battle battle battle anglo war fought forces british east india company ruled house battle took place fort near placed siege british october november fort garrison commanded captain major general previously fought battle java charge attacking british troops killed day siege rallying men despite considerable odds terms numbers firepower strong garrison successfully held british troops month costly unsuccessful attempts seize fort direct attack british changed approach sought force garrison surrender cutting fort external water supply having suffered days day siege refusing surrender led surviving members garrison charge besieging force fighting way fort survivors escaped nearby hills considering time effort resources spent capture small fort victory british number later engagements including similar way battle war fighting established reputation warriors result later recruited british serve army background situation new ambitious governor general francis edward hastings earl long standing diplomatic disputes british india kingdom caused policies parties descended open hostility british east india company sought invade secure border force government open trading routes hastings saw political necessity secure company indian sub continent initial british campaign plan attack fronts frontier stretching miles river west river east eastern major generals john sullivan wood led respective columns heart valley time major general colonel david led columns western western columns faced army command beginning october british troops began depots army soon formed divisions division formed originally consisted british infantry regiment 53rd artillery europeans addition native total force men assembled marched directly principal town valley having captured destroyed forts valley plan called eastwards expel troops westwards largest town district son controlled government completed sweep order force negotiate british divisions mentioned penetrate enemy frontier anticipated place assault tasked captain fortification place commander defence army heard approach british_army size realised impossible defend city withdrew moved force including hill north east city subsequently took position small fort force diverse consisting soldiers belonging battalion soldiers recruited nearby areas october british declaration war november seized pass leading valley proceeded letter sent british surrender fort receiving note tore letter having delivered midnight observed customary receive answer letters hours responded sending english assuring soon visit camp terrain defences fort situated foot hill covered dense jungle approach fort steep directions hill formed feature miles length highest point south town located fort constructed irregular shape having built conform shape ground situated time british entered valley walls finished arrival british found defenders working improve fort defences raising height walls time attack took place walls fort finished raised slightly result hasty construction work wall lowest high attacking force need reach point fort thought weak defenders bolstered stones stakes stuck ground covered cannons placed effective wicket gate flanked large wall left open cross barred difficult attacking soldiers enter channel advance cannon placed gate approach showers battle british attack following arrival british fort began planning assault parties employed preparing establishment artillery batteries pounder guns inch pounders carried hill elephants british secured table land resistance gun batteries ready open fire fort morning october distance yards british attack took place october day official declaration war planned storm fort sides party formed columns support reserve colonel carpenter consisted men second captain fast strong major kelly men fourth captain campbell men men reserve major intended columns ascend different points signal guns firing specific manner attack different sides british hoped divert attention prevent concentrating fire point allowing attackers gain advantage attack began columns carpenter responded signal assault given hours earlier intended cover fire pioneers twice walls cut fire cannons positioned large wall garrison maintained heavy bombardment walls heavy showers arrows stones women inside fort threw missiles exposing british fire men fell seeing moved forward artillery line personally rally men fresh companies 53rd regiment reached spot yards wicket cheering men waving hat hand sword shot heart fell dead spot general death forced british temporarily cease attack withdraw total british casualties day dead wounded subsequently died second british attack having expected determined resistance colonel command british troops retired november heavy guns arrive delhi reinforcements arrived fighting resumed november days fort bombarded noon november large section northern wall finally gave away british forces seeing opportunity twice tried charge breach day repelled pinned exposed position outside wall attempt fire light guns breach provide gun smoke cover attack proved unsuccessful day ended british assault force withdrawing spending hours pinned outside wall exposed heavy fire garrison having suffered significant losses british casualties day amounted dead wounded withdrawal failed attempts capture fort straight forward attacks british resorted attrition tactics november instead launching infantry assault fort encircled sides placed siege prevented reinforcements entering fort instructed gunners strongly reinforced fire fort sent scouts locate cut fort external water source water situation worse defenders vessels stocked water stored destroyed bombardment eastern northern walls fort razed ground continuous bombardment caused cannons installed fort fall outside fort fell inside cannons possessed having disabled previous attacks buried rubble british bombardment left cannons reply garrison suffered heavy casualties continued resist gunfire stones eventually people remained fort desperate hold longer night despite threats person property rampant following day november garrison water supply exhausted walls fort collapsed garrison exposed leading casualties troops seeing state men captain officers asked sign pledge fight eighty soldiers signed night company arrived reinforcements stationed east secretly abandoned post taking arms colours seeing men signed pledge followed men remained overcome situation felt instead confronting certain death remaining fort better escape hills hold position unable convince commanders words escaping men caught hold captain officers arms dragged away fort learning new movement british renewed fire managed cut successful escape days continuous bombardment forced evacuate fort november refused surrender surviving men able fight way besieging force escape hills british troops entered fort found writes shocking state remains men women killed shot shells batteries number wounded likewise lying upwards dead bodies found cremated wounded sent british hospitals rest fort razed ground aftermath conduct battle fighting british impressed conduct soldiers battle according british accounts exhibited fair conduct british willing giving medical aid wounded captured confidence exhibited british officers significant accepted surgical aid continuing fight gave rise occasion scene recounted scottish traveller james batteries playing man perceived breach advancing waving hand guns ceased firing man came batteries proved lower jaw shattered cannon shot came frankly assistance enemy unnecessary add instantly afforded recovered discharged hospital desired return corps combat exhibiting strong sense value courtesy warfare duty country separating completely mind private national feelings frank confidence individuals nation duty owed fight collectively legacy fighting battle established reputation warriors won admiration british killed men held british native indian troops month remaining survivors water source cut refused surrender instead charged successfully fought way siege set tone rest campaign recorded situation following terms determined resolution small party held small post month comparatively large force surely admiration voice especially portion time considered dismal spectacle slaughtered comrades women children relief destroyed motive defence resulting high sense duty supported courage generous spirit courtesy enemy certainly marked character garrison period siege nature found quarters cruelty wounded prisoners poisoned arrows wells waters poisoned spirit revenge fought fair conflict like men intervals actual combat showed liberal courtesy worthy people far insulting bodies dead wounded permitted lie untouched till carried away stripped universally case battle significant political repercussions shaking british_army confidence fact siege taken long exposed british forces encouraged native indian states particular old confederacy central india continue resistance british hope defeated years following battle british constructed small stand laid honour dedicated inscription brave adversary men story battle gained legendary status important nation historical narrative national hero fighting spirit displayed following battles anglo war ultimately led recruitment british_army battle provides setting musical drama called written krishna composed drama patriotism soldier depicted wounded soldier seeks help british camp later grateful humanitarian assistance provided british refuses offer defect army


battle battle fought war june army croatian defence council control town surrounding area south bank river offensive operation serbian referred croatian sources operation revenge croatian actually fought varying intensity periods combat interspersed lasting seven days heaviest fighting reported managed break portion defences near village breach successfully contained lost ground recovered supported croatian army artillery deployed north river managed withstand offensive line remained unchanged commencement battle demonstrated changed balance power stage war commencement war greater military capabilities opponents particularly terms heavy weapons organisation years capabilities matched adversaries background 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 referendum independence bosnia took place february march declaration later cited serbs pretext war serbs began capital areas march following day fatalities war recorded final days march forces bombarded artillery resulting cross border operation croatian army brigade april artillery began examples directly supported capture early april provided artillery support serbia firing river time attempted situation arrange negotiations country bosnia faced army republic bosnia croatian defence council reporting dominated central government leadership respectively occasionally supported operations late april able deploy troops hundreds tanks armoured personnel carriers artillery pieces croatian defence forces field approximately soldiers handful heavy weapons largely unprepared nearly troops small arms half number virtually heavy weapons forces hampered united_nations arms introduced september mid units transferred withdrew bosnia newly declared federal republic yugoslavia controlled approximately percent bosnia extent control extended percent country end year significant portion territory controlled located western bosnia including capital portion held territory dependent resupply federal republic yugoslavia single road spanning basin west east road resupply republic serbian croatian controlled areas croatia capture launched operation corridor regained control resupply route late june october eliminated held pockets southern bank border croatia single town fighting secured route corridor remained mere kilometres miles wide point prelude balance military power war started shift early despite advantages heavy weapons early exerted increasing pressure especially area mount advanced west operation leap launched offensive operation joint action serbian operation joint action intended war winning offensive launched south corridor designed widen critical resupply route launched april offensive faced determined resistance end month early launched successful offensive operation flash held western croatia caused attention pocket territory outside control road river shift focus result desire defeat suffered western meant quick land grab peace settlement accepted order battle tactical group offensive normally deployed positions pocket commanded colonel normally consisted approximately troops drawn infantry light brigades offensive received reinforcements included elite assault units assigned 1st corps elements 1st armoured brigade corps level artillery furthermore colonel generals present directly supervise operation pocket defended strong corps consisting guards brigade home guard regiments overall command corps held staff brigadier defences lacked depth exceed kilometres miles offset prepared strong forward defences including trenches built line positions supported artillery multiple rocket launchers deployed north river croatia timeline 1st corps launched offensive aimed capturing pocket operation serbian referred croatian sources operation revenge croatian offensive started substantial artillery bombardment ground assault directed centre line according croatian sources attack coordinated gave chance bolster defences fighting progress artillery bombarded town attack quickly defeated initial setback days offensive resumed number short range artillery rockets commonly known nato designation frog fired positions opposing forces blamed resumption fighting accused bombarding road traffic accused bombarding town morning observers counted explosions area described fighting intense said lost momentum afternoon primary axes attacks directed centre east pocket aiming village failed gain ground secondary effort left flank progress beaten fighting rumours circulated area surrendered exchange territory lost western attacked seven times thirty days seven days attack lasted days attack observers counted explosions successful attack occurred nearly reached southern bank river occasion combined armour infantry assault broke lines trenches assistance strong artillery support including bombardment positions approximately shells rockets fierce combat gain control pushed 4th guards brigade home guard regiment start positions according sources fired rockets positions areas targets causing substantial damage casualties fighting continued including skirmishes area south overall intensity declined june launched operation leap held positions west operation directly linked battle planners thought force portion forces area shore positions near field june called operation battle effectively ended aftermath failure battle demonstrated declining capabilities relative adversaries preceding years failure despite offensive conducted applying military doctrine calling use armoured assault infantry supported artillery facing organised employing comparable number artillery pieces good defensive fortifications consequence longer capable defeating opposition relying heavily artillery superiority unwilling commit numbers infantry decisive risky attack battle resulted territorial changes reported dozens casualties military civilian battle intermittent artillery exchanges continued area early june bombarded


operation winter storm operation winter storm german german offensive world war german 4th army unsuccessfully attempted break soviet german 6th army battle late november red army completed operation axis personnel city german forces pocket directly outside reorganized army group don command von red army continued resources possible eventual launch planned operation saturn aimed army group rest german_army remedy situation luftwaffe attempted supply german forces air bridge luftwaffe proved incapable carrying mission obvious successful breakout occur launched early possible decided relief effort originally promised divisions german reluctance weaken certain sectors german units task opening corridor german 6th army fell 4th army german force pitted soviet armies tasked destruction encircled german forces offensive lower river german offensive caught red army surprise large gains day forces enjoyed air support able defeat soviet troops december soviet resistance slowed german advance considerably german forces took area surrounding red army launched operation little saturn december operation little saturn defeated italian 8th army army group don left flank threatening survival entire group forces resistance casualties increased appealed hitler commander german 6th army general friedrich allow 6th army break refused 4th army continued attempt open corridor 6th army december unable aid forces inside pocket forced assault december christmas eve 4th army began withdraw starting position failure 6th army breakout attempt break soviet red army able continue destruction german forces background november red army closed axis forces nearly german romanian soldiers russian volunteers trapped city roughly million soviet personnel amidst impending disaster german chancellor adolf_hitler appointed field marshal von commander newly created army group don composed german 4th 6th armies fourth romanian armies new army group situated german_army groups instead attempting immediate breakout german high command decided trapped forces remain bid hold encircled german forces air requiring roughly short tons supplies day assembled fleet transport aircraft insufficient task aircraft hardly rough soviet winter early december german cargo planes destroyed accidents soviet fighter aircraft german 6th army example getting daily needs furthermore germans threatened soviet forces held portions river west bank given unexpected size german forces closed november soviet armed forces high command decided strengthen outer preparing destroy axis forces city november soviet formations began defend possible german incursions originating west soviets reinforced forces order prevent successful breakout operation german 6th army axis units tied red army strength area planning operation saturn began november aiming destruction italian 8th army communications german forces west don river operating planning began operation ring aimed reducing german forces pocket operation concluded german forces inside weak attempt breakout half remaining armor example lost defensive fighting severe lack fuel ammunition surviving vehicles given luftwaffe able provide adequate aerial resupply von proposed break soviet operation winter storm german believed inability luftwaffe supply pocket important relieve earliest possible date november sent hitler detailed report army group don situation including strength german 6th army assessment available ammunition german artillery inside city dire strategic situation doubtful relief operation afford wait receive units offensive postponed operation saturn december soviet forces struggled clear german defenders lower river red army offensive area commenced november involving soldiers forced use 48th corps attempt hold area response 5th tank army reinforced newly created 5th shock army drawn existing formations south western fronts 5th tank army totaled nearly men tanks artillery guns soviet offensive succeeded tying 48th corps originally chosen lead main attacks soviet soviets impending german assault discovered german 6th division unloading town result held armies attack lower river prepare possible breakout attempt german forces inside comparison forces participating german forces relief operation originally scheduled include corps 4th army command general friedrich including 6th 23rd divisions army detachment consisting infantry divisions armored divisions 11th 22nd divisions total expected divisions infantry divisions luftwaffe field divisions operation winter storm tasked temporarily opening passage 6th army luftwaffe field divisions formed non combat soldiers headquarters unit luftwaffe personnel poorly trained lacked seasoned officers enlisted soldiers sufficient anti tank artillery guns personnel promised relief effort arrived partly poor transportation service units originally chosen transferred command army group don retained original commands units army group don shape conduct offensive operations losses sustained past month combat new formations promised arrive time hand 11th division complete german armored divisions eastern transferred german_army reserve 6th division complete transferred control western_europe 11th division compromised soviets launched offensive forces lower river area tied army detachment defensive believed thrust originating position army detachment obvious german field marshal decided use 4th army corps main components relief operation despite attempts germans build strength offensive position lower river soviet breakthrough arrival 11th division able destroy bulk soviet tank brigades consequently corps embroiled defensive battles river soviets pushed attempt overrun airfield resupply german forces air corps reluctantly released army group don army group 17th division ordered original area concentration prepare army group don days asked light troubles building sufficient forces seeing soviets concentrating river decided launch operation winter storm 4th army hoped 6th army launch offensive opposite code signal gambling hitler accepting plausible method avoid demise 6th army allowing break assumed general agree order forces escape pocket december communicated relief operation commence hours participating soviet forces purpose operation soviet marshal deployed soviet armies effort bolster offensive capabilities tanks soldiers artillery guns shipped river period weeks red army red air_force able million soldiers artillery guns tanks combat aircraft organized rifle divisions tank corps tank brigades single brigade cavalry corps artillery mortar regiments closed soviets continued secondary operations 51st army positioned edge outer men tanks south 28th army soldiers tanks artillery guns mortars concurrently red army began building strength operation saturn aim destroy german_army group german offensive december fourth army corps began north eastward drive german forces trapped pocket 6th 23rd divisions large gains surprising red army threatening rear soviet 51st army german drive spearheaded heavy tank battalion germany tiger heavy tanks unit reach don december initial progress offensive rapid units able travel day germans aided element surprise expected german offensive begin soon general unable 2nd guards army use blocking force initial advance quick 6th division able capture soviet artillery equipment intact soviet resistance decreased noticeably 6th 23rd divisions overrun main body russian infantry fact rifle division 51st army overrun end december soviet infantry quickly reinforced villages path german drive red army cavalry area exhausted weeks combat incapable putting resistance german offensive despite early gains corps unable achieve decisive results reports heavy pressure building 23rd division despite day german offensive december 6th division contact soviet 5th tank army engaged reduction german defenses river german forces able engage defeat soviet armor forced crossing river point major armored battle began village sustained heavy losses soviet forces able push german forces banks river end day failing retake town losses sustained red army vicinity allowed 6th division enjoy brief superiority tank numbers fighting continued days red army launched series german river german defenders town german defenders able pin soviet tanks destroy anti tank artillery guns heavy support luftwaffe germans able achieve local success began push river 6th division took heavy losses drive took brief respite battle minor damage surviving tanks repaired majority tanks fighting brought conditions soviet response december fourth army offensive forced intentions operation saturn december authorized 2nd guards army don ready german forces december army strength roughly soldiers organized guards rifle corps 1st 13th 2nd operation saturn redesigned operation little saturn limited scope attack breaking italian 8th army engaging army group don rear offensive changed southward push drive southeastern direction start date pushed december meantime 4th 13th tank corps continued counterattack german forces vicinity river trying delay advance anticipation arrival 2nd guards army soviet 1st 3rd guard armies conjunction soviet 6th army launched operation little saturn december despite early troubles resistance italian troops red army able partially overrun italian 8th army december breakthrough small quickly proved possible threat army group don left flank city threatened 3rd guards army mainly heavy losses sustained german armor divisions forcing way river forced reconsider continuing offensive german field marshal decided defend left flank sustaining attempt relieve 6th army 6th division able cross river night december corps major advances increased soviet opposition despite arrival 17th division fact corps defensive furthermore soviet raid managed destroy airfield dozen aircraft luftwaffe resupply forces inside pocket forcing order corps defensive instead bolster forces directed breakthrough matters worse germans december hitler refused allow german 6th army begin breakout operation rest army group don despite pleas collapse december december sent chief intelligence officer major general accurate image strategic situation army group don impressed agreed best option continued attempted breakout early possible 6th army chief staff major general arthur argued breakout instead suggested army group don steps better supply axis forces air despite agreeing earlier decided breakout question given 6th army conduct hitler express orders day corps managed breakthrough river drive southern edge 6th army german forces attempt link relieving forces adam makes point 6th army tanks fuel need fuel ammunition flown 6th army simply strength attempt breakout operating tanks limited supplies infantry condition attempt attack developed past days ordered 6th division end offensive southern river bolster german defenses continuing soviet offensive december december fourth army retreat returning starting position inability breakthrough 6th army formation refusal attempt breakout caused operation winter storm collapse december army group don returned defensive aftermath german relief effort defeated free concentrate destruction axis forces pocket westward expansion red army winter offensive red army able bring bear personnel tanks retreating 4th army 4th corps renamed 3rd guard corps december withdrawn refitted 51st army 1st guards rifle 7th tank corps struck german units withdrawing rivers days attacking soviet units broke romanian positions guarding corps flank threatened 4th army south forcing germans continue withdrawing southwest corps led mainly 11th division maintain position river despite success corps rushed defense soviet breakthrough imminent partial collapse italian 8th army red army pursued 4th army river broke german defense banks river began prepare operation ring reduction forces german forces soon began run supplies soldiers forced live horse meat end distance german 6th army forces outside german formations area extremely weak hitler insistence holding existence 6th army end german offensive allowed red army continue efforts cut german forces begin middle january hand 6th army operations destroy tied considerable number soviet troops affected soviet operations sectors


siege barracks siege barracks referred locally days war croatian blockade capture yugoslav people army barracks facilities city croatian war independence blockade began september quickly escalated fighting ended september surrender garrison battle barracks effort croatian armed forces units based barracks croatia capture barracks provide arms croatia nascent army besieging force outnumbered garrison divided barracks storage depots facilities possessed substantially greater firepower balance shifted favour croatian forces smaller posts captured days siege barracks headquarters 32nd corps remained control point commander 32nd corps major general civilian authorities agreed remaining forces city surrender wishing leave permitted leaving weapons capture 32nd corps weapons significant achievement battle barracks greatly augmented capabilities croatian military left croatia indicted war crimes croatia tried convicted combat deaths croatian soldiers wounding dozens croatian citizens siege prosecuted yugoslav authorities treason subsequently pardoned requested trial croatian war crimes conviction background ethnic tensions serbs worsened electoral defeat government socialist republic croatia croatian democratic union croatian yugoslav people army serbian confiscated croatia territorial defence croatian weapons minimize resistance august tensions escalated open revolt croatian serbs centred predominantly populated areas approximately kilometres miles north east split parts eastern croatia january serbia supported montenegro serbia provinces unsuccessfully tried obtain yugoslav presidency approval operation croatian security forces request denied skirmish insurgents croatian special police march prompted ask federal presidency wartime authority declare state emergency request backed serbia allies request refused march serbian president preferring campaign expand serbia preserve yugoslavia croatia federal unit publicly threatened replace serbian army declared longer recognized authority federal presidency threat caused abandon plans preserve yugoslavia favour expansion serbia came control end march conflict escalated fatalities early april leaders revolt croatia declared intention areas control serbia viewed government croatia regions beginning croatia regular army bolster defence croatia doubled police numbers effective croatian police force strong special police comprising battalions organised military lines organised reserve police battalions companies lacked weapons response deteriorating situation croatian government established croatian national_guard croatian garde expanding special police battalions professional guards brigades ministry defence control commanded retired general martin guards brigades comprised approximately troops reserve police expanded attached reorganised brigades independent battalions guards brigades units fully equipped small arms lack heavier weapons poor command control structure brigade level shortage heavy weapons severe resorted world war weapons taken museums film studios time croatian weapon consisted small arms purchased abroad previously owned police replace personnel lost guards brigades new strong special police established prelude views croatian leadership deal role croatian revolt gradually evolved january september croatian president initial plan win european community united_states support dismissed advice seize barracks storage facilities country course action advocated late urged act fought day war june july calls echoed succeeded defence minister july remained command initial stance based belief croatia win war limited defensive operations actions appeared coordinated croatian forces impression reinforced zones established fighting croatian militia intervened lost territory leaving croatian serbs control areas captured stepped provided weapons croatian serbs weaponry sourced serbia serbian ministry internal affairs july advice supported number croatian parliament members response dismissed month appointed defence minister resigned command august deteriorating situation eastern croatia including expulsion troops intermittent fighting increasing losses growing conviction actively supporting croatian revolt forced act august issued ultimatum federal yugoslav authorities demanding withdrawal barracks end month ultimatum stated failed comply croatia consider army occupation corresponding action september proposed peace conference accepted yugoslav presidency despite earlier ultimatum conference started september days later croatian member chair presidency ordered return barracks hours order motivated concern conference drag lost territory order opposed members presidency gave croatia justification openly confront prime minister advised implement plan according general ordered capture barracks september rescinded order day order reinstated september pleaded authorize action arguing running time day croatian police blockaded cut utilities facilities access beginning battle barracks action comprised large garrisons croatia numerous smaller facilities including border posts weapons ammunition storage depots order battle garrison 32nd corps commanded major general addition corps headquarters facilities city substantial located barracks colonel 32nd brigade based barracks 32nd mixed artillery regiment commanded lieutenant colonel corps area responsibility extended immediate surroundings significant combat units based significant 32nd engineer regiment mixed artillery regiment based brigade headquartered brigade based mixed artillery brigade units included approximately troops making garrison second largest croatia despite sufficient number troops area secure facilities croatian forces nearby consisted troops including deployed police people protection troops armed civilians troops brigade 5th battalion 1st guards brigade lightly armed small arms mortars anti tank guided missile systems millimetre anti aircraft machine guns armoured personnel carriers initially command croatian forces city unified colonel general staff armed forces republic croatia coordination role timeline hostilities blockade facilities ordered september took effect day utilities access barracks cut response corps command informed croatian forces longer guarantee peace utilities restored military vehicles allowed freely september corps began preparing demolition minor military facilities defended time negotiations began corps command civilian authorities yugoslav air_force attacked airfield strike intended disrupt flights agricultural aircraft converted carry tonnes long tons short tons cargo transporting weapons hungarian town attacking force comprised planes sortied air base broke sound barrier produce sonic boom bombed airfield bomb destroyed ground damaged runway second landed nearby field exchange small arms fire troops corps headquarters nearby police mortar attack launched 32nd brigade mortar fire targeted police station surrounding buildings electrical nearby village civilian authorities promptly notified european community monitoring mission damage city september artillery bombardment city extended street intersections approaches bridge road counter battery fire targeting mortars fired approximately bombs entire operation end september officers soldiers deserted 32nd brigade ordered border guards posted hungarian border lay land mines facilities cross hungary surrender country authorities peak fighting september commander brigade colonel took command croatian forces yugoslav air_force attacked airfield mimicking strike carried days earlier evening heaviest fighting siege erupted brigade reported uncertain long able maintain croatian forces received additional weapons day garrisons surrendered corps level units 32nd corps based barracks surrendered day following day fighting intensified croatian forces captured minor facilities leaving corps headquarters barracks barracks held military bases city course fighting suffered fatality captured officers soldiers september croatian forces managed radio communications 32nd brigade artillery artillery observers set direct artillery fire barracks deception designed thinking greater firepower plan worked troops entered barracks compound day 32nd mixed artillery regiment officers soldiers surrendered late evening september croatian police elements 3rd battalion brigade secured weapons storage facility located village near commander surrendered facility garrison resistance capture weapons greatly improved croatian position negotiations trying convince commanding officers 32nd corps surrender surrender garrison blockade continued days continuing clashes croatian troops september 32nd corps found difficult position reported continue resist weapons ammunition storage facilities lost barracks captured base 32nd brigade furthermore noted possibility remaining troops desert according notified colonel general immediate superior commander 5th military district intention surrender told saw fit croatian ultimatum issued early september demanding surrender troops city offering personnel chance leave croatia accepted croatian terms aftermath officer non commissioned officer killed fighting troops wounded croatian forces sustained losses killed wounded civilians killed approximately officers soldiers surrendered officers families living approximately soldiers wanted leave croatia transported serbia convoy comprising buses passenger cars convoy provided police escort representatives civilian authorities accompanied convoy hostages guarantee safe passage hostages deputy prime minister croatia years later captured tanks approximately special purpose vehicles amphibious light tanks armoured recovery vehicles armoured vehicle launched bridges infantry fighting vehicles self propelled anti aircraft weapons self propelled multiple rocket launchers eighteen millimetre millimetre guns vehicles approximately artillery pieces millimetre calibre batteries millimetre millimetre millimetre mortars small arms vehicles pieces engineering equipment large stock communication equipment thousand tonnes ammunition weapons disabled orders shortly surrender captured weapons distributed units deployed eastern equip new units held barracks 32nd corps headquarters surrendered major bases remained area responsibility corps garrison captured week later barracks surrendered day capture barracks particularly storage facilities 32nd corps significant development croatian military capture barracks celebrated annually locally referred days war war crimes charges brought croatia indicted combat deaths croatian soldiers wounding individuals soldiers civilians trial found guilty sentenced years prison charged treason yugoslav authorities surrendering entire 32nd corps convicted sentenced years prison early pardoned released yugoslav authorities paid compensation spending nearly years prison formally requested trial croatia


battle battle croatian known september war rat armed conflict fought yugoslav people army supported croatian established serbian autonomous croatian national_guard garde supported croatian police battle fought north west city croatia september croatian war independence initial orders relieve croatian siege barracks city region rest croatia advance supported yugoslav air_force yugoslav navy fighting stopped following croatian counter attack pushed outskirts ground lost especially town northeast captured yugoslav navy facilities city including dozens navy vessels coastal artillery batteries captured batteries support defence city garrison evacuated following agreement croatian officials small posts city captured september october fighting caused croatian military seven civilian deaths wounded bombarded causing damage numerous structures including cathedral james world heritage site new_york_times judged bombardment calculated assaults heritage croatia artillery bombardment city continued following days battle commemorated year background following electoral defeat government socialist republic croatia ethnic tensions worsened yugoslav people army confiscated croatia territorial defence weapons minimize resistance august tensions escalated open revolt croatian serbs centred predominantly populated areas parts eastern croatia largely fueled serbs genocide subjected independent state croatia world war resultant minorities independent croatia unsuccessful attempts serbia supported montenegro serbia provinces obtain yugoslav presidency approval operation croatian security forces january skirmish insurgents croatian special police march supported serbia allies asked federal presidency wartime authorities declare state emergency request denied march came control serbian president preferring campaign expand serbia preservation yugoslavia publicly threatened replace serbian army declared longer recognized authority federal presidency threat caused gradually abandon plans preserve yugoslavia favour expansion serbia end month conflict escalated fatalities stepped supporting insurgents preventing croatian police intervening early april leaders revolt croatia declared intention integration area control viewed government croatia region serbia beginning croatia regular army effort bolster defence croatia doubled police personnel effective force special police deployed battalions adopting military unit organization addition organized reserve police reserve police set battalions companies reserve force lacked weapons croatian government responded forming croatian national_guard garde development hampered united_nations arms introduced september prelude late june july northern saw daily armed skirmishes actual combat nonetheless increasing intensity conflict region croatia led preparation bomb shelters city officials serbian autonomous authorities called territorial defence units july day fatal shooting croatian police patrol area 9th corps local population strengthen ranks end month late july paramilitary group led formally croatian ministry defence conducted area august croatia deployed battalions 4th guards brigade near days later engaged combat territorial defence police forces marking engagement croatian war independence region august 9th corps openly sided forces jointly attacked village significant setback croatia region capture bridge september severed overland road link rest croatia september attack area cut water power supply september croatian police blockaded cut utilities facilities located croatian controlled territory beginning battle barracks blockaded large garrisons croatia numerous smaller facilities including border posts weapons ammunition storage depots blockade forced amend planned campaign croatia accommodate new development day coastal artillery battery island captured croatian forces senior sergeant battery commanding officer switched allegiance battery consisted guns armament italian battleship order battle planned campaign included advance area 9th corps tasked rest croatia fully prepared deployment corps began operations september main axis attack directed supporting advances push designed create favourable circumstances attack split support corps level battalion tanks territorial defence brigade battalion tanks committed main axis attack secondary advance right flank assigned brigade supported armoured battalion removed brigade mixed artillery regiment territorial defence offensive support provided 9th mixed artillery regiment 9th military police battalion brigade commanded colonel elements 46th partisan division drawn 24th corps support corps garrison barracks included 11th marine infantry brigade handful units regularly maintained combat readiness opposition infantry brigade commanded defended city police forces overall control crisis centre headed 4th battalion infantry brigade commanded 4th battalion 4th guards brigade commanded defended area kilometres miles northeast supported company police strong 4th battalion 4th guards brigade represented strongest unit area estimated croatian sources deployed approximately troops september croatian combat troops area western bank river approaches controlled 3rd battalion infantry brigade small arms sufficient arm battalion time battalion heavy weapons timeline offensive commenced september left flank advanced capturing villages split east river opposite river bank advanced threatening city west reaching western metre bridge adriatic highway advance rapid cut 1st company 3rd battalion infantry brigade rest force day captured millimetre coastal artillery battery near village september commanding officer 9th corps major general modified initial deployment plan strong resistance offered croatian police relying populated areas terrain features hold forces north changes involved force attack directly remainder attacking force rested yugoslav navy started blockade entire croatian adriatic coast night september ordered trap destroy force plateau area holding positions achieved morning resumed offensive right flank attack abandoned pulled village september captured millimetre coastal artillery battery island barracks near weapons retrieved captured barracks shipment received following capture facilities town use captured artillery pieces significantly improved capabilities advance south effectively halted day following successful ambush attacks south orders changed september 9th corps orders supplanted military maritime district order issued vice admiral mile corps force north split required crossing bridge spanning river eastward advance close air support yugoslav air_force failed cost air_force aircraft shot september croatian counter attack supported recently acquired artillery pushed bridge extending controlled area kilometres miles northwest guns battery anti tank guns support counter attack september croatian forces captured barracks yugoslav navy vessels based addition vessels undergoing stages overhaul captured shipyard ships comprising approximately quarter yugoslav naval assets included class fast attack craft renamed later class missile boat class torpedo boat class patrol boats september fully secured surroundings time shifted focus battle away yugoslav naval blockade lifted day number facilities city captured major posts remained included barracks housing 11th marine infantry brigade barracks depot naval mines stored depot artillery battery containing confiscated croatian territorial defence weapons fuel storage depot consisted imp gal gal storage tanks aftermath defeated battle subsequently nicknamed september war rat total losses battle reported croatian police sustained losses killed wounded troops battle time seven civilians killed wounded artillery continued intermittent bombardment following days resulting casualties damage damaged structures included cathedral james world heritage site editorial new_york_times labeled bombardment cathedral calculated assaults treasures croatia fighting electrical destroyed disrupting electric power distribution evacuation facilities surrender confiscated territorial defence weapons stored split area agreed november process tensions remained high plans break split relieve siege forces operation operation respectively facilities confiscated territorial defence weapons handed croatian authorities december news coverage battle produced television footage air defence artillery firing yugoslav air_force scoring hit guided missile footage ending shouts claiming planes downed significant pieces material terms propaganda morale croatia nonetheless footage proved controversial plane shown falling ground sea diving horizon giving away smoke variously interpreted smoke caused plane cannon fire anti aircraft fire damage downing remains unconfirmed second piloted fighter bomber aviation squadron shot wreckage plane retrieved controversy arose aftermath battle island coastal artillery battery extent role played battery disputed brigadier general claimed bridge range guns thirteen police officers held posts time claimed wrong assessment war guns removed refurbished preparation return museum exhibits battle commemorated annually september documentary films covering surroundings battle city happy september war rat


conflict conflict series sporadic clashes forces libya involved internal affairs prior rise power libya beginning extension civil war northern conflict marked series separate taking place occasions support number factions participating civil war libya opponents found support french government intervened militarily save government pattern war providing armour artillery air support allies infantry assumed bulk scouting fighting pattern radically changed end war forces united opposing occupation northern degree unity seen deprived forces infantry exactly found confronting mobile army provided anti tank anti air missiles superiority firepower followed toyota war forces routed expelled putting end conflict initially intended annex strip northernmost claimed libya grounds treaty colonial period goals evaluation historian mario creation client state libya islamic republic modelled maintain close ties libya secure control strip expulsion french region use base expand influence central africa events occupation strip involvement said started civil war muslim national liberation extended guerrilla war christian president northerly bet libya king felt compelled support long standing strong links sides border preserve relations colonial master current protector france limited granting rebels sanctuary territory providing non lethal supplies changed coup état september deposed brought power claimed strip northern referring treaty signed italy france colonial powers libya respectively claims previously tried occupy troops repelled french colonial forces initially wary come organization useful needs support soviet nations particularly east germany trained armed insurgents provided weapons funding august accused egypt libya backing coup president recently day failed coup cut diplomatic relations libya egypt invited opposition groups base started laying claims grounds historical rights answer officially recognize september sole legitimate government october foreign minister denounced libya ideas united_nations french pressure libya president countries resumed diplomatic relations april shortly broke diplomatic relations israel said secretly agreed november strip libya exchange pledged million pounds president countries signed treaty friendship december withdrew official support forced leader headquarters tripoli good relations confirmed following years visiting capital march month joint bank created provide investment funds months signing treaty troops moved strip established north protected surface air missiles civil administration set attached citizenship extended thousand inhabitants area moment maps represented area libya exact terms libya gained remain partly obscure debated existence secret agreement revealed president exhibited alleged copy letter recognizes claims scholars like bernard argued sort formal agreement found mention occupation country libya unable exhibit original copy agreement case strip brought international court justice expansion long april coup état removed replaced general coup partly motivated opposition libya considered menace influence resumed supplying april backed attempted assassination year troops started making central company forces activism began generating concerns strongest faction split command council armed forces north insurgents split issue support october minority leaving militia forming armed forces north fan led anti majority willing accept alliance commanded group soon renamed people armed forces years support moral limited supply weapons started changing february provided men hundreds assault rifles dozens mortars cannons armed weapons attacked june armed forces fat strongholds assumed attack control besieged june surrendered july evacuated fat lost men piles military supplies fell hands rebels attacked june saved french military advisors present evident strip libya base deeper involvement decided bring issue strip occupation organisation african unity decided needed new allies negotiated formal alliance accord september accord kept secret january fundamental charter signed following national union government formed august prime minister accord actively promoted saudi_arabia feared radical controlled nations saw good muslim anti credentials chance plans accord perceived threat influence increased level involvement time active participation ground units offensive january outposts held government northern attacks successful assumed control bet decisive confrontation forces regular forces took place capital bet city defended soldiers fell february sharp fighting force rebels supported possibly troops directly participated fighting pattern repeat future provided armor artillery air support rebels better armed displaying surface air missiles captured prisoners result armed forces lost manpower particular national nomadic guard fall victories strengthen position sponsored congress held march main factions reunited nominated secretary general reaction offensive diplomatic relations libya february bring security council issue involvement raised question libya occupation strip february fall forced accept withdraw protest halted advance pressure france important supplier libya weapons restored diplomatic relations february libya international peace conference held included president vice president severe pressure france forced sign accord recognized agreed new march agreement called creation joint libya military committee tasked implementation committee intervention territory accord contained condition dear libya termination french military presence accord strategy strengthen protégé weakened considerably prestige southern saw concessions proof weak leadership april days signing left leaving garrison men relying armor forces conquered small fat garrison pointed stood arrived french forces asked french military return president reluctant commit march legislative elections france afraid damaging profitable commercial diplomatic relations libya rapid deterioration situation resolved president february start april brought troops secure capital rebels decisive battle took place town kilometres northeast town garrison soldiers attacked insurgents equipped artillery modern weapons garrison relieved arrival task force supported armor importantly french foreign legion 3rd regiment marine infantry day battle repelled heavy losses victory confirmed june engagement admitted defeat fled north having lost men left equipment carried ground key importance battles complete air superiority french count air_force pilots refused fight difficulties months failed offensive capital major shattered unity badly weakened power night august leader army attacked support troops apparently attempt remove leadership replacing attempt reacted military advisors present started searching compromise france reasons clash ethnic political divided arabs like like ethnic divisions reflected different attitude green book particular men shown reluctant follow green book official policy tried time question complete movement unification accomplished pressed adoption green book revolution council manifest proclaiming loyalty movement original platform approved secretary general including fully embraced colonel ideas simultaneous presence armies prime minister fan president fat set stage battle bring collapse state ascent power northern elite minor incident escalated february heavy fighting forces battle intensified february men entered capital fight alongside march international peace conference took place estimated people killed forced flee greatly diminished army left capital rebels hands reorganized south leadership battle french garrison stood helping certain circumstances demanded air_force stop bombings international peace conference held nigeria bordering states participated accord signed march present resigned replaced council state result french pressures share power french particular saw strategy cut ties weeks later factions formed transitional government national unity kept considerable extent common desire libya despite signing accord libya include leaders army recognized claims strip april minor military activity northern support provided movement south major response came june ultimatum neighbors formation new inclusive coalition government expired june troops invaded heading government appealed french help forces forced retreat french reconnaissance planes bombers month factions excluded founded counter government joint provisional action northern military support fighting libya nigeria economic boycott international pressure led new international peace conference august factions present participated new accord signed august new formed open factions french troops leave replaced multinational african peace force new took office november president vice president defence minister foreign minister despite presence new composition pro satisfy intervention start isolated members treated disdain hostility libya influence united ambition observers concluded content short highest office thought sooner later armed confrontation pro factions place importantly clashes capital fan pro groups progressively march minor incident triggered second battle days clashes fan troops city caused thousands casualties flight half capital population remaining french troops left proclaimed neutral peace force fan supplied economically militarily egypt received armed support fat shortly beginning battle provided artillery june fan assumed control city alarmed signed june treaty friendship libya treaty gave libya free hand presence country treaty article committed countries mutual defence threat constituted threat beginning october troops led strip operated conjunction forces city assembly point tanks artillery armored vehicles moved south capital attack started december spearheaded soviet tanks reportedly coordinated advisors soviet_union east germany brought fall capital december force numbering men regular units paramilitary pan african islamic legion tanks armored vehicles ferried kilometers desert libya southern border partly tank partly power border kilometers libya main bases mediterranean coast wright states intervention demonstrated impressive logistical ability provided military victory substantial political achievement forced exile forces confined frontier zones remained defiant december announced resume fighting guerrilla withdrawal january joint issued tripoli libya decided work achieve unity countries merger plan caused strong adverse reaction africa immediately condemned france january offered strengthen garrisons friendly african states january placed mediterranean_fleet alert libya answered threatening impose oil france threatened react libya attacked bordering country accord opposed ministers present tripoli exception observers believe reasons accepting accord found mix threats intense pressure financial help promised visit capital sent commanders libya tripoli learned assassinated want risk losing favour lose power accept merger plan level opposition caused importance speaking union peoples states step closer collaboration damage joint badly weakened prestige nationalist statesman response increasing international pressure stated forces government request international accept decision legitimate government meeting held declaring withdrawal priority accept decisions time renounce military support necessary dealing fan supported egypt funded egypt central intelligence agency relations started deteriorating troops stationed points northern central numbers reached troops january february forces created considerable annoyance supporting faction disputes militias including clashes held late april attempts local population conclude unification libya meant political culture particular green book amid fighting october islamic troops rumors planning coup état assume leadership demanded october complete withdrawal forces territory beginning capital completed december replaced inter african force complied november forces left strip libya prompt retreat took observers surprise reason lay desire host annual conference assume organization presidency libya difficult situation popular international acceptance presence difficult concrete risk causing war egypt support renounced goals set find new leader proved unreliable takes component arrive followed forces bringing men peace keeping force fully deployed taken advantage libya withdrawal massive eastern including important city fell november fall early january kilometres major town capital saved moment credible military force confronting prevented fan taking light offensive requested open reconciliation talks demand angrily refused later security fully ensured troops pressure expel gone organization abandoned imposing negotiated settlement fan started final offensive passing increasingly angered refusal fight attempt restore relations libya reached tripoli burned experience previous year proclaimed libya neutral civil war forces stand kilometres north capital defeated fan june hard battle days later entered unopposed making facto leader fled country seeking sanctuary occupying capital consolidated power occupying rest country barely weeks conquered southern destroying fat militia hopes help failed rest country conquered exception offensive kept months prior fall hoped reach understanding libya possibly accord appeared receptive dialogue died july replaced ibn unify country led overrun domains support creating october national peace government town claiming legitimate government terms accord impending fight count men taken militias later merged command throw weight attacked repelled december january following months saw clashes intensify north talks including visits march tripoli broke march brought conflict asking urgent meeting security council consider libya aggression occupation territory ready offensive decisive offensive began june strong force invested main government stronghold north fell june force rapidly proceeded assuming control main routes libya helping recruiting training providing heavy artillery committed thousand regular troops offensive artillery units desire conflict read internal affair international community particular france reacted adversely backed offensive day fall french foreign minister warned libya france remain indifferent new involvement july french government accused libya direct military support rebels french arms shipments resumed june july contingent arrived strengthen united_states announced july military food aid million dollars suffered diplomatic setback meeting held june officially recognized government asked foreign troops leave supplied americans french rapidly reorganized forces called national armed forces marched north confront met south crushed forces started vast enabled retake rapid succession july threatening attack strip french intervention feeling complete destruction blow prestige fearing provide support opposition colonel called intervention force allies secure definitive victory armor day fall town subjected sustained air bombardment air base bombers days large ground force assembled east west men armor artillery air airfield shorter range transport planes area conflict fresh forces amounted regular troops eighty combat aircraft participated offensive maintained traditional role providing fire support occasional tank charges assaults count men occasion alliance invested august oasis entrenched troops battered multiple rocket artillery tank fire continuous defensive line launched final assault leaving troops ground escaped remnants army capital pursued prove tactical new intervention alarmed france issued fresh plea french military assistance august france american african pressures announced august return french troops operation meant stop advance generally weaken influence internal affairs days later french troops dispatched central african republic later brought squadrons jaguar fighter bombers largest expeditionary force assembled french africa outside war french government defined limit called red line 15th parallel extending warned tolerate south line forces french remained line france showing unwilling help retake north avoided starting conflict france attacking line led facto division country libya maintaining control territory north red line ensued november talks sponsored failed opposing factions leader attempt beginning unsuccessful failure followed january attack supported heavy armor outpost mainly meant persuade france african states reopen negotiations france reacted breach red line launching significant air counter attack bringing new troops raising defensive line 16th parallel french withdrawal end proposed april mutual withdrawal french forces french president showed receptive offer september leaders publicly announced mutual withdrawal start september completed november accord hailed media proof diplomatic skill decisive progress solution crisis demonstrated intent following foreign policy independent government libya france respected deadline limited retiring forces maintaining men stationed northern evident embarrassed french caused french governments november met crete auspices greek prime minister despite declaration forces withdrawn day admitted true order french troops according franco agreement provided excellent opportunity find exit international prestige giving opportunity force accepting peace accord included libya instead france withdrawal willingness accept libya military presence facto annexation bet libya action certain meet opposition factions eventually bring defeat rebellion new french expedition new french intervention period major clash took place greatly strengthened position thanks staunch support libya failure respect franco agreement decisive increasing started centered fight ibn organization leadership period expanded control northern building new roads major new meant better support air ground operations strip brought considerable reinforcements raising forces country troops tanks combat aircraft build took place significant elements passed government policy accommodation alarmed provided cover legitimacy libya presence halt reunite major offensive launched red line goal taking attack started february involved troops concentrated outposts campaign ended disaster february new equipment obtained french forced attackers withdraw important french reaction attack possibly believed upcoming french legislative elections reluctant start new risky costly expedition save evaluation proved wrong french president politically risk weakness aggression result february started bringing french troops squadrons february send clear message french air_force bombed libya libya day bombed airport causing minimal damage war defeats suffered february march accelerated march new round sponsored talks held people republic failed appear suspected hand libya suspicions caused vice president followed army august turn leave coalition seizing town october attempted retake garrison attacked troops giving way pitched battle effectively ended month arrested troops rebelled positions october went supply lines retake towns sent task force troops tanks heavy support air_force offensive started successfully key strongholds use attack ultimately causing prompt reaction sent soldiers link forces reacted ordering mission fuel food ammunition anti tank missiles rebels military personnel action french clear longer felt committed south red line ready act found necessary militarily partly successful attempt fully leave region march series defeats north east area campaign great strategic breakthrough transformed civil war national war foreign sense national unity seen toyota war opening year war expeditionary force impressive numbering troops tanks lost key support allies generally provided reconnaissance acted assault infantry garrisons resembled isolated vulnerable islands desert greatly strengthened having highly motivated troops provided fast moving sand adapted toyota trucks equipped milan anti tank missiles trucks gave toyota war phase conflict started january northern successful attack defended communications base army commander conducted series swift movements positions crushing sudden attacks sides strategy repeated march battles inflicting crushing losses forcing evacuate northern turn endangered control strip fell august repelled overwhelming counter offensive french refusal provide air cover readily replied setback territory conflict mounting september surprise fully successful raid key air base attack plan remove threat renewed offensive projected attack took place dimensions victory obtained france fear attack base stage general offensive libya proper possibility france willing tolerate subjected internal international pressures showed led september aftermath violations incidents relatively minor governments immediately started complex diplomatic manoeuvres bring world opinion case widely expected conflict resumed sides careful leave door open peaceful solution course promoted france african states reagan administration saw resumption conflict best chance steadily relations countries improved giving signs wanted relations government point recognizing war error leader declared recognize legitimate president gift africa led october resumption diplomatic relations countries following year august representatives met negotiate framework agreement peaceful settlement territorial dispute agreed discuss strip bring issue binding ruling talks failed year inconclusive talks sides submitted dispute september relations improved supported december head state recognize new government signed treaties friendship cooperation levels strip followed predecessor declaring necessary fight strip libya hands dispute concluded good february judges majority decided strip belonged court judgement implemented delay parties signing agreement early april concerning practical implementation judgement monitored international observers withdrawal troops strip began april completed formal final transfer strip libya took place sides signed joint declaration stating withdrawal effected angered devastating counter attack libya ensuing defeat battle forced defeat ended projects dreams african arab dominance given french intervention behalf supply satellite intelligence battle blamed libya defeat french aggression libya


campaign campaign series military actions conducted vietnam people army army republic vietnam vietnam war known vietnam american war campaign centred cities province province secondary fronts provinces campaign began march concluded april spring season vietnam people army high command decision seize major south vietnamese cities destroy south vietnamese units corps tactical zone led general originally campaign planned place phases seasons spring summer autumn north vietnamese forces rolled south vietnamese defences outskirts president ordered general abandon territories control pull forces coastal areas corps south vietnamese withdrawal quickly turned rout north vietnamese 2nd army corps picked south vietnamese unit completely surrounded march north vietnamese troops control south vietnam lost territories corps units belonging 1st brigade fall spell end misery suffered army republic vietnam march general commander corps tactical zone attempted form new defensive line cover retreat 22nd infantry division delta destroyed north vietnamese april south vietnam lost control northern provinces army corps background north vietnam campaign north vietnamese forces organised formations vietnam people army 2nd corps tri military zone military region command 2nd corps vietnam people army fielded infantry divisions divisions air defence division artillery brigade armoured regiment combat engineers brigade communications regiment 2nd corps led major general major general political colonel dan deputy commander colonel deputy political led brigadier general tri military zone infantry regiments 4th 46th regiments battalions 21st independent battalion 6th local force battalion military region infantry division 2nd division supported regiment 3rd gold star division 52nd independent brigade artillery regiments artillery regiments local battalions local force battalions local regiments local force regiments north vietnamese units military region placed responsibility major general political objectives tri february north vietnamese field commanders tri military zone 2nd army held conference establish objectives planned occur phases spring summer phase begin march probably conclude autumn phase july august north vietnamese objective control province city opportunity presents capture entire tri area north vietnamese 2nd army corps target north west direction route south west highway region south vietnamese forces corps tactical zone preparation campaign north vietnamese 2nd army corps successfully captured important base areas surrounded south vietnamese units province province areas included north long west southern main body division 3rd regiment division assembled son attack west military region 2nd division established positions province province tin isolated military region command initiate campaign provinces tin central highlands north vietnamese units 2nd division regiment 52nd brigade artillery regiments artillery regiments coordinate efforts local force regiments local force battalions overall objective tie 2nd division south vietnam 11th armoured squadron regional force company province opportunity arises capture province city final phase operation north vietnamese cut surrounding regions corps tactical zone prevent reinforcements city depending situation north vietnamese organize attack capture major south vietnamese army navy air_force installations south vietnam south vietnamese military forces belonged 1st brigade corps tactical zone commanded lieutenant general south vietnamese corps considered strongest military formations south vietnam infantry divisions 1st 2nd 3rd infantry divisions airborne division led major general marine_corps division led major general ranger groups 11th 12th 14th 15th ranger groups airborne marine_corps division assigned strength brigades addition infantry units 5th armoured brigade squadrons armored vehicles 4th 7th 11th 17th 20th armored squadrons armored companies artillery battalions local defense corps provided battalions companies regional popular forces companies military police support ground forces area came form 1st air_force division commanded brigadier general van naval squadrons operating coast rivers overall corps fielded soldiers regular soldiers belonged regional popular forces forces equipped tanks armored vehicles artillery pieces light air defense weapons aircraft different types naval vessels different sizes defensive strategy combination military plan experiences gained north vietnamese offensive lieutenant general organised defenses corps phases staged different areas defensive phases phase known orange phase considered important provided south vietnamese units corps platform stop enemy attacks attack necessary accomplish objectives orange phase general placed elite combat units ranger groups armoured forces constant combat alert second phase known green phase designed delay enemy forces buy time south vietnamese order stage counter attack scenario enemy forces managed overcome orange phase final phase blue phases require south vietnamese units secure areas defence destroy push enemy forces corps areas defence general areas defence centred tri tri task holding tri entrusted 1st division south vietnam 4th 15th ranger groups regional forces companies 17th 20th armoured squadrons artillery battalions squadron helicopters squadrons reconnaissance aircraft coastal patrol squadron forces commanded lieutenant general direct responsibility lieutenant general home 3rd division south vietnam 4th 7th armoured squadrons 11th 14th ranger groups regional force company 1st air_force division coastal patrol squadron squadrons tin tin held 2nd division south vietnam 12th ranger group 11th armoured squadron artillery battalions regional force company coastal patrol squadron squadron brigadier general commanded 3rd infantry division units prelude march north vietnamese 2nd army corps officially commenced campaign south vietnamese forces corps opening shots campaign marked attack south vietnamese military convoys mount van destruction bridge national highway located north positions held regional force came attack subjected intense artillery bombardment south vietnamese busy dealing attacks general secretly division 9th regiment division south 46th regiment moved positions previously held division 9th regiment fool south vietnamese intelligence agencies north vietnamese moved tank artillery units cover main thrust march 4th local force battalion assaulted overran surrounding military sub sectors province following day general requested reinforcements general response communist attacks area control north vietnamese 2nd army corps continued onslaught division launching attacks south vietnamese positions hills located south march south vietnamese units defeated attempts hold north vietnamese 1st battalion 54th infantry regiments 1st division south vietnam destroyed hill 47th armoured squadron overrun 1st regiment division mount regional force battalion conceded 4th regiment supported artillery regiment general ordered 15th ranger group 2nd battalion 54th infantry regiment support 27th 37th tank squadrons mount counter attack hill period week sides fired rounds artillery shells hill south vietnamese air_force conducted bombing sorties attempt halt advances north vietnamese 2nd army corps march amidst heavy fighting northern provinces south vietnam general flew meeting president meeting president outlined decision abandon provinces corps tactical zone ordered general withdraw forces coastal regions central vietnam instead addition airborne division south vietnam delta region protect nation capital unwilling northern provinces enemy general tried unsuccessfully convince president reverse decision believe hold corps recapture lost territories airborne marine_corps divisions returned headquarters afternoon general decided forces instead carrying president order reasons firstly wanted convince president south vietnamese units intact time recapture lost territories secondly general want create confusion subordinates military situation corps control general reorganised defences order deal threat posed north vietnamese formations located south corps designated main centre south vietnamese defence corps tri north south loss airborne division general ordered marines brigade replace 3rd airborne brigade province marines brigade 2nd airborne brigade mount located north van march 6th regiment launched attacks son hill hill located west forcing elements 1st infantry division pull march north vietnamese high command predicted south vietnamese units withdraw cities following orders issued north vietnamese field commanders general forces capture air base prevent aerial transportation cut section highway north general 2nd army corps secure highway south city aim rest country following day general forces staged attacks main directions moving route national highway respectively north vietnamese 2nd army corps hand assaulted south vietnamese positions evening march northern north vietnamese control colonel provincial chief province tried lead left troops pursued north vietnamese national highway reached fighting general flew tried obtain approval president new defensive plan hastily reorganised south vietnamese defences northern regions corps subsequently general sent following orders marines brigade leave guard north western flank 1st infantry division 15th ranger group 7th tank squadron protect south western marines brigade regional force battalion secure section highway connected battle fall general busy south vietnamese units corps march tri command finalised plan capture objective preventing south vietnamese forces day president 1st brigade headquarters ordered general defend lack resources beginning march divisions attacked south vietnamese units positioned highway time elements special forces battalion destroyed bridge connected stretch road highway forcing thousands south vietnamese civilian military vehicles heading turn 20th tank squadron sent reopen highway defeated armoured regiment light military situation evening march general authorised general pull forces main roads blocked north vietnamese general option use coastal corridor board transport vessels belonging navy squadron head morning march division advanced assaulted northern division captured encircled located south north 4th 46th regiments pursued retreating south vietnamese formation consisted marines brigade 14th ranger group 5th infantry regiment 1st infantry division 17th armoured squadron heading march regiment division overran surrounded air base close main corridor leading south simultaneously 46th regiment destroyed south vietnamese defences river captured districts secured main roads outskirts northern march 3rd division regiments continued drive successfully captured air base time 1st regiment division 4th regiments able destroy elements marines brigade 15th ranger group board navy vessels anchored shores sung evening march north vietnamese secured major points surrounding south vietnamese units failed escape completely surrounded consequently north vietnamese claimed captured large numbers south vietnamese prisoners military hardware total south vietnamese soldiers prisoners war colonel lieutenant ranks south vietnamese government officials employees reported north vietnamese military authorities south vietnamese military surrendered vast quantities weaponry included tanks armoured vehicles tin campaign beginning march combined north vietnamese forces military region coordinating efforts 2nd army tri command general corps corps led major general north vietnamese areas operations southern regions corps mainly centred south western tin north western included son regular units vietnam people army 2nd division regiment 3rd gold star division 52nd independent brigade artillery regiments operated alongside local units local force regiments local force battalions southern region corps considered weakest area defence responsibility general led 2nd infantry division included general order battle 12th ranger group regional force battalion 11th armoured brigade battalions artillery navy coastal squadron squadron beginning march north vietnamese forces proceeded capture following targets 38th regiment overran con 36th regiment destroyed south vietnamese strong points mount mount bach regiment held positions stop south vietnamese counter attacks 52nd independent brigade captured han lieu mount positions held units 12th ranger groups captured hours fighting march north vietnamese soldiers artillery regiment dragged pieces artillery included guns han aimed guns directly administrative centre support 31st regiment attacking areas following failed counter attacks south vietnamese units deserted battlefield mean time south vietnamese troops bare held ground support bombers south vietnamese commanders ground called reinforcement captured 2nd division lost regional force battalion retreated area capital tin province threatened overrun north vietnamese march general ordered general 2nd division south vietnam 12th ranger group elements 11th armoured squadron regional force battalion mount counter attack con general ordered 2nd infantry regiment 3rd infantry division depart protect general forces free fight north vietnamese march 2nd infantry regiment forced turn deal attack local force battalions southern local force regiment attacked son cut section national highway near 4th infantry regiment 2nd infantry division pinned trying deal attacks south vietnamese attempts stage effective counter attack quickly combined north vietnamese forces province recognising longer manpower mount counter attack general ordered troops abandon son concentrate units instead following failed counter attack south vietnamese forces corps weakened president pulled airborne division south vietnamese 2nd infantry division 12th ranger group defended 5th infantry regiment battalion 4th infantry regiment north vietnamese general decided advantage capture beginning march north vietnamese 2nd division attacked south vietnamese outpost outside general ordered rest 4th infantry regiment attempt hold south vietnamese defences province weakened taking advantage situation general ordered 52nd independent brigade local force regiment attack march cities simultaneously attacked north vietnamese forces 4th 5th infantry regiments destroyed hours heavy fighting 37th 39th ranger battalions 12th ranger group outskirts city simply fled battlefield march north vietnamese soldiers 2nd division regiment 31st regiment successfully captured 52nd independent brigade support special forces battalions tanks armoured vehicles regiment rolled south vietnamese defences surviving elements 6th infantry regiment rest 12th ranger group 4th tank squadron ambushed local force regiment national highway tried retreat fight result south vietnamese soldiers killed captured march north vietnamese control city march tin campaign concluded north vietnamese forces exercising control provinces tin leaving major city corps held south vietnamese provinces south vietnam occupied vietnam people army infantry divisions rendered ineffective addition elite marines brigade ceased exist fighting force fall south vietnamese second largest city south vietnam close million inhabitants major economic political centre corps tactical zone home largest military installations incorporated south vietnamese army navy air_force military infrastructure city hold thousand tons weaponry ammunition food supplies essential war materials large major airport man march following loss president ordered south vietnamese commanders levels hold left corps till end march general gathered left units soldiers organised following order outer defensive line marines brigade regional force battalion hold areas marines brigade 57th infantry regiment 3rd infantry division protect surviving elements marines brigade marine_corps division headquarters hold man airfield remnants 3rd infantry division hold 15th ranger group held inner defensive line regional force battalion elements 11th 20th armoured squadrons held battalions 1st infantry division 2nd infantry division 12th ranger group trained soldiers training camp ordered defend key areas man independent regional popular force battalions placed reserve combat required general artillery battalions disposal 1st air_force division based man intact despite early clashes corps north vietnamese plan attack following conclusion tri tin campaigns vietnam people army high command ordered general journey south personally charge campaign subsequently march north vietnamese came plan attack directions north division regiment support tank battalion artillery battalion ordered advance national highway capture 1st brigade headquarters south vietnamese 1st air_force division son peninsula capture main north west 9th regiment division support tank battalion artillery battalion anti aircraft gun battalion ordered advance highway capture 3rd infantry division headquarters air base south south east 2nd division support artillery unit 36th artillery regiment artillery battalion tank armoured vehicles battalion anti aircraft gun battalion anti tank weapons company ordered air base 1st brigade headquarters capture city 3rd regiments placed reserve south west 2nd army corps 9th regiment division ordered positions held marines brigade defensive line advance man airfield 24th regiment division required capture fight begins north vietnamese finalised plan capture 2nd army corps begun making preparations final attack city march division fought marines brigade regional force battalion north van overran son consequently north vietnamese forces captured enemy artillery positions good use following weeks march air support attack aircraft marines brigade regional force battalion tried hold north vietnamese forces van pushed sustained heavy casualties process division continued advance loan soon artillery pieces belonging artillery regiments placed high points son son beginning march north vietnamese artillery units bombarded south vietnamese positions marines brigade quickly abandoned position son detected elements division conducting reconnaissance missions battlefield march regiment division attacked captured administrative area man airfield 24th regiment attacked outskirts marines brigade tried pull pursued 2nd division south vietnamese soldiers commanding officers surrendered north vietnamese south 2nd division support tank artillery units able overrun march response general ordered air_force brigadier general van send squadron bombers destroy main bridges prevent 2nd division crossing river small river crafts march outer south vietnamese defence line located south succumbed north vietnamese day south vietnamese strongholds van overrun north vietnamese division secured bridge bridge clearing main road supporting tank armoured units advance son north vietnamese troops closing general high ranking south vietnamese officers coastal areas boarded navy transport ship 1st brigade headquarters finally captured 9th regiment division captured 3rd infantry division headquarters quickly established control entire area time fall north vietnamese hands south vietnamese commanders ground simply lost control men military discipline collapsed march south vietnamese soldiers 2nd infantry division deserted left battlefield soldiers 3rd infantry division retreated leaving rear marine_corps division exposed enemy attacks march cia station francis embassy began evacuation plan order evacuate citizens south vietnamese government officials plan aircraft belonging civilian addition south vietnamese navy vessels corps general homer smith provided barges passenger liners cargo ships help evacuation process evacuation plan designed carried orderly manner chaos confusion quickly descended civilian military population people fought board vessels anchored coast afternoon march north vietnamese soldiers 2nd divisions armoured regiment entered city aftermath casualties struggle cost south vietnam entire army corps units 1st brigade corps tactical zone according socialist republic vietnam official history apart soldiers civilians managed escape south vietnamese soldiers killed wounded captured fall attempt abandon territories corps south vietnamese military left vast quantities military hardware north vietnamese claimed captured aircraft different models tanks armoured vehicles artillery pieces transport vehicles naval crafts tons bombs ammunition grenades food supplies combat rations materials captured total north vietnamese casualties largely unknown south vietnam loss northern provinces president decision abandon central highlands coastal regions corps negative impact fighting ability south vietnamese troops especially northern provinces south vietnam driven chaos march fall general commander corps tactical held meeting general staff provincial chiefs requested form defensive line delta cover retreat 2nd brigade central highlands subsequently general issued following orders rear admiral oversee military operations region brigadier general hold brigadier general brigadier general van tasked holding general commander 22nd infantry required form defensive line linking purpose delaying north vietnamese forces withdrawal plan formulated general general staff belief north vietnamese forces stop consolidate territorial gains attack spring offensive north vietnamese commanders willing manoeuvre units away newly captured territories order pursue retreating south vietnamese units furthermore south vietnamese commanders realised given field commanders flexibility respond changing circumstances battlefield supplied north vietnamese units weaponry required achieve objectives ultimately average south vietnamese soldiers pay commanders march 47th infantry regiment 22nd infantry division ambushed 2nd regiment 3rd gold star division withdrawing arrival cat remnants 47th infantry regiment encircled assaulted regiment ceased exist fighting unit 41st infantry regiment 22nd infantry division came attack regiment moved evening march 41st infantry regiment fought regiment soon reached contrast units 42nd infantry regiment 22nd infantry division able escape north vietnamese onslaught strength significantly reduced reached tri april fall hands north vietnamese followed april general captured helicopter landed ground tried survey battlefield destruction 22nd infantry division fully equipped men stirred chaos south vietnamese recruits son army training centre retreated city soldiers went looted goods main streets chief province colonel boarded military aircraft flew notified situation afternoon april overrun north vietnamese single battle fought defence april general lost military unit territory control decisions president according academics vietnam west major factor contributed rapid collapse south vietnamese defences numerous contradictory orders issued president phases south vietnamese retreat northern provinces corps tactical zones president different plans decisions laid lacked consistency simply contradicted example march president ordered general abandon corps return elite airborne division delta region iii corps soon similar orders issued major general evacuate central highlands march intervention general president contradicted previous orders approved general defensive plan hold major cities day president ordered general general abandon concentrate sufficient numbers south vietnamese units hold march general board navy transport ship received phone president ordered turn retake north vietnamese forces stage south vietnamese units corps virtually disappeared commanding officers fled posts general refused carry president orders april president general general corps respectively generals fall long president defeat south vietnamese forces justification arrest generals real intention arrests imaginary military coup reason chose pull airborne division iii corps commanded loyalist officers instead marine_corps division general general spared men responded strongly president reaction general view aforementioned generals victims injustice far competent loyalists addition military disasters suffered battlefield president caused instability government final days south vietnam existence example april president requested country national assembly dissolve prime minister cabinet replace national assembly quickly approved president request day president ordered arrest seven individuals worked air marshal believing plotting overthrow william cia chief station wrote report washington balance power favour south vietnam survive north vietnamese onslaught replaced president accept resolution conflict north vietnamese terms