landing landing amphibious landing east subsequent advance town campaign world war operation undertaken capture japanese base landing undertaken september australian troops 9th division supported naval forces vii amphibious force major amphibious operation undertaken australian_army failed gallipoli campaign australians invested significant effort planning operation initial landing saw brigade supporting elements landed beaches kilometres east brigade secured second brigade landed follow help expand days following landing division final brigade brought ashore landing carried conjunction airborne landing followed drive 7th division 9th landing beaches advanced brigades held landing beach hampered bad weather logistical difficulties stiff resistance japanese defenders 9th division advance stalled ultimately troops 7th division entered entering town september day 9th strategy allied july united_states joint chiefs staff approved series operations general douglas supreme commander south west pacific area japanese blocked allied advance northern coast new_guinea philippines north main japanese naval base keeping overall allied grand strategy defeating nazi_germany immediate aim operations defeat japan merely reduction threat posed japanese base air sea communications united_states australia early forces fought series japanese track campaign battle bay battle battle battle sea following victories initiative passed allies pacific military conference washington march plans reviewed joint chiefs staff chiefs unable supply requested resources plans scaled capture postponed general headquarters brisbane officially informed subordinate commands phase operations occupy islands establish air forces seize area establish air forces occupy western new britain establishing air forces cape gloucester second assigned general sir thomas new_guinea force mainly australian formation result obvious military offensive carried mainly australian_army bitter campaigns japanese early japanese began making plans capture area according desired plans control sea area east north australia airfields located region subsequently secured battalion naval troops february march developed significant forward base japanese aircraft invested naval garrison december year japanese began reinforcing sought shore southern flanks failure operations capture port january total strength japanese forces strategic position adjacent solomon sea meant main japanese base region plans hold japanese maintained separate army navy headquarters responsible different higher authorities naval forces came southeast area fleet commanded vice admiral army forces came general eighth area army consisting army solomon islands lieutenant general army new_guinea 6th air division based result destruction convoy carrying reinforcements battle sea japanese decided send convoys instead land troops bay forward barge submarine long run hoped complete road range valleys ordered capture allied bases mount support operations imperial general headquarters transferred 7th air division new_guinea july lieutenant general fourth air army assigned command control 6th 7th air divisions 14th air brigade miscellaneous squadrons june divisions new_guinea 41st division 20th division recently arrived 51st division area total men 51st division contact enemy like faced formidable difficulties transportation supply bring troops battle geography lies western base peninsula southern gulf area flat generally drained developed port meet needs gold fields south harbour deep water offshore meant limited tidal range small inch spring tides foot coral reefs beaches east suitable landing craft composed firm black sand yards wide exits backed dense jungle swamps roads area intercut streams rivers important rivers wide deep firm bottoms swift flowing presented obstacle troops crossing planning landing major general george 9th division veterans siege second battles returned australia middle_east equipped organised trained jungle operations queensland training amphibious warfare conducted nearby trinity beach american 2nd engineer special brigade brigade large formation establishment strength officers warrant officers enlisted men boat battalions small larger assembled facility near 2nd engineer special brigade trained equipped shore shore operations maximum distance miles original concept brigade 9th division ferried coastline new_guinea forward base thought prospect japanese air base hazardous went obtained approval operation modified employ entire 9th division carried additional large landing craft operated vii amphibious force known task force navy seventh fleet commanded rear admiral daniel operated large ocean going landing ships ships greater range meant entire force stage bay travel directly july august 9th division moved bay established headquarters board uss significant amphibious operation mounted australian forces gallipoli extensive planning capture major operation australian_army able conduct long term forward planning deliberate planning beginning months prior deliberately chose landing sites range japanese artillery red beach east mouth river kilometres east yellow beach near time beaches designated colours left end beach marked solid red panel mounted tent poles right alternating red white night left red light right alternating red white yellow beach marked way yellow instead red maps models landing sites kept closely guarded soldiers familiar models beaches landing names kept secret rehearsals conducted island series meetings involving herring superior commander corps colonel cooper fifth air_force air commodore joe raaf reached agreement compromise points wanted days reserve rations meant stores transported bulk pre loaded trucks initially wanted loading stores trucks inefficient use shipping space permitted quick unloading trucks simply driven 9th division sufficient trucks trucks advanced base borrowed allow loaded vehicles tank decks fire hazard bulk stores carried instead ammunition requirements based experience desert reliable data usage acute supply difficulties long tons ammunition drawn 10th advanced ammunition depot bay pounders 12th field regiment guns 4th light regiment 9th division shore fire control parties 1st australian naval bombardment group coordinate naval gunfire support specially trained naval depot victoria initially wanted night landing tactical surprise time unloading landing ships japanese aircraft appearance moon september uncertain able correctly locate beaches hour set minutes sunrise air_force commitments support 7th division landing following day air cover available afternoon wanted ships depart raised question ships hours gave assurances unloading continue japanese air attack australian officers memories ferry service royal_navy royal australian navy lost ships keeping port garrison supplied navy attitude good key plan australian forces maintain pressure japanese garrison south west lead landing effort draw japanese reinforcements away completely successful japanese 51st division continued reinforce position thousands japanese troops including elements infantry regiments artillery regiment moved area campaign allied intelligence estimated japanese soldiers combat units battle landing brigadier victor 20th infantry brigade departed bay september waves carried destroyer transports old destroyers converted use high speed amphibious ships uss brooks sands engineer scouts 2nd engineer special brigade engineer boat shore regiment accompanied rest 20th infantry brigade travelled comfortably vii amphibious force fifth air_force carried raids japanese bases september september support operation sinking couple merchant ships totalling tons harbour convoy stopped hours september men allowed japanese betty bombers attacked landing craft inflicted damage casualties night september final voyage landing beaches began landing preceded short naval bombardment destroyers unopposed japanese land forces small number japanese guarding shore choosing abandon posts fight resistance air fifth wave seven coming red beach attacked fighters betty bombers dropped bombs hit deck uss forward conning tower near misses badly damaged bullets fragments ship caught fire remained beach served landmark japanese aircraft eventually towed beach drifted reef total loss uss suffered near miss tore huge hole australians killed including lieutenant colonel wall commanding officer 23rd infantry battalion wounded landing operation continued despite air attacks hours landing craft lowered water men ashore initial phase landing 13th infantry battalion landed yellow beach securing pushed patrols west link 15th infantry battalion landed red beach advancing east mission station secure right flank allied 17th infantry battalion came ashore red beach 15th pushed west force way river establish opposite bank 26th infantry brigade followed 20th brigade ashore conducting passage lines 20th brigade moving position pushing west temporarily assuming control 17th infantry battalion engineers laid wire beaches trees built roads established supply quickly seven bulk loaded insufficient troops designated help unloading heading red beach attacked force japanese aircraft lockheed assist uss bomb hits near misses dive bombers americans killed americans australians wounded uss torpedoed port aft betty bomber americans australians killed wounded particularly hard hit 4th independent company lost dead wounded remaining ships continued red beach arriving schedule way uss took crippled tow brought took cargo later took red beach wounded taken japanese aircraft attacked beach ammunition dump exploded fuel dump set fire lost man killed wounded following day 26th brigade advanced miles initial divisional reserve 24th infantry brigade brought ashore evening september days following landing australians advanced brigades forward 24th coast 26th miles inland right 26th brigade flank security provided 4th independent company 20th brigade remained secure advance following landing east 7th division having concentrated port flown following capture parachute infantry regiment september tasked advancing north west main role act 9th division japanese reinforcements try valleys 9th division initial advance coast met limited resistance largest japanese elements mainly company sized response landing japanese command ordered lieutenant general 51st division reinforce heavily entrenched garrison falling region numerous small creeks rivers west including major rivers inland route 23rd infantry battalion having crossed day began series author joseph morgan described river crossings hard jungle pushing way rivers 23rd village maintaining contact 17th infantry battalion signal cable river 23rd held terrain result commander decided halt form battalion defensive position platoon sergeant don pushed forward near mouth river protection measure provide early warning september company japanese attacked 23rd main defensive position south plantation western river alongside company 24th battalion having alerted platoon sent runners battalion able repel attack numerous casualties inflicted 23rd 17th japanese mortars japanese company numbering men subsequently fell platoon near positioned japanese line retreat australian platoon subjected attacks course afternoon evening heavy rain began fall australian platoon able break contact withdraw 23rd main defensive position japanese assault 23rd subsequently delayed 9th division advance days eventually prove significant time rain set flooding numerous waterways inland coast covered heavy fire opposite bank prove difficult australians cross advance continued stores pushed forward red beach landed fishing village september september plantation 24th 26th infantry brigades undertook resupply advance continued going slow ground saturated thick jungle grass route advance delayed troops cut tracks foliage inland route 24th led way river coast 28th relieved 32nd reached brigades separated 26th advancing alongside miles crossing inland driving september commander japanese 51st division gave order forces begin withdrawal northwards clear twin drives town threatened day australians came significant obstacle advance river widest metres metres deep days heavy rain flooded river making cross need maintain initiative forced australians launch hazardous crossing equipment boats coast 28th infantry battalion command lieutenant colonel norman attempted run cable river failed soldier crossing killed opposite bank squad japanese norman shifted focus mouth river small central island exploited provide cover assaulting troops covered mortars heavy machine guns western australians fixed advanced company lots men extended line japanese opened mortars machine guns concealed positions opposite bank thirteen australians drowned crossing dozens swept away rescued troops neighbouring units 28th pushed subsequently securing opposite bank weather continued 9th division advance 26th brigade inland remained stuck eastern september providing flank security managed river close confluence pushing bridge shortly clashed small party japanese attempting advance bridge japanese killed 26th engineer support brought 7th field company pushing track forward help 48th subsequently arrived boats ropes cables attempts eventually failed engineers came fire opposite bank heavy clashes later took place australians japanese fought desperately swamp crossing uncertain 26th able force way company 48th sent south use 24th brigade crossing advance north western bank help secure brigade finally september engineer stores arrived including equipment folding boats following day small box bridge pushed despite heavy fire opposite bank allowing 26th brigade september 26th infantry brigade leading elements immediately clashed japanese opposite bank worked push battalions mission secure south west northern end airfield 24th infantry brigade pushed 28th coast view advancing anchorage 32nd 43rd invested south airfield addition weather allied supply situation proved problematic geography making resupply efforts difficult service politics led arguments military naval commanders developing capabilities navy risks involved operating close shore factors combined 9th division progress result 7th division troops eventually beat 9th reaching town 25th infantry brigade having fought sharp action heath plantations entering morning september ahead 24th infantry brigade taken airfield day base development brigadier david 26th infantry brigade assumed responsibility capture direction garbage burned japanese bodies cremated bomb shell holes japanese trench filled american australian malaria control units sprayed breeding grounds handed responsibility town brigadier general commander base advance party lieutenant colonel australian base sub area headquarters arrived air september followed main body sea september control australian american bases herring created fortress major general edward intended air base 9th division wanted use casualty evacuation artillery spotting squadron raaf september extended feet widened feet allowing squadron land closure valley road october heavy rainfall meant maintained air fuel shipped drums flown point landing seconds effort engineer aviation battalion road reopened december development port hand envisaged start town captured port blocked sunken barges debris discharge facilities unable hold trucks cargo delivered brought ashore beach australian american operated common pool initially navy allow arrive night november allow operate daylight sunken japanese barges cleared away ton floating crane american engineers installed floating dock towed sections opened october type ship cape discharged day new dock completed november liberty ship older november fuel built bulk petroleum storage facility tanker discharged november inch pipeline run aftermath capture japanese high command determined withdrawal new line defence required total japanese troops subsequently began withdrawing river ranges north east_coast efforts reinforce peninsula 20th division transferred allies captured copy withdrawal order troops 25th infantry battalion clashed japanese force september attempted cut withdrawing troops subsequently heavy clashes valley road troops australian 25th infantry brigade engaged withdrawal japanese troops ran short food abandoned essential equipment including artillery small arms load carriage equipment subsequently reached objective middle october having lost men march japanese strength returns indicated 51st division men sick 9th division lost killed wounded missing allies subsequently launched follow campaign peninsula landing scarlet beach 20th infantry brigade time 22nd infantry battalion australian militia unit landed 4th infantry brigade september relieve 13th 15th infantry battalions free advance west followed japanese withdrawing east marching mission station view placing pressure japanese southern flank feat described greatest march new_guinea campaign days battalion covered miles rugged terrain 7th division later advance valleys range way range campaign advance coupled seizure new georgia gave allies access vital airfields able project air power parts new_guinea developed allied logistics base development wharf roads cut


battle reservoir battle reservoir known reservoir campaign lake campaign korean chinese pinyin decisive battle korean war japanese pronunciation korean forces relied japanese language maps dating occupation korea ended years earlier conclusion world war shortly people republic china entered conflict people volunteer army 9th army northeastern north_korea november chinese 9th army surprised corps commanded major general edward reservoir area brutal day battle freezing weather soon followed period november december united_nations troops later nicknamed field command major general oliver smith encircled attacked approximately chinese troops command song ordered destroy forces forces nonetheless able fighting withdrawal broke inflicting losses chinese battle resulted chinese pushing north_korea victory evacuation corps port marked complete withdrawal troops north_korea background successful landing corps subsequent destruction korean people army korean war appeared united_nations forces advanced rapidly north_korea intention reuniting north south_korea end north_korea divided center impassable mountains separated forces groups eighth army advanced north western coast korean peninsula republic korea corps corps advanced north eastern coast time people republic china entered conflict issuing warnings united_nations october large formations chinese troops dubbed people volunteer army secretly crossed border north_korea chinese units reach reservoir area 42nd corps tasked stopping eastern advances october advancing corps contact chinese halted pass south reservoir landing 1st marine division corps engaged defending division november ensuing battle caused heavy casualties chinese november 42nd corps ordered retreat north intention forces reservoir november 1st marine division occupied eastern reservoir west reservoir faced sudden attacks chinese forces eighth army sector general douglas ordered eighth army launch home christmas offensive support offensive ordered corps attack west reservoir cut vital supply line response major general edward commander corps formulated plan november called 1st marine division advance west 7th infantry division provide regimental combat team protect right flank 3rd infantry division protect left flank providing security rear area corps stretched thin miles surprised marine landing china chairman called immediate destruction capital division 3rd infantry division 1st marine division 7th infantry division telegraph commander song 9th army october urgent orders 9th army rushed north_korea november intelligence 9th army quietly entered reservoir area november 20th corps 9th army relieving 42nd corps near prelude location terrain weather reservoir man lake located northeast korean peninsula japanese pronunciation korean place stuck outdated japanese maps forces battle main focus miles long road connects reservoir served retreat route forces roads located west east reservoir respectively connected road passes eventually leads port area reservoir sparsely populated battle fought terrain winter weather conditions korean war road created cutting hilly terrain korea steep climbs drops dominant peaks pass pass entire length road road quality poor places reduced lane gravel trail november cold siberia descended reservoir temperature low cold weather accompanied frozen ground creating considerable danger casualties roads weapon medical supplies mouth injected frozen blood useless battlefield cutting clothing deal wound batteries radios function properly temperature quickly ran guns rendered useless battle likewise springs firing strike hard fire round jam forces strategies 1st marine division landed corps major general oliver smith 1st marine division shared mutual dated meeting landing spoken easy amphibious landings involved smith believed large numbers chinese forces north_korea despite fact higher headquarters tokyo said felt smith overly cautious mutual distrust commanders smith slow 1st marine division advance reservoir instructions way smith established supply points airfields corps pushing reservoir chinese formulated strategy based experiences chinese civil war working assumption light presence reservoir 9th army destroy garrisons push believing bulk corps scramble rescue destroyed units 9th army block trap main forces road 9th army initially committed divisions battle forces concentrated flaw chinese plan lack accurate intelligence forces corps stretched thin northeast korea slow marine advance allowed bulk 1st marine division including 5th 7th 11th marines concentrated conversely strategically important contained airfield supply dump priority chinese despite lightly defended 1st 7th marines regimental combat team hastily formed regimental combat team 7th infantry division spread eastern bank reservoir units later chinese assaults strength 1st marine division effective strength men start battle reinforced british royal marine commando equivalent strength regiments 3rd 7th infantry divisions forces approximate strength course battle forces supported greatest concentrations air power korean war 1st marine aircraft wing stationed airfield aircraft carriers navy task force able launch sorties daily provide close air support battle air_force far_east combat cargo command japan reached capacity tons supplies day resupply trapped forces 9th army china elite formations composed veterans campaign deficiencies hampered ability battle initially 9th army intended outfitted november suddenly ordered korea happen result 9th army received winter gear harsh korean winter similarly poor logistics forced 9th army abandon heavy artillery working little food ammunition food shortage forced 9th army initially station strength away reservoir reserve starvation exposure soon broke chinese units foraging option sparsely populated reservoir end battle chinese troops died cold combat air raids chinese strength normally assumed chinese troops battle fact 9th army composed divisions strength men division arriving korea 9th army reinforced corps divisions instead regular infantry liberated surrendered nationalist divisions absorbed bring infantry company strength companies men companies reinforced men average division 9th army infantry troops chinese divisions eventually chinese divisions 9th army deployed divisions 20th 27th corps served main attacking force divisions 26th corps initially held reserve deployed 20th corps exhausted available strength battle night november 20th 27th corps 9th army launched multiple attacks road reservoir 5th 7th 11th marines surrounded attacked divisions division attacking road cut communication similarly isolated ambushed divisions 1st marine division command headquarters attacked division finally 60th division surrounded elements 1st marines north caught complete surprise forces cut november actions acting instruction smith ordered 5th marines attack west november attack soon stalled division forced marines dig ridges surrounding night came chinese regiments division attacked ridges north northwest hoping garrison stroke close range fighting soon developed attackers marine positions 5th 7th marines held line inflicting heavy casualties chinese day broke november chinese forces american defenders locked stalemate perimeter battle underway division blocked road attacking defending charlie fox companies 7th marines successful assault forced charlie company retreat left fox company trapped pass vital pass controlled road november efforts 7th marines failed rescue fox company despite inflicting heavy casualties chinese aided artillery marine fighters fox company managed hold days enduring constant attacks division heavy losses suffered division 9th army headquarters realized bulk 1st marine division stationed garrison strength double initial estimate believing assaults futile song ordered 9th army switch main attacks leaving november november time eighth army korean western forced retreat battle river ordered withdraw corps port acting instruction smith lieutenant colonel murray colonel homer commanders 5th 7th marines respectively issued joint order break november faced tough fighting blocking chinese divisions withdrawing marines smith remarked retreat hell retreating advancing different direction breakout marines formed convoy single tank lead plan 3rd battalion 5th marines vanguard convoy battalions covering rear time 1st battalion 7th marines attack fox company order open road pass start breakout 3rd battalion 7th marines attack south capture hill hill order cover road chinese attacks breakout carried air cover 1st marine air wing morning december 3rd battalion 7th marines engaged regiment division hill hill chinese defenders soon forced marines dig slopes road peaks convoy passed position afternoon captured high command division resume attacks division rushed south chinese struck night ferocious fighting forced rear covering forces night fighters suppress attacks fighting lasted morning december marines managed withdraw time 1st battalion 7th marines tried break chinese blockade hill december despite badly reduced combat hunger division sent refused yield night approached finally captured peak started march hills east road relying element surprise managed destroy chinese positions road morning december joint attack fox company secured pass opening road road opened convoy fight numerous chinese positions hills overlooking road night retreat chinese struck convoy force inflicted heavy casualties 3rd battalion 5th marines strong air cover suppressed chinese forces rest march cold weather fire raiding parties road blocks slowed retreat crawl inflicting numerous casualties despite difficulties convoy reached orderly fashion afternoon december withdrawal completed december east reservoir regimental combat team later known task force faith hastily formed regimental combat team 7th infantry division guarded right flank marine advance battle spread thin main elements separated hills north inlet west town south chinese believed reinforced regiment task force actually strength battalion missing bulk 7th infantry division scattered northeast korea night november regiments division attacked northern hills completely surprising defenders ensuing battle inflicted heavy casualties 1st battalion 32nd infantry north 57th field artillery battalion 3rd battalion 31st infantry overrun inlet chinese sent regiment division hill hill controlled road night fighting ended separated elements believing defenders completely destroyed inlet chinese stopped attacks proceeded positions food clothing morning came november 3rd battalion 31st infantry regiment inlet sending surprised chinese complete rout afternoon flew perimeter convinced strong begin attack north deal remnants chinese forces way ordered colonel commander resume offensive north presenting silver stars officers disgust lieutenant colonel don faith commander 1st battalion 32nd infantry threw medal snow night november division attacked regiments inlet chinese assault disaster communications broke devastating fire anti aircraft guns attached 57th field artillery battalion swept chinese ranks aftermath fighting regiment soldiers attacks regiment hand forced order retreat northern hills inlet november 1st battalion managed break chinese blockade reached inlet disappeared chinese soldiers american chinese finally stopped attacks night november waiting fresh reinforcements siege finally instructed 1st marine division rescue breaking impossible order smith implement 31st tank company tried rescue attacking hill infantry support armored attacks november stalled slippery roads rough terrain close infantry assaults november forces evacuated order defend leaving rest completely stranded november major general david commander 7th infantry division flew inlet met faith assumed command faith expressed difficulties breakout particularly wounded carry day parts division rest reinforcements division midnight chinese regiments renewed attacks commander division ordered complete destruction dawn 57th battalion guns held chinese bay shell supplies running desperately low day december faith finally ordered breakout withdraw breakout began soon weather allowed 1st marine aircraft wing provide air cover december soldiers formed convoy tried leave perimeter regiment immediately american forces regiments closing left choice covering aircraft dropped right causing casualties chinese troops resulting wiped blocking chinese company allowing convoy advance way forward heavy small arms fire caused members rear guard seek shelter road instead protecting trucks chinese fire killed wounded trucks drivers viewed job form suicide slowly convoy approached hill late afternoon parties tried clear hill taking hill soldiers continued frozen reservoir instead returning column faith led assault hit chinese grenade subsequently died wounds convoy managed fight past road block reached second chinese attacks soldiers original managed reach survivors deemed able bodied remnants formed provisional army battalion rest battle actions support marine attack important supply dump airfield construction smith 1st marine division headquarters located bulk 1st marine division gathered lightly defended battalions 1st 7th marines rest garrison composed engineers rear support units army marine_corps original chinese plan called division attack night november division lost countryside outdated japanese maps dawn november division arrived fighting occurred previous night garrison noticed chinese forces lieutenant colonel thomas ridge commander 3rd battalion 1st marines predicted chinese attack come night november including rear support units little combat training pressed line manpower shortage entire perimeter alert long regiment attacked western southern perimeter regiment struck hills northern perimeter despite preparations garrison overwhelmed chinese opening gaps defenses reaching rear areas resulting chaos caused breakdown discipline chinese soldiers began looting food clothing instead exploiting situation defending americans managed destroy chinese forces breakdown communications chinese regiments allowed gaps close fighting stopped chinese gained east hill northern perimeter attack planned night november air raids broke chinese formations carried given critical manpower shortage november smith ordered colonel lewis marine regiment assemble task force sent north open road south response task force formed troops royal marine commando company 1st marines company 31st infantry task force dubbed task force commander lieutenant colonel douglas commanded commando afternoon november task force pushed north constant attack 60th division task force experience later earned road nickname hell fire valley chinese attacks dragged task force disorganized destroyed truck convoy later split task force segments lead segment task force fought way night november rear segment destroyed despite suffering wounded dead missing task force managed bring badly needed defense reinforcements arrived november garrisons attempted recapture east hill efforts failed despite destruction chinese company darkness settled division gathered remaining soldiers ditch attempt capture reinforced defenders annihilated attacking forces defences east hill giving way chinese tried advance east hill cut 31st tank company december division virtually destroyed remainder waiting reinforcements 26th corps 9th army frustration song 26th corps arrive marines broke airfield opened traffic december allowing forces bring reinforcements evacuate dead wounded marines completing withdrawal december trapped forces finally start breakout port breakout short period rest breakout began december 7th marines vanguard retreating column 5th marines covered rear time delayed 26th corps arrived division relieving 60th divisions 7th marines pushed aside division south 5th marines took perimeter recaptured east hill division effort stop breakout customary chinese night attack returned division striking perimeter directions marines repulsed chinese attacks inflicting heavy casualties 7th marines opened road capturing high ground surrounding road soon marines pulled division returned peaks attacked column chaotic fighting broke column retreat slowed crawl marine night fighters returned subdue chinese forces fighting destroyed blocking troops december rest column managed reach little difficulty elements arrived night failure 26th corps high command ordered 26th 27th corps chase escaping force 20th corps blocking escape route 20th corps destroyed forces remnants 60th divisions desperation song ordered troops dig pass blowing vital bridge hoping terrain obstacles allow 26th 27th corps catch retreating forces regiment occupied hill blew original concrete bridge improvised replacements succession believing bridge rendered response 1st battalion 1st marines attacked hill south hill captured december defenders fought man time 7th marines attacked bridge north encounter defenders frozen path blocked pass flying flown troop carrier wing drop portable bridge sections parachute bridge consisting separate long sections dropped section time parachute section sections additional wooden extensions successfully replacement bridge marine_corps combat engineers army engineer bridge company december enabling forces proceed 60th divisions tried slow advance raids weeks non stop fighting chinese divisions combined soldiers left forces left pass december engagements withdrawal ambush pursuing division task force dog 3rd infantry division repulsed little difficulty trapped forces finally reached perimeter december evacuation time forces arrived ordered evacuation corps december order reinforce eighth army badly depleted retreating rapidly 38th parallel following orders corps 1st marine regiment 3rd infantry division 7th infantry division set defensive positions port skirmishes broke defending 7th 17th infantry pursuing 27th corps strong naval gun fire support provided navy task force badly 9th army shape approach perimeter historians called greatest evacuation movement sea military history ship assembled port evacuated troops heavy equipment roughly korean refugees victory ship meredith victory evacuated refugees unit left december port destroyed deny use chinese north korean forces 27th corps entered morning december aftermath corps evacuated eastern eighth army retreated 38th parallel western aftermath battle river entire collapsing race ended communist forces china north_korea korean war drag half years armistice signed july loss north_korea corps corps later reported total battle casualties marines army south attached american formations british royal marines outside combat losses 1st marine division reported non battle casualties cold weather despite losses corps preserved strength soldiers civilians vehicles tons supplies shipped later rejoin war effort korea smith credited saving corps destruction 1st marine division royal marine commando army awarded presidential unit citation battle fourteen marines soldiers navy pilot received medal honor troops served later honored nickname september veterans korean war reservoir battle memorial unveiled united_states marine_corps commandant general james conway camp china status major military power following victory victory came cost escape corps corps vision realized failure caused song offer resignation time heavy casualties caused combat poor logistical support destroyed elite divisions 20th 27th corps divisions divisions forced march 9th army return normal strength combat effective absence nearly percent chinese forces korea early heavy chinese losses ultimately enabled forces maintain korea operation glory battle casualties buried temporary grave sites road operation glory took place july november dead exchanged remains soldiers marines exchanged north korean chinese dead addition civilians died prisoner war camps turned south korean government operation glory korean war buried national memorial cemetery pacific according defense prisoner war missing personnel office white paper names transmitted operation glory chinese north proved correct returned remains found individuals found americans identified korean war associated north_korea excavated returned sets remains possibly include servicemen identified remains remains recovered battle site recovered near chinese border


battle malta convoy battle malta convoy naval engagement french revolutionary wars fought february siege malta french garrison city malta siege eighteen months blockaded combined force british portuguese irregular forces sea royal_navy squadron overall command lord nelson base sicily february government replaced portuguese troops forces soldiers malta nelson lord keith arriving february french garrison early suffering severe food shortages desperate effort retain garrison effectiveness convoy arranged toulon carrying food armaments reinforcements jean february french convoy approached malta southeast hoping pass shoreline evade british blockade squadron february british ship hms alexander sighted french gave chase followed rest nelson squadron keith remained french ships british pursuit transport overhauled forced surrender flagship intercepted smaller frigate hms success opening exchange fire success badly damaged mortally wounded delay caused engagement allowed main body british squadron catch french ship badly outnumbered surrendered died shortly receiving wound supplies reached malta held seven months increasing odds surrendering september background french revolutionary wars french expeditionary force sailed toulon general napoleon crossing mediterranean force captured malta early june continued making landfall egypt june landing near alexandria captured city advanced inland completing stage projected campaign asia french fleet command vice admiral paul directed anchor bay northeast alexandria support army ashore august anchored fleet surprised attacked british fleet rear admiral sir nelson ensuing battle thirteen french ships line frigates captured destroyed killed survivors french fleet struggled bay august splitting near crete sailed north encountering capturing british fourth rate ship hms route ships tell frigates charles sailed westwards malta arriving island came siege malta dissolution roman_catholic_church french rule extremely unpopular native population auction church property september armed uprising begun forced french garrison commanded general retreat capital end month garrison numbered approximately men limited food stocks efforts bring supplies sea restricted squadron british portuguese ships stationed harbour blockade command nelson lord nelson based sicily directly managed captain alexander ball ship line hms alexander number factors including inadequate food production malta lack resources troops caused commitments mediterranean appearance french fleet admiral western mediterranean contributed blockade despite supplies reached garrison troops beginning suffer effects starvation disease late year ball went ashore assist troops conducting siege replaced command alexander lieutenant william january recognising danger surrendering french_navy prepared convoy toulon consisting captain gun gun transport ships force command jean recently exchanged parole captured acre previous year instructed approach coast southwest intention passing blockade squadron shore entering malta british discover intercept convoy sailed february addition supplies convoy carried nearly french soldiers reinforce garrison unnecessary measure completely counteract garrison food stocks french planned reinforcement royal_navy preparing replace portuguese marines stationed malta troops supplied king ferdinand nelson recently blockade duties favour politics court particular emma lady hamilton wife british ambassador sir william hamilton instructed accompany convoy reinforcement effort led vice admiral lord keith nelson superior overall commander chief mediterranean flagship hms queen charlotte battle keith convoy arrived malta week february disembarked troops stationed february keith received word frigate hms success french convoy approaching island direction sicily success commanded captain ordered watch waters discovering french ships convoy toulon approach malta receiving message keith issued rapid orders hms lion cover channel malta offshore island nelson flagship hms hms hms northumberland joined alexander southeastern coast malta keith remained queen charlotte observing squadron harbour daylight february alexander sighted french convoy sailing coast gave chase nelson ships visible transport overhauled surrendered lieutenant ship smaller vessels hauled sea led unable follow bring french ship action alexander instead bore holding position station prevented alexander easily coming action gave captain success opportunity close french ship bringing small vessel ship line bow opening heavy fire able ship french officers managed turn vessel fire frigate inflicting severe damage rigging masts stage longer command shot broadside thrown splinters left eye temporarily remaining deck called crew est notre friends continue work gave orders ship turned second broadside success tore right leg thigh collapsed deck success badly damaged drifting delay allowed nelson flagship captain sir edward northumberland captain george martin come fired shots french warship point french officers fired single broadside approaching british ships surrendered remaining french ships escaped eventually reached toulon british squadron consolidated prizes returned keith toulon british losses engagement man killed wounded success french losses confined died wounds evening death met mixed response british squadron regretted death capable man considered lucky honour violating parole captured previous year aftermath french surrender taken sir edward aboard ship prisoner war following capture nelson particular pleased capture french ships line escaped battle years earlier french ship lightly damaged sent repairs lieutenant lord brother queen charlotte passage ship caught severe storm leadership personal example set brothers ship survived reach port ship taken british service shortly hms nelson credited victory keith nelson praised efforts discovering french convoy bringing battle presence british squadron malta time arrival french convoy largely luck factor ball attributed nelson letter written emma hamilton shortly battle truly heaven born admiral fortune goes carrying blockade malta sixteen months time enemy attempted throw month arrived day leagues island captured principal ships reached port pleased result engagement lord keith issued strict instructions nelson remain active command blockade account return port sicily use syracuse instead keith sailed flagship destroyed sudden fire killed crew keith board time early march nelson tired blockade defiance keith instructions returned leaving captain thomas hms command blockade squadron march nelson absent ship line tell survivor attempted break malta chased defeated british squadron led nelson briefly returned april aboard ship time spent company emma romantically attached captain joseph acquitted automatic court martial loss ships french_navy efforts reach malta subsequent efforts french warships break port met blockade frigate breaking reaching france supplies carried convoy starvation disease spread garrison end august french soldiers dying rate day september finally turning island british retained years


operation frequent wind operation frequent wind final phase evacuation american civilians risk vietnamese south vietnam prior takeover city north vietnamese army fall carried april days vietnam war people evacuated helicopter points resulted number enduring images evacuation plans existed standard procedure american beginning march fixed wing aircraft began evacuating civilians tan son airport neighboring countries mid april plans place preparations underway possible helicopter evacuation imminent collapse evident task force assembled coast near support helicopter evacuation provide air support required event air support needed north vietnamese week outskirts possibly waiting south vietnamese government collapse avoiding possible confrontation allowing unopposed evacuation americans april tan son air base lying adjacent airport came artillery fire attack vietnamese people air_force aircraft fixed wing evacuation terminated operation frequent wind commenced evacuation took place primarily defense office compound beginning afternoon april ending night limited small arms damage helicopters embassy intended secondary evacuation point embassy staff soon overwhelmed desperate south vietnamese evacuation embassy completed april country nationals left tens thousands vietnamese evacuated sea air collapse south vietnam numerous boats ships helicopters fixed wing aircraft sailed flew evacuation fleet helicopters began ship decks eventually pushed overboard allow land pilots helicopters told drop passengers ditch sea rescued fixed wing evacuation people including vietnamese evacuated tan son operation frequent wind total americans vietnamese country nationals evacuated helicopter total number vietnamese evacuated frequent wind self evacuated ending custody united_states processing refugees enter united_states totalled operation debut combat deployment aircraft planning planning evacuation americans south vietnamese allies south vietnam begun prior april president ford met national security council april told henry maximum million people identified possible included american citizens relatives diplomatic corps country nationals contract government employees estimated people addition vietnamese relatives american citizens senior vietnam officials people identified potential vietnamese employed american officials highest levels intelligence community cia director william certain south vietnamese government collapse government speed north vietnamese advance spring offensive quickly south vietnam army collapse evacuation plans standard american frequent wind plan developed number years originally operation renamed frequent wind original compromised frequent wind plan estimate approximately citizens country nationals evacuated able estimate number south vietnamese include approximately risk vietnamese embassy rolls average seven family meant number requiring evacuation taken categories vietnamese number quickly increased frequent wind plan set possible evacuation options follows option evacuation commercial tan son south vietnamese airports required option evacuation military tan son south vietnamese airports required option evacuation sea lift port option evacuation helicopter navy ships south china sea option helicopter evacuation expected similar operation eagle pull american evacuation air april preparations ground april evacuation control center manned army navy air_force marine_corps personnel began operating defense office compound hour shifts increasing hour shifts day april plan implemented utilize defend compound annex holding area intended care days april complete water rations petroleum oil backup electricity generators installed facilities completed wire protected perimeter april air america pilot robert assigned navy liaison officer surveyed buildings possible landing zones selecting fit use workers pacific architects engineers visited remove painted exact dimensions helicopter president ford address american public april promised evacuate vietnamese civilians categories 9th marine amphibious brigade 9th supply helicopters security force evacuation sent delegation consult ambassador graham martin current plans april ambassador martin told tolerate outward signs united_states intended abandon south vietnam planning conducted discretion brigadier general richard carey commander 9th flew day ambassador martin later said visit cold non productive appeared ambassador thirteen marines marine security guard detachment deployed compound april replace marine guards withdrawn closed providing security point late april air america helicopters flying daily compound enable 9th conduct evacuation preparations exceeding paris peace limit maximum military personnel south vietnam government continuing observe obligations notwithstanding north vietnamese invasion late april marines ordered abandon marshall hall marine house street street recreation area embassy compound major evacuation points chosen operation frequent wind compound adjacent tan son airport american vietnamese civilian embassy embassy staff plan evacuation included buses positioned buildings metropolitan designated pick points american civilian bus drivers standing buildings buses follow planned evacuation routes downtown compound route named western trail santa oregon texas etc options fixed wing evacuation late march embassy began reduce number citizens vietnam encouraging non essential personnel leave country commercial flights military command mac aircraft bringing emergency military supplies late march mac aircraft arriving day evacuation civilians vietnamese april aircraft carrying vietnamese escorts suffered explosive sea near crash landing attempting return tan son people board died crash following crash cause unknown fleet grounded mac reduced loading possible required seat reducing number passengers carried flight carry passengers carry restrictions relaxed ignored altogether pace evacuation armed guards present flight prevent possibility american commercial contract carriers continued fly tan son decreasing frequency addition military aircraft australia indonesia iran poland france countries flew evacuate embassy personnel april proceeded slowly largely difficulties experienced americans obtaining necessary south vietnamese government enable vietnamese result mac aircraft departing finally april simple procedure implemented cleared jam number dramatically increased april onwards fall april resignation president april brought greater crowds seeking evacuation compound apparent south vietnam days numbered april flights day flying tan son clark air base miles away philippines april president ferdinand philippines announced vietnamese allowed philippines time increasing strain mac clark air base guam wake island air base president family left tan son april exile taiwan april federal aviation authority banned commercial flights south vietnam directive subsequently reversed operators ignored case effectively marked end commercial tan son april rockets hit time decided time evacuation greater relatively little difference cargo loads aircraft loaded taking excess task force fall imminent april navy concentrated large ships commander task force comprising task force uss blue ridge command ship task group movement transport group alpha uss okinawa uss vancouver uss uss task group movement transport group uss uss durham uss frederick task group movement transport group charlie uss anchorage uss denver uss uss mobile task force joined uss uss midway carrying marine air_force 21st special operations squadron 40th rescue recovery squadron helicopters seventh fleet flagship uss oklahoma city amphibious ships uss mount uss county uss guided missile frigate uss destroyer types naval gunfire escort area defense including uss richard anderson uss uss uss uss uss cook uss uss enterprise uss coral sea carrier attack groups task force south china sea provided air cover task force ensured support marine evacuation contingent 9th marine amphibious brigade task group consisted battalion landing teams 2nd battalion 4th marines 2nd battalion 9th marines 3rd battalion 9th marines helicopter squadrons support units marine aircraft group addition flotilla military command ships assembled carried evacuations port fleet comprised boats stamina following large transport ships american challenger pioneer green forest green port victory pioneer contender pioneer commander sgt sgt andrew miller tan son attack april piloted pilots defected vietnamese people air_force fall dropped bombs tan son air base destroying aircraft took pursuit unable intercept leaving tan son reported receiving north vietnamese army anti aircraft aaa fire sporadic rocket artillery attacks started hit airport air base flights stopped temporarily air attack resumed april april major general homer smith senior defense informed evacuation control center flights come april evacuate people april rocket hit compound instantly killing marine mcmahon judge american ground casualties vietnam flown crew tactical squadron destroyed rocket pick refugees tan son air base crew evacuated burning aircraft departed airfield previously landed fixed wing aircraft leave tan son artillery rounds rockets hit compound dawn began depart tan son air base departed thailand took search ships aircraft stayed continue fight advancing spent night april dropping firing approaching dawn april began patrolling perimeter tan son feet shot presumably missile firing east tan son hit fell flames ground april major general smith advised ambassador martin fixed wing evacuations cease operation frequent wind helicopter evacuation personnel risk vietnamese commence ambassador martin refused accept general smith recommendation instead insisted visiting tan son survey situation ambassador martin confirmed general smith assessment contacted washington recommend option helicopter evacuation finally order given commence option confusion chain command general carey receive execute order lieutenant general commander staff arrived compound demanding evacuation signifying complete loss command control option white christmas april preparation evacuation american embassy distributed page booklet called safe short standard instruction advice civilians emergency booklet included map assembly areas helicopter pick insert page read note signal disclose personnel evacuation ordered code read armed forces radio code temperature degrees rising followed playing dreaming white christmas frank later recalled arrival helicopters embassy song playing radio bizarre time japanese journalists concerned recognize tune sing evacuation signal given buses began pick passengers head compound system worked efficiently buses able return journeys expected biggest problem occurred guarding main gate tan son refused allow convoy buses compound happening units broke caught buses vehicles eventually commander controlling gates agreed permit remaining buses enter compound general carey threat use helicopter flying overhead played role commander decision security air support known try disrupt evacuation planners possible account ensure safety success evacuation staff 9th prescribed altitudes routes flight safety operation mid air collisions planners chose altitudes provide separation traffic capability avoid enemy aaa missile threat feet flights feet navy ships altitudes high avoid small arms artillery fire event shot helicopter mechanical malfunction forced emergency landing hostile territory carrying man quick reaction hawk teams marines 1st platoon company 1st battalion 9th marines uss blue ridge ready land provide security enabling search rescue helicopter pick crew addition provide medical evacuation capabilities fly cover transport helicopters ground units requested support serve forward air controllers air wings uss enterprise uss coral sea ready provide close air support anti aircraft suppression required attack aircraft provide continuous fighter cover evacuation route including flying enterprise combat deployment new aircraft operating air base air base air base thailand overhead duration helicopter evacuation airborne command control controlled air operations land provided air cover daylight replaced 16th special operations squadron night strategic air command provided air air evacuation proceeded interference aircraft flying air cover evacuation reported tracked surface air radar vicinity air base fallen april missile launches leadership completion evacuation risk american intervention apparently instructed general target members police promised evacuation exchange protecting american evacuation buses control crowds city evacuation troops repeatedly hit american helicopters small arms fire evacuation causing damage despite receiving sporadic aaa fire aircraft attacks aaa sam sites evacuation despite concern military threats weather presented danger beginning operation pilots wave reported weather feet scattered feet overcast miles visibility visibility decreased mile meant scattered clouds existed flight path solid layer clouds miles heads obscured sun curtain altered diminished daylight line sight visibility mile weather conditions deteriorated operation continued air america evacuation plan agreed air america committed available helicopters support evacuation pilots agreed stay support evacuation meant helicopters pilot usual april tan son airport air america began helicopter fixed wing pilots homes air america compound tan son road compound air america helicopters started flying rooftop compound flew ships air america fixed wing aircraft departed tan son evacuating non essential personnel vietnamese carry headed thailand point morning personnel took air america bell air america ramp security situation air america compound deteriorating general carey wish risk marines extending perimeter cover air america compound air america helicopters time operated tennis courts annex created fuel problems air america longer access fuel supplies compound initially refused fuel ships according naval archives air america bell landed air vice marshal madame martin wife ambassador martin uss denver contemporary reports state photos marshal piloted uss midway approximately air america bell serial number landed roof apartment building long street collect senior vietnamese intelligence source family building approved agreed point lee hotel circle declared cia station chief tom asked deputy chief embassy air branch change building home assistant station chief elevator shaft believed capable supporting weight boarded air america embassy rooftop flew short distance building helped approximately board narrow scene famously captured film van popular culture air america helicopters continued rooftop nightfall time navigation increasingly difficult helicopters designated check americans left helicopters low fuel headed located uss midway uss shut air america flights ceased available fleet damaged air america moved compound embassy ships compound helicopters carrying general carey colonel gray commander regimental landing team landed compound approach compound carey gray got view firepower shelled nearby tan son airport ground rocket artillery fire quickly established command post preparation arrival marine ground security force wave loaded command groups alpha company reinforced company arrived compound marines quickly moved reinforce perimeter defenses approached helicopters taken rifle grenade fire troops causing apparent damage second wave landed compound bringing rest wave 40th rescue recovery squadron operating uss midway arrived shortly alpha command group rifle companies mortar platoon deployed headquarters building adjacent landing zones companies respectively occupied northern southern sections headquarters annex command group consisting rifle companies rifle platoon assumed responsibility security annex adjoining landing zones company occupied eastern section annex company assumed control western section loaded left compound delivered operation frequent wind general carey ordered extraction 3rd platoon company landed compound april assist marine security guard general carey transferred men embassy compound provide additional security assistance embassy general carey directed remaining elements guarding annex withdrawn headquarters await flight completed new defensive perimeter encompassed loaded helicopters evacuation landing control teams annex completed general carey ordered withdrawal ground security forces compound marines destroyed satellite terminal compound means direct communication outside world april grenades having previously placed selected buildings ignited left parking lot carrying elements embassy april marines 9th uss flown air america helicopters civilian clothes compound augment marine security guards assigned defend embassy additional marines assigned protect ambassador martin martin remained optimistic negotiated settlement reached pull south vietnam effort panic instructed major james commanding officer marine security guard battalion ground support force commander united_states embassy compound begin remove tree trees prevented use embassy parking lot helicopter landing zone morning april estimated approximately people gathered embassy embassy compounds crowds prevented use buses transporting embassy compound evacuation embassy gates closed prevent crowd eligible known marine guards embassy staff manning walls lifted walls embassy compound arriving embassy dan deputy prime minister minister responsible social welfare refugee lieutenant general van major marines cut trees moved vehicles create embassy parking lot building available embassy compound rooftop sea knights new parking lot heavier air america began smaller assembly points city dropping embassy rooftop sighted heading compound tan son major contacted seventh fleet advise requirements time fleet believed embassy compound helicopters required evacuate ambassador martin marines embassy inside embassy found space available inside embassy compound staff proceeded alcohol embassy stores embassy roof floated intelligence documents currency embassy official said million dollars burned landed embassy april approximately additional marines 2nd battalion 4th marines lifted compound reinforce perimeter security embassy bringing total number marines embassy evacuation compound completed helicopters routed embassy major informed operations cease dark major advised lit vehicles moved parking lot engines running pilot informed major admiral commander task force ordered operations cease major saw ambassador martin request contact oval office ensure continued ambassador martin soon sent word major sorties continue flown time general carey met admiral convince resume flights embassy despite pilot fatigue poor visibility caused darkness fires bad weather april landing embassy minutes time embassy indicated lifts complete evacuation time major estimated non american americans including marines ambassador martin told major best ambassador martin ordered major remaining parking lot marines final perimeter president ford ordered additional lifts allowed complete evacuation lift limit exceeded major went rooftop spoke helicopter radio general carey advised president ford ordered limited personnel major ordered withdraw men building withdraw rooftop evacuation major returned ground floor ordered men withdraw large main entrance marines inside crowds outside embassy broke gates compound marines closed door elevators locked sixth floor marines withdrew locking gates ground floor water tanker driven door crowd began surge building rooftop marines rooftop sealed doors discourage crowd trying break sporadic gunfire embassy passed rooftop ambassador martin boarded sea knight sign lady ace flown uss blue ridge lady ace transmitted tiger helicopter crews flying thought mission complete delayed evacuating marines embassy rooftop evacuated battalion landing team anxious wait lone swift arrived evacuate major remaining men marine security guards helicopter took april landed uss okinawa tanks smashed gates presidential palace palace embassy raised flag national liberation south vietnam building vietnam war chaos sea course operation unknown number helicopters flew remained south vietnam fleet stolen uss blue ridge pilots instructed dropping passengers ditch helicopters picked ship pilot stolen told ditch port quarter ship reluctant flying ship starboard bow jumped helicopter height feet helicopter turned hit uss blue ridge hitting sea tail embedded engine air america bell hot rear ship air america pilot shut helicopter left moments later attempted land locked air america bell pushing overboard stolen air america bell landed uss navy pilots flew uss okinawa south vietnamese helicopters landed ships pushed overboard room helicopters land helicopters dropped passengers sea pilots close ships pilots moment picked rescue boats notable events occurred uss midway pilot dropped note deck carrier note read helicopter land runway fly hour time rescue major wife child midway captain chambers ordered flight deck crew clear landing area process estimated million worth helicopters pushed overboard south china sea deck clear major approached deck bounced touched halt room spare major fixed wing pilot land carrier second recovered uss midway afternoon time aerial evacuation tens thousands south vietnamese fled aboard small craft pulled barges filled people port flotilla republic vietnam navy vessels concentrated long island southwest sailors families civilians board afternoon april moved away coast picking refugees went task force carrying operation frequent wind navy group set sail reception centers philippines guam results evacuation fixed wing evacuation people including vietnamese evacuated tan son marine pilots accumulated flight hours flew sorties operation frequent wind evacuation personnel compound lasted hours involved marine_corps air_force helicopters helicopter evacuation total americans vietnamese country nationals evacuated compound vietnamese country nationals embassy giving total americans vietnamese country nationals addition air america helicopters aircraft brought additional ships vietnamese allowed enter united_states migration refugee assistance act left embassy including south korean citizens brigadier general intelligence chief south korean embassy south korean civilians evacuated general diplomats held captive april operation success images evacuation ultimate american involvement vietnam president ford later called sad tragic period america history argued couldn help proud pilots conducting evacuation nixon pledge peace honor vietnam defeat contributed crisis confidence affected america 1970s casualties operation size complexity frequent wind casualties relatively light marine mcmahon judge killed compound members forces killed action operation ground casualties vietnam marine ran fuel searching uss okinawa sea crew members rescued boat uss swift uss flown captain william lieutenant michael crashed sea approach ship having flown night sea air rescue mission enlisted crew members survived bodies pilots recovered cause crash determined memorials demolition embassy ladder leading rooftop removed sent united_states display ford presidential museum bird dog major landed uss midway display national museum naval aviation naval air station pensacola florida lady ace serial number display flying aviation museum san_diego california popular culture afternoon april van based photographer united press international took iconic photo operation frequent wind air america rooftop picking vietnamese building photo apartment building long street street residence embassy cia employees embassy van photo frequently political cartoons commenting foreign policy act stage musical miss depicts events leading operation frequent wind main protagonists chris kim separated result evacuation writer acknowledged musical inspired pictures evacuation hugh van believed miss photo considered legal action decided simpsons end episode season australia simpsons evacuated american embassy angry australians gather outside scene reminiscent van famous photo homer asks helicopter pilot taken aircraft carrier told closest vessel uss walter laundry ship operation subject pbs documentary days vietnam archival collections guide van narrative operation frequent wind special collections archives libraries california days vietnam youtube bbc news footage fall news footage fall youtube facilities map scenes operation frequent wind youtube 21st frequent wind incident gallery video clip footage evacuation operations underway aboard uss midway including historic landing pilot major


action april action april small naval battle fought french frigate british frigates principally hms blockade brest france napoleonic wars wars central british strategy french ports international trade attempt restrict french imports food military supplies simultaneously damage french economy achieve british warships maintained constant french coastline attacking ships attempted enter leave french ports despite threat ships faced communication transfer supplies france colonies vital french war effort french_navy constant attempts evade patrolling british squadrons late significant french squadron deployed isle france mauritius disrupt british trade indian_ocean force required reinforcement supply france periodic attempts reach isolated convoy new frigates new fast ship carrying guns large quantity needed naval supplies order leave home port brest necessary avoid contact british frigates constantly watched entrance harbour search enemy movement april ships hms loosely supported patrolling ships tasked specifically capture acting intelligence passed admiralty emerged april immediately spotted chased retained contact night brought french ship action morning april ensuing battle fiercely contested ships suffered severe damage heavy casualties outcome battle second british frigate hms arrived outnumbered french captain saw alternative surrendered ship late arrival captain robert claimed victory sparked furious argument developed lasting animosity captain michael failure reach isle france repercussions french squadron naval supplies severely limited ability operate sea long periods time hampered late vessels background napoleonic wars french revolutionary wars preceded british_royal_navy enjoyed complete dominance sea superiority entrenched french ships left port meant breaking system blockading warships major french harbour biggest port france time brest brittany greatest concentration british warships french coast concentrated main squadron formed large ships line dubbed offshore squadron position miles coast avoid risks posed rocky shore complemented squadron formed primarily frigates tasked watching entry points brest ports frigates sailed independently small squadrons maintaining contact offshore squadron signals boats despite sea numbers experience frigates french_navy required leave port regularly raiding missions british commerce convoy supplies reinforcements overseas regions french empire colonies formed bases french commerce raiders determined effort develop raiding squadron french indian_ocean territories isle france ships led commodore required regular resupply france unable repair damage ammunition food reserves indian_ocean islands early decided reinforce resupply squadron newly built frigate brest captain jean january john captain frigate hms squadron obtained information preparing sail brest passed information admiralty took immediate steps intercept french ship purpose selected captains michael hms frederick lewis hms captains extensive experience serving squadron brest lost arm glorious june favour recent capture french frigate action november patrols led capture entered verbal agreement prize money earned shared equally crews agreement continued new commission guarded captains discovered hms hunting area march furious ordered away battle april laden provisions naval stores isle france sailed brest passing rocky passages sheltered port night avoiding discovery regular squadron steering westwards good time travelling nearly nmi days intention escaping british patrols bay reaching open atlantic april spotted sails northwest assuming british turned southwards hope sails belonged immediately gave chase day ships sailed southward slightly gaining leaving far ship disappearing view darkness fell attempted throw pursuit night turning westwards anticipated manoeuvre turned ship westwards discovering miles ahead rapidly gaining french ship began firing bow small guns situated bows frigate attempt damage rigging bring bear responded stern april clear going catch french frigate pursuit exhausting sighting british ships travelled nmi nmi spanish coast caught opened fire immediately responding turning northeast attempt shake british ship followed opponent close engage frigates firing close range hour able pull bows inflicting devastating fire french ship caused terrible damage forward collision caused little damage opponent time east frigates close shot started fires placed decks deter boarding actions main collapsed fire broke main severely damaged mainmast fell deck combination shot damage stress high winds mainmast collapsed minutes later frigates stopped firing confusion decks brought control badly damaged despite best efforts unable close ensure surrender overseeing hasty repairs hope getting away recover new ship emerged darkness soon revealed british frigate hms deployed force blockading ports northern spain commander captain robert successful officer commended weeks earlier raiding french held port immediately pulled alongside fired single shot shot missed target struck ship threw splinters struck forehead badly wounded man hit opened fire surrendering immediately aftermath aside captain casualties severe sides killed wounded crew french ship lost killed wounded crew british officers began minutes french surrender took possession sent note informing seized valuable french nautical charts french captain personal stores note requested send surgeon gone aboard assist wounded ready leave notice hasty repairs dealing casualties responded angrily forcing return stores annoyed late arrival meant entitled half prize money captured frigate having fighting repairs completed april plymouth arriving april arrival britain celebrated rewarded second victory months officers promoted purchased navy sum split government crew number parties share went captors came dispute intention agreement refused allow share prize money took court ensuing legal battle lasted years deliberately role capture public privately admitting victory entirely bitter enemies animosity continued lives remained navy successful careers years later battle actions recognised attached naval general service medal awarded application british participants living france action infamous supposedly sent subsequently printed edited form newspaper report later dispute claimed largely undamaged arrival actually surrendered french captain arrived story totally invented widely believed france time effect mauritius campaign defeat immediately apparent squadron remaining menace british shipping aftermath destructive battle grand port french unable repair ships lack naval stores effectiveness declined unable resist invasion isle france november inability directly related failure french frigates sent reinforce resupply island reach captured driven route


battle plantation battle plantation june took place near village island solomon islands archipelago world war involving forces australia new_zealand japan battle wider campaign begun late lasted end war august battle formed australian efforts liberate northern fighting occurred company sized australian force 31st 51st infantry battalion amphibious landing north plantation attempt japanese positions holding advance 26th 31st 51st infantry battalions 11th brigade australians landed unopposed established small perimeter landing craft ran aground unable bring heavy weapons support elements ashore troops japanese naval garrison force quickly surrounded supply situation grew desperate australians forced withdraw course evacuation sea landing craft ran aground days unsuccessful rescue attempts eventually early morning june australian survivors picked battle victory japanese proved instrumental helping regain initiative northern sector result shortly australian forces changed focus operations southern sector island able advance coastal plain main japanese position end war considerable criticism planning undertaken australians prior operation argued operation failed poor intelligence lack resources ultimately unnecessary background strategic situation japanese forces landed early capturing small force australians island subsequently developed island conduct operations northern solomon islands attack allied lines communication united_states australia southwest pacific area bases helped protect major japanese garrison naval base new_guinea allied planners determined vital japanese base marines conducted amphibious landing cape western coast island north empress bay november initial counter attack repulsed marines replaced garrison army troops began consolidating position establishing strong perimeter march japanese launched heavy counter attack turned casualties situation largely static japanese focused primarily forces chose adopt mainly defensive posture focused maintaining perimeter november australian corps consisting mainly militia troops command lieutenant general stanley took responsibility allied operations corps november december australian units began relieving americans subsequent operations philippines japanese forces actually numbered men time allied intelligence failed determine accurately estimating defenders result error australian planning staff believed opposed roughly equal sized force australian corps commander orders general thomas commander chief australian military forces war destroy japanese resistance committing major forces limiting casualties consequently decided pursue limited offensive campaign clear japanese majority japanese force believed concentrated south result main effort australian plan focused driving supporting operations conducted fronts north planned japanese forced narrow peninsula contained centre seizure pearl ridge australians control east west avenues approach protection counter attacks opening way drive east_coast australian troops largely inexperienced according historian james fresh equipped according james japanese force reinforced troops weapons equipment spent foraging establishing food supplies island food reserves months build australian forces hampered lack resources focused largely operations philippines australian operations borneo considered priority ultimately considerations impact australian strategy island limited amphibious support available initial moves australians perimeter garrison outer islands september october november australians took officially americans later month troops 7th brigade left perimeter took small forces holding outposts trail centre island couple minor skirmishes followed culminating battle pearl ridge late december 11th brigade command brigadier john took control northern sector island 7th brigade transferred southern sector main offensive january efforts liberate northern island brigade advanced north coast mission clearing main settlements sending patrols inland effort flush japanese high features effort draw fighting open mid january lead australian battalion 31st 51st infantry battalion command lieutenant colonel joseph kelly came strong japanese position ridge course weeks fought gain control feature australians lost killed wounded japanese men killed preliminary moves following fighting ridge 31st 51st relieved 26th infantry battalion australians continued advance north course months 26th advanced axes downs ridge crossed river coast element advanced river forces linked crossed proceeded north plantation barges land forces peninsula locations japanese forces lines communication landings took place island island april 26th relieved 55th 53rd infantry battalion advanced north australians planned peninsula late casualties 55th 53rd meant withdrawn line 26th infantry battalion moved replace 31st 51st start june australians stretched mile line bay june 31st 51st infantry battalion began patrolling operations plantation companies committed operations company focusing north eastern plantation company patrolled east clashes followed days australians lost killed japanese australian intelligence suggested japanese concentrated strongly approaches peninsula order deal positions decided amphibious landing company 31st 51st infantry battalion near plantation miles north launch attack rear main force consisting remainder 31st 51st 26th infantry battalion pushed north establish new position line planning phase concerns raised officers size force allocated distance breakthrough force required advance link force landing ultimately discounted evening june australian battalion commander outlined plan afternoon following day rehearsal landings undertaken final preparations night june continued day opposing forces australian landing force consisted men embarked landing craft bulk force infantry company platoon company 31st 51st infantry battalion command captain clyde downs artillery support provided 11th 12th batteries 4th field regiment 2nd mountain battery supporting units included engineers 16th field company 42nd assault landing craft company medical support 19th field ambulance logistics support supply platoon aerial reconnaissance indicated strong japanese fortifications area initially air support allocated operation requests preliminary air strikes denied corps according james considered suitable air targets japanese force immediate vicinity initially consisted men imperial_japanese_navy naval garrison force formed men drawn pioneer unit interspersed regular naval personnel course battle strength japanese force grew men japanese force commanded senior naval officer captain naval garrison force taken responsibility defence area imperial japanese army 38th independent mixed brigade transferred south area battle initial landing fighting june wave australian troops landed beach landing craft came ashore unopposed advancing yards inland established small perimeter tree line surrounding plantation series forward positions established yards inland instead pushing rifle inland downs decided wait second wave arrive ultimately proved critical allowed japanese commander time respond landing landing craft wave withdrew landing craft came reinforcements heavy weapons support elements ran aground coral reef men aboard forced wade ashore craft later able float free remained stuck short time later began fire japanese machine guns stopped australians unloading equipment lacking organic indirect fire support mortars landing craft second wave downs established communications artillery barrage brought suspected japanese positions artillery forward observation officer lieutenant david spark assistance royal_australian_air_force raaf station overhead provide aerial observation dawn downs company taking sporadic fire japanese boxes began patrolling forward perimeter locate positions patrols unable progress far forced japanese fire confirmed bad company position determined landed yards north supposed land inside official historian long described arc enemy trenches boxes radius yards effectively boxed day defenders began pressing australian forward positions engaging mortar fire reinforcements brought shortly landing able concentrate force japanese defenders immediate vicinity day able bring reinforcements nightfall approximately japanese australian perimeter order respond attempt australians bring reinforcements supplies sea low tide heavy fire beach attempt failed subsequent attempts japanese commander pre arrival set approaches north south landing beach fighting going beginning june 26th infantry battalion rest 31st 51st infantry battalion attempted break australian company unable penetrate japanese lines came defenders determined resist unable withdraw peninsula australian evacuation efforts morning june supply situation downs company critical 11th brigade headquarters decided best evacuate beach point casualties relatively light killed seven wounded japanese force increased overnight men reinforcements arrived barges trucks passage area launched strong attack aimed destroying australian force attacking sides perimeter order defend australians called heavy artillery fire battery pounders supporting position peninsula fighting intensified artillery shells brought close yards troops air support called raaf royal new_zealand air_force attacking japanese positions perimeter result attacks australians able hold japanese attacks assault landing craft arrived beach ferry larger vessels waiting sea amid japanese fire australians broke contact landing craft bringing wounded took minutes vessels attempted depart men board ran aground stuck fast effort load men volunteered leave craft enabled vessels float free remained stuck coming attack japanese attacked men vessel grenades casualties mounted number men including downs killed lost overboard subsequently listed missing presumed killed rations water unsuccessful attempts june rescue men stranded barge support artillery aircraft flew close support missions mitchell bombers dropped life survivors unable reach machine gun fire casualties occurred early morning june japanese soldier managed reach vessel fired occupants machine gun killing wounding killed shortly japanese anti tank gun fired shells landing craft destroying stern shots prevented australian artillery ranged gun having directed captain john artillery observer landing craft canvas assault boats engineers 16th field company launching yards stranded craft assault boats set course hours ferried survivors landing craft set arriving june men swam kilometres shark infested waters island rescued sea managed link australians attempting break found checked yards japanese lines rear aftermath subsequent operations following failure landing plantation planned australian advance peninsula called australian high command decided efforts drive south result effort north reduced holding action resources transferred sector following withdrawal 31st 51st infantry battalion continued fighting relieved june 8th infantry battalion withdrawing remained end war 23rd brigade brigadier arnold took control sector period weeks 8th 27th infantry battalions carried patrolling operations australians decided withdraw plantation mid july time japanese forces area boosted victory begun seize initiative use harassment tactics following small scale actions continued offensive action discontinued august war came conclusion analysis end war conceptual validity strategic necessity australian landing called question historians james state aspects planning undertaken 11th brigade staff 31st 51st infantry battalion commander contributed defeat particularly relation failure intelligence adequately identify risks posed nearby reefs failure adequately resource operation ability neighbouring forces breakthrough argues landing hastily planned supported strategically unnecessary campaign james agrees stating size assault force small establish push inland ultimately argues campaign necessary speculated japanese gained prior knowledge attack support james outlines aftermath fighting visited kelly headquarters interviewing stated corps commander felt kelly conducting rehearsals barge landings planning stage view japanese positions potentially warning operation battle plantation ended defeat australians landing repulsed japanese remained possession amidst campaign largely australians dominated defeat battle represented shift momentum northern sector shift resources south fact continued impact australian operations sector end war course landing subsequent withdrawal australians suffered killed missing presumed dead wounded japanese lost killed sides casualties inflicted australians believing killed japanese japanese estimating australian losses killed wounded commemoration end hostilities reconnaissance party including officers 31st 51st infantry battalion returned area found japanese defenders buried australians died beach constructed memorial reading australian soldiers buried died sea landing 31st 51st infantry battalion received battle honour 26th infantry battalion today honour held 31st battalion royal queensland regiment 51st battalion far north queensland regiment successor units 31st 51st infantry battalion following decorations awarded members australian forces took battle distinguished conduct medal military crosses military medals mentions despatches training depot australia named battle


ottoman egyptian invasion ottoman egyptian invasion campaign greek war independence consisted battles fought combined egyptian ottoman army command egypt march residents central peninsula southern declared war ottoman_empire preceding rest greece joining revolution week greek forces won quick string victories disputes broke leaders anarchy ensued ottomans seized chance called reinforcements egypt reinforcements came command son leader egypt muhammad ali greeks disarray ravaged months siege captured city april went turned attention june tried enter north east near june forced stop fortifications army men held army refugees parts greece despite egyptian ottoman artillery outnumbered managed hold ottomans sent men attempt landing near north threaten rear force initially successful women old men area fought repelled heavy losses heard advancing rear retreated august renewed offensive sent group regular soldiers coast reached retreated sent force men way destroyed tower opposing reached faced forts ottomans forced retreat significant losses time invaded war independence greece liberated prelude greek war independence started march declared war ottoman_empire march army men command included marched headed day reached ottoman garrison captured city march rest greece joined war bishop declared greece rebellion march greeks established senate governed affairs southern wanted attack tripoli convinced attack smaller towns sent letters courts europe telling greeks plan finished letters signing prince commander chief april army joined forces went tripoli started city city eventually fell september sacked greeks losses stories greek atrocities sultan desperate called egypt muhammad ali aid ali promised aid return island crete cyprus making son offer accepted ali sent son command expedition greeks disarray political rivalries caused civil war arrested son killed nephew forced flee confusion land started taking people slaves captured stopped capturing retaliation burnt returning tripoli decided army join central greece reached city december helped ottomans siege april city fell invaders city sacked battle sent envoy demanding surrender received reply greeks rest greeks live received letter try saying don surrender kill waiting army inhabitants sign wait furious response ordered attack northwestern june command force men mixture infantry cavalry invaders forced stop fortifications near defending walls soldiers greek refugees egyptian artillery failed breach walls decided launch ships cannons bombard defences sea combined attack infantry assaults failed invaders driven walls times attacks lasted days ottomans forced retreat news arrived approaching rear men chased withdrawing lost men greek losses unknown battle battle decided attack rear plan send small fleet soldiers land bay kilometers south aim capture cut communication lines defenders able attack rear control mountain passes eastern authors peter edward describe plan excellent june sent small fleet carrying land bay capture aid came villages june surviving rescued fleet beach rescued swim ships killed battle cost men forced retreat defeated battle retreat defeats renewed offensive august army led named assistance egyptian fleet august reached attempt safe path mountains reached town army delayed family thirteen men refused let invaders past tower tried negotiate surrender told come family guns came retrieve guns family killed retaliation cannons blew tower proceeded town reached august awaiting fortifications chosen position defence high ground surrounded rocky slopes meant stopped arrived town defence plan villages sent women children mountains improving fortifications arrived walls caught surprise suffering losses withdrew plain lost men battle lost invasion launched aftermath campaign overshadowed battles revolution important stopped defeated decisively women defeated given invasion abandoned ideas conquering april turkish navy bombarded hitting town combined fleets france england russia defeated combined ottoman egyptian fleet battle terms treaty constantinople greece independent state recognized ottomans president greece imprisoned reacted went church continued causing trouble defeated armies king sent subdued leaders ended independence forced pay taxes