battle barracks battle barracks croatian series engagements occurred mid late croatian national_guard garde later renamed croatian army croatian police yugoslav people army battle took place numerous posts croatia starting croatian forces blockaded barracks weapons storage depots facilities formally began september objective positions held territory secure arms ammunition supplies poorly equipped battle barracks conflict croatian authorities croatian serbs openly revolted august efforts preserve yugoslav federation time croatia moves achieving independence yugoslavia battle barracks briefly preceded start campaign croatia amended early september add relief blockaded barracks operation plans advance largely relieved facilities police captured small isolated posts number large weapons depots barracks including entire 32nd corps provided croatian forces sizable stock weapons including tanks hundreds artillery pieces large supply small arms ammunition proved crucial defending advances early stage croatian war independence facilities surrendered fighting armed resistance takeover places caused civilian casualties barracks situated urban areas legal charges abuse killing captured personnel charges war crimes civilian populations filed croatia defendants remain large november croatia reached agreements end blockade withdraw croatia completed january areas islands maintained presence summer withdrew areas controlled croatia replaced agreed plan background ethnic tensions serbs worsened electoral defeat government socialist republic croatia croatian democratic union yugoslav people army confiscated croatia territorial defence weapons minimize resistance august tensions escalated open revolt croatian serbs centred predominantly populated areas approximately kilometres miles north east split parts eastern croatia serbia supported montenegro serbia provinces unsuccessfully tried obtain yugoslav presidency approval operation croatian security forces january request denied skirmish insurgents croatian special police march prompted ask federal presidency wartime authority declare state emergency request backed serbia allies denied march serbian president preferring campaign expand serbia preserve yugoslavia croatia federal unit publicly threatened replace serbian army declared longer recognized authority federal presidency threat caused gradually abandon plans preserve yugoslavia favour expansion serbia came control end march conflict escalated fatalities early april leaders revolt croatia declared intention integrate area control serbia government croatia viewed area region beginning croatia regular army bolster defence croatia doubled police personnel effective force strong special police deployed battalions adopting military organization units organized reserve police set battalions companies reserve force lacked weapons response deteriorating situation croatian government established croatian national_guard garde merging special police battalions professional guards brigades consisting approximately troops subordinate ministry defence headed retired general martin regional police expanded attached reorganized brigades independent battalions guards brigades units fully armed small arms lack heavier weapons command control structure shortage heavy weapons severe resorted use world war weapons taken museums film studios time croatian weapons consisted small arms purchased abroad previously owned police new strong special police established replace personnel lost guards brigades prelude croatian views role revolt gradually evolved january september croatian president plan win support european community united_states croatia dismissed advice seize barracks storage facilities country capture barracks storage depots advocated late urged adopt plan early mid fought day war june july calls echoed succeeded defence minister july remained command stance motivated belief croatia win war limited defence actions appeared coordinated croatian military impression reinforced zones established armed conflicts croatian militia intervened lost territory leaving croatian serbs control areas captured arrived provided weapons croatian serbs weaponry provided serbia ministry internal affairs stocks july demands backed number croatian parliament members parliamentary debate led dismiss month appointed defence minister resigned post august deteriorating situation eastern croatia including forces removal intermittent fighting increasing losses growing conviction actively supported croatian revolt forced act august issued ultimatum federal yugoslav authorities demanding withdrawal barracks end month ultimatum stated failed comply croatia consider army occupation corresponding action september proposed peace conference accepted despite ultimatum yugoslav presidency conference started september days later croatian member chair presidency ordered return barracks hours motivated impression conference continue lost ground order disputed members body gave croatia justification openly confront timeline prime minister proposed implement plan according general ordered capture barracks september rescinded order day order reinstated september pleaded authorize arguing running time day croatian police blockaded cut utilities facilities access beginning battle barracks blockaded large garrisons croatia numerous smaller facilities including border posts weapons ammunition storage depots blockade forced amend campaign croatia plans accommodate new development posts attacked blockade officially sanctioned largely response local battlefield situations incident failed attack barracks august response deterioration positions nearby village september captured barracks september weapons storage depot area captured amid fighting control city tanks captured factory tanks shipped kuwait shipment kept croatia train transporting weapons serbia captured august seized anti aircraft weapons anti tank weapons artillery pieces adding small stock mortars forces besieging facilities mainly drawn local populace reinforcements deployed cities relatively september september day croatian forces ordered blockade facilities police captured barracks barracks nearby garrison north came attack started assault barracks town depot near manned post hungarian border near captured day response blockade barracks dispatched force relieve siege day police captured depot near west depot near time fighting erupted facilities border posts captured north september croatian forces captured barracks storage depot barracks fighting erupted post croatian forces captured missile base weapons storage facilities near september croatian forces captured barracks barracks area depot captured near september additional barracks near remaining facilities nearby weapons storage facility communications facility near dozens border posts surrendered croatian forces september clashed garrison barracks captured communications facility near additional barracks storage depot restricting barracks housing headquarters corps september launched campaign croatia facilities croatia including barracks storage depots surrendered captured barracks surrendered september corps surrendered day providing major weapons days blockade croatian forces captured small posts split large facility city mid september seven facilities including barracks captured significant captured facility barracks contained large small arms ammunition yugoslav air_force carried air strikes facility day following pattern established time hinder removal weapons captured facilities september assault large weapons storage site located failed remaining barracks croatian blockade abandoned september garrison managed break besieged barracks joined troops south east city evacuation barracks negotiated croatian authorities negotiations initiated 1st guards division reached september forcing accept evacuation facility island surrendered equipment september september croatian forces captured barracks storage depots day long battle fourth storage facility blown commanding officer major milan explosion killed members besieging force heard kilometres miles away caused damage nearby villages day weapons storage facility border post near captured croatian police brigade surrendered day september croatian forces seized landing craft yugoslav navy undergoing repairs shipyard sailed vessel night river september croatian forces captured barracks yugoslav navy vessels based vessels overhauled shipyard vessels comprising approximately quarter yugoslav navy assets included class fast attack craft renamed later class missile boat class torpedo boat class patrol boats ship final stages construction captured shipyard month launched missile boat september seven coastal artillery bases near islands captured october october croatian forces captured barracks communications post border post near city day barracks nearby land storage facility abandoned negotiated agreement early october artillery regiments based barracks near broke siege base joined attack city october completely surrounded situation prompted croatian authorities city seek negotiations arranged day negotiations held october brought lifting siege evacuation remaining garrison equipment city evacuation involving seven facilities started october took days agreement stipulated evacuated units leave croatian soil generally respected obligation weapons left serbian population wake bombing october croatian authorities instructed assault capture barracks area commanders considered possible instructions result attacks barracks captured croatian forces day bombing declaration independence croatia came force day october destroyed abandoned barracks weapons storage facility damaged fire caused thunderstorm removed weapons firefighters called save individual storage structures day began moving remaining weapons damaged storage city convoy trucks moving vehicles carrying weapons diverted captured time personnel barracks allowed evacuate return free passage convoy carrying humanitarian aid battle control city progress november period siege little activity forces barracks area broke blockade held territory east city battle lasted november croatian forces besieging barracks numerous superiority armour artillery abandoned barracks contained weapons taken away croatian troops november renamed croatian army early november captured barracks storage facility november fighting barracks progress following day captured barracks weapons storage facilities attacks ordered capture ammunition needed running low november representing croatian authorities lieutenant colonel general commanding officer 13th corps agreed evacuate corps personnel equipment croatia agreement negotiations supervised supported european community monitor mission later serve model similar agreements croatia agreement initiative support fifth military district receiving order chief staff colonel general destroy facilities attack industrial plants infrastructure near city agreement affected capture barracks weapons stored november 13th corps started evacuate sea ports november following negotiations evacuated barracks november garrison left escort bosnia day agreement evacuate village near yugoslav navy bombardment split november response loss patrol boat subsequent battle channels appeared agreement november agreement evacuate yugoslav navy split area surrender confiscated weapons stored signed maritime military district commanding officer major general followed agreement effect signed split days later croatian admiral defining completed days agreement provided cease fire northern lifting yugoslav navy blockade croatian coast agreement include evacuation yugoslav navy bases islands tensions remained high process plans break split relieve siege forces plans operation operation respectively amid international pressure croatia end siege garrison croatian authorities signed agreement november evacuate remaining forces croatia agreement signed colonel lieutenant colonel general presence monitors agreement confirmed day geneva geneva accord signed yugoslav defence minister general aftermath quickly captured isolated facilities depots major posts seizing large quantity weapons including entire stocks 32nd corps nearly weapons previously confiscated croatia lost control brigades including armoured brigade brigades artillery regiments additional forces fifth military district military maritime district remained pinned blockade significance battle barracks reinforced introduction united_nations arms september battle barracks resulted large increase capabilities allowing complete existing units raising additional brigades fielding troops police end year battle captured tanks heavy artillery pieces small arms million tonnes ammunition addition officers left joined information number troops involved casualties sustained garrisons croatia significantly time order battle developed 1980s specified handful battalions combat readiness croatia elements brigade 31st armoured brigade near 12th brigade 11th marine infantry brigade marine infantry brigade classification requiring troop levels assigned 4th armoured brigade battalion brigade 13th brigade brigade brigade based reinforced class armoured battalions addition armoured battalion added brigade battalion garrisons likewise croatian forces strained maintaining blockade manning positions held croatian militias surrendered troops transported serbia exchanged prisoners war captured given civilian clothing released years later criticised decision disregard advice attack barracks earlier september specifically day war june july said earlier deterioration strategic situation croatia best serve croatian defensive needs furthermore said unable respond force need months required forces decisive victory met thought kept blockade pressure applied international community confrontation deputy prime minister national unity government croatia time later opposition leader stated view militarily correct position politically better conversely said fared better croatian forces confronted earlier capabilities declined summer plan campaign croatia ended stalemate leading accept internationally supervised formulated plan result diplomatic mission special envoy secretary general united_nations cyrus aided united_states diplomat secretary general united_nations special political affairs yugoslavia aimed securing negotiated end hostilities croatia plan proposed protection civilians specific areas designated protected areas deployment force croatia plan provided end croatian blockade barracks withdrawal personnel equipment croatia implementation delivery humanitarian aid parties accord agreed deployment mission croatia later initiated subsequent united_nations security council resolution november consequence organizational problems agreement started deploy march evacuation continued evacuate following geneva accord remaining seven facilities area evacuated november barracks evacuated december evacuated barracks depots november december turning confiscated croatian weapons december weapons remained sealed storage supervision december required agreement evacuation took place rail force moved sea montenegro evacuation agreement required case evacuation removal evacuated units croatian soil partly fulfilled criterion base near started evacuate sea december additional agreement signed regulating surrender weapons evacuation naval base split evacuation halted determined weapons missing facilities split issue resolved agreement december provide missing weapons stocks evacuation resumed sufficient weapons achieve criterion split yugoslav navy ship delivered tonnes long tons short tons weapons ammunition montenegro split january forces left area split january evacuated facilities croatia barracks started november completed end evacuated yugoslav navy december handing croatian weapons quantity weapons handed evacuated facilities arm combat brigades december minor clashes occurred facilities blockade including minor unsuccessful attack barracks despite geneva accord requiring immediate withdrawal personnel equipment remained seven months troops eventually withdrew croatia left equipment republic serbian established held areas croatia december yugoslav navy kept bases islands early june pulling maintained positions near july naval blockade city lifted war crimes croatian authorities charged deputy head police operations department special police force members deaths prisoners shooting civilian following surrender barracks acquitted years legal proceedings supreme_court croatia twice ordered trial head crisis centre charged war crimes trial pending croatia charged numerous officers held posts blockaded garrisons officers charged war crimes civilian population including causing deaths persons severe injuries persons arrested war crime charges brought commander 32nd corps general charged croatia deaths individuals wounding trial found guilty sentenced years prison years later charged yugoslavia treason surrendered entire corps convicted sentenced years prison early pardoned released yugoslav authorities paid compensation spending nearly years prison formally requested trial croatia


attack card attack card operation vietnam war took place port early hours mounted special operations group card commissioned united_states_navy world war playing significant role destroying german_navy submarines flagship task group decommissioned card reactivated entered service military sea transport service transporting military equipment south vietnam united_states military commitment country card regular visitor port target local commando units shortly midnight climbed sewer tunnel near area card anchored attached loads explosives ship hull attack success card sank feet civilian crew members killed explosions ship refloated days later towed philippines repairs background card class escort carrier served united_states_navy distinction card hull laid october originally intended cargo ship ship reclassified converted escort carrier displacement tons july card reclassified flagship task group hunter killer group formed destroy german submarines north_atlantic periods july november card aircraft escort vessels destroyed total german submarines november card escort destroyers awarded presidential unit citation success card escort carrier receive award german submarines end world war card aircraft destroyed total german submarines second successful ship class card decommissioned briefly service transferred atlantic reserve fleet card entered service military sea transport service control united_states_navy ship manned civilian crew united_states naval ship instead uss united_states ship service commissioned war united_states government stepped military support south vietnam fight communist national liberation known december card left point rhode_island cargo helicopters soldiers fort massachusetts bound vietnam bay philippines cargo troops transferred uss princeton arrived coast following month onwards card core regularly docked heavy artillery armored personnel carriers aircraft helicopters ammunition south vietnamese government port situated ben canals meters wide facilitate arrival card american ships pulled south vietnamese military deployed navy vessels conduct patrols port surrounding shores protected elite army republic vietnam airborne battalion port guarded round clock south vietnamese police undercover south vietnamese agents operated river area disrupt activities level protection south vietnamese government normally afforded american ships commander military district ordered special operations group attack card sinking card failed attempt core despite best efforts control activities river area south vietnamese military police stop agents operating members special operations group able watch south vietnamese military activities port preparing attack american targets son commando special operations group employee port facility unit assigned mission attack american escort carrier took advantage position employee port facility card design best strategy sabotage ship military hardware board father previously worked port facility underground tunnels systems ran facility advised best way enter area american ships normally anchored sewer tunnel opposite occasion bathing river decided inspect sewer tunnel father advised use concluded tunnel provide best way american area presented challenges tunnel contained toxic cause men close eyes tunnel order avoid furthermore men wash bodies rid deadly avoid detection probably arrest south vietnamese authorities surveyed tunnels lead port presented plan attack military district headquarters decided high explosives sink ship detonate men away safely superiors approved plan ordered launch attack sunrise avoid killing local vietnamese civilians returned began assembling equipment required attack included plastic explosives tnt wires batteries trained new hung van support operation ensure operation smoothly measured height length width sewer tunnel assemble bomb devices right size carried tunnel end received news card arrived load armoured personnel carriers artillery aircraft aircraft carrier turned sister ship core evening december managed carry bomb devices sewer tunnel kilograms explosives attached explosives core hull set retreated sewer wait outcome bombs failed explode planned battery expired long periods storage determined operation remain secret core retrieved explosive devices long core crew sailed intact damage hand reported failure mission military district headquarters superiors express disappointment failure operation instead encouraged men destroy card costs finally reconnaissance teams spotted card sailed bay entered long river immediately reported information special operations group usual card docked commercial port district city shipment cargo military helicopters batch helicopters scheduled returned united_states successful attack received news card arrived inspected equipment included new battery redesigned bomb decided set bombs early hours fellow operative escape safely avoid inflicting casualties local population illness declined operation hung replace rushed hung home given hand grenade notified upcoming operation detail finished unloading bombs canoe hung traveled river separate commercial port district men pulled area avoid detection south vietnamese authorities local workers lived waiting right time hung objectives operation sink largest american ship port promptly report results headquarters shortly men headed warehouse number commercial port district police patrol boat spotted quickly gave chase ordered hung throw hand grenade men retreat local village bombs discovered police police patrol stopped meters away canoe patrol boat commander questioned men activities time evening response claimed hung intended river buy new clothes market avoid delaying operation patrol boat commander vietnamese south vietnamese police widely known corruption patrol boat commander received bribe gave hung permission demanded bribe return arrived sewer tunnel assembled bomb device man carrying kilograms explosives tunnel finally got tunnel swam broadside card anchored near opening sewer planned hung attached bombs ship near engine compartment water surface bombs attached card hull inspected bombs ensure assembled properly stuck battery pole connected bombs wires set bombs completed retreated sewer tunnel climbed rowed police patrol boat waiting hung arrive commander wanted bribe hung approached patrol boat explosion heard bright light seen commercial port area south vietnamese police patrol boat started engine raced card instead bribe aftermath special operations group explosion card signalled successful mission time sun rose card sunk feet river engine compartment completely flooded furthermore american civilians worked ship died result attack rapid response ship crew local authorities flooding inside ship quickly stopped stabilized inspection later revealed explosion torn open hole measured feet long feet high starboard ship days followed navy divers deployed philippines addition salvage teams bases japan military sea transport service command divers founding navy seals member roy claimed recovered remains demolition pack specialised explosive charge navy speculated explosives attack actually stolen south vietnamese navy unit group south vietnamese officer uss rescue salvage ship heading philippines time ordered change course sailed boat uss based bay philippines placed standby later received similar orders head south vietnam arrival navy divers salvage teams tried pump water card flooded compartments initial attempts hindered combination pumping equipment poor diving conditions river ultimately took days card completed began process moving ship installing inch pump load generators inside card rid excess water sea towed damaged card headed bay underwent repairs shortly card sunk north vietnam use incident propaganda purposes october north vietnamese government issued postage stamp proclaimed aircraft carrier america sunk harbor praise carried attack navy refused admit card sunk brief period time instead simply stated card damaged quickly repaired remainder launched attacks targets hotel air base significant responses military card returned service december remained service placed reserve fleet


uprising uprising known battle occurred february amid political tensions newly independent state people revolutionary army mainly city western suburb rebelled creating situation threatened develop fresh civil war barely year end bush war african rifles white commanded elements security forces fighting government new national army uprising groups african national liberation army fighters attacked government forces revolt followed smaller outbreak fighting november uprising began earnest local time february fighting broke guerrilla factions attacked local headquarters armoured personnel carriers moved south east armoured cars armoured corps supported company engaged defeated companies numerically superior groups fighters evening february uprising companies relieved ceased attacks armoured battle group surrendered national army official count killed uprising people historians place number dead higher national army suffered fatal casualties calls battle greatest victory writing troops greatly outnumbered won superior discipline analysts comment irony saved major rebellion white led troops battle personnel reassigned units disbanded later rebellion defeat prompted mass fearing retribution administration uprising partially bloody campaign later 1980s background following declaration independence white minority government southern united_kingdom southern african country entered period international isolation state smith black nationalist movements backed communist powers variously launched military campaigns overthrow government bring majority rule country main nationalist groups african national union chinese backed influenced rival african people union largely supported warsaw pact associated nations prominently cuba nationalist group fielded guerrilla army called african national liberation army people revolutionary army led trade headed teacher robert black nationalist campaigns referred revolutionaries second liberation war began earnest december ensuing bush war fought security forces regularly clashed despite parent organisations allied patriotic war ended december lancaster house agreement london following britain took interim direct control country oversee fresh elections early won added patriotic prime minister granted independence april minister home affairs new government post independence tensions transfer political power army began merged form new national army personnel mixed new battalions picked officer training old units variously disbanded reform cases meant change symbolism nomenclature air_force example remained white air_force approximately promised place new army meantime wait respective assembly camps country pay rations identical black old forces tensions officially referred war aftermath associated forces endured particularly partially tribal based largely political fighters complained counterparts favoured promotions supplies suspected plotting insurrection politicians began party state saying stronger process military integration dragged groups fighters forces deserted countryside stores killing white farmers sources differ personnel men blamed accused elements refusing recognise sovereignty government stopped short attacking leadership new army guerrilla battalions far ready government heavily units white command maintain law order period feeling needed secure position signed secret deal north_korea october asian country provide instructors equipment elite brigade handle political report directly prime minister minister finance political rally november saying enemy challenged committees veterans clashed near city western township days hundreds killed wounded prime minister sent units intervene incident deepened feeling distrust country national army integrated battalions concerned apparent political commanders built forces troops assembled river north west soviet tanks armoured personnel carriers anti aircraft guns base south east formed armoured battle group including tensions escalated removed home affairs january minister portfolio instead saw according brigadier mike head national army brigade groups theoretically command soon place having continual clashes minor battles convinced second civil war imminent prelude national army regular infantry unit area months 1st battalion african rifles regiment white black troops led lieutenant colonel based barracks outskirts officially redesignated 11th infantry battalion new national army reforms taken place far practice regiment remained entirely right old uniforms insignia end january men including officers troop armoured cars armoured corps sergeant stephen australian veteran light infantry amid rising tensions identified township western outskirts november clashes started likely camps directly late january set operational headquarters beer hall overlooking guerrilla camps building surrounded foot walls dubbed suggestion lieutenant american officer company worried new clash prompt forces river join set string observation posts roads leading february barracks surprised counterparts killed forced rest flee bush portion 13th infantry battalion based camp near learned later day waited instructors british_army left evening attacked comrades killing scattering rest charged restoring order sent armoured cars company commanded american lieutenant dave hill arriving late evening drove camp flattened tents killing occupants clearing way hill troops taken totally surprise troops little resistance killed captured including officers captains morning february british instructors find half unit gone remaining men rows captivity happened asked british sergeant afraid away battalion fell apart replied personnel civilian vehicles weapons equipment including mortars camp days company comprising men major including detachment support company armoured vehicles noticed february major reported brigade headquarters number troops appeared considerably chain link fence surrounding camp taken superiors ordered intervene anticipating imminent attack rifle shoot surrounding lined vehicles surrounding walls men stand defending ranged mortars variety targets complex uprising soon fighting broke members recently integrated national army battalion north east guerrilla camps began exchanging rifle machine gun mortar fire february reported sides attacking position brigade instructions told pull replied impossible surrounded orders rest battalion airfield near barracks hour detachment armoured vehicles left spotted road observation posts sent intercept supported men major tony intersection outskirts city encountered impacted single heat round killing combatants inside told advance city limits set ambush road men shot nearby overhead street lights went scout ahead positioned lanes road cover darkness fighters overran camp killing forcing rest flee sporadic fighting spread continuing night morning combatants continued attack company position putting constant machine gun mortar fire responded kind february guerrilla machine gun took position house south east major sergeant went rocket fired corner house bringing gunner killing road advanced firing directions spotted waited darkness vehicles metres away fired directly hit men inside killed survivors ran night arrived head platoon support time men company captured commander trying enter road station wagon platoon company captured officers driving town road toyota land cruiser ordered hill company help taking position city group unsuccessfully attacked company moved west high ground ridge south east company took positions railway line north east ridge told radio reinforcements come hang ammunition supplies running low attackers hit number times rpg fire inside killed rockets dog wounded major flew rage ordered men pour aggressive machine gun fire advancing combatants requested air support brigade form light bomber air_force turned request flight lieutenant james took armed machine gun rockets concentrated huge fire james aircraft hit times failed shoot pilot number ground attacks returning base reported bullet entered floor cockpit hit helmet officers men expressed great admiration james bravery air strike air_force superiors furious gone operational area orders national army relief column including detachments assembled ridge morning february command captain tony clark flanked south engaging way turned north relieve led way standing upright turret machine gun point shot hands prompting briefly stop advance jump street collect time relief column reached company hours wounded soldiers evacuated left building point targets armoured cars afternoon company relieved company ridge withdrew surrounding country sporadically exchanging fire sent engage rest armoured battle group surrendered arrived tanks later found national army evening february rebellion aftermath hundreds people died uprising official count released time historians place number higher martin meredith records dead writes national army units killed national army reported fatal casualties hill awarded bronze cross putting rebellion received silver cross history african rifles describes regiment greatest victory commenting won discipline determination face forces far larger numerically major michael stewart united_states_army writes actions saved government certain civil war provided final blow military number analysts comment irony spent years fighting white rule forces 1970s secured power barely year bush war end troops white command furthermore highlights irony finest hour view came fighting said instigated uprising called politically motivated armed political said according information ultimate goal government told parliament definite organised pattern amid groups rebelled local commanders claimed started fighting mayor blamed speech similar statements politicians month uprising set commission tasked investigating disturbances integrated battalions body reported june findings public according historian blamed fell short government expectations king college london marks episode start national army enthusiasm success battle coupled readiness deploy convinced white community united intensified opposition government deserted assembly points national army following rebellion failure fearing safety sense resolve political rivals greatly strengthened satisfied white army officers airmen counted future conflicts engagement companies allocated brigade units later military reform process number white officers subsequently led units special forces 1980s example headed 1st parachute battalion administration promptly decided reduce future army size personnel integrated breaking promise place army guerrilla commander refused order oversaw parade camp gave command sake peace words despite opposition idea publicly announced deal north_korea august north korean instructors arrived month accused prime minister creating special partisan army divorced national army possible party state february announced huge arms discovered owned properties evidence planned coup likened presence government cobra house promptly fired concurrently arresting leaders seizing property new north korean trained unit dubbed brigade passed december deployed remained years known number brutal atrocities civilians accused supporting far exceeding occurred bush war estimates number deaths range campaign officially ended december signed unity accord merging stated goal party state


air_force base air_force base united_states_air_force base utah known airport world war training base bomber crews training site composite group unit carried atomic bombings hiroshima nagasaki war training exercises gunnery range research facility closed air_force base given city county utah assumed ownership airport base buildings county continues operate airfield public airport portion original bombing range utah test training range extensively air_force live fire targets range origins air_force base history began united_states_army began looking additional bombing ranges area near town suited needs land virtually generally excellent flying weather nearest large city salt_lake_city miles away citizens time isolated area served western pacific railroad citizens employed railroad construction base began september range november air base fort douglas salt_lake_city july time total acres acquired base associated gunnery bombing range miles long miles wide protested loss grazing land claimed cost state utah million annually took complaints governor henry blood war department pressed development bombing range military contingent arrived august construct targets bombing range provide water pipeline run spring pilot peak base world war entrance united_states world war field took greater importance army air_force largest bombing gunnery range march army air_force activated army air field assigned research development guided missiles aircraft remotely controlled bombs site new base supplied serviced air depot hill field april sub depot activated assumed technical administrative control field air depot sub depot tasked store issue army air forces property organizations stationed field training late civilian employees military personnel construction base continued war including foot paved square foot ramp seven base consisted buildings including bed hospital gymnasium swimming pool library chapel bowling alley movie theatres housing units married officers civilians heavy bombardment group training mission train heavy bomb groups training boeing flying fortress consolidated groups began april arrival bomb group flying march april hosted newly formed groups phase group training second air_force organized bombardment training phases training focused individual crew members second training involved crew conduct training final phase saw group crews training formation flying practice combat missions end phase training conducted different base heavy bomb groups trained army air base fighter training april role army air base changed arrival louisiana fighters fighter wing program ended september groups totalling men trained composite group june preparations began operational use atomic bombs suitable atomic mission british lancaster foot bomb bay major general director manhattan_project general henry arnold chief united_states_army air forces wanted use american plane possible boeing chosen required substantial modification modification project eventually came identify training operational aspects program arnold selected lieutenant colonel paul officer distinguished combat record europe north_africa expert knowledge test pilots form train group deliver atomic bombs chose great bend kansas mountain home idaho location training program remote good secrecy security reasonable distance air manhattan_project site los new_mexico sea naval auxiliary air station bombing tables mission prepared base given code manhattan_project site activity assemble modify flight test prototype bombs named project september bomb squadron arrived base army air base nebraska operational training unit bombardment group march parent group deployed early november squadron assigned directly second air_force creation composite group december formation people stationed field transferred new group composite group self contained possible units assigned including air service group air engineering squadrons troop carrier squadron known green military police company later 1st ordnance squadron manhattan_project unit 1st technical detachment attached group army air forces base unit special constructed prototype atomic weapons nuclear material drop tested little known flight characteristics prototype bomb designs mechanism work february flight test section created army air forces base unit carry testing prototype bombs shape little boy fat man bombs originally equipped flight crews maintenance crews help increasingly demanding schedule crews bombardment squadron available flight test section carried drop tests june july thirds june tests fat man shapes rest little boy ones july tests fat man shapes explosive filled bombs test drops carried naval ordnance test station sea naval auxiliary air station testing continued minute fat man firing unit known unit successfully tested august final test unit carried days later trained continuously completed practice drops bombs declared group combat ready ground support composite group received movement orders moved rail april port seattle washington support elements sailed cape victory group shipped advance party air flew north field joined ground marking group official change station carried atomic bombings hiroshima nagasaki army air forces base unit moved field september transferred manhattan district technical services unit december later designated base special ordnance detachment took special tools equipment buildings test program resumed january testing early september detachment special weapons branch wright field ohio arrived thirteen republic ford flying bombs united_states copy nazi flying bomb reverse engineered recovered england united_states different german smallest dimensions launch ramp constructed engineered plans developed aerial photographs ramps germans low countries addition ground launch ramp flying fortress modified able carry jet bomb underneath wing air launch numerous tests conducted initial production order units army subsequent planned production month fortunes war europe spring led decision use pacific theater operation downfall planned invasion japan sudden end war september led program weapon combat postwar use training testing prototype bombs major contribution field world war war end crew training continued reduced level returned flown storage summer air technical service command hill army air field north salt_lake_city assumed jurisdiction operations field engineering technical projects played key role postwar weapons development industry areas developed testing flying bomb case second area flying fortress obsolete combat aircraft tested fly remotely bombs based captured technology wartime german radio controlled bomb developed controlled radar radio consisted bombs controlled launching plane historic ground air aircraft boeing project resulted flight american air_force vehicle august march air proving ground command research programs moved army airfield new_mexico result personnel field moved new_mexico utah relocated conduct guided missile research projects ongoing projects transferred ground air aircraft flight testing bomb transferred strategic air command fifteenth air_force march establishment air_force independent service later year installation renamed air_force base bombardment groups deploying maneuvers bombing range rest base remained unused declared surplus retained status air command assumed responsibility base july placing jurisdiction air material area hill air_force base base manned skeleton crew thirteen buildings deteriorated removed demolished burned tactical air command reactivated base ninth air_force october tactical units deployed exercises utilizing base years invested million dollars base facilities constructed new targets range personnel assigned base base december transferred january renamed air_force auxiliary field range renamed hill air_force range august base reactivated july personnel based man detachment base original buildings remained general services administration wanted sell base town leaving bombing ranges radar site air_force base renamed field declared surplus base continued occasionally training air national_guard units detachment remained officially listed national_register_of_historic_places july entire facility declared surplus july water system transferred city utah base including hospital complex warehouses civil airport august air_force retained acres area acres radar site beginning tactical fighter training group began holding regular exercises known red flag nevada exercises men women deployed field utah sorties flown representing flying hours red flag exercises discontinued air_force relinquished remainder field town current uses air_force base civil airport unusually long runway facility long intact world war training airfields historic airfield isolated northwest utah sitting middle vast miles away major population center probably reason dry hot climate airfield remains today extant facilities include vast runway system numerous ramps dispersal pads original including gay hangar hospital complex barracks remain hall chapel swimming pool world war era buildings hangar base dubbed manhattan_project gay hangar listed endangered historic sites united_states local group historic airfield attempting preserve base numerous films television shows filmed field including philadelphia experiment con air falls independence day hulk core


battle battle military campaign german_army detachment soviet fought possession strategically important february august world war campaign took place northern section eastern consisted major phases battle february july battle line july august soviet offensive february march march red army winter spring campaign following joseph broad strategy battles coincided offensive december april offensive july august number foreign volunteers local participated battle german forces giving support illegal german conscription underground national committee republic estonia hoped recreate national army restore independence country continuation offensive january soviet operation pushed westward river aiming destroy thrust deep estonia soviet units established number western bank river february germans maintained eastern bank subsequent attempts failed expand german annihilated north reduced south town july soviet offensive july led capture city forcing german troops retreat prepared defence line hills kilometres ensuing battle line german_army group held ground main strategic goal quick recovery estonia base air attacks finland invasion east prussia achieved result tough defence german forces soviet war effort baltic_sea region hampered seven half months background terrain terrain played significant role operations elevation sea level rarely rises meters area land cut numerous waterways including rivers bulk land region forested large swamps areas low elevation effect terrain operations swamps certain areas suitable large scale troop movement strategic scale natural choke point present northern shore lake gulf finland kilometre wide strip land entirely river large areas wilderness primary transportation routes highway railway ran east west axis near parallel coastline east west transportation routes capable sustaining troop movement large scale region preceding actions january launched offensive aimed forcing german 18th army positions near day offensive soviets broke german lines pushed westward army group north evacuated civilian population soviet aims fairly routine practice assign operating fronts new ambitious missions soviet armed forces conducting major offensive operations rationale relentless pressure trigger german collapse winter campaign ordered red army conduct major entire soviet german continuation broad strategy pursued beginning war applied long standing rationale red army applied pressure entire german defences likely break section soviet winter campaign included major assaults entire ukraine german line region baltic_sea breaking situated gulf finland lake major strategic importance soviet armed forces success operation provided lane advance coast forcing german_army group north escape estonia fear getting baltic fleet trapped eastern bay gulf finland closest exit baltic_sea army group north estonia finland subject air amphibious attacks originating bases prospect invasion east prussia estonia appealed bring german resistance participation commander commander baltic fleet scheme prepared destroy army group north ordered capture costs later february mandatory forces seize later february required military political reasons important thing right demand undertake necessary measures liberate later period indicated signed failure gave new order february break defence shock eliminate german forces estonia direct armies southeast estonia going open road east prussia central europe day soviet_union presented finland peace conditions finland regarded terms unacceptable war appeared dangerous negotiating influence finland needed estonia wish order commanders heads stake reinforcements acquired highest concentration forces point eastern march july detailed plan prepared soviet advance soviet deployments soviet armies deployed maximum concentration forces march 2nd shock army placed north army positioned south 8th army south army long river stretching lake detailed information size soviet forces winter spring campaign published sources impossible overview soviet strength red army archival information available non russian investigators published historian walter estimated number soviet troops battle accordance number divisions multiplied assumed sizes divisions presented historian order battle march 2nd shock army lieutenant general 43rd rifle corps major general rifle corps major general rifle corps major general 8th army lieutenant general 6th rifle corps major general rifle corps major general army lieutenant general rifle corps major general rifle corps major general separate detachments 8th rifle corps lieutenant general 14th rifle corps major general rifle division colonel 30th guards rifle corps lieutenant general 46th separate guards heavy tank separate self propelled artillery regiments 3rd breakthrough artillery corps major general 3rd guards tank corps major general start offensive july deployed troops tanks assault guns aircraft german finnish aims des believed crucial stabilize river soviet breakthrough meant loss northern coast estonia loss control gulf finland giving soviet baltic fleet access baltic_sea breakthrough fleet threatened german control entire baltic_sea shipment iron ore imports sweden loss meant fuel derived adjacent oil deposits kilometers west coast denied german war machine colonel general said daily order 11th infantry division standing border native land step backwards carry war air water germany finland negotiating soviet_union peace des paid attention means convince finnish defence command defence going hold german command informed finnish colleagues detail events delegation finnish defence command visited spring narrow corridor suited defence terrain area dominated forests swamps directly river lay city positioned defending forces influence combat north south city river valley position northern segment german line von charge army group wanted set defence hitler initially refused replaced von walter model commander army group north model agreed von hitler favourites allowed freedom freedom advantage model managed fall begin establishing line river strong eastern bank hitler followed german standard operating procedure defending river line february high command army group north tasked group renamed army detachment february defend segment line gulf finland lake costs presented finland peace terms february initial soviet success tactical victories mid february april finland terminated negotiations april aims resistance movement course occupation estonia nazi_germany expectations regaining independence began diminish constitution estonia formally force politicians formed underground national committee republic estonia convened february president currently imprisoned soviet authorities acting head state according constitution prime minister german appointed self administration previously attempted unsuccessful general calls illegal conventions opposed february reached vicinity soviet return real threat switched stand german draft radio speech february reasoned armed useful germans soviets hinted troops soil significance wider able disclose politicians saw resistance soviet armed forces means preventing restoration soviet power restoring estonia independence war conscription received popular support brought men formed seven border guard regiments named 20th volunteer division commonly referred german armed forces division combined finnish infantry regiment voluntary finnish army total troops nazi german arms formation army detachment february army corps iii corps left flank 18th army retreated february group released 18th army directly army group north support forces place hitler ordered reinforcements corps troops equipment estonia airfield february week later 5th battalion division arrived regiment hoc regiment formed replacement army units poland sent germany arrived february days later infantry division transferred norway weeks units added group including 11th volunteer division divisions division local border guard auxiliary police battalions infantry general replaced general group renamed army detachment february army group north ordered deployment february following positions iii corps deployed east bank river north army corps south city army corps sector lake march total personnel army group following order battle iii corps 11th division 4th brigade 20th division 1st army corps general 11th infantry division infantry division infantry division infantry division 3rd border guard regiment april army corps general der von oven 61st infantry division infantry division infantry division division regiment separate units eastern sector coastal defence staff 2nd anti aircraft division lieutenant general regiment police battalions eastern battalions military units artillery command high pioneer command heavy tank battalion anti tank battalion special infantry training battalion summer division seven infantry divisions removed leaving troops location combat activity formation launching offensive february soviet 2nd shock army rifle corps captured town day german 18th army forced new positions eastern bank river forward units 2nd shock army crossed river established west bank north south city february 2nd shock army expanded swamp south days later temporarily cutting railway iii corps unable smaller german_army group called reinforcements came newly motivated resist soviet return time soviet rifle corps landed units lake kilometres south established village coincidence volunteer regiment 1st headed reached area battalion 44th infantry regiment consisting personnel east prussia 1st air squadron destroyed soviet february landing operation conducted strong independent naval infantry brigade landed coastal borough group lines unit completely destroyed february march soviet 30th guards rifle corps rifle corps launched new offensive february resistance units group exhausted soviet army halted offensive sides pause bringing additional forces fresh volunteer regiments 1st 2nd accompanied units division destroyed soviet north march newly arrived army attacked westwards swamp encircled strong points infantry division eastern battalions resistance encircled units gave german command time available forces stop army units advance march soviet air_force conducted air raid historic town march air artillery shock shells grenades detachments prepared way 30th guards rifle division attack march simultaneous pitched battles took place north town 14th rifle corps supported artillery 8th rifle corps attempted establish regiments division repulsed attacks causing great soviet losses soviet air assaults civilians towns offensive aimed forcing away supporting german soviet long range aviation branch assaulted capital night march approximately housing destroyed city people left homeless civilians killed result air raid opposite soviets intended people felt disgusted soviet atrocities men answered german conscription soviet tank attack station stopped squadron heavy tank battalion march ensuing offensive continued week soviet forces suffered casualties switch defensive stance enabled initiative offensive battle group annihilated soviet 8th army shock troop wedge western end march german battle group destroyed eastern tip april von und inspired success tried eliminate unable proceed spring rendered swamp impassable tiger tanks end april parties mutually exhausted strengths relative calm settled late july soviets capture soviet breakthrough forced army group north withdraw large portion troops central eastern finland insufficient forces defence line july german_army detachment began preparations withdrawal defence line hills kilometres commanders unaware preparations designed new offensive shock troops finnish concentrated near town giving superiority manpower equipment german forces implemented plan soviet 8th army launched offensive battle result 1st 44th infantry regiment repulsed attack inflicting heavy losses 8th army detachments left positions quietly night july evacuation carried according german plans 2nd shock army resumed offensive morning supported shells grenades assault guns army crossed river north town 1st regiment kept soviet shock army capturing highway retreating troops defensive operation led destruction volunteer regiment general tactical errors soviet forces captured july line soviet vanguard rifle divisions attacked line captured hill easternmost area anti tank company regiment returned hill hands following night iii corps repulsed subsequent soviet attempts capture hills tanks following day reconnaissance battalion regiment 3rd launched counterattack night july assault collapsed soviet tank fire destroyed battalion pitched battle carried day break fighting soviet armies forced new positions hill central climax battle line soviet attack july shock units suppressed german resistance hill soviet main forces suffered heavy casualties subsequent assault hill soviet tanks encircled tower hill westernmost commander iii corps sent remaining seven tanks hit surprised soviet armour forced enabled improvised battle group consisting different led paul launch counterattack recaptured hill soviets initiating offensive thousand survived soviet tank regiments demolished swift reinforcements soviet armies continued attacks demanded destruction capture august 2nd shock army troops august numerous attempts unchanged tactics failed break multinational defence commander terminated offensive august casualties soviet era losses battle released soviets recent years russian authors published figures course battles number soviet casualties estimated indirectly army detachment lost personnel dead wounded missing action february following months july additional german personnel lost dead missing action total german casualties initial phase campaign approximately men dead missing action july august german forces buried men estonia adding troops missing action number dead period estimated approximately accounting standard ratio wounded losses number german casualties later period battle approximately total german casualties battle estimated dead missing wounded sick aftermath baltic offensive september finland announced cessation military cooperation germany sign armistice soviet_union september finland opened access soviets finnish waters soviet offensive threatening complete army group north started preparations withdrawal troops estonia operation possible transportation corridors thoroughly prepared maps headquarters september provisional order start preparations withdrawal given division september naval force vice admiral began evacuating elements german formations civilians days troops prisoners removed elements 18th army estonia ordered withdraw soviet 1st 2nd 3rd baltic fronts launched baltic offensive september operation aimed cutting army group north estonia argument adolf_hitler agreed allow total evacuation troops mainland estonia 2nd shock army launched offensive september river south estonia midnight september army detachment left positions line 8th army reconnaissance reported evacuation hours completed soviets started chase troops border iii corps reached september corps retreated southwards form 18th army rearguard soviet armies advanced september soviets demolished harbour september german corps evacuated island coast following day successfully completing evacuation mainland estonia minor casualties 8th army went remaining west archipelago landing operation baltic offensive resulted expulsion german forces estonia large lithuania withdrawal estonia german command released thousands native military service soviet command began baltic natives areas brought soviet control ended serving sides thousands joined forest brothers partisan detachments avoid conscription army group north land lines communication permanently severed army group centre relegated pocket occupied baltic area january adolf_hitler renamed army group north realising possibility restoring new land corridor east prussia red army commenced reduction pocket enabling soviets focus operations east prussia army group retained possibility major threat operations red army pocket continued surrender army group close germans taken prisoner outcome finland lengthy german defence battle denied soviets use estonia favorable base amphibious invasions air attacks finnish cities hopes assaulting finland estonia forcing capitulation diminished finnish chief defence repeatedly reminded german event troops estonia retreated finland forced peace extremely unfavourable terms prolonged battle helped finland avoid soviet occupation sustained capacity resistance enabled enter negotiations moscow armistice terms attempt restore government lengthy german defence prevented swift soviet breakthrough estonia gave underground national committee republic estonia time attempt establish independence august national committee pronounced estonia highest authority september acting head state appointed new government led radio english government declared neutrality war government issued editions state gazette time distribute september national forces seized government buildings ordered german forces leave flag estonia hoisted tower removed soviets days later government exile served carry continuity state forward handed credentials incoming president civilian refugees delay soviet advance allowed flee neutral sweden finland thousands refugees died boats ships sunk baltic_sea september soldiers finnish german refugees soviet prisoners war evacuated germany sole german cost evacuation loss german naval evacuations followed ports people drowned soviet attacks soviet soviet rule estonia established force followed carried forced agriculture began completed mass march private farms confiscated farmers join collective farms armed resistance forest brothers number underground nationalist groups active members sentenced long terms imprisonment actions decreased rapidly death large political prisoners allowed return estonia political arrests numerous kind crimes humanity committed occupation period late 1980s attempt integrate society soviet system failed armed resistance defeated population remained anti soviet helped organise new resistance movement late 1980s regain independence rapidly develop modern society


action september action september naval battle fought napoleonic wars french port french squadron comprising frigates sailing french west_indies supplies reinforcements intercepted british squadron ships line keeping close blockade port atlantic campaign british ships command commodore sir samuel hood spotted french convoy early morning september hours french left port immediately gave chase french ships tried escape heavily laden troops stores strong winds favoured larger ships line caught french convoy hour pursuit separated chase leading british ship hms monarch range opened fire french squadron divided frigate went north intercepted hms mars accompanied turned south managed hms windsor castle main body french force remained met attack monarch british flagship hms outnumbered british squadron french ships fought hard inflicting damage leading british ships severely wounding commodore hood eventually strength british squadron told despite fierce resistance french ships surrendered british capturing seven vessels squadron background principal naval campaign fought atlantic_ocean following raid large french battle squadrons british trade routes focused particularly caribbean security french caribbean severe threat wars royal_navy dominated region restricted french movements islands west_indies france dominance enforced rigorous blockade british ships attempted ensure french military commercial vessel able enter leave french europe french colonies caribbean strategy designed destroy economies morale french west indian territories preparation attack british expeditionary forces counter strategy french government repeatedly sent convoys individual warships french caribbean islands supplies food military equipment reinforcements resupply efforts ranged small individual large battle squadrons orders avoid conflict possible despite orders intercepted british blockade forces caribbean french coast largest french resupply effort napoleonic wars squadron admiral sent santo domingo december troops supplies conjunction second squadron vice admiral jean force ordered raid british trade routes disrupt movement british merchant shipping atlantic reached santo domingo february days british battle squadron intercepted destroyed force battle san domingo able avoid attack british forces spring cruised caribbean summer force eventually dispersed hurricane august survivors forced shelter american eastern unaware dispersal squadron british naval authorities sought block return europe strong battle squadrons principal french atlantic ports important targets city heavily fortified port powerful french naval force based squadron royal_navy ships line assigned watch case attempted return august command blockade squadron awarded commodore sir samuel hood highly experience naval commander expedition planned carry supplies french west_indies british distracted operations assigned operation commodore jean officer served expedition successful operation year carry supplies reinforcements provided seven ships large modern frigates rated guns actually carrying smaller older frigate guns small guns ships heavily laden carrying men hoped size speed allow defeat smaller escape larger battle squadron departed evening september aiming bypass hood squadron dark september wind coming northeast hms monarch spotted sails east hood squadron spread southeast lighthouse saint hms centre hms revenge east monarch west hms mars close rest squadron spread rear hood immediate reaction sails belong squadron french ships line ordered ships form line battle anticipation signal raised monarch identified strangers frigates hood abandoned previous orders raised new signal ordering general chase confident ships destroy convoy power defensive capability line battle soon realised spotted gave orders ships sail southwest fast possible hoping british squadron convoy heavily laden slower normally heavy swell strong winds favoured large ships line chase continued night monarch clearly gaining convoy nautical miles captain richard lee close fire bow small guns situated ship french frigate captain jean returned fire stern french ships raised anticipation battle recognising facing overwhelming british force split ships sending southwards north limited success achieving desired effect dividing pursuit captain william taking hms mars british line pursuit slow hms windsor castle sent south bound ships main body royal_navy squadron remained course accepted remaining ships rapidly overhauled monarch drew forming compact group receive british attack ordered captains focus fire enemy sails rigging masts hoping inflict damage delay pursuit allow force escape minutes monarch heavily engaged captain lee found disadvantage heavy swell suited ship chase prevented opening lower case flooding available cannon result isolated ship began suffer severe damage rigging sails frigates gunnery minutes monarch unable lee continued fighting reach melee flagship opening fire hood passed battling monarch concentrating fire flagship minutes battle continued suffering damage rigging sails french shot taking casualties musket fire soldiers carried aboard wounded commodore hood shot right ball eventually lodging shoulder hood retired command passed second command lieutenant case surrendered followed minutes later ships suffered heavy damage casualties unequal engagement hope continue resistance rest british squadron rapidly approaching north failed mars captain forced frigate surrender brief ships lost long disappeared south determined flee westwards hoping damage inflicted sails sufficient prevent pursuit damaged distance british flagship sufficiently support arrived form mars ship undamaged able easily catch fleeing frigate opened fire combat continuing half hour surrendered frigate badly damaged south windsor castle proven far slow catch smaller french ships easily second rate escaped aftermath took time british squadron effect repairs ships prizes preparation journey britain suffered light casualties killed wounded seriously injured hood arm battle note french losses heavier unknown hood include official report promised provide soon follow letter written located captured frigates large new vessels immediately purchased service royal_navy retaining names hms hms hood men commended time subsequent historical focus bravery inexperienced french crews resisting attack overwhelming force long william james wrote conduct french ships william writing stated resistance offered french force superior way credible days action hood promoted rear admiral awarded pension year despite wound continued service fighting notable action russian ships baltic_sea later operating spanish coast early war french efforts resupply west indian colonies continued years costing heavy toll men ships lost british blockade situation french caribbean desperate french increased supply convoys losing frigates ship line failed reinforcement efforts late early weakened colonies unable resist british attack invasions forced surrender martinique january guadeloupe year later santo domingo falling british spanish portuguese forces order battle


operation corridor operation corridor serbian operation conducted war army forces croatian defence council croatian army northern bosnia june october objective offensive establish road link city west country eastern parts territory controlled serbs offensive prompted capture blocked single overland road controlled territories successfully recaptured pushed north capturing towns process second phase offensive reached river border croatia destroyed held offensive involved troops resulted heavy casualties sides especially outcome later caused speculation result political arrangement croatian leaders secure land trade background yugoslav people army withdrew croatia following acceptance start implementation plan officers soldiers born bosnia transferred new army later renamed army reorganisation followed declaration serbian republic bosnia january ahead february march referendum independence bosnia declaration later cited serbs pretext war serbs began capital areas march following day fatalities war recorded final days march forces bombarded artillery drawing border crossing brigade response april artillery began bosnia faced army republic bosnia croatian defence council reporting dominated central government leadership respectively occasionally supported operations arms introduced september hampered preparation forces late april able deploy troops hundreds tanks armoured personnel carriers artillery pieces croatian defence forces field approximately soldiers handful heavy weapons largely unprepared lacking heavy weapons possessing small arms half force approximately troops mid units transferred withdrew bosnia newly declared federal republic yugoslavia controlled approximately percent bosnia prelude following successful defence march reinforced troops pushed south town captured towns end capture severed road available serbs spanning controlled western bosnia held territory east country adjacent serbia prevented supply bulk territory gained republic serbian croatian serbs croatia initial phase croatian war independence loss road link caused substantial supply problems surrounding area resulted counterattack forces area time captured east south advance june 1st corps initiated preliminary operations held area attempting improve positions needed launch major attack july captured villages north achieved main objective preliminary advance deaths newborn babies hospital shortage oxygen immediate cause action offensive order battle according croatian author deployed troops beginning operation corridor force increased end initial phase offensive tasked 1st corps main effort offensive corps operation command general contributed troops offensive forces commanded directly interior minister milan according troops region outset offensive troop levels declined october forces commanded major general troops command organised operational group included brigades elements large number units according included bulk infantry brigade based fragments brigades based based units 3rd guards brigade instructed deploy order cancelled unit moved nature deployment refusal units fight area consequence croatian defence minister order volunteers deployed bosnia according parallel chain command existed respect infantry brigade remained control civilian authorities croatian city timeline june 1st corps began offensive operation corridor objective break held positions link east corps secondary effort consisted attacks objective achieved days heavy combat june advanced captured town june secondary advances facing considerably resistance gained little ground second phase offensive launched july comprised advances aiming reach border croatia north towns quickly captured july continued roll troops july captured arrived riverside near town days later time troops advanced kilometres miles reached position kilometres miles reduced town august september launched attacks little gain mid september deployed near east attacked east west road aimed secure operation corridor counterattack managed capture section road south eastern end corridor restored control road quickly push launched september advance initially moderate success october forces changing sector 1st corps concentrated managed disrupt defences achieved breakthrough capturing october response withdrew troops equipment orderly fashion bridge spanning town demolished october aftermath mid october early november briefly cut corridor south times turn launched major offensive held initial success offensive failed drove attacking force positions held prior advance aiming improve security corridor units 1st east corps turned south advanced kilometres miles defences held push widened corridor kilometres point offensive captured square kilometres square miles territory allies lost troops killed wounded according sustained losses killed wounded lost killed injured fighting took place region april october period city came bombardment artillery aircraft total artillery shells fourteen rockets fired city bombs dropped air resulting deaths civilians according german historian marie ethnic break resistance local population claim area termed corridor life high strategic value outcome battle shocked croatian commander later resulted speculation cause blamed infantry brigade collapse failure defence claimed brigade pulled battlefield civilian authorities thought outcome battle agreement leaders mate view agreement echoed british historian claims area conceded operation corridor traded western sources proposed area traded held peninsula near central intelligence agency analysis concluded direct evidence arrangements conversely croatian historian concluded battle complex especially pointed suffered ineffective command structures poor intelligence noting failed detect presence 16th 1st armoured brigades early claims infantry brigades shortly battle view supported colonel general commander 16th brigade assigned tactical group established 1st corps carry offensive officials tried international criminal tribunal yugoslavia war crimes committed capture defendants charged unlawful arrest detention torture forced labour transfer found guilty convictions upheld appeals process sentenced years prison received prison terms years respectively