sea employed small force submarines effort avoid allied air attack closer battle zone barges augment submarines proved vulnerable attack allied aircraft boats distribution japanese supplies hampered lack native carriers japanese unable recruit allied propaganda campaign region addition lack motor transport track system developed result distribution supplies landed undertaken resupply parties drawn largely combat units parties moved overland foot number key tracks existed north ridge prelude shortly australians landed scarlet beach late september began patrol area north key tracks junctions located troops 43rd infantry battalion named imperial oriental norfolk exchange adelaide use aerial reconnaissance evidence found japanese tracks traverse area supplies west observation posts established apparent australians hill particular feature later dubbed australians native scouts key terrain area area later known horse australians shape viewed air artillery range australian forward positions north hill occupied held small party disrupt japanese supply line october japanese launched counter attack region australians forced forced abandon october counter attack turned commander japanese army lieutenant general visited command post ordered renewal attack scheduled november australians sought regain initiative decided establish position depth japanese forward line subsequently efforts establish force australian forward line north hill companies 32nd infantry battalion major bill sent occupy mid november striking north song river north hill help native scouts moved japanese positions exchange hill following heavy bombardment field guns 12th field regiment firing plantation captured position days australians established began patrolling operations bringing mortars vickers medium machine guns began attack japanese resupply parties moving area inflicting heavy casualties result occupation general movement australian forces japanese infantry threatened trapped response japanese commander diverted effort away recapture resolved recapture north hill area strong force japanese subsequently advanced south coastal track attempting retake north hill ground north song river commencing november japanese heavy assaults north hill positions defended australians 43rd infantry battalion 2nd machine gun battalion 32nd companies isolated north thick fighting space days subjected repeated attacks despite short food receiving repeated mortar fire 32nd held ground assistance strong artillery support inflicted heavy casualties japanese later bodies found 32nd position losses amounted killed wounded japanese commanding general later australian capture hill main reasons defeat force peninsula campaign japanese counter attacks eventually repulsed australians resumed advance plan called attack divisional sized force men 26th infantry brigade advanced 24th infantry brigade took position right intention capturing area coast lakes large water features miles inland 20th infantry brigade advanced centre 24th 26th infantry brigades striking 4th infantry brigade assigned defend allied later employed coastal drive battle pursuit japanese forces coast 28th infantry battalion assigned task leading australian advance troop 1st tank battalion engineers 7th field company commencing afternoon november began clearing operations north hill coast secondary task sending company facilitate relief 32nd vicinity japanese 20th division consisting remnants infantry regiments numbered men combat effective lead company 28th infantry battalion moved shortly midday passing 43rd infantry battalion lines initially opposition afternoon established defensive position near following morning advance continued ground coastal track flat covered dense jungle suitable tracked vehicles result australian tanks remain track advancing infantry limited rate advance prevented able apply weight firepower australians advanced engineers improve track facilitate flow supplies advance slow sabotage bridges spanned creeks crossed track held tanks forced wait engineers came forward bridge prepared tanks cross stream attempts attack japanese infantry ground rough hard penetrate suffering casualties attack called japanese attempted delay oncoming australian units suicide actions supporting fire australian tanks joined combat crossing stream points closed yards fire japanese effectively japanese resistance heaviest face japanese fell time platoon advanced north occupied position named exchange australians capturing artillery piece process companies 32nd infantry battalion reinforced remaining companies fought way november having captured hill tanks artillery support relieved 43rd warned begin advance west following morning november 28th infantry battalion led australian advance mid morning taken shortly midday australian reconnaissance patrols found main body subsequently occupied local feature called oriental south site large japanese headquarters found abandoned piles equipment left fall japanese forces firmly foot supply route having cut send supplies reinforcements rough track passed step australians capture north coast position known ears inland west point advance going australians split forces 28th pushing 43rd turning west point australian forces received boost form 4th infantry brigade assigned 9th division begin advance north coastal track high features existed fortification point time 24th infantry brigade advance east terrain brigades advance generally steep track having cut high spur line dropped deep covered grass interspersed areas thick jungle north ground markedly different track having pushed flat swamp land punctuated deep creeks vegetation area mainly thick secondary growth west steep hills grass result harsh conditions terrain australian advance continued increasingly hampered vehicle break downs fatigue crews resupply problem australians consequently lack spare parts developed meant number tanks unable advance time crews waited parts brought japanese stand ears november australian commander concentrated significant force consisting infantry battalions machine gun battalion tank squadron battalion pioneers squadron artillery engineer support ready begin stage advance advance began morning 28th infantry battalion advancing australian right concert troop 1st tank battalion crossing river penetrated miles meeting japanese resistance overcome assistance artillery barrage mortars time 43rd relieved 32nd earlier advanced companies sent late afternoon armoured support shape tasked taking position known australians ears advancing area low ground dubbed valley australians japanese developed position considerably establishing complex defensive network point usually withdrawn face advancing australians decided stand employing gun fired open sights fighting guns number machine guns varying calibre fought fiercely halted fire australians called fire support japanese fire superiority employing indirect method operations phase advance necessitated depleted state forces moving steep slope covered grass tanks broke australian armour able deliver significant bombardment enabled infantry position early evening lakes 28th infantry battalion patrol river december previous day artillery reduce japanese presence area north consequence patrol able penetrate deep north reaching turning return leg australians located japanese position attacked killing wounding position moving south effort regain australian lines second japanese force blocked way sunset australians wounded forced north established defensive position runners sent message battalion headquarters men killed encountering japanese darkness fell began rain patrol able river spent night rejoining battalion early december troop tanks initially committed point relieved hoc formation drawn headquarters troop troop 1st tank battalion brought replace concert company 43rd tanks struck december tanks kept reserve stage broke early advance force penetrated close lakes japanese force moved cut rear forcing second company 43rd tank support thrown forward conduct flank larger water features approaching south japanese positioned strength heavily wooded area began firing australians machine guns pinned tanks came destroyed japanese position firing point blank range point australians lost tank mud left infantry guard defend advance continued mid afternoon 43rd second company advance checked having progressed metres point tank named crew moved forward provide support came past infantry fired japanese artillery positioned high ground north lake initially fired gun fired metres away joined artillery piece despite hit times tank crew remained able firing tank pounder eventually abandon tank fall infantry point australians withdrew overnight japanese pulled guns high ground left small force quickly overwhelmed australians resumed advance following day australian infantry suffered casualties approached previously abandoned triggered set withdrawing japanese advance slow order support 43rd 32nd brought forward composite force overcame japanese resistance lakes midday december point tasked taking drive central sector 20th infantry brigade rested later campaign pushing christmas hills christmas hills originally 20th infantry brigade assigned task advancing australian centre end infantry battalion 15th platoon infantry battalion committed stepping november force struck north song river lead company crossed river west shortly completing manoeuvre force japanese engaged machine gun fire killing wounding contact australian company secured crossing enabling companies 15th come lead company fixed japanese position conducted passage lines manoeuvre bypassed japanese machine gun position continued advance lead company broke contact followed early afternoon finding confronted high feature blocked path east established defensive position short objective 15th fourth company following reserve found japanese machine gun position abandoned subsequently occupied december australians began prepare capture high ground japanese seen atop early afternoon company level attack southern end feature suffering casualties australians beaten night japanese withdrew ridge following day australians discovered began following midday entered established completed 15th began send patrols west probe christmas hills east lakes contact 24th infantry brigade affected following day time 15th christmas hills area engaged japanese yards south feature officers killed patrol sent 15th early afternoon december advancing eastern main track able penetrate deep hills finding way barred deep gorge forced turn point australian commander issued new operation order task capturing christmas hills area 24th infantry brigade pulling 20th infantry brigade rest phase campaign advance coast strain advance coastal route 24th infantry brigade main effort taken toll result 32nd infantry battalion called forward 28th plagued sickness 43rd physically worn night december japanese withdrew forward positions leaving large quantity equipment dead following morning composite force australians 32nd 43rd infantry battalions took advance christmas hills ranging west undertaking series flanking moves order break japanese main defensive position japanese entrenched ensued japanese seven australians killed australian attack turned december australians attacked time companies approaching north east intense artillery mortar bombardment prepare area attack repulsed heavy fire barrage japanese sunset 32nd infantry battalion severely depleted companies commanded junior non commissioned officers heavy casualties platoon strength managed establish lodging near feature eastern approach night japanese fell position following day australians occupied christmas hills drive west 26th infantry brigade begun patrolling operations north november moving song river distance yards type terrain actual distance traversed quadruple 23rd infantry battalion given task leading australian advance sector striking north moved task finding river crossing brigade crossing found time 24th set search jungle tracks river flank protection left provided 4th commando squadron platoon infantry battalion search unsuccessful minor clashes occurred australians dispatched effort link 23rd short japanese established strength dug positions amidst thick bamboo grove 24th approached fired forced halt advance establishing night defensive position night japanese withdrew moved song destroying suspension bridge spanned went established opposite river waited australians follow morning australian battalions rose discovered ground advanced unopposed 23rd advanced steep descending feet valley river flowed crossing creeks entering town lead company 23rd infantry battalion exploited river looking crossing found bridge near main crossing destroyed yards river began receiving fire opposite bank australians sent patrols scout potential crossings found early evening australians established song early november single company 23rd song joined moved steep slope track split company went north continue advance turned south attack japanese fired earlier taking rear attacks rearguard position achieving break exploited platoon attacked fixed capturing position total japanese killed wounded attack short time later rest 23rd able exploit main river crossing company struck north continued advance yards north river advance checked point 23rd formed defensive harbour wait night late afternoon week dry weather began rain result track difficult mobility reduced tanks found track impassable consequence advancing australian infantry lost direct fire support resupply proved problem bringing supplies forward native meet demand result australians resort infantry battalions 24th bring supplies forward 23rd continued advance isolated pockets japanese defenders located track holding sister battalion struggled steep track weight december elements 23rd leaving heavy stores equipment advanced steep muddy slope set clearing positions japanese resistance overwhelmed midday australians entered exploiting village afternoon lead australian company took fire ridge line north west advance halted day morning australians sent patrols forward dense bamboo apparent japanese established strength ridge line stretched position called peak hill response australian patrols japanese jungle machine gun fire australians responded calling artillery mortar bombardment sun began set japanese launched quick attack lead australian company forcing order regain initiative 23rd infantry battalion launched night attack supported accurate artillery fire 12th field regiment proved unsuccessful result failed attack morning australians found position overlooked japanese day sides exchanged sniper fire australians route supply lines came fire high ground company 24th released tasks brought bolster 23rd taking position south close proximity night japanese began australian position response company 24th moved link 23rd short position advance checked came heavy fire australians eventually managed send patrol japanese positions linked 23rd december australians managed supplies forward areas enable 24th infantry battalion engaged moving stores released task thrown fighting order bypass japanese position elements 23rd company 24th carried flanking manoeuvres west track undertaken australians established defensive positions short peak hill december remaining companies 24th came australians continued advance peak hill found considerable japanese positions abandoned movement seen visible distance artillery bombardment called australians afternoon australians cut branch track turned attack peak hill japanese defences held attack beaten australians attempted north prevented thick jungle sun set content dig western approach peak hill japanese withdrew night early following morning december australians able capture hill morning continued advance halted fire yards brief halt called time patrols sent determine strength japanese found heavily defended later day elements 24th 32nd established contact forming link 24th 26th infantry brigades point fatigue australians stalled advance long early december captured elements 24th infantry battalion opposition defenders fallen earlier follow moves advanced mid morning captured aftermath australian advance hampered bad weather steep terrain supply problems fatigue strong defence mounted japanese secured spur track ran face australian advance early december japanese commander ordered troops weary fighting hungry lack supplies fall north infantry regiment defending area lakes ordered infantry regiment having located followed moved east coast australians need rest suffering heavily tropical diseases inflicted casualties japanese actions phase campaign fall fighting area continued order enable main japanese infantry regiments clean break 2nd battalion infantry regiment carried rearguard operations area december december shortly capture company 24th infantry battalion ambushed moving australians killed wounded strong force japanese held feature lay yards north east threatening australian hold newly won track december fighting region intensified briefly significant clash occurred hill concerned presence japanese rearguard australians sent force 24th infantry battalion assault japanese pitched battle followed japanese australians killed australians captured position allies landed new britain december australian 4th infantry brigade having commenced advance coast december continued passing bald hill way fortification point led opening phase australian advance late december 20th infantry brigade largely rested advance took 4th sweeping coast quickly light japanese resistance captured early january having suffered light casualties war australian_army commemorated battle fighting occurred periphery awarding number battle honours 32nd 43rd infantry battalions received 28th awarded 1st tank battalion 23rd 24th infantry battalions received went 15th casualties capture november december period reported australian corps headquarters follows japanese killed found dead captured australians killed reported wounded


operation operation croatian known operation june croatian offensive war fought combined croatian army croatian defence council army army june offensive croatian pre strike military formed units stationed bosnia concluded yugoslav people army offensive operations april resulting capture river valley south aimed capturing threatening croatian port possibly split counter threat croatian leadership deployed command general southern including area operation conducted offensive marked significant defeat war placed favourable position push remnants holding positions north east later established overland links city siege late attack resulted victory capture approximately square kilometres square miles territory background august serbian uprising occurred croatia centred city parts regions settlements eastern croatia significant populations areas subsequently named republic serbian supported serbia declared intention integrate serbia denounced government croatia rebellion tensions rose march croatian war independence broken yugoslavia june croatia issued declaration independence official october month initiated campaign ethnic croatian civilians non serbs expelled early croatian national_guard subsequently renamed croatian army november formed result growing support yugoslav people army inability croatian police cope situation establishment military croatia hampered arms introduced september final months saw fighting war culminating battle barracks siege battle january agreement signed representatives croatia called series unsuccessful united_nations protection force deployed croatia supervise maintain agreement conflict largely passed entrenched positions soon retreated croatia bosnia new conflict anticipated yugoslav people army withdrew croatia following acceptance start implementation plan officers soldiers born bosnia transferred new army later renamed army reorganisation followed declaration serbian republic bosnia january ahead february march referendum independence bosnia declaration later cited pretext war serbs began capital areas march following day fatalities war recorded final days march army bombarded artillery drawing border crossing brigade response april artillery began bosnia faced army republic bosnia croatian defence council reporting dominated central government leadership respectively occasionally supported operations prelude april renewed offensive operations areas western southern near 2nd military district commanded colonel general deployed elements 5th corps 9th corps region capturing town jointly defending area battle april threatening southwest 4th military district commanded general employed 13th corps 2nd corps capture eastern bank river south fighting artillery attacks city started april town coming attack yugoslav air_force april croatian attack april failed capture controlled airfield territorial defence force captured nearby hydroelectric power plants river pushed force april kilometres miles southwest came intermittent artillery air attacks arranged forces resumed attack day attack succeeded capturing large territory west bank river transfer forces based bosnia completed units transferred withdrew bosnia newly declared federal republic yugoslavia planned offensive pre croatian attack held territory croatia saw moves prelude attacks southern croatia specifically aimed port possibly split counter perceived threat deployed additional troops area redesignated southern general appointed command southern reorganised command structure assumed command area stop expected offensive regain lost territory river late launched attack adriatic coast immediate besieged linking force city breaking city june attack coincided withdrawal airport positions bosnia borders kilometres miles away coast captured mountain south order battle committed troops operation deployed units stationed raised area drawn contributed 4th guards brigade elements infantry brigade infantry brigade troops deployed main attack river right flank axis troops deployed left area corps 13th corps commanded major general consisted 10th 13th brigades territorial defence troops area timeline operation alternatively operation june commenced june attacking force moved east north aiming push river capture positions force captured objective offensive town located river opposite june component force captured infantry brigade detached force tasked continued advance capture protect right flank infantry brigade held river valley south east corps positions collapsed attacking forces able quickly east planned line advance june forces attacked positions west bank river south city support main attack advance immediately successful capturing villages mountain captured barracks day june pushed remaining forces east river 1st brigade infantry brigade advanced northeast captured villages kilometres miles away crossing point infantry brigade tactical consisting brigade supporting troops staged rapid breakthrough reached outskirts approximately kilometres miles east crossing advance northeast continued north reached southern approaches june units attacking secured capturing positions approximately kilometres miles north june day 4th battalion captured barracks elements force captured nearby hill overlooking city final northward advance force set routed villages captured june order complete link advancing units forces supported 4th battalion 4th guards brigade moved south city advancing forces met international airport june completely pushed advancing east slopes mountain capturing high ground overlooking city june supported eastward push city secondary role lines significantly east city relatively secure future attacks offensive considered ended june captured peak mountain aftermath captured approximately square kilometres square miles territory operation supporting attacks handing significant defeat war offensive removed direct threat posed accomplished croatian objective capturing positions favourable staging forces positioned near follow operation tiger offensive exploit success operation improve croatian military positions southern general specifically deployment bosnia gained significant experience execution large scale military denied forces chance pursue decisive victory


operation operation january known battle woods joint australian military operation vietnam war took place kilometres north province south vietnam operation targeted key headquarters believed concealed underground involved brigades command 1st infantry division including 1st battalion royal australian regiment attached airborne brigade heavy fighting resulted significant casualties sides combined american australian force able uncover extensive tunnel network covering kilometres operation largest allied military action mounted war south vietnam point fought division level despite success allied force able partially clear area remained key communist transit supply base war tunnels later staging area attack offensive largely destroyed heavy bombing american bombers ending utility background military situation initial american commitment war vietnam limited advice support advisors south vietnam army republic vietnam weakened successive defeats hands communists south vietnamese government threatened major offensive situation led significant war large scale commitment ground troops command general william americans adopted cautious strategy applied strictly limited role base defence marine units abandoned april replaced new strategy defending key coastal population centres installations strategy required introduction additional battalions troops bring total vietnam allied nations free world military forces expected contribute battalions planned develop series defensive positions expanding operations south vietnamese country result number sites close dominated areas subsequently chosen developed semi permanent divisional level bases areas included intended headquarters 1st infantry division 25th infantry division based vicinity large scale military operations clear intended base areas wait dry season allied strategy proved setbacks led additional troop increases halt losing trend situation reaching crisis point wet season offensive june requested reinforcement allied forces increased battalions directly bolster australia growing involvement vietnam reflected american build australian government committed small advisory team known australian_army training team vietnam help train south vietnamese forces june decision commit ground troops 1st battalion royal australian regiment originally commanded lieutenant colonel dispatched supporting troop squadron 4th 19th prince wales light horse equipped armoured personnel carriers artillery field battery royal australian artillery field battery royal new_zealand artillery reconnaissance flight operating bell light observation helicopters total personnel australian new_zealand units attached airborne brigade command brigadier general operated iii corps tactical zone help establish logistics resupply primarily provided americans small unit 1st australian logistics company situated unlike later australian units served vietnam included manned regular personnel attached forces primarily employed search destroy operations newly developed doctrine operations helicopters insert light infantry artillery area operations support aerial mobility fire support casualty evacuation resupply battalion commenced operations late june initially defeating wet season offensive time brigade including conducted number operations war zone major communist base area junction long long provinces iron triangle formed confluence rivers route fought number significant actions including battle gang november replaced lieutenant colonel alex old football injury forced evacuation australia mid november period november december involved operation new life valley kilometres north east attempt deny access rice harvest november company carried deliberate attack fortified village occupied killing wounding loss operation plain delta subsequently launched new years day prelude opposing forces located kilometres west iron triangle woods believed contain political military headquarters communist 4th military region controlled activity south vietnamese capital precise position unknown believed concealed extensive underground bunker system agents reports interrogation prisoners aerial surveillance pointed presence vital communist facility headquarters believed located square kilometre area jungle entrances guarded regional force company main force battalions thought vicinity afford additional security communist units detected woods allied intelligence included local force company 3rd battalion 7th battalion commander battalion later identified war captain total local communist defensive strength believed include men response large american search destroy operation launched january involving troops commanded 1st infantry division major general including 3rd infantry brigade 1st infantry division airborne brigade attached division operation total battalions plus supporting arms attached airborne brigade australian battalion commanded field battery direct support engineers 3rd field troop royal australian engineers prince wales light horse time largest military operation mounted south vietnam divisional offensive date preceded heavy aerial bombardment scheme manoeuvre envisioned assault brigade north west 3rd infantry brigade seal area south preparation sweep designed push trapped communist forces eastwards river role establish blocking position village river northern flank brigade area operations order achieve tactical surprise operation launched immediately following operation australians americans air prior assault operations officer major john essex clarke conducted aerial reconnaissance proposed landing zone known june january observing lack ground foliage concerned possibility extensive defensive works close support landing zone subsequently switched exposed location original plan seen inserted directly heavily defended bunker system likely resulted heavy casualties captain sandy commander 3rd field troop opinion decision certainly saved hundreds australian lives battle january battle began january heavy american preparatory fire artillery bombers resulted significant soon operation commenced american units inserted helicopter north west south 3rd infantry brigade command colonel william subsequently inserted helicopter road brigade headquarters command element departed convoy reached lap western boundary brigade area operations midday concurrently battalions inserted helicopter south west blocking south woods conducted sweep americans contact immediately engagements generally small scale involving brigade battalion moved road lap moved foot assigned search area north inserted new landing zone march kilometres south west company securing site battalion moved foot line departure mistakenly engaged helicopter artillery fire australians established communications halted began advance sooner lead elements company command major fisher emerged cleared area originally battalion forward platoon came fire positions tree line north east corner action followed australians platoon wounded including platoon commander lieutenant jim shot jaw remained command passed loss blood attempted forward treat casualties shot killed moved push companies flank company battalion original blocking position soon contact small groups positions trees spider holes tunnel entrances apparent australians significant force extensive fortifications sufficient hold battalion company command major uncovered small dug hospital simple equipment documents remaining battalions airborne brigade inserted 1st battalion infantry regiment flew april battalion arrived going largely according plan brigades began advance eastwards suspected location communist headquarters thorough search area yielded little believed withdrawn earlier response initial australian advance amid strong resistance australians fight way maze stakes traps eventually able force regional force company withdraw continued advance area heavily seeded trip wires connected shells grenades branches blew men feet defenders subsequently withdrew 7th battalion forced north 3rd battalion east drawn trap american battalions brigade previously operation australians moved tightly defended perimeter dark waited communists counter attack night fell movement detected trench company perimeter squad attempted infiltrate australian position initially believing movement australian patrol departed clearing patrol machine gunner duty finally opened fire safe moment killing point blank range wounding number withdrew minor actions continued night small groups able pop disappear australian defensive position searching units unable locate large numbers experienced significant number sudden engagements day clear communists tunnels movement suspected area tunnels communist headquarters tasked destroy fact located beneath feet battalion australians battalion brigade strike significant resistance end day suffered total killed wounded artillery forward observer field battery killed battalion spent night early hours morning number short exchanges fire small groups returned area wanting fire machine guns fear giving positions away hitting friendly troops australians resorted grenades forward perimeter 3rd infantry brigade area operations contact light killed tunnels january process breaking exploring communist tunnels began january objective switching location clearance destruction tunnel complexes standard army practice seal blow attempt render tunnel systems smoke tear gas explosives quickly moving australians spent days searching mapping complexes found military engineers led australian field troop systematically tackled tunnels telephone line plot subterranean passages small scale contacts communists australians continued later awarded military cross leadership originally constructed fighting french war tunnels taken decades build later dormant war reactivated endured constant bombing expanded formed underground maze passages fighting tunnels meeting rooms food stretching border given headquarters function tunnels equipped array communications medical facilities defended arcs fire connecting fire tunnels dug hard clay largely protected american bombing trenches reported metres deep tunnels long metres numerous tunnels led main tunnels places system levels deep network extensive rumoured able hold men lived underground months time seeing tunnels american soldier described time new_york subway southern area operations 3rd infantry brigade making slow progress hit run ambush tactics inflict casualties americans withdrawing sanctuary underground tunnels january americans located destroyed medical supplies large rice small hospital capturing series skirmishes north searched tunnel complex american battalions airborne brigade continued sweep area operations number friendly fire incidents task battalions searched eastward river continued find supply abandoned positions involved minor skirmishes concealed ambush positions communists inflicted number casualties americans killed fighting bringing total operation despite large number troops involved experienced limited contact point criticism operation consequently began mount american media fighting january australians continued explore tunnels finding large quantity documents equipment january recovered weapons rounds ammunition grenades rifle explosives clothing medical supplies killed fighting contact continued overnight australians killed outside perimeter numerous actions occurred day brigade maintained sweep january american cavalry troop 17th cavalry regiment australians prince wales light horse commenced combined search operation fought communist small groups day number dug trenches encountered following series air strikes artillery cavalry australian swept area australians slightly injured navy air strike sixteen bodies subsequently recovered believed killed removed battlefield subsequently ordered battalion command lieutenant colonel john tyler change direction advance morning battalion conducted platoon sized patrols south south west west locating constructed defensive position including trenches connected tunnels contact battalion prepared new north battalion armour troop 16th cavalry regiment engaged dug main force company metres west australians following air strikes heavy artillery bombardment communists withdrew leaving dead sharp engagement battalion sent number squad sized patrols day recent signs activity found minor sniper fire encountered like australians american uncovered large number tunnels fortifications 3rd brigade continued slow progress despite reaching banks river january brief small base camp discovered destroyed battalion captured tons rice cotton following day americans found destroyed number houses quantities supplies food uncovered tunnel complex quantity maps charts documents little resistance met actions americans lost men traps enemy fire advancing metres troops 1st battalion 28th infantry regiment commanded lieutenant colonel robert took number casualties source fire immediately obvious attempted avoid set piece battle opting instead disperse small groups fight spider holes tunnels choosing engage americans close range small arms included old russian rifles despite suffering number casualties americans continued advance calling artillery fire tactics proved largely commanding officer 28th battalion lieutenant colonel george shot killed sniper fighting regardless receiving word discovery tunnels airborne brigade north brigade began sweep 3rd brigade subsequently uncovered significant tunnel complex sergeant stewart green 28th battalion accidentally sat nail uncovered trap door january enter tunnel green located underground occupied subsequently escaped later smoke machine pump smoke tunnel system successful locating numerous tunnel entrances smoke rose jungle canopy american troops enter tunnels proceeded attack gas later explosives tactics met limited success tear gas large numbers women children led green squad americans equipped pistols field telephone penetrated kilometres tunnel system involved fire fight wearing gas masks americans threw gas grenades fought way tunnel entrance soldier lost darkness green entered tunnel find subsequently withdrew americans attempting clear tunnels heavy hand hand fighting broke ground later awarded silver star actions rushed bunker fire armed pistol order aid number wounded soldiers courage inspired men complete assault ultimately helped ensure successful evacuation casualties capture objective evening battalions 3rd infantry brigade completed searching assigned area operation following morning withdrawn operation brigade involvement limited losing killed wounded killed subsequently operation continues january previously communists continued attempt infiltrate perimeter night minor clash australian standing patrol occurred dawn days operations exploit tunnels continued brigade australians involved number contacts suffering sporadic sniper mortar fire significant quantities documents equipment rice captured large numbers civilians detained questioning january continued patrolling program patrol subsequently located tons rice destroyed killing minute battle task complicated presence large number civilians found hiding shelters tunnels hiding australians transported refugee camp established nearby patrol platoon later uncovered tunnel system metres position found occupied large force dog sent tunnel investigate subsequently killed tunnel destroyed australian engineers day australian efforts clear tunnels suffered setback engineer stuck trap door underground gallery metres surface despite efforts comrades recovered died overcome combination tear gas carbon lack oxygen struggle free days living close proximity enemy constant strain sniper fire pressure searching tunnels beginning toll number australians killed wounded friendly fire incidents evenings january early afternoon january australians encountered large group armed tunnel clearance called surrender failed emerge tunnel subsequently demolished probably killing believed collapsed day ordered 28th battalion closely explore tunnels area operations number chambers defended grenades traps company subsequently located tunnel system american killed soldier suddenly appeared large later continued search area platoon size patrols afternoon january clash company platoon developed heavy contact air strike successfully called americans search area recovered dead blood trails human remains indicated killed action concludes january ultimately kilometres tunnels uncovered searched australians large quantity documents recovered including pages detailing operational structure names agents operating ninety weapons captured thousands rounds ammunition equipment food supplies fill trucks battalions played large operation uncovered numerous tunnel systems involved heavy contact fortunes war allocated area operations ultimately found contain headquarters australians partially searched tunnel leading headquarters objective learn close come succeeding decades war ended course activities suffered number additional fatalities fully exploring destroying tunnels allied resources available decision eventually halt operations days began operation ended returning january time operation concluded fraction known tunnel network destroyed war learnt system actually included kilometres tunnels american ground operations number heavy bombing raids resulted damage tunnel complexes woods occupied permanent basis successful restoring transit supply functions despite significant disruption military political apparatus remained largely intact allowing communists freedom action later operations aftermath casualties fighting australians faced stiff resistance suffered killed wounded claiming killed probably killed americans involved heavy fighting casualties included killed wounded total communist casualties included confirmed killed probably killed captured suspects detained addition thought likely perished tunnels collapsed charges laid australian engineers americans later claimed headquarters communist 4th military region destroyed quantity information recovered thousands captured documents battle later described allied strategic intelligence victory war significant find general joseph head intelligence visited operation allied operations communist tunnels largely hoc australians began develop earliest techniques exploring destroying later partially result success australians clearing shorter tunnels american units adopted similar tactics created number tunnel clearance teams known popularly tunnel rats assessment despite losses suffered communists combined american australian force succeeded partially clearing area tunnel network concealed consequently woods remain key communist transit supply base war bulk communist force successfully withdrawn intact leaving rear guard elements defence prompting communists declare operation victory claiming american troops killed wounded vehicles destroyed aircraft shot claims based estimates casualties caused command detonated mines sticks traps proved wildly inaccurate fact operation communists subsequently ordered units south prevent americans concentrating forces future regardless highlighted inherent weakness search clear operations later standard operating procedure army vietnam woods targeted americans january larger operation known operation cedar falls despite heavy casualties inflicted tunnels continued remain problem americans later communist staging area attack offensive finally american bombers carried number heavy air strikes area dropping thousands delayed fuse bombs buried deep ground exploding ending tunnels utility operation foray communist following fighting weeks rest longest break operations battalion tour operations followed months including battle night february subsequent operations strategic level south vietnamese government rallied appearing verge collapse communist threat subsided additional troop increases required adopt offensive strategy troop levels planned rise january december australian government increased commitment ground war march announcing deployment battalion brigade 1st australian task force armour aviation engineer artillery support total men additional royal_australian_air_force raaf royal australian navy ran force elements deployed services total australian strength vietnam planned increase personnel subsequently replaced allocated area operations province allowing australians pursue operations independently counter tactics techniques task force arrived april june constructing base arrangements provided 1st australian logistics support group subsequently established port


battle battle early engagement united_states north korean forces korean war taking place villages western south_korea july days intense fighting battle ended north korean victory united_states_army 21st infantry regiment 24th infantry division assigned delay advancing north korean people army divisions following communist victories earlier month regiment deployed roads railroads villages attempting slow advance possible aided air strikes army units able inflict substantial damage north korean armor vehicles overwhelmed north korean infantry battalions fought engagements day period suffered massive losses personnel equipment able delay north korean forces days allowing remainder 24th infantry division set blocking positions river near city background outbreak war night june divisions north korean people army launched scale invasion nation neighbor south republic korea advancing men columns north caught south korean army surprise resulting disastrous rout south disorganized ill equipped unprepared war numerically superior north korean forces destroyed isolated resistance pushing steadily peninsula south muster men line oppose majority south korean forces retreated face invasion june north captured capital seoul forced government shattered forces withdraw southwards united_nations security council voted send assistance collapsing country united_states president harry subsequently ordered ground troops nation forces far_east steadily decreasing end world war years earlier time closest force 24th infantry division eighth united_states_army stationed japan command william dean division strength equipment reductions military spending spite deficiencies division ordered south_korea tasked taking initial shock north korean advances rest eighth army arrive establish defense early engagements plan battalion 24th infantry division south_korea transport aircraft quickly block advancing north korean forces remainder division transported ships 21st infantry regiment identified combat ready 24th infantry division regiments 21st infantry 1st battalion selected commander lieutenant colonel charles smith experienced having commanded battalion battle world war july task force smith engaged north korean forces battle delaying north korean infantry seven hours routed forced time 34th infantry regiment set line villages miles south fight delaying action advancing north korean forces 34th infantry regiment similarly unprepared fight ensuing action regiment withdrew engaging enemy 1st battalion left north resisted advance brief disastrous battle 34th infantry unable stop north korean armor minute fight 34th mounted disorganized retreat soldiers abandoned equipment retreated resisting north korean forces line unable delay north korean force significantly inflict heavy casualties regiment subsequently retreated night 3rd battalion heavily engaged delaying action 34th infantry lost commander colonel robert martin thirds 3rd battalion strength exhausted 34th infantry regiment retreated river near 24th infantry division headquarters 24th infantry division final delaying action forced final stand major city left perimeter established eighth army battle having pushed forces north korean 4th infantry division supported elements armored division continued advance road men strong division commander lee infantry regiments supported dozens tanks north korean 3rd infantry division engage american forces july 21st infantry regiment established roads river regiment ordered road region open supplies ammunition flow 34th infantry regiment lines americans spent days unloading supplies locomotives village blowing bridges north town 1st battalion established road miles south supporting battery 11th field artillery battalion company heavy tank battalion light tanks company 3rd engineer combat battalion assigned construct prepare bridges demolition mid afternoon july observers 1st battalion 21st infantry spotted column vehicles led north korean tanks subsequently calling hours air_force ravaged north korean column repeated bombings sunset half vehicles destroyed burning large portion infantry killed day similar invaders twin aircraft fifth air_force took place north korean tanks seven half tracks trucks destroyed addition large number infantry village left burning abandoned south korean soldiers civilians addition caused largest losses north korean armor war major blow tanks successful previous encounters fight 1st battalion 21st infantry remained half force constituted task force smith companies leaving companies hold line handful replacements fill extra positions battalion numbered men total 1st battalion hills overlooking south road northwest prepared meet delay advancing north korean forces 3rd battalion reserve july americans began detect north korean movement morning fog minutes whistle blew immediately followed small arms fire american positions american forces fired fog regimental commander richard stopped 1st battalion came heavy mortar fire company ridge fire higher ground north korean forces 4th infantry division american forces began inch mortars north korean positions order prevent advancing directly positions fog began lift americans spotted tanks village subsequently called north korean forces flanked american positions cover fog passed americans right flank attacked mortar positions rear tanks joined fight passed american flanks obscured fog north korean forces initiated frontal assault 1st battalion 21st infantry positions observer unit called artillery pushed north korean infantry inflicting heavy casualties assaulting force north korean infantry supported pressing company position requested came american aircraft effect korean forces attacking company aircraft able push attack minutes running ammunition forced leave north korean troops immediately resumed assault company command lieutenant ray faced pressure north korean assault tank fire destroyed american wire communications artillery began fall positions belief overrun north able meantime platoon surrounded destroyed men platoon killed north korean infantry following men right flank began positions regardless efforts finally ordered men withdraw american forces great difficulty retreating wet rice disorganized retreat followed attempted pull retreat aircraft returned soldiers 1st battalion 21st infantry north began aircraft inflicted casualties battalion overall suffered percent casualties killed wounded engagement killed mortar company american counterattack 1st battalion retreated ordered 3rd battalion counterattack north ridge regain position american attack aggressive 3rd battalion able regain ground rescuing americans captured attack process attack 3rd battalion uncovered evidence north korean war crimes men 1st battalion heavy mortar company discovered executed hands tied backs light tanks newly arrived brought 3rd battalion assault use armor war disabled suffering destroyed day time north korean 4th division pressed south bypassing west following north korean 3rd infantry division day granting americans time rest prepare new defenses 3rd battalion held position withdrew previous position equipment lost 1st battalion earlier day position men discovered north korean forces occupying old company engaged hour drive 1st battalion withdrew south new blocking positions miles outside july advanced 3rd battalion position passing minefield suffering casualties following tanks north korean infantry north korean 3rd infantry division conducted double battalion setting rear prevent resupply evacuation wounded simultaneously heavy mortar fire struck battalion command post destroying communications center ammunition stocks inflicting heavy casualties american forward observers unable communicate artillery lack communications equipment attack north coordinated likely north korean forces driven position night able gather intelligence battalion position ensuing fight american forces overwhelmed fighting desperate hand hand combat north korean machine guns continued assault american lines americans expended ammunition forced use weapons clubs men 3rd battalion percent casualties including battalion commander lieutenant colonel battalion staff shattered 3rd battalion forced withdraw small groups soldiers captured forced escape foot countryside american lines retreating men captured remaining soldiers formed provisional company retreat total percent battalion equipment including weapons helmets lost tanks destroyed north korean falls smith 1st battalion hills overlooking road resting night july contact north day dawn july american battalion encountered north korean patrols followed attack left flank north korean force estimated battalion sized soon afterward north began direct assault 1st battalion position supported heavy artillery decided battalion large percentage replacements hold position long ordered withdraw smith subsequently moved battalion line company time retreat orderly nightfall entire regiment moved truck blocking position river close meantime forces westerly road fought series minor engagements delay north korean forces traveling road retreating river aftermath 21st infantry regiment suffered killed wounded captured missing battle total casualties captured missing died additionally american units engaged region suffered killed wounded captured missing total casualties brought total number casualties day period battle american forces conflict greater casualty counts combined loss great 21st infantry regiment losing equipment outfit rifle battalions clothing equip men losses north korean casualties estimated lack communication fighting units limited value american signals intelligence despite losses 21st infantry regiment praised efforts defend roy historian army called impressive performance american troops korea regiment able successfully delay north korean forces days fighting despite suffering heavily casualties equipment losses action bought time rest 24th infantry division set defenses 21st infantry regiment subsequently joined 34th infantry regiment 19th infantry regiment setting positions river near entire 24th infantry division stand battle week fight division overrun forced retreat delaying actions division forces time set perimeter north korean forces fight months battle perimeter eventually defeating north korean army


action july action july minor naval engagement napoleonic wars french frigate squadron guy victor attacked defeated convoy honourable east india company east near islands engagement british convoy resisted strongly suffered heavy casualties ships eventually forced surrender british flagship held french squadron allow surviving ship escape ceylon engagement successful french attack indian_ocean convoy year french frigates squadron operating france commodore british frigate squadron orders eliminate french raiders distracted planned invasion began following week combined limited british resources region allowed french frigates significant freedom attack british interests ocean attack wider british strategy seize capture french raiding bases success operation severely limited future french operations squadron required defence france result successful attack british merchant convoy indian_ocean napoleonic wars background beginning napoleonic wars french naval frigates operating fortified island bases france attacked british shipping indian_ocean huge distances involved restrictions supplies presence royal_navy warships heavily armed east prevented relatively weak french ships attacking convoys transported millions pounds worth goods british india far_east united_kingdom french squadron admiral tried seize convoy driven aggressive tactics merchant captains late french_navy frigates indian_ocean rendezvous france command commodore frigates eventually reached french island new vessels carrying heavy guns orders attack british shipping bay particular large east honourable east india company frigate discover convoys caroline attacked europe bound convoy action capturing east carrying worth silk caroline brought prizes fortified port saint paul british commander cape good hope planning operation indian_ocean assembled squadron commodore orders blockade french islands probe defences capture practical found small squadron unable engage french frigates nearest british military base madras british india far practical staging amphibious operations remedy problem seized small french island rodriguez force british indian soldiers garrisoned supply base ships military reserve use landings french islands operation raid saint paul september town saint paul captured caroline prizes seized commander des driven suicide continued raiding despite british attack saint paul french frigates continued operate indian_ocean personally leading cruise bay autumn ships seized number small action november personally defeated captured large east convoy squadron prizes returned france late december captured british brig hms victor large portuguese frigate winter ships sea risk caught seasonal hurricane considered severe operate december march withdrew forces cape good hope leaving handful smaller ships watch french islands kept forces harbour france ships recruiting sailors large pool unemployed men port napoleon march return blockade ordered squadron sea force consisted large frigate captured renamed captured brig victor force led guy victor second command avoiding remaining frigates british blockade ships escaped unnoticed began cruising bay capturing small vessels making impression british trade region june moved western indian_ocean sailing madagascar hope sighting british ships cape_town extended period sea ships poor state repair following month spent conducting repairs isolated beaches battle july squadron cruising small island sails sighted nautical miles north east giving chase immediately discovered quarry convoy large east ceylon captain stewart commanded henry ceylon highly experienced captain twice involved successfully defending convoy french raiders firstly action august ship exeter actually forced surrender battle convoy departed cape_town june ships turn struck rock began water continued journey madras channel east captain john stewart crew engaged captured november bay recaptured month later hms france ships mounted guns carried fully trained naval crews ships approximately cannon handful sailors trained military standards primarily seamen proven unreliable previous convoy actions merchant ships advantages lay large size soldiers 24th regiment foot aboard ships troops passage india able provide musket fire repel french attempt board confident squadron opponent ordered ships chase east stewart suggestion attempted close shore wind waves strong better resist french attack forced reduce sail risk snapping slowed british convoy ceylon slowing protect realising decided turn ships engage french frigates closed gap squadron convoy nautical miles ordered ships form improvised battle line meet french attack french attacked approaching british line opening fire central ship ceylon intervening time british far rear properly support ships british line victor closed convoy began exchange fire merchant ships general action robert hay captain seriously wounded pulled ahead struggling convoy turned ram board hoping use soldiers aboard drive french ship captain stewart turned meet damage severe unable turn correctly passed ahead causing severe damage soldiers responding musket fire turned british convoy intention cutting ships passed damaged companions ship line left rear face fortunately stewart lost turned face ship pull away british effect repairs hour half later joined action attacking directly victor supported accompanied flagship moved ahead attack ceylon ceylon damaged severely longer effectively sail fight officer hauled ship battle line ordered crew cease firing second officer thomas seriously wounded shot ceylon longer engaged pulled ahead engage found stewart brought battered french frigate east growing darkness stewart attempted hail propose boarding remaining officers ignored hear suggestion extinguished lights sail escape action receiving final broadside pulled away stewart continued engage french ships enable escape repaired returned took possession ceylon stewart surrendered second time year ship badly damaged casualties mounting crew passengers aftermath ship escape disappearing darkness later reaching safe port despatches sent london action basis accounts crew officers rewarded company directors shared casualties british convoy heavy losing killed wounded ceylon killed wounded including killed wounded including hay british sailors soldiers killed wounded engagement figure matched french losses killed wounded killed wounded killed wounded killed wounded victor prizes severely damaged forced squadron isolated beach july effect repairs returning france command ceylon renamed awarded lieutenant vincent ensign meet british ships journey french island british blockade squadron engaged aftermath invasion conducted july commodore british distracted amphibious operation simple reach grand port south east_coast france spite small blockade squadron captain samuel narrow protected anchorage considered best place refit battered french squadron august came attack british squadron battle grand port action disaster british ships grounded unfamiliar harbour frigates lost fire shore batteries squadron


raid saint paul raid saint paul amphibious operation conducted combined british_army royal_navy royal marines force fortified french port saint paul known napoleonic wars operation launched september precursor future scale invasion order capture french frigate caroline east seized action harbour operation complete success british parties capturing batteries overlooking port allowed naval squadron commodore enter bay capture shipping harbour french defenders town despite initially resisting attack unable prevent seizure port defensive fortifications british force later withdrew pressure main garrison island burning warehouses containing worth silk captured british merchant ships ultimately french unable effectively oppose invasion island governor general des retreating saint engage british later committing suicide transportation forces recently captured island rodriguez land naval forces failure french defenders effective response features subsequent invasion capture july background french indian_ocean territories france heavily fortified island bases french frigates able launch raids british trade routes indian_ocean napoleonic wars late squadron frigates departed france region commodore orders prey convoys east regularly crossed indian_ocean late spring frigates dispersed bay attacking british shipping coastal rim eastern indian_ocean royal_navy preparing operation region campaign intended blockade subsequently capture france eliminating final french territories bases east africa conduct british operation admiral cape good hope organised squadron commodore blockade islands capture french shipping presented begin preparations invasions equipped ship line hms small squadron frigates smaller ships later reinforced force soldiers madras british india seized nearby island rodriguez use raiding base august ships gun sloop hms attacked french brig district france attack ultimately unsuccessful captain landing party able break harbour severe difficulties prompted consider larger scale operation heavily fortified french position months earlier action french frigate caroline captured east europe bay french captain jean led prizes french held islands arriving france july prevented attempting reach port louis blockading squadron instead ships saint paul captured vessels supplies preparation aware presence saint paul following month determined attack port recapture valuable ships harbour operation prelude eventual invasion attempt giving squadron experience amphibious landing operation lieutenant colonel henry rodriguez determined men land gun batteries defended town storm allow bring squadron directly harbour capture shipping anchored possibly seize town planning directly affected failed attack saint paul november hms hms attacked harbour infantry support target frigate ship able pass heavy batteries protected port british ships forced withdraw september troops prepared british_army soldiers embarked british frigate hms captain robert honourable east india company schooner wasp troop convoy joined saint paul september rest squadron flagship frigates hms captain samuel hms captain john ships mustered additional volunteers royal marines join assault entire invasion force embarked experience coastline assault designated early morning september assault september entered bay saint paul cover darkness successfully landed british force sign sighted shore des des miles north saint paul distance allowing force divided soldiers rodriguez naval force led approach heavy gun batteries guarded port strongest batteries british force surprised garrisons captured fortifications turned cannon shipping moored harbour firing shot decks frigate caroline detachment british landing force separated main body seized battery named routing force local militia attempted block advance artillery assistance british squadron bay militia come garrisons surrounding hills joined french soldiers disembarked caroline small french force easily brushed aside british landing party destroyed guns captured batteries stormed remaining fortifications capturing cannon fire shipping harbour landing force drove defenders captured fortifications naval squadron entered harbour opened overwhelming fire outnumbered caroline shot fired captured east vessels harbour small batteries shore positions remained french hands french naval officers recognising position hopeless cut anchor cables ships allowed drift ashore abandoned ship escape capture british squadron anchored harbour crews set grounded french ships beach addition caroline east squadron successfully captured gun brig named smaller ships harbour fortifications british hands entered town saint paul combat withdrawal night september landing party embarked british ships bay having destroyed fortified positions surrounded harbour september french forces seen gathering hills town brought outlying garrisons join main garrison capital saint island governor general des anticipated force outnumbered recapture town september accordingly ordered land marines sailors burn french government property waterfront obvious significant target force warehouse docks stocked captured silk east captured caroline ordered building burned destroying worth captured equivalent nearby warehouses destroyed possible rapidly determine ownership french force reached outskirts town able land troops single shot fired september received petition body slaves town escaped fighting demanded arms attack french offered burn town ground sought good relations populace view capturing island near future refused demands slaves returned owners executed plotting rebellion noted example slave displaying loyalty owner painter jean joseph served militia forces journalist serve captured troops entered saint paul taken aboard british squadron son applied exchange father prisoner refused shortly squadron departed personal slave swam squadron serve owner captivity loyalty freed september planned landing cover guns drive french reinforcements landing discovered french force disappeared lacking support counterattack local landowners favoured return monarchy des unwilling order assault deemed inevitably led unnecessary instead ordered forces abandon saint paul retire saint night support commanding officer captain commandant saint paul agreed surrender town entirely withdrawing remaining forces flag truce agreed truce lasted days british force loaded ships french government provisions equipment military naval stores captured british ships burnt french effort prevent des having committed suicide days torn refusal surrender island british reluctance order bloody battle regarded open island seized east europe restored previous captains crews released truce number smaller merchant ships captured refitted journey britain newly captured caroline gun frigate years old large built given recognition services operation renamed hms reflecting british promoted post captain immediately took command ship late september led force sea saint paul having burnt seized government shipping stores buildings town surrounding areas aftermath casualties operation high british losses landing party amounted killed wounded additional missing naval squadron suffered known casualties engagement principally come heavy fire french losses calculated apart general des probably similar figure british contrast damage morale french defenders severe death des failure properly defend town undermined efforts degree eventual invasion island carried significant fighting loss invasion force similar size raiding party led caroline fine frigate capture blow french squadron based france recapture east important success reducing impact french operations region raid provided british forces vital experience conducting amphibious landings staged rodriguez gave indication quality french shore defences defensive formations islands important effect future operations especially invasion


toyota war toyota war commonly given phase conflict took place northern border takes toyota trucks provide mobility troops fought war resulted heavy defeat libya according american sources lost tenth army men killed billion worth military equipment destroyed captured losses men killed war began occupation northern libya leader refusing recognize legitimacy president militarily supported attempt opposition transitional government national unity overthrow plan intervention france operation later operation limited expansion north 16th parallel arid sparsely inhabited rebelled stripping libya main cover legitimacy military presence seeing occasion unify ordered forces pass 16th parallel link rebels fighting december weeks later bigger force struck destroying local garrison months combining methods conventional warfare common strategy able retake northern following months inflicted new heavy defeats putting end conflict signed september left open issue disputed strip eventually assigned international court justice background facto northern half controlled rebel transitional government national unity headed supported ground forces south held western backed government guided partition 16th parallel called red line french zones influence informally recognised france following accord france libya withdraw forces accord respected libya maintained men stationed northern period major clash took place greatly strengthened position thanks western support libya failure respect franco agreement onwards suffered increasing tensions centered fight ibn leadership organization taking advantage difficulties struck series smaller rebel factions left beginning factions originally signed accord remaining factions people armed forces armed branch democratic revolutionary council armed forces fat maintained loyalty forces ground opening year war expeditionary force impressive comprising soldiers tanks multiple rocket launchers rocket artillery regular artillery pieces helicopters combat aircraft forces unified command divided operational group south active men operational group east centered apparently formidable military disposition marred flaws prepared war provide ground air support allies act assault infantry provide reconnaissance lost allies exposing libya inadequate knowledge area garrisons came resemble isolated vulnerable islands important low morale troops fighting foreign country structural army induced fear military coup fear led avoid armed forces deal greatly strengthened national armed forces composed highly motivated soldiers led experienced able commanders president previously air power limited mobility anti tank anti aircraft weapons count french air_force aircraft grounded importantly provide highly mobile toyota equipped milan anti tank guided missiles trucks gave toyota war phase conflict expulsion selected target northern fortified communications base defended bulk democratic revolutionary council militia closest allies provided armour artillery thirty year old commander chief pitched men garrison taking advantage army superior knowledge terrain apparently included unknown access points base avoided frontal assault forces high mobility surround positions troops destroying defending garrison battle killed tanks destroyed soldiers died unexpected defeat stunned reacted january recalling service army act defiance france ordered bombing south 16th parallel france new destroyed radar system effectively air_force months attempted contain threat rushing new battalions especially including units elite revolutionary guard brought forces country total march march main air base captured forces strongly defended minefields soldiers tanks armored vehicles aircraft base fell smaller attacking force led equipped trucks mounted machine guns weapons observers estimated victories months soldiers killed captured deserted large numbers tanks armored personnel carriers artillery fixed wing aircraft helicopters captured destroyed cases libya sent aircraft bomb abandoned equipment deny use reported cases soldiers killed fleeing avoid battle panicked suffered high casualties running minefields fall severe setback libya deserted allies forces found isolated foreign territory loss main air base prevented libya providing close air cover troops general offensive exposed vulnerability libya heavy armor mobile enemy orders general withdrawal undertaken beginning town served main base preceding years danger encircled garrison men survivors retired base north border attempt reduce damage inflicted international standing announced libya won confrontation leaving opposition play fighting military actions left control position threaten expulsion libya strip affected international perception libya significant regional military power cast renewed doubt determination soldiers especially engagements country borders evidently felt personal commitment toyota war attracted considerable interest united_states possibility overthrow given consideration reagan administration support government visit washington received pledge million worth aid including anti aircraft missiles renewed offensive august encouraged carried offensive disputed strip occupying town following battle suffered severe losses troops abandoned equipment retaliation libya intensified air towns north usually altitudes range shoulder fired missiles appeals french air missions defend area bombing rejected wishes french president instead called international settle competing claims disputed territory succession end august finally drove soldiers town victory ground forces start toyota war apparently achieved close range air strikes followed ground troops advancing cross country toyota terrain trucks light armored vehicles previously relied tracked armour assault represented conversion desert warfare tactics developed highlight victory flew foreign journalists region news victory reach headlines quickly reacted setback continued bombing concentrations northern september mounted surprise raid key air base reportedly killed captured hundreds forced flee surrounding desert claimed troops destroyed aircraft including fighters fighter bombers helicopters column withdrew soil attack opposed france refused provide intelligence logistical support causing suffer considerable losses french defence minister let known france implicated way attack informed american reaction markedly different previously supported attempted strip welcomed raid domestic opposition internal international hostility assumed attitude following defeat found vulnerable french feared attack stage general offensive libya proper possibility france disposed tolerate result forced accept efforts organization african unity chairman kenneth resulted september assumed war sooner later resume end violations relatively minor announced recognize president gift africa libya refused leave disputed strip october countries resumed diplomatic relations important step countries agreed september refer dispute international court justice february court ruled favour definitively solving controversy assigning territory southern country