operation mole cricket operation mole cricket hebrew suppression enemy air defenses campaign launched israeli air_force syrian targets june outset lebanon war operation time history western equipped air_force successfully destroyed soviet built surface air missile sam network biggest air battles world war biggest korean war result decisive israeli victory leading valley turkey shoot began working sam suppression operation end war rising tensions israel syria lebanon escalated early 1980s culminated syria deploying sam batteries valley june israel invaded lebanon day war clashes going israel defense forces syrian army israel decided launch operation battle lasted hours involved innovative tactics technology end day destroyed seventeen nineteen sam batteries deployed valley shot enemy aircraft minimal losses battle led united_states impose israel syria background aftermath war war egypt mobile sam systems backed upward anti aircraft batteries syria deployed sam batteries days lost aircraft sorties loss rate percent guns hit israel total result found difficult provide air support ground troops egypt tried push range sam batteries october lost aircraft commander said wing fighter plane broken sam undertook major project try find answer sam threat losses suffered israel war high indirectly spawned united_states stealth aircraft program project blue estimated solution sam problem united_states suffer air_force weeks conflict soviet_union lost aircraft days guided missiles destroyed armored cars carrying batteries manned troops near israeli media declared solution sam problem found commander david said assessment premature significantly superior predecessors prime minister begin minister defense announced destroy sam batteries hours told media kind sam crisis april fighters squadron david air base shot syrian helicopters lebanon syria responded deploying sam brigades valley sam batteries direct strategic threat israel syrian sam batteries east lebanon border begin faced dilemma hand new deployment damaged israel credibility hand strike lead unnecessary clash syria eventually decided attack launched april operation called weather conditions time weather cleared preoccupied preparations operation opera united_states concerned soviet reaction israeli strike lead crisis pressured begin attack israel agreed cancel strike american envoy philip sent region jerusalem damascus failed sam batteries removed december israel passed heights law annexed heights israel syrian president considered declaration war believed syria condition fight law subjected israel severe american international criticism december cabinet israel convened weekly meeting defense minister chief staff presented big plan invasion lebanon included seizure damascus highway begin supported plan members cabinet opposed decided cancel sam suppression operation originally called mole figure increased respect number sam batteries detected eventually reaching point changed mole cricket plan general war order prepare force psychologically revealed prelude tuesday june israeli forces advancing begin addressed statement urging intervene war saying inter state want war syria platform president syrian army harm israeli soldiers bad happen syrian soldiers desire clashes syrian army reach line northern border work fighting end directing words ears president syria knows agreement signed cease fire kept allow terrorists act manner lebanon syrian soldier harmed soldiers night battle raging central lebanon said meeting northern command headquarters know today direct confrontation argued best deeper lebanon entered caught battle syrian division halted advance principal argument launching mole cricket adam deputy chief staff designated head voiced concern cabinet fully aware war scope objective gave north command chief ahead drive valley deputy chief staff flew tell commander attack syrian missiles day learned remotely piloted vehicles spotted additional moving heights valley interpreted signal syria intention involved major war positioned defend approach damascus suggested strike sam sites war syria flew jerusalem attend cabinet meeting wednesday june said syria begun moving second armored division 3rd armoured division south political dictated waiting thursday leave time ground advance came meeting attack saying ambivalent preferring limit attack signal communications minister argued plan exceeded original kilometer line replied line measured israel northernmost point added destroying missile batteries necessary save force interior minister pointed fight imminent contrast cabinet wanted attacking missiles things lead war stressed vulnerability soldiers field begin turned deputy asked projection losses attack replied promise losses whatsoever minimal begin supported attack eventually convinced left conference issued order air strike ground operation battle morning june aircraft lebanon operating levels coastline outskirts providing close air support ground troops striking palestine liberation organization targets second level feet similar formations awaiting orders level stationed ensure air control task force aircraft attacked syrian radar commanding large area received green light execute operation postponed attack ordered strike israeli aircraft took pairs wave second wave attacked sam batteries aircraft attack launched ordered combat air patrols return base land aircraft carried electronic pods foil radar tracking command post provided real time command picture air battle data links airborne surveillance radar linked pictures command post squadron scout remotely piloted vehicles kept vehicles air time providing constant location sam batteries way voice communications link pilots set allowing real time command primary syrian fighters involved considerable numbers deployed syrian aircraft depended ground controlled interception sites command control sam sites combination equipped radar guided missiles infrared guided missiles computer aimed cannons equipped head display system went cause syrian turn radars convincing attack aircraft overhead tracked syrian radar tracking signals relayed scout outside missiles range scout relayed signal aircraft coast data gathered analyzed boeing aircraft sam crews fired missiles provided air cover attacked sam batteries destroying anti radiation missiles rapid flight time missiles exposure reportedly fired effect according sam batteries syrian border said operational point view mini long war identify locate syrian missile batteries superior electronic devices enabled blind missile sites ground air radar rendered ineffective reliable aircraft aloft advance direct aerial attacks long range artillery responded launching fighter aircraft stop attacks pilots relied frequently radio hopes preserving tactical communications links command post selective airborne communications disrupted cut ground control making vulnerable directed attacks israeli positioned major airfields syria report syrian aircraft taking data transmitted took advantage fact nose tail alert radar systems warnings look look systems communications net guided israeli aircraft positions enabled attack syrian aircraft warning controllers direct pilots incoming israeli aircraft missiles attacked speeds ranges miles meant outside radar range outside visual range head capabilities close range gave firepower advantage discussing syrian response attacks said reaction attacked missiles scramble air forces syrian fighter pilots crossed imaginary line direction forces destroyed shot imaginary line actually range missile batteries syria proper basic tactic syrian air_force air cross imaginary line brings outside protective range home based missiles run cover evening shot seventeen nineteen sam batteries destroyed suffered losses near fourteen batteries destroyed hour left dark decided operation assuming optimal result achieved place day operation stopped shortly colonel member operation staff later said severely criticized decision aftermath night destroyed syrian army 47th armored brigade north moving south following day destroyed sam batteries remained operation moved valley night syrian defense minister told syrian air_force ground air missiles useless air cover army fight later said tolerated development syrian armored forces consisted tanks protected extensive missile umbrella missile batteries fired planes choice approve military operation destroy missile buildup called operation turning point invasion senior officer widely believed later said syrian aircraft fighting disadvantage having respond israeli threat general strategic tactical situation syria favor later wrote book tricked cabinet believing confrontation unexpected fact planning attack eve war maintained june ordered cross river avoid confrontation said order army prepare plan drive damascus highway case attacked claimed night operation agreed prepare attack case cabinet approved senior israeli commanders said operation operation peace achieved confronting wednesday sent moscow seek comprehensive air umbrella soviets refused prepared large amounts military equipment airfields dispatch syria sent marshall syria find happened syrian fearing nato eastern_europe june met american envoy damascus rejected terms demanding israel withdraw forces lebanon condition president ronald_reagan called begin accept effective june noon friday took effect shot aircraft losing air combat year battle fact finding mission headed lieutenant general john chain deputy chief staff plans operations arrived israel learn lessons battle soviet military newspaper announced seven israeli aircraft including modern fighters downed fighting newspaper reported meeting syrian recounted engagement shot israeli victory easy enemy subtle soviet ranks claims met great skepticism met czech general serving moscow told operation soviets understand western technology superior theirs view blow valley impetus soviet_union collapse


operation overlord operation overlord code battle normandy allied operation launched successful invasion german occupied western_europe world war operation commenced june normandy landings operation neptune commonly known day plane airborne assault preceded amphibious assault involving vessels nearly troops crossed english channel june million allied troops france end august decision undertake cross channel invasion taken conference washington general dwight appointed commander supreme headquarters allied expeditionary force general bernard montgomery named commander 21st army group comprised land forces involved invasion normandy coast chosen site invasion americans assigned land sectors utah british sword gold canadians meet conditions expected normandy special technology developed including artificial ports called array specialised tanks nicknamed months leading invasion allies conducted substantial military deception operation bodyguard electronic visual germans date location main allied landings adolf_hitler placed german field marshal charge developing fortifications atlantic wall anticipation invasion allies failed reach goals day gained gradually expanded captured port june city july failed counterattack german forces august led soldiers german 7th army trapped pocket allies launched invasion southern france code named operation august liberation paris followed august german forces retreated august marking close operation overlord preparations day june germany leader adolf_hitler called famous victory history fall france defending british expeditionary force trapped northern coast france able evacuate troops england evacuation june british planners reported prime minister winston_churchill october help commonwealth countries united_states possible regain continental europe near future germans invaded soviet_union june soviet leader joseph began pressing creation second western_europe churchill declined american help felt british adequate forces strike wished avoid costly frontal assaults occurred world war tentative plans code named operation operation forward deemed british practical likely succeed instead allies launched invasion french north_africa november invasion sicily july invaded italy september invasions provided troops valuable experience amphibious warfare decision undertake cross channel invasion year taken conference washington churchill favoured making main allied thrust germany mediterranean theatre ruled american allies providing bulk men equipment british lieutenant general frederick morgan appointed chief staff supreme allied commander begin detailed planning initial plans constrained number available landing craft committed mediterranean pacific lessons learned raid august allies decided directly assault heavily defended french landings failure highlighted need adequate artillery air support particularly close air support specialised ships able travel extremely close shore short operating range british aircraft typhoon greatly limited number potential landing sites comprehensive air support depended having planes overhead long possible morgan considered sites landings brittany peninsula normandy brittany possible germans cut allied advance relatively narrow sites rejected closest point continental europe britain location launch sites rockets development germans considered likely initial landing zone heavily fortified region offered opportunities expansion area bounded numerous rivers canals landings broad normandy permit simultaneous threats port coastal ports west brittany overland attack paris eventually germany normandy chosen landing site normandy coast lack port facilities overcome development artificial staff planned launch invasion initial draft plan accepted quebec conference august general dwight appointed commander general bernard montgomery named commander 21st army group comprised land forces involved invasion december montgomery saw plan proposed amphibious landings divisions divisions support generals immediately insisted scale initial invasion expanded divisions airborne additional divisions allow operations wider speed capture port need acquire produce extra landing craft expanded operation meant invasion delayed june eventually allied divisions committed battle normandy american british canadian polish french totalling million troops overall british command allied invasion plan overlord assigned establishment large scale continent phase amphibious invasion establishment secure operation neptune gain required air superiority needed ensure successful invasion allies launched bombing campaign operation target german aircraft production fuel supplies airfields transport plan communications infrastructure road rail links bombed cut north france difficult bring reinforcements attacks widespread avoid revealing exact location invasion elaborate planned prevent germans determining timing location invasion coastline normandy divided seventeen sectors spelling alphabet able west roger east flank sword sectors added invasion extended include utah peninsula sectors subdivided beaches identified colours green red white landings preceded airborne drops near eastern flank secure river bridges north western flank initial goal capture americans assigned land utah cut peninsula capture port facilities british sword gold canadians capture form line south east order protect american flank establishing airfields near possession surroundings anglo canadians suitable staging area push south capture town secure established attempt hold territory captured north line weeks allied armies swing left advance river invasion fleet led admiral sir split western naval task force admiral supporting american sectors eastern naval task force admiral sir philip british canadian sectors american forces army led lieutenant general bradley comprised vii corps utah corps british lieutenant general miles command second army corps assigned gold corps sword land forces overall command montgomery air command assigned air chief marshal sir canadian army included personnel units poland belgium netherlands allied nations participated reconnaissance allied expeditionary air_force undertook photo reconnaissance sorties april start invasion photos coastline taken extremely low altitude invaders terrain obstacles beach defensive structures gun avoid germans location invasion work undertaken entire european coastline inland terrain bridges troop buildings photographed cases angles allies information possible members combined operations parties prepared detailed harbour maps including depth appeal holiday pictures europe announced bbc received million items proved useful information collected french resistance helped provide details troop movements construction techniques germans defensive installations german radio messages machine techniques codes changed frequently team code breakers stationed park responsible breaking new code quickly possible provide advance information german plans troop movements information obtained way called ultra intelligence provided level commanders code field marshal von west supreme commander west west overall commander western broken end march codes changed right allied landings june june allies consistently able interpret intercepted signals technology response lessons learned disastrous raid allies developed new technologies help ensure success overlord supplement preliminary offshore bombardment aerial assaults landing craft equipped artillery anti tank guns provide close supporting fire allies decided immediately attack heavily protected french ports artificial ports called designed assembly consisted floating outer inner concrete called phoenix floating piers supplemented shelters expectation fuel difficult impossible obtain continent allies created pipe line ocean specially developed pipes inches diameter laid channel isle day plus technical problems delay capturing meant pipeline operational september second line laid late october series specialised tanks nicknamed created deal conditions expected normandy campaign developed supervision major general specially modified churchill tanks examples include crab tank equipped churchill flame throwing tank armoured ramp carrier tanks use bridge scale sea walls overcome obstacles areas beaches consisted soft clay support weight tanks tank overcome problem deploying roll soft surface material left place create route conventional tanks armoured vehicle royal engineers modified tasks including laying bridges firing large charges drive tank tank design developed group self propelled amphibious tank kept afloat canvas screen inflated compressed air tanks easily day sank reaching shore especially deception months leading invasion allies conducted operation bodyguard overall strategy designed germans date location main allied landings operation included north campaign fake radio traffic lead germans expecting attack norway south major deception designed fool germans believing landings place july fictitious army group created supposedly located kent sussex command lieutenant general george allies constructed dummy tanks trucks landing craft positioned near coast military units including canadian corps 2nd canadian division moved area bolster illusion large force gathering area broadcast fake radio traffic genuine radio messages 21st army group routed kent broadcast germans impression allied troops stationed stationed england july continuing germans believing second attack place soldiers civilians alike aware need secrecy invasion troops possible kept isolated especially period immediately invasion american general sent united_states disgrace revealing invasion date party germans thought extensive network spies operating fact agents captured double agents working allies double cross system double agent juan spanish opponent nazis known code developed years leading day fake network germans believed collecting intelligence behalf months preceding day sent hundreds messages superiors madrid messages specially prepared british intelligence service convince germans attack come july german radar stations french coast destroyed preparation landings night invasion operation squadron raf dropped strips window metal foil caused radar return mistakenly interpreted german radar operators naval convoy illusion bolstered group small craft barrage balloons window dropped squadron raf near sur operation night small group special air service operators deployed dummy led germans believe additional airborne assault occurred rehearsals security training exercises overlord landings took place early july nearby beach resembled planned normandy landing site town devon evacuated december taken armed forces site training exercises included use landing craft management beach obstacles near april american soldiers sailors killed german torpedo boats surprised members assault force conducting exercise tiger exercises landing craft live ammunition took place combined training centre scotland naval exercises took place northern_ireland medical teams london rehearsed handle expected waves casualties conducted exercises including huge demonstration drop march observed churchill officials tactical surprise considered necessary element plan landings information exact date location landings provided levels armed forces men sealed areas end communication outside troops maps correct detail place names told actual destination sea effectiveness deception operations increased news britain travel republic ireland banned movement kilometres coast england restricted weather forecast invasion planners created set conditions timing invasion meant days month deemed suitable moon desirable provide illumination aircraft pilots highest tides allies wanted schedule landings shortly dawn midway low high tide tide coming improve visibility obstacles enemy placed beach time men spend exposed open specific criteria set wind speed visibility cloud cover tentatively selected june date assault june conditions clearly unsuitable landing high winds heavy seas impossible launch landing craft low clouds prevent aircraft finding targets evening june allied meteorological team headed group captain james royal_air_force predicted weather improve sufficiently invasion ahead june met senior commanders headquarters house discuss situation general montgomery major general walter smith chief staff eager launch invasion admiral prepared commit ships air chief marshal concerned conditions unfavourable allied aircraft operate discussion decided invasion ahead allied control atlantic meant german access information allies incoming weather patterns luftwaffe meteorological centre paris predicting weeks stormy weather commanders left posts attend war games men units given leave field marshal returned germany wife birthday meet hitler try postponed invasion available date correct combination tides desirable moon weeks later june happened period encountered major storm lasting days june initial landings impossible german preparations defences nazi_germany disposal divisions france low countries stationed denmark norway divisions process formation germany strategic reserve region defended 15th army normandy 7th army commanded colonel general friedrich combat losses war particularly eastern meant germans longer pool able young men draw german soldiers average years older allied counterparts normandy area eastern volunteers russia provided mainly unreliable captured equipment lacked transport units arrived later 12th division younger far better equipped trained static troops stationed coast atlantic wall alarmed raids hitler ordered construction fortifications atlantic coast spain norway protect expected allied invasion envisioned manned troops shortages particularly concrete manpower built expected site invasion heavily defended normandy area best fortifications concentrated port facilities saint report hitler october weak defences france led appointment oversee construction fortifications expected invasion stretched netherlands given command newly formed army group included 7th army 15th army forces guarding netherlands nazi_germany command structure difficult achieve task allowed orders organisation commanded armaments minister albert places assign soldiers construction work believed normandy coast possible landing point invasion ordered construction extensive defensive works shore addition concrete gun strategic points coast ordered wooden stakes metal mines large anti tank obstacles placed beach delay approach landing craft movement tanks expecting allies land high tide infantry spend time exposed beach ordered obstacles placed high tide mark barbed wire traps removal ground cover approach hazardous infantry order number mines coast given allied air supremacy allied aircraft assigned operations normandy plus aircraft assigned bombing defence versus luftwaffe planes stationed france low countries trapped stakes known set meadows fields deter airborne landings mobile reserves believing germans best chance stop invasion shore requested mobile reserves especially tanks stationed close coast possible general leo von commander group west senior commanders believed invasion stopped beaches argued conventional doctrine keeping formations concentrated central position paris deploying main allied identified noted italian campaign armour stationed near coast damaged naval bombardment opinion overwhelming allied air superiority large scale movement tanks possible invasion underway hitler final decision leave divisions command operational control tank divisions reserves hitler took personal control divisions strategic reserves direct orders invasion embark great crusade months eyes world hopes prayers liberty loving people march company brave allies brothers arms fronts bring destruction german war machine elimination nazi oppressed peoples europe security free world million american troops arrived united_kingdom housed temporary camps south west england ready channel western section landing zone british canadian troops accommodations east spread southampton east_coast men coming later waves complex system called movement control assured men vehicles left schedule departure points men board craft nearly week departure ships met rendezvous point nicknamed circus south east isle assemble convoys cross channel began clearing lanes evening june thousand bombers left dawn attack coastal defences aircraft departed england midnight transport airborne divisions drop zones enemy lines hours beach landings airborne divisions assigned objectives peninsula west utah british 6th airborne division assigned capture intact bridges canal river free french 4th battalion men assigned objectives brittany operation operation men transported sea day came air preliminary naval bombardment commenced continued battleships cruisers destroyers monitors infantry began arriving beaches beaches craft bearing 4th infantry division assaulting utah pushed current spot metres south intended landing zone troops met light resistance suffering fewer casualties efforts push inland fell far short targets day able advance miles making contact airborne division airborne landings west utah successful cent landed drop zones gathering men fighting units difficult shortage radios terrain stone walls marshes airborne captured primary objective worked protect western flank failure capture river crossings river resulted delay sealing peninsula airborne helped protect southern flank captured lock river capture assigned nearby bridges day hoc task men 2nd ranger battalion commanded colonel james rudder scale metre cliffs ropes destroy gun battery located fire men scaled cliff discover guns withdrawn rangers located weapons ready use orchard metres south point disabled attack men point isolated captured dawn rudder men able fight relief come members tank battalion arrived heavily defended sector assigned 1st infantry division supplemented troops 29th infantry division faced infantry division expected single regiment strong currents forced landing craft east intended position delayed casualties heavier landings combined men subjected fire cliffs problems clearing beach led calling halt landings vehicles group destroyers arrived time offer supporting artillery fire exit possible late morning barely men reached higher ground noon artillery fire took toll germans started run ammunition americans able clear lanes beaches started clearing draws enemy defences vehicles beach expanded following days day objectives accomplished gold high winds conditions difficult landing craft amphibious tanks landed close shore directly beach instead planned aerial attacks failed hit strong point gun continued damage western flank 1st battalion hampshire regiment captured future site contact eastern flank canadian forces landings infantry delayed rough seas men arrived ahead supporting armour suffering casualties offshore bombardment missed german defences spite difficulties canadians quickly cleared beach created exits villages delays taking sur led congestion beach nightfall gold covered area miles wide miles deep casualties men sword tanks safely ashore provide cover infantry began quickly cleared beach created exits tanks conditions tide came quickly expected making armour difficult 2nd battalion king light infantry advanced foot kilometres withdraw lack armour support german 21st division mounted counterattack sword nearly succeeded reaching channel met stiff resistance british 3rd infantry division soon recalled assist area components brought structures use unloading mid june constructed british forces american forces severe storms june interrupted landing supplies destroyed harbour repaired harbour able receive tons daily continuous use months shipments brought beaches port cleared mines july allied casualties day confirmed dead germans lost men allied invasion plans called capture day beaches utah linked line kilometres beaches objectives achieved connected june time allies held kilometres long kilometres deep major objective german hands end day completely captured july nearly troops crossed english channel june million allied troops france end august western troops occupy peninsula especially provide allies deep water harbour terrain utah characterised feet high ditch areas additionally protected rifle pits machine gun roads narrow tanks germans flooded fields utah sea water miles coast german forces peninsula included infantry division static infantry divisions allied commanders realised quickly taken decided cut peninsula prevent reinforcements brought failed attempts inexperienced infantry division general collins assigned 9th infantry division task reached west_coast june cutting 9th division joined 4th infantry divisions took control peninsula fierce fighting june captured june time germans destroyed port facilities brought operation september fighting area versus 21st 12th division units soon reached stalemate operation perch corps attempted advance south soon abandoned direct approach favour attack corps attempted flanking sur corps tried flank east corps attack quickly halted corps briefly captured lead armoured elements ambushed initiating day long battle battle british forced withdraw sur delay storms june operation launched june attempt viii corps swing attack south west establish south operation failed germans suffered heavy tank losses committed available unit operation dismissed july replaced west field marshal von remarking war lost severely bombed night july occupied north river operation july operation atlantic operation july captured rest high ground south city nearly destroyed hitler survived assassination attempt july breakout securing territory peninsula far south saint allies launched operation cobra july advanced south goal reached august army activated august quickly controlled brittany territory far south army maintained pressure eastward protect flank august army able leave small force brittany drive eastward main concentration german forces south british launched operation july secure high ground objections august hitler ordered counter offensive operation canadian corps pushed south operation august bradley montgomery realised opportunity bulk german forces trapped army continued south reaching 11th hitler continued insist 14th forces counter attack officers began planning retreat eastward german forces severely hampered hitler insistence making major decisions left forces orders periods long hours information sent forth hitler residence bavaria evening august asked bradley forces continue northward close gap german forces bradley refused montgomery assigned canadian army territory north canadians met heavy resistance captured august gap closed august trapping german troops german 7th army divisions escaped east montgomery decision making gap criticised time american commanders especially bradley sympathetic believed able close gap issue subject discussion historians criticism american british canadian forces hitler relieved command west august replaced field marshal walter model committed suicide august hitler aware involvement july plot invasion southern france operation launched august french resistance paris rose germans august initially wanted bypass city pursue targets amid reports citizens going hungry hitler stated intention destroy city insisted taken immediately french forces 2nd armoured division general arrived west august 4th infantry division pressed south scattered fighting continued night morning august paris liberated operations continued british canadian sectors end month august 2nd armored division fought way making contact british canadian armoured divisions 2nd canadian infantry division advanced morning august area strongly held 4th 6th canadian brigades sustained heavy casualties course days germans fought delaying action terrain suited defence germans pulled 29th withdrawing 30th afternoon 30th 3rd canadian infantry division crossed near entered welcome campaign close took direct command allied ground forces september concerned german counter attacks limited arriving france decided continue operations broad attempting narrow normandy forces allied forces southern france occurred september drive line september montgomery launched operation market garden failed attempt anglo american airborne troops capture bridges netherlands allow ground forces cross rhine germany allied advance slowed german resistance lack supplies especially fuel december germans launched offensive known battle major offensive war western series successful soviet actions began offensive january hitler committed suicide april soviet troops neared berlin germany surrendered normandy landings largest invasion history nearly landing assault craft escort vessels end war europe drawing large forces away eastern slowed soviet advance opening western_europe tremendous psychological blow germany military feared repetition war world war normandy landings heralded start race europe soviet forces western powers historians consider start cold war victory normandy stemmed factors german preparations atlantic wall partially finished shortly day reported construction cent complete areas resources diverted undertaken operation successful leaving germans defend huge stretch coastline allies achieved maintained air superiority meant germans unable observations preparations underway britain unable interfere bomber attacks transportation infrastructure france severely disrupted allied bombers french resistance making difficult germans bring reinforcements supplies opening artillery barrage target concentrated impact specialised armour worked providing close artillery support troops disembarked beaches overly complicated command structure german high command factor allied success casualties allies day august allies landed men northern france cost normandy campaign high sides june end august american armies suffered casualties killed casualties canadian second british_army placed killed wounded missing canadian losses amounted killed action allied air forces having flown sorties support invasion lost aircraft airmen members flying command raf free french suffered killed wounded missing allied tank losses estimated losses split evenly american british canadian armies historians slightly differ overall casualties campaign lowest losses totaling highest germany german forces france reported losses men day august start operation southern france action pocket men lost killed captured estimates german losses normandy campaign range killed wounded captured killed wounded captured exact figures german tank losses normandy approximately tanks assault guns committed battle crossed end campaign german forces reported tanks destroyed day july research conducted operational research section 21st army group indicates allies destroyed tanks june july august total tanks destroyed enemy action including destroyed aircraft luftwaffe losses amounted aircraft end normandy campaign german divisions infantry rendered combat ineffective seven disbanded september west infantry divisions divisions brigades rated combat effective civilians french heritage buildings liberation normandy french civilians killed seriously wounded addition died campaign estimated killed pre invasion bombing total french civilians killed course war land mines ordnance continued inflict casualties norman population following end campaign prior invasion issued instructions later basis convention protocol need limit destruction french heritage sites sites named official civil affairs lists monuments troops permission received upper chain command church stone buildings area damaged destroyed prevent germans efforts prevent reconstruction workers rubble important ruins repair roads search artefacts important cultural treasures stored near start war survived intact occupying german forces kept list protected buildings intent facilities good condition use accommodation german troops cities towns normandy totally devastated fighting bombings end battle remained quarters population listed churches seriously damaged destroyed listed monuments department location normandy citizens rendered homeless pre war jewish population survived war looting concern sides taking retreating germans invading allies example british forces looting des near local french population looting allied forces perpetrators punished war memorials tourism beaches normandy known invasion code names significant places plaques memorials small museums guide books maps available german strong points remain preserved hoc particular little changed remains harbour sits sea large area serve final resting place allied german soldiers killed normandy campaign explanatory notes


battle battle minor naval engagement fought approaches harbour coastal region british india bay september napoleonic wars french squadron admiral charles ship line attacked british_royal_navy fourth rate ship hms east merchant ships anchored harbour roads engaged extended raiding campaign involved operations south china sea channel ceylon indian coast bay french squadron fought notable engagement battle february attacked honourable east india company china fleet large convoy armed merchant ships carrying cargo worth million failed press attack withdrew convoy mercy anger napoleon news reached france failure cruising indian_ocean august september seized number valuable merchant ships squadron travelled north ceylon indian coast bay ship captured learned presence east determined attack unaware british rear admiral peter replaced small frigate hms larger convoy escort arriving port advanced convoy causing east drive ashore panic merchant vessel failed support outnumbered captured continued fighting initially supported fire gun batteries shore later moved range engaging french flagship remained offshore avoid coastal engagement lasting hours withdrew badly damaged attempting pursue success squadron forced return france aftermath engagement required months repairs background napoleonic wars british economy depended movement trade british_empire particularly trading posts colonies british india managed honourable east india company company transported goods india europe fleet large armed merchant ships named east travelled convoys protection escorted wartime ships provided royal_navy main royal_navy base bay city madras east sailed ports bay result force madras dispersed provide escorts smaller convoys travelling madras calcutta merge ships form large oceanic convoys outbreak napoleonic war commander british forces indian_ocean rear admiral peter principal threat british control region squadron sent france shortly war broke led admiral charles ship line clashed june news outbreak war reached india anchored french indian port led powerful squadron anchor harbour anticipation declaration war concerned numerically superior force squadron operate british merchant convoys region slipped away cover darkness eventually reached france learned napoleonic wars begun sailing dutch_east_indies departed cruise south china sea december seeking large annual convoy merchant ships known china fleet convoy normally escorted royal_navy ships line escort delayed discovered convoy near island eastern entrance february advanced convoy commander commodore dance disguised east ships line hope convincing convoy protected day eventually attacking morning february dance resisted withdrew engagement dance merchant ships chased squadron away resuming course meeting escorts days later failure engage defeat china fleet infuriated number officers provoked angry letter napoleon accused believing war running risks aftermath engagement returned france arriving april criticised governor general charles wrote letter napoleon complaining conduct battle mid june departed france frigates captain charles captain bernard cruising madagascar stormy weather sailing coast ceylon enjoyed success individual merchant vessels gradually moved northwards late summer squadron passed madras nautical miles coast avoid encountering squadron raided coastal region visiting september captured country ship learned crew small convoy anchored north convoy reported consist east gun frigate hms dutch vessel captured escort immediately sailed expecting easy victory convoy battle madras admiral increasingly concerned september decided strengthen convoy escorts replaced gun hms nominal command captain john seriously ill madras captain james assumed temporary command sailed madras earlier month princess charlotte anchored roads loaded cargo ready return journey madras ships anchored roads september squadron appeared horizon south west approximately nautical miles away flag visible strange ships board frigates displayed george cross lieutenant james robert phillips command ashore convinced ensign aware french squadron region positioned ship broadside faced approaching vessels french came range phillips opened fire sure identity strangers ship line exchanged signals frigates began fire signals different royal_navy phillips certain facing overwhelming enemy squadron urgent signals warning approaching threat crew panicked cut anchor cables causing drift shore wrecked captain john logan princess charlotte remained anchor ignored requests phillips assistance ship gun battery ships spread closing nautical miles close remained range unwilling risk flagship shallow coastal waters accurate charts approaches protected series grounded engagement flagship wrecked french frigates came yards phillips opened fire attempted reach british ship batter french frigates came long range fire gun battery command lieutenant colonel alexander campbell detached service regiment foot campbell small boats assist crew princess charlotte armament guns continued remain silent french ships range heavy exchange fire began minutes colours shot away ship line turned away open water followed frigates rigging disarray damage rendered unable manoeuvre rapidly began slowly shelter coastal captain rejoined ship boat princess charlotte participated battle cut anchor cables ashore avoid captured logan refused surrendered fight french squadron moved harbour remained marked entrance route princess charlotte turned rowed shore avoid capture took possession merchant ship engaged moved range support shore batteries despite guns armament left vulnerable short range heavy cannon useless face long range gunnery consequently suffered severe damage rigging wrecked anchor cable shot caused slowly drift away shore control seeing opponent disabled decided press attack issued orders squadron accompanied prize sail away gradually regained control ship managed raise sail pursuit french far ahead final parting shots anchored crew set repairing damage remained sight rest day showed sign action disappeared north east horizon dusk aftermath despite destruction capture princess charlotte british losses mild having man killed wounded ship badly damaged number holes shot hull badly torn rigging masts recorded casualties troops onshore french suffered slightly heavier losses having men killed officer wounded killed wounded closely engaged battle suffered casualties damage french ships severe forced abandon operations slowly way france arriving november underwent refit lasting months nations claimed encounter victory french capture princess charlotte british survival face overwhelming french numerical superiority justified withdrawal letter explaining damage squadron close engagement curtailed raiding operations privately napoleon angered survival wrote response france cared honour pieces wood british historians echoed napoleon criticism judging mercy failed destroy words william half hearted action provoke


operation tiger operation tiger croatian croatian army offensive conducted areas croatia bosnia near july designed push army away city field secure supply route gained early june siege yugoslav people army lifted operation success facilitated establishment southern command successful conclusion june operations river valley concluded operation operation tiger captured square kilometres square miles territory secured road placed position capture rest southern following half months achieved negotiated withdrawal followed amphibious operation area capturing reach adriatic_sea coast additional aimed securing area defences operation liberated land assault peak stabilized hold area threatened held eastern result peninsula placed united_nations control background august revolution took place croatia centred predominantly populated areas city parts regions settlements eastern croatia significant populations areas subsequently named republic serbian declaring intention integrate serbia government croatia declared rebellion march conflict escalated croatian war independence june croatia declared independence yugoslavia month followed decision came effect october initiated campaign ethnic croatian civilians non serbs expelled early november fewer ethnic remained protected area known sector south remained sector north croatian national_guard formed yugoslav people army increasingly supported croatian police unable cope situation renamed november establishment military croatia hampered arms introduced september final months saw fighting war culminating battle barracks siege battle january agreement signed representatives croatia fighting sides series unsuccessful united_nations protection force deployed croatia supervise maintain agreement conflict largely passed entrenched positions retreated croatia bosnia new conflict anticipated serbia continued support croatia personnel prepared set new army serbs declared serbian republic bosnia january february march referendum independence bosnia later cited pretext war held serbs set capital march day fatalities war recorded final days march army started brigade crossed border adjacent town reply april artillery began bosnia confronted army republic bosnia croatian defence council control dominated central government leadership respectively deployed bosnia support prelude april renewed offensive operations near western southern 2nd military district commanded colonel general deployed elements 5th corps 9th corps area capturing town jointly defending area battle april threatening south west 4th military district commanded general employed 13th corps 2nd corps capture eastern bank river south attacked artillery fighting city started april yugoslav air_force attacked april croatian attack april failed capture controlled airfield april territorial defence force captured nearby hydroelectric power plants river pushed force kilometres miles south west came intermittent artillery air attacks arranged forces resumed attack day attack captured large territory western bank river forces based bosnia planned offensive croatian attack held territory croatia saw moves prelude attacks southern croatia specifically aimed port possibly split counter perceived threat deployed additional troops area designated southern general appointed lead southern reorganized command structure assumed control forces area stop expected offensive regain lost territory late launched attack adriatic coast immediate besieged linking force city ending june attack coincided withdrawal area airport positions borders bosnia area located kilometres miles coast captured mountain south operation known operation june commenced june attacking force moved east north aiming push river capture positions corps positions collapsed june advanced quickly planned directions june forces attacked positions western bank river south support main attack advance immediately successful gaining ground june forces remained western bank june completed capture surrounding area forces approaching south city completed june june advanced eastwards slopes mountain lines significantly east rendered relatively safe future attacks june operation eagle croatian tried push forces high ground road runs metres feet national border inside bosnia dominating attack sufficiently organized failed order battle initially deployed troops conduct operation tiger area fewer troops greater artillery firepower disposal advantage defending rugged terrain operation tiger executed 1st guards brigade reinforced special forces battalion 3rd battalion 4th guards brigade supported infantry brigade based additional troops brought hold positions captured guards brigades inefficient command structures reserve units southern command forced forge tactical groups multiple regular units lack manpower individual reserve units executed fend counter attacks corps specifically brigade stationed eastern positions captured 1st guards brigade turned elements infantry brigade infantry brigade infantry brigade battalion infantry brigade company infantry brigade timeline following failed attempt push away early june planned effort secure city operation tiger effort capture head adriatic_sea july initial attack spearheaded 3rd battalion 4th guards brigade gained ground objective secured july troops mounted counter attack left flank 4th guards brigade 1st guards brigade reinforced special operations battalion tasked capturing high ground southern rim field advance met stiff resistance progressed slowly july 1st guards brigade reached immediate objectives consisting numerous significant hills july covered approximately kilometres miles villages road running village rim field north advance halted guards brigades reached objectives newly gained ground gradually turned reserve units infantry brigade defending siege took positions captured 4th guards brigade 1st guards brigade relieved territorial gains garrisoned elements infantry brigade infantry brigade infantry brigade battalion infantry brigade company infantry brigade counter attacked reserve infantry july causing losses withdrawal infantry brigade company east infantry brigade retreat created gap defences threatening town 3rd battalion 4th guards brigade closed days later infantry brigade conceded offensive gains counter attack near july platoon drawn 2nd guards brigade attempted capture peak attack failed marking end operation tiger follow operations operation liberated land july continued attacks aimed territory lost operation tiger gradually pushing july 1st guards brigade counter attacked north pushing north east field attack operation liberated land croatian failed cut battalion brigade deployed 4th guards brigade deployed area substantial parts territory gained attack surrendered operation strengthened defences area august battle late july began talks withdrawal airport region east bay talks representatives european_union main concern retaining control area specifically peninsula entrance bay strategic importance bay increased contained remaining yugoslav navy base lost bases croatia talks soon halted military commanders involved authority resolve political issues discussion round peace talks time croatian president yugoslav president produced agreement october return monitored peninsula agreement specified removal kilometre zone montenegro began plan replacing region expose unprotected flank field planned withdrew area agreed leaving croatian soil october replaced high ground overlooking low lying coastal plateau containing airport town october croatian police boats carrying croatian minister interior monitoring mission lieutenant general david journalists docked fired mortars appointed major general commander siege perform landing operation area day landing took place october ferry transported elements 5th battalion 1st guards brigade amphibious operation supported ferries landed tanks personnel transporting craft 5th battalion 1st guards brigade joined day elements 1st 3rd battalions brigade hit fire sustained minor damage landed moved high ground north east 1st battalion 1st guards brigade reached positions hill quickly overrun battalion proceeded kilometres miles north east reaching village afternoon october 5th battalion 1st guards brigade took positions villages adjacent croatia bosnia border north region special police moved villages east near yugoslav border 3rd battalion 1st guards brigade advanced adriatic highway running centre 2nd battalion 1st guards brigade entered area secure road connecting region rest croatia afternoon deployed battalion reserve infantry drawn home guard october infantry brigade deployed relieve 1st guards brigade troops protecting national border operation october neared completion operations secure 4th guards brigade infantry brigade moved north east attacked positions closest city main attack assigned 3rd 5th battalions 4th guards brigade directed capture peak 1st battalion independent armoured company 4th guards brigade deployed draw defences attacked village railway station infantry brigade supported main axis operation advancing october left flank field collapsed town main centre region came jeopardy gave way international pressure halt military operations fighting stopped november aftermath operation tiger captured square kilometres square miles territory created zone city increased security improved security section adriatic highway especially allowing safer resupply subsequent negotiated withdrawal rapid capture region offensive operations secured croatian strategic victory entire region southern brought croatian control siege lifted city safety largely improved end october croatia continued suffer intermittent artillery attacks operation storm august wake split agreement large scale deployment bosnia general staff planned attack capture large eastern attack operation formally ordered september scheduled join attack operation postponed september november ordered carried peace talks fail plan cancelled early december agreement troops provoked emotional response yugoslavia interpreted defeat betrayal following agreement peninsula placed united_nations mission observers established security council resolution october resolution placed peninsula control security council resolution transferred control newly established united_nations confidence restoration operation croatia march security council resolution january mission expired months later february peninsula remains croatian police jointly patrolling sea border area remains disputed croatia montenegro


operation article british airborne operations normandy landings american airborne operations american airborne landings normandy operation given airborne operation undertaken british 6th airborne division june june operation overlord day landings second world war borne airborne troops division commanded major general richard nelson gale landed eastern flank invasion area near city tasked number objectives division capture strategically important bridges canal river allied ground forces advance landings taken place destroy bridges deny use germans secure important villages division assigned task assaulting destroying gun battery artillery battery allied intelligence believed housed number heavy artillery pieces bombard sword beach possibly inflict heavy casualties allied troops landing having achieved objectives division create secure focused captured bridges linked advancing allied ground forces division suffered combination bad weather poor pilot navigation caused airborne troops dropped divisional operational area causing number casualties making conducting operations difficult particular 9th parachute battalion assigned task destroying artillery battery able gather fraction strength attack battery result depleted force suffered number casualties battery successfully assaulted guns inside disabled division objectives achieved despite problems encountered small force borne airborne troops secured bridges canal river bridges destroyed number towns occupied formed division successfully repulsed number german counter attacks allied ground forces invasion beaches reached positions actions division severely limited ability german defenders communicate organise ensuring troops attacked hours landing vulnerable background operation originated planning operation overlord plan eventual invasion france opening second north western_europe planning invasion europe allies begun president united_states franklin roosevelt british prime minister winston_churchill met washington conference allied leaders decided available allied forces theatre concentrated great_britain planning invasion north western_europe begin provisional target date set code overlord decided joint anglo american planning staff created lieutenant general frederick morgan given title chief staff supreme allied commander planning began invasion europe early plans overlord called commitment airborne forces support ground forces protect landing areas operation skyscraper example called deployment airborne divisions land near east_coast peninsula support invasion normandy divisions objective capture breaking east normandy ambitious proposal plan forward general george marshall involved large airborne drop aiming cut german forces half day number plans eventually drawn morgan staff officers invasion normandy finally deciding invasion place thirty mile west river rejecting need capture ports calling creation artificial ports ferry equipment troops ashore initial landings occurred morgan final plan divisions assault airborne forces dropped town early day seize breakout route following appointment general bernard montgomery command 21st army group plan underwent number revisions january revised overlord plan presented general dwight chosen supreme allied commander invasion updated revised plan widened landing area include coastline river eastern coast peninsula taken divisions airborne divisions land landing areas secure flanks protect landing troops counterattack british airborne forces land east american airborne forces land west protect flanks infantry armoured units moving inland beaches prelude british preparation british 6th airborne division command major general richard nelson gale chosen conduct airborne operations eastern flank invasion area division new having activated april operation overlord experience combat established purpose undertaking division level airborne operations contributing range smaller operations considerable debate unit practice late january gale noted indication definite airborne task unit continued options open reflecting ongoing discussions strategic level wider plan day february major general frederick arthur commander british airborne forces arrived headquarters division brief general gale division expected achieve operation original plan involve entire division instead calling single parachute brigade anti tank battery attached british 3rd infantry division force tasked seizing bridges canal river near towns gale objected small scale operation arguing single brigade able achieve objectives limited manpower asked entire division deployed consultation superiors agreed request ordered gale begin planning operation division allotted specific tasks achieve operation apart protecting eastern flank allied landings taking control areas strategic importance east capture intact bridges canal river bridges defended day gale knew capture bridges critical resupply reinforcement 6th airborne know bridges incapable supporting tanks second division destroy heavily fortified coastal artillery battery located ensure shell british forces landing sword beach task destroy bridges spanned river located near towns division hold territory seized relieved advancing allied ground forces planning operation began february starting number transport aircraft assigned operation expanded rapidly accommodate entire division royal_air_force air groups provided operation ensure division deployed normandy pilots crew transport aircraft began campaign formation flying training specialised training ensure familiar operation required possible 6th airborne division carried large scale airborne exercises find efficient way deploy brigade group multiple landing zones february 3rd parachute brigade undertook exercise entire brigade dropped transport aircraft end march aircraft exercise entire division deployed parachute finally april april exercise utilised approximately aircraft deploy british 1st airborne division polish 1st parachute brigade 6th airborne division moved road simulation scale airborne operation date operation approached training intensive units spent hours aloft day airfields practiced required land airborne forces bridges dive artillery battery pilots practiced sufficiently day switched night operations landing grounds division operations dozens poles similar normandy erected engineering units timed fast demolish obstacles units tasked destroying artillery battery spent weeks special camp built replica battery carried rehearsal exercises units capture bridges transferred exeter conducted intensive exercises river nearby canal pilots transport aircraft constantly thousands maps photographs landing zones surrounding areas dozens scale models zones primary objectives bridges artillery battery coloured film produced aerial reconnaissance photographs played correct speed height scale models simulated paths pilots landing zones german preparation airborne troops 6th airborne division opposed formations stationed area river june consisted infantry divisions static formations manpower consisted medically downgraded troops recruited soviet_union eastern_europe divisions miscellaneous collection anti tank guns artillery pieces small number german french tanks self propelled guns division rated highly efficient allied intelligence rating cent efficiency compared class line infantry division static role percent counter attack role allied intelligence indicated companies armour area number hoc infantry formations formed training establishments 12th division considered threat airborne forces based nearby possessed large number tanks self propelled guns including believed armoured division able arrive east hours airborne landing nearby infantry division able arrive hours british airborne troops face large number static defensive positions obstacles erected orders field marshal appointed inspector general coastal defences commander army group november order adolf_hitler arrival assessed existing defences region immediately begun process improving particularly situated inland believed thirty percent german defences adequate anti airborne measures consisted planting large number mines create minefields erection called system wire poles metres height great laced mines traps aimed destroying killing wounding airborne troops noted diary inspection area division placed stakes ground deter airborne landings corps erected artillery battery destruction main objectives 6th airborne division particularly heavily fortified position beach protected included approximately thirty observation post battery consisted bunker containing battery command post light casemates able contain artillery pieces dimensions entire battery covered area roughly metres diameter surrounded inner perimeter barbed wire minefield outer perimeter barbed wire anti tank ditch battle operation began night june page halifax heavy bombers took airfield carrying coup main force consisting company light infantry reinforced extra company party tasked capturing bridges canal river minutes later armstrong transports took carrying 22nd independent parachute company mark drop zones airborne troops division sixteen followed transports carrying transporting elements 9th parachute battalion 1st canadian parachute battalion 3rd parachute brigade headquarters small group remainder transports carrying 6th airborne division began thirty minutes lift divided groups consisted douglas short transports seventeen carrying bulk 3rd 5th parachute brigades heavy equipment forces land respective drop zones second lift destined land consisted transporting 6th airborne division headquarters anti tank battery final lift formed carrying men 9th parachute battalion land atop battery second lift carrying 6th air landing brigade units land drop zone 5th parachute brigade unit 6th airborne division land normandy operation coup main force 2nd battalion light infantry command major john howard separated rest brigade geographically small unit form 5th parachute brigade commanded brigadier mission operation capture bridges canal river carrying coup main force targeting canal bridge supposed land lead actually released slightly earlier landed specially designed parachute deployed rear fitted compensate heavily laden slow speed ensure destroyed impact impacted considerable speed earth bank near bridge resulting impact throwing pilot pilot knocking unconscious stunning passengers second landed precisely seconds later avoid hitting breaking result landed successfully pond causing injuries single fatality occupants airborne troops emerged formed noise landing having ignored patrol believed sound bomber crashing platoon opened fire threw grenades concrete bunker believed hold triggering equipment bridge demolition charges second platoon began assault number trenches gun pits eastern bank canal began moving bridge fired gun whilst second killed opened fire airborne troops retreated brief fire fight appeared scene retreated ammunition airborne troops able secure bridge discovered rigged explosives believed bridge secured second coup main force suffered difficulties attempt capture river bridge whilst landed intact released target aircraft river landed miles east intended target occupants captured bridge headed river river bridge machine gun nest suppressed mortar fire defenders found captured bridge major howard informing success bridges secured minutes coup main forces cost small number casualties forces held bridges arrival reinforcements 7th parachute battalion meantime repel spontaneous attempts germans bridges german tanks attempted drive bridge repelled loss tank anti tank weapon coup main unit followed closely 22nd independent parachute company tasked marking drop zones landing zones division operation combination heavy cloud cover poor navigation team dropped correctly aircraft carrying remainder runs respective drop zones assigned dropped wide manage drop zone thirty minutes whilst team destined accidentally dropped realising error set radio markers caused number airborne troops drop wrong area team belonging 9th parachute battalion assigned mark drop zone area unit tasked destroying artillery battery wiped air raid raf lancaster heavy bombers missed artillery battery bombed area team rest 5th parachute brigade began land units scattered dropped incorrectly constituent units 7th parachute battalion badly scattered battalion commander command percent battalion men arrived night day relatively supply containers found airborne troops meaning possessed heavy weapons radio sets battalion managed rendezvous coup main forces bridges able set defence german counter attacks organised german responses capture bridges came consisted isolated attacks tanks armoured cars infantry grew intensity day luftwaffe attempted destroy bridge bomb failed detonate german coastal craft attempted attack bridge repelled despite attacks battalion coup main forces able hold bridges leading elements british 3rd infantry division arrived began relieve airborne troops process completed battalions 5th parachute brigade 12th 13th parachute battalions like 7th parachute battalion badly scattered dropped units moved away rendezvous points percent strength individual airborne troops small groups join battalions day battalions tasked securing area bridges captured coup main forces task difficult scattered area 12th parachute battalion tasked securing village whilst 13th parachute battalion secure town achieved time albeit heavier resistance encountered battalion company 13th parachute battalion detailed remain landing zone battalion provide protection company royal engineer demolish poles explosives present area 6th airborne division headquarters safely land battalions held respective areas relieved ground forces advancing beaches 12th parachute battalion bombarded heavy mortar artillery fire repelled german counter attacks regiment defeated destroying tank taking number prisoners second repulsed help air landed anti tank battery recently arrived 3rd parachute brigade 3rd parachute brigade commanded brigadier james hill began land time main elements 5th parachute brigade suffered problems constituent units scattered area poor navigation heavy cloud cover drop zones marked correctly marked correctly incorrectly positioned error units land 9th parachute battalion given number objectives destroy artillery battery tasked holding village blocking roads leading village capturing german naval headquarters near river battalion scattered area number landing considerable distance designated lieutenant colonel commander battalion landed rest stick yards away drop zone farmhouse command post german battalion brief fire fight helping scattered arrived drop zone arrived drop zone single machine gun small number torpedoes recovered significant set battalion plan assault artillery battery relied having entire battalion present number large quantity heavy equipment strict orders battery destroyed later felt longer wait reinforcements set battery strength battalion having increased small group arrived battalion arrived battery linked survivors group hit raf raid battery began assault battery whilst marked areas torpedoes placed battalion divided assault groups casemates battery ready carrying royal engineer arrived battery arrived having forced land immediately mechanical complications engaged anti aircraft machine gun fire causing land yards short battery setting second landed yards away launched assault soon battery ordering explosives detonated form paths outer perimeter attacked defenders alerted explosions opened fire inflicting heavy casualties men assigned assault survived long reach disabled firing throwing grenades air casemates cleared white grenades crews neglected lock doors leading battery number prisoners taken explosives disable artillery pieces inside battery discovered pieces modern calibre weapons instead world war era field best explosives grenades disable gun shells guns job thorough gun went action germans later battery having completed assault gathered german prisoners wounded retreated having wish remain battery battalion possessed radio signal received light cruiser hms begin battery plan achieved primary objective heavy cost dead wounded casualty rate exactly percent battalion attacked securing village platoon sized enemy garrison survivors retired planned rendezvous point battalion achieve secondary objectives 8th parachute battalion tasked destroying bridges near dropped time 9th parachute battalion widely scattered number landing operational area 5th parachute brigade commanding officer battalion arrived battalion rendezvous point found thirty small group trailer number increased signs required demolish bridges commanding officer decided send small force demolish bridges lead rest battalion north await reinforcements attacked small force sent discovered bridges demolished group reached bridges hours earlier rejoined battalion crossroads increased numbers men arrived reconnaissance party sent status bridge alongside party came fire house near bridge brief fire fight captured number germans 21st division way bridge discovered demolished widened length bridge demolished explosives party retreated battalion having achieved objective battalion moved north took positions near widen airborne formed division unit 3rd parachute brigade 1st canadian parachute battalion allotted primary tasks demolition bridges like rest units division battalion scattered operational area stick landing miles away drop zone group landing short distance invasion beaches number dropped flooded areas drowned dragged surface water weight equipment group lieutenant moved bridge encountering gathering groups airborne troops route reaching bridge discovered intact waiting hours tasked demolition bridge failed arrive gathered small explosives possessed set weakening bridge finally arrived completed demolition bridge whilst protected company battalion attempting complete tasks ordered clear enemy garrison destroy gun demolish bridge destroy radio near company highly fraction normal strength men available small group company commander assaulted fortifications outside manned approximately ninety germans machine gun nests artillery piece artillery piece inflicted number casualties small group killing company commander stalemate ensued enemy garrison surrendered subjected mortar bombardment relieved british 1st special service brigade 6th brigade 6th airborne division headquarters headquarters 6th airborne division landed landing zone cleared company 13th parachute battalion hours missing landing zone poor weather errors navigation headquarters staff accompanying airborne troops gathered headquarters moved area set contact established headquarters 5th parachute brigade headquarters 3rd parachute brigade linked 1st special service brigade advanced invasion beaches operation transporting 6th brigade arrived landing zone coming heavy small arms mortar fire nearby german positions landed casualties light ninety minutes borne troops gathered rendezvous points entire 6th airborne division fully deployed eastern flank invasion beaches exception 12th battalion regiment formed 6th brigade arrive sea day 3rd parachute brigade holding mile 9th parachute battalion 1st canadian parachute battalion les 8th parachute battalion southern 5th parachute brigade 12th parachute battalion occupying 13th parachute battalion holding whilst 7th parachute battalion retained reserve formation 6th brigade ready use battalions extend held division 1st special service brigade temporarily came command division holding villages north north east ground role operation successful airborne operation tasks allotted 6th airborne division achieved time limits imposed individual units division tasks achieved despite problems caused large number airborne troops scattered operational area assigned division combination bad weather poor navigation pilots transport aircraft carrying borne airborne troops suffered navigational errors eighty assigned division landing miles landing zone beneficial result scattered drops german defenders greatly confused area extent airborne landings division suffered casualties june june result operation airborne troops strength division deployed division maintained linked allied ground forces advancing invasion beaches deployed purely ground based role infantry june june division number german attacks 9th battalion coming particularly heavy enemy bombardment positions focus number german assaults june august consolidated expanded june decision taken expand east river 6th airborne division tasked achieving deemed strong 5th black watch royal highland regiment placed 3rd parachute brigade command battalion launched attack town june met extremely heavy resistance repulsed suffering number casualties day 3rd parachute brigade entire subjected fierce artillery bombardment assaults german tanks infantry germans particularly focusing positions held 9th parachute battalion 9th parachute battalion remnants black watch defended saint come gradually forced retreat lieutenant colonel stated battalion unable defend position longer brigadier hill gathered number 1st canadian parachute battalion led counter attack forced germans withdraw mid august division remained static positions holding left flank allied conducting vigorous patrolling difficult period division airborne troops expected withdrawn normandy early point static role continued disappointment frustration evidence great attention paid maintaining aggressive spirit august division ordered prepare offensive night august began advance stiff german opposition advance continued august division reached objective mouth river days fighting advanced miles despite gale infantry units equipped rapid pursuit captured square miles km2 german territory taken prisoner german soldiers casualties period killed wounded missing finally withdrawn august embarked england beginning september


battle battle february engagement fought australian new_zealand forces north vietnamese army vietnam war battle occurred operation rolling_stone american security operation protect engineers building important road vicinity tan central province kilometres north west fighting soldiers 1st brigade 1st infantry division 1st battalion royal australian regiment attached operation fought regimental sized night assault repulsed firepower artillery tanks suffered heavy casualties forced withdraw morning attack americans australians attempt pursue focusing securing battlefield evacuating casualties continued harass american occasional sniper mortar fire tactics proved ineffective road completed march background military situation february american road building program designed challenge ability manoeuvre areas 1st engineer battalion command lieutenant colonel howard engaged constructing weather road route route central province west ben cat northern apex base area known iron triangle road planned cut communist supply routes war zone delta iron triangle war zone link forward brigades 1st infantry division help extend authority south vietnamese government response american moves local force elements began daily laying mines carrying sabotage effort construction large american security operation known operation rolling_stone subsequently launched elements 1st division february area operations approximately kilometres north west 1st brigade command colonel allocated task assigned battalions guard engineers rotating basis probe positions nearby order balance following request american divisional commander command lieutenant colonel alex detached airborne brigade placed operational command 1st division march major general william selected australians specifically reputation dispersed aggressive patrolling attached support infantry australian troop engineers field troop bell light observation helicopters fixed wing aircraft independent reconnaissance flight millimetre pack battery royal new_zealand artillery prelude opposing forces headquarters 1st brigade located metres east engineer base camp vicinity hamlet tan north new roadway kilometres west route brigade constituent battalions widely dispersed carrying search destroy operations area operations lightly defended harassment faced engineers contact americans weeks operation australian forces possessed limited details location main force regiments australian intelligence assessed minimum local force possibly local force company operating area cautioned commanders probably ability concentrate main force battalion area little warning concept operations required australians protect engineer base pit road work parties distance metres protecting engineer reconnaissance parties moved forward plan new sections road february inserted helicopter taking 2nd battalion 38th infantry regiment immediately instituted program hour dispersed patrolling days succeeded reducing level activity road construction american tanks moved area patrolling day australian armoured personnel carriers securing pit night contacts took place february australians began suspect major attack planned noting facing main force elements early morning february soldiers killed australian ambush wounded escaped dead soldiers equipped new assault rifles identified main force regiment captured large quantity ammunition rations medical supplies later night north vietnamese engineer officer killed separate ambush adding weight australian suspicions dawn broke day half platoon company command major engaged squads main force immediately warned imminent attack informed australians moving set defensive position recommending engineers relocate order join west battalions 9th division decisive blow preparing regimental attack american australian positions units included battalion regiment battalion regiment independent battalion total men completed kilometre approach march assembly areas near village local women youths carry ammunition equipment supplies small reconnaissance parties moved forward easily locating american headquarters large noise light gave regimental commander determined attack separate axes east send force brigade headquarters assault west surrounding defenders preventing concentrating forces defence fire support provided separate locations millimetre mortars deployed west australians 1st brigade headquarters millimetre mortars fire position south east battle night assault february late afternoon february adopted position round defence vicinity major creek west 1st brigade headquarters engineers moved new defensive position inside australian perimeter alerted australians platoon tanks troop 1st squadron 4th cavalry regiment second millimetre field battery 1st battalion 5th artillery regiment moved defend brigade headquarters 1st battalion 26th infantry regiment command lieutenant colonel phillips returned field deployed defence light company 1st battalion 28th infantry regiment additional ammunition brought forward anticipation likely attack soldiers company occupying western sector australian perimeter noticed lights metres subsequently requested artillery mortar fire target location request declined small australian standing patrol deployed forward company main defensive position command private walter observed lights moving closer east 1st brigade headquarters tanks positioned forward american positions squad infantry eastern approaches midnight reported sounds movement intermittent flashes light trees early morning february midnight sporadic firing heard area forward american listening posts detected small groups moving outside perimeter killing forcing remainder withdraw darkness opened fire waited main effort withheld bulk firepower disposal defences alerted americans australians stood minutes battle began heavy barrage mortar small arms fire americans responded small arms machine guns tank fire mortars artillery hour firing grew intensity switched fires north west american perimeter barrage rifles expected scale ground assault held weight american firepower heavy artillery including inch millimetre firing support addition defenders artillery firing open sights lowering tubes fire directly positions total field batteries available australian standing patrol remained position despite proximity americans pouring massive fire area soon caught subsequently wounded arm australian position focus attack soon came attack millimetre mortars killing american base plate positioned australians 1st brigade headquarters initial confusion source rounds accused firing positions aircraft arrived overhead battlefield australians able join fighting began firing masses battlefield earlier number australian intercepted groups largely prevented communists conducting final reconnaissance objectives unaware newly strengthened defences assaulted combined firepower american field artillery batteries firing open sights tanks supported infantry anti personnel rounds banks mines americans broke assaults heavy casualties australians poured small arms fire flank turning costly futile attack withdraw february soldiers moved metres standing patrol taking firing positions australians killed wounded dragged away withdrew location nearby american tanks forward 1st brigade headquarters overrun crews killed having suffered heavy losses began retreat battlefield past groups began past position standing patrol position briefly group finally ordered patrol withdraw engage artillery mortars moving achieve clean break patrol engaged group volley small arms fire withdrawing metres company position darkness expecting followed australians set snap ambush killing soldier successfully completing perimeter line withdrawal carrying past australian position heavy fire maintained attempted partial retreat resulting casualties neared unwilling commit attack unwilling completely withdraw finally main attack began earlier losses heavy unable concentrate sufficient numbers mount assault instead series attacks followed men strong attacks repelled americans withdrew dawn avoiding arrival additional american air support aftermath casualties light morning australian clearing patrols located dead wounded positions bulk casualties inflicted americans later determined killed artillery tank fire battlefield shattered human remains including severed limbs flesh red pulp covered rubber trees standing later bodies bomb crater nearby estimated casualties removed battlefield captured battle large quantity equipment including small arms ammunition crew served weapons grenades villagers carry dead wounded battlefield suffered number casualties artillery mortar fire landing area contrast american casualties limited consisting killed wounded australian casualties lighter men wounded american tank destroyed tanks armoured personnel carriers damaged overall commander combined australian force believed won impressive victory troops exhausted ammunition running low decided pursue withdrawing force instead americans australians focused securing battlefield evacuating casualties subsequent operations days australians continued provide protection engineers replaced american infantry battalion subsequently flew february returning following attack tan attempted avoid contact choosing instead harass american work parties occasional mortar sniper fire tactics proved ineffective americans lost killed wounded road completed march americans launched extensive civic action program attempt consolidate gains repairing damaged houses distributing food providing basic health care local population despite efforts american commanders possibility achieving long term gains province south vietnamese army able provide lasting protection local population march days completion operation rolling_stone 1st brigade airborne brigade operation silver city sweeping south west sector war zone strategic level south vietnamese government rallied appearing verge collapse threat subsided general william commander forces vietnam planned adopt offensive strategy january december troop levels rose australian government increased commitment ground war march announcing deployment battalion brigade 1st australian task force armour aviation engineer artillery support total men additional royal_australian_air_force raaf royal australian navy ran force elements deployed services total australian strength vietnam planned increase personnel subsequently replaced allocated area operations province allowing australians pursue operations independently counter tactics techniques task force arrived april june constructing base arrangements provided 1st australian support group established port


german attacks german attacks refers attacks december attacks conducted auxiliary cruisers december 27th month raiders sank allied merchant ships inflicted damage economically important loading facilities despite significance island australian new_zealand economies defended german force suffer losses attacks effective operations conducted german raiders pacific_ocean world war disrupted supplies australia new_zealand japan reduced agricultural production countries response allied naval vessels deployed protect nearby ocean island escort shipping south pacific small garrisons established protect islands background nearby ocean island important sources australian new_zealand production played important role countries agriculture industries time world war melbourne based british commission managed extraction export islands dominated aspects life year ending june shipped million tons half ocean island fleet vessels chartered merchant ships islands ships loaded securing deep embarking cargo south westerly wind periods common november march ships stop loading sail away island conditions improved common ships allowed drift save fuel vessels lying despite importance australian new_zealand economies ocean islands allocated low priority limited military assets available protect australia station islands december strategic built australia impact attack islands late october german commanded captain kurt met came command captain robert supply ship caroline islands senior captains assumed overall command force ships operated new_zealand east_coast days november sank small coaster large ocean liner gunfire detected weak new_zealand defences november respectively following attacks raiders proceeded islands transferred women children prisoners november ships proceeded attack island industry concentration shipping german captains knew usually present attacks german force encountered ship route december long tons attacked north east solomon islands sunk torpedoes chase crew killed raiders guns survivors captured captains intended land shore party bombard shore installations dawn december bad weather forced concentrate ships island evening december gone ahead disguised japanese merchant ship sank norwegian merchant ship long tons approximately miles south spotted shore disguise successful assumed merchant ship bound japan joined early hours december attacked damaged long tons sank long tons tried sink charges unsuccessful sank merchant ship gunfire later sank british steamer long tons following attacks raiders withdrew assembled nmi east weather landing island decided marshall islands refuel operated north west following ships meet island attempt land raiding party german force december weather continued bad permit landing attack broken attacks shipping judged impractical raiders intercepted radio messages ordering vessels bound ocean island disperse instead german ships proceeded australian administered island prisoners carrying refused release european ethnic prisoners board believed trained officers crews problem britain shipping ships landed europeans chinese south pacific ethnic people fortunately germans islands region royal australian navy supplied radio contact australian authorities european families island provided released prisoners supplies sent canoe new ireland australian colonial government schooner dispatched bring additional supplies arrived december colonial administrator new britain supplies flown board flying boat released prisoners embarked steamer december transported queensland arrived january provided useful intelligence german raiders operations german naval staff issued directive february prohibiting raiders releasing prisoners german ships parted company leaving december proceeded islands overhaul engines went japan continued operations south pacific attempted lay mines december motor boat project abandoned boat engines failed returned following unsuccessful attempt arrived island morning december issuing warning shore use radio signalling intent destroy loading plant opened fire bombardment lasted hour time wrecked loading plant oil tanks boats buildings following attack sailed south east broadcast news attack australia visit german ships war transferred activities indian_ocean aftermath german raids impact australian new_zealand economies greatest success achieved german raiders pacific_ocean world war took weeks resume shipments loss ships damaged infrastructure led significant decline output resulting shortages forced introduction new_zealand july bombardment island interfered japan caused japanese government threaten reduce aid providing germany success attacks led rumours australia new_zealand raiders aided islands investigations conducted rumours proved following raids commonwealth military forces pacific took steps prevent attacks raiders royal_australian_air_force royal new_zealand air_force flew increased number patrols search raiders operating near major ports addition australian naval board requested british admiralty australian naval units meet threat posed raiders agreed light cruiser sydney armed merchant cruiser returned australia stations allowed naval protection provided ocean islands armed merchant cruiser arrived ocean island january escorting australian new_zealand warships maintained continual presence islands subsequent months field guns deployed island attacks led introduction convoys australia new_zealand naval authorities able use intelligence gained prisoners landed route merchant ships away areas german raiders operating greatly reduced effectiveness raiders sank ships period attack return europe late ships sunk grt grt grt grt grt