battle battle major battle vietnam war known vietnam american war event occurred district capital district province province south vietnam offensive vietnam people army 2nd division tried capture attacks quickly elements 1st marine division division korean brigade guarding city north vietnamese general decided fight outskirts city pull 2nd division mountains rest rebuild prepare major operation small district north chosen target 2nd division following defeat north vietnamese military intelligence agencies corps tactical zone confused movements north vietnamese 2nd division track mysterious enemy unit march april military intelligence began detect elements 2nd division moving opponent true intentions largely unknown response major attack general william decided build defenses special forces sending army engineers upgrade local sustained use large transport aircraft weapons ammunition detachment australian led 11th mobile strike force company ordered positions outpost serving boost allied intelligence gathering capabilities area unbeknownst united_states allied forces 1st regiment watching build time preparing initiate assault taking early hours elements 1st regiment attacked successfully overran outpost dawn 11th company devastated later received reinforcements came form 12th mobile strike force company despite having received assurances reinforcements arrive relieve outpost commander 11th company decided evacuate troops time 1st regiment turned attention main target left local force units destroy allied reinforcements elements division operation golden valley bolster strength special forces camp morning north vietnamese 2nd division surrounded gradually forced united_states led forces bases outposts overrun ordered evacuated air division told effort extract people military civilian time evacuation completed military aircraft shot including north vietnamese complete control background marked decisive turning point history vietnam war end january regular units vietnam people army initiated large scale attacks provincial cities south vietnam major towns villages allied military installations country attacked period north vietnamese southern allies violated holiday truce enabled south vietnamese military personnel leave subsequently combined forces able achieve element surprise quickly gain ground parts country despite early victories sustain offensive weeks months parts south vietnam closest bases ultimately north vietnamese units gradually driven provincial cities corps tactical zone north vietnamese military mixed successes allied military forces february north vietnamese infantry contingent armed charges tear gas reinforced soviet amphibious tanks successfully breached wires special forces camp combined american south vietnamese indigenous civilian irregular defense group personnel absorbed casualties trying hold positions battle lieutenant colonel daniel commander company 5th special forces group fight way camp order escape north vietnamese attack rescued relief task force led major george located kilometers east 26th marine regiment able hold ground multi division north vietnamese assault siege air_force navy marine fighter bombers dropped tonnes bombs north vietnamese positions bombers tonnes ordnance areas north vietnamese believed concentrated forces period 2nd division command general clashed elements division 1st marine division south korean brigade attempts capture mixed signals 2nd division units north vietnamese defeated february 2nd division withdrawing battlefield lieutenant general robert commander iii marine amphibious force ordered troops continue attacks retreating forces aftermath battle military commanders corps held different views fighting ability 2nd division major general samuel claimed losses sustained 2nd division impaired future effectiveness units allegedly killed enemy soldiers month january contrast major general told superiors 2nd division units deploy future operations threat remaining south vietnamese units marine battalion region sustained significant losses 2nd division rendered ineffective uncertain military intelligence know whereabouts enemy unit intentions january north vietnamese fighting continuously allied military forces corps resupply capabilities soldiers given opportunity rest offensive following failed attack north vietnamese general commander military region decision pull 2nd division mountains rest resupply integrate replacement manpower going offensive ordered split 2nd division fighting arms regiment tie americans son valley rest division withdraw base areas near link transport regiment target surrounding areas told senior officers attack force american retreat situated northern section province south vietnam corps tactical zone sat national highway paralleled international border surrounded high mountains sides special forces camp named main village located meters northeast constructed mid way foot asphalt runway assassination president hunting lodge airfield constructed use special forces camp responsibility detachment united_states_army 5th special forces group camp functioned training centre personnel reconnaissance enemy movements combat operations village inhabitants south vietnamese soldiers located kilometers southwest observation outpost detachment following loss remaining special forces camp adjacent trail corps overrun forces american australian south vietnamese forces retreat defeated prelude base area positioned highway river elements 2nd division planning attack surrounding outposts 1st regiment commanded lieutenant colonel given task initiating attack including sweeping aside small outpost plan attack finalized remained hidden avoid detection south vietnamese american allies consequently period anti aircraft battalion prohibited opening fire reconnaissance aircraft flew area time engineer battalion told conduct training new equipment charges tear gas deadline early 1st regiment headquarters preparations initial attack regularly sending local force units conduct reconnaissance patrols order observe enemy activities area march april allied intelligence movements units belonging north vietnamese 2nd division reflected information obtained military forces example 1st marine division reported enemy 2nd division headquarters 3rd regiment 21st regiment 1st regiment vicinity respectively contrast information released 27th marines regiment showed presence 3rd 21st regiments near island 2nd division headquarters reported son valley despite lack accurate information allied intelligence generally agreed north vietnamese begin attacking isolated outposts units course action subsequently division amendments golden valley plan plan relief reinforcements camps enable deployment 1st battalion 46th infantry regiment light infantry brigade support counter possible major north vietnamese attack military began taking steps reinforce starting april engineer battalion flown kilometers south repair upgrade airfield sustained use hercules transport aircraft air_force tonnes cargo including addition marines battery 2nd battalion 13th marine regiment deployed support defenders april marines staging area assemble entire detachment included ammunition supplies marines kilograms equipment supplies lifted helicopters end april 1st regiment received orders leave base positions valley western wait attack signal given 40th battalion commanded major spearheaded assault outpost manned 11th mobile strike force company march earlier year company 5th special forces group came plan supplement intelligence agencies area deploying mike force company operate south special forces camp subsequently 11th company selected task unit led members australian_army training team vietnam captain john white warrant officers frank lucas don cameron australian led unit included special forces south vietnamese soldiers joined marines arrival white men set camp hill feature improvements camp defensive perimeter included old minefield left french despite preparations days leading battle unit plagued number problems defense marine 2nd battalion 13th marines regiment supposed support garrison arrival created significant logistical issues captain white poor condition road connected ammunition stocked marines rely transport aircraft bring ammunition supplies high demand scarce resources 1st marine aircraft wing simply flexibility provide support required soldiers furthermore marines heavy lift aircraft available operations lack logistical support exemplified manner deployed marines arrived white ordered marine detachment place downhill position outside camp perimeter hill position covered trees making position non ideal location security effort bolster strength white 11th company sent mortar platoon reinforce small garrison days april intended provide local security garrison 11th company patrol developed white men soldiers known contain april elements 2nd division received message stated scouts ready cause confusion disruption allies defensive plan placed outside camp perimeter freely inside marines area days arrival decided return shortly turned claiming ambushed unknown enemy unit white soldiers skeptical claim believed story ambush lie real fighting occurred result white insisted stay outside perimeter early 1st regiment began position platoon sized patrol contact units kilometer south garrison evening enemy soldiers believed set trip prompted soldiers grenades perimeter white ordered marines pull artillery guns inside defensive perimeter better defend position meter hill feature marines spent entire evening taking completely apart order hill night enemy soldiers set trip soldiers threw grenades response captain chris flew discuss reliability troops australian counterpart prevented returning poor weather day second dragged garrison marines guarded perimeter infantry protection provided 1st 2nd held eastern garrison suspect soldiers guarded eastern entrance overlooking marines battery 2nd battalion battle fight early hours 40th battalion 1st regiment reinforced local force units moved position final preparations attack special assault squads formed breach camp second squad fan destroy key targets inside garrison white alerted movements enemy troops outside perimeter quickly organized soldiers placed troops alert marine detachment commanded lieutenant bob adams unable operate lack rounds designed battery defense anti personnel fire shortly suspect soldiers approached garrison eastern entrance asked marine guarding outer perimeter let entered perimeter charges allied positions soldiers lit marking double cross battle initial attack split allied formations garrison 1st 2nd 11th company pushed away eastern perimeter marines organized small groups contact inside command post white called air support later came form modified version equipped general_electric support ground troops eastern garrison soldiers 40th battalion continued charge hill firing assault rifles simultaneously elements 1st regiment southern western end garrison held captain white 1st 3rd test strength allied defenses garrison stage soldiers retreated positions eastern end garrison marines pinned captured marines gun position captain white able maintain contact warrant officers cameron lucas telephone coordinate forces held greater portion garrison particularly eastern attack stalled 40th battalion overrun command post tried advance landing zone allied soldiers set strong position fortified underground failed detect previous reconnaissance patrols 4th air commando squadron reported flying garrison white directed aircraft fire held positions perimeter shouted warnings marines white approved aircraft fire position area arrival enabled allied forces hold remaining ground final attack fighting limited grenades random fire movement believed final attempts overcome allied position set tear gas low density little effect allied soldiers events white sent urgent messages company 5th special forces headquarters division request support response 5th special forces headquarters ordered captain eugene fly assume command 12th mobile strike force company reinforce white soldiers sunrise colonel ordered 40th battalion pull order deal enemy relief force leave blocking force hold captured positions inside garrison following events australian warrant officers cameron lucas mounted counter attack handful soldiers attempt retake captured positions point marines survived main battle decided join fight australian led formation moved garrison gradually pushed remaining enemy soldiers defensive perimeter early morning white expected assaults 40th battalion opponents moved rest 2nd division simultaneously flying overhead continued direct fighter bombers suspected positions garrison continued receive sporadic mortar rpg small arms fire addition close air support missions helicopters flew evacuate wounded reported receive fire flying enemy area operations captain lieutenant adams wounded main battle evacuated wounded flown surviving elements 11th company marines consolidated positions broken allied soldiers result double cross occurred earlier battle time 12th company departed approaching onboard marine sea knight helicopters helicopters arrived able soldiers 12th company demonstrated domination landing zone helicopter hit anti aircraft fire forced land ground intact damages fuel line moments later helicopter struck rocket propelled grenade turned rescue crews downed helicopter destroyed immediately downed helicopters blocking landing zone remaining helicopters prevented landing ground wounded men evacuated helicopters helicopter took stranded soldier grabbed helicopter fell deaths shortly arrival placed 12th company command australian counterpart situation continued soldiers exhausted ammunition water supplies running low white believed defend garrison case launched major attack white requested permission evacuate garrison told stay wait arrival reinforcements white knew reinforcement unlikely downed helicopters prevent additional soldiers road likely covered opposing forces waiting ambush positions white decided evacuate withdraw troops safety evacuation plan type equipment taken considered value opponent dumped command bunker set captured enemy marines ordered fire remaining shells rounds total ammunition storage set disable guns white expected survivors fight way decision leave dead allied soldiers decision caused distress survivors battle white believed evacuating deceased soldiers enemy lines marines mobile strike force personnel destroyed equipment directed form order march order protect wounded little infantry experience left garrison cameron blew helicopter intact landing zone anti tank weapon order march led group soldiers followed white survivors marine artillery detachment group soldiers covering tail column evaded formations surrounding hill feature marched eastward halfway white rest column climbed mountain cleared jungle create landing zone called helicopters evacuate survivors flight sea knights later arrived scene repeated chaos descended allied formation personnel fought way helicopters soldiers thrown helicopters quickly reached limit capacity eventually dump equipment overboard accommodate remaining landing zone evacuation survivors completed white immediately flew australian warrant officers arrived fight short duration took heavy toll allied forces unknown number soldiers military personnel killed including army marines wounded surrounded conjunction ground assault outpost elements 2nd division subjected heavy barrage mortar fire north vietnamese 21st regiment later reinforced 1st regiment position attack detachment division activated operation golden valley reinforce special forces camp division requested permission iii change reaction force 2nd battalion 1st infantry regiment light infantry brigade 1st replace 1st battalion 46th infantry regiment light infantry brigade 46th meantime company 46th provide needed reinforcement 1st position company 46th infantry led lieutenant bobby thompson arrived supporting artillery ammunition immediately assigned task thompson company dug end runway nearest peter platoon overlooking deep caves kept harm strikes called location hours later battalion 1st infantry commanded lieutenant colonel robert nelson touched battlefield immediately set defensive positions support detachment constant enemy mortar artillery attacks allied forces able strengthen defenses significant ground period allied defenses remained thin north vietnamese occupied high ground surrounding hills target allied ground targets support aircraft high level accuracy response increasing north vietnamese pressure bombers called hit north vietnamese held positions strikes little effect artillery mortar rounds continued fall surrounding outposts consequently recommended defended allied soldiers civilians evacuated agreed believing lacked defensive potential commanders ground notified decision evacuate military personnel american vietnamese civilian army units ground left decision led chaos later evacuation underway hours elements 2nd division continued increase pressure main compound special forces camp north vietnamese final preparations main assault capturing mountain outpost time manned soldiers division placed machine guns main camp advanced defensive positions soldiers reported outpost number overrun fighter bombers attempt save minutes later defenders outpost number reported position surrounded attempted hold position calling fire directly position order stop attack soon outpost succumbed north vietnamese defenders retreated soldiers outpost number called supporting artillery units fire directly position attempt hold north vietnamese defeated moments later sunrise seven outposts firmly north vietnamese hands allied soldiers placed position north vietnamese occupied high ground fire support aircraft tried resupply camp evacuate people sunrise north vietnamese moved closer special forces camp cover early morning fog hour fog lifted additional bombers flew dropped tons bombs suspected north vietnamese positions south general commander air division ordered 7th air_force effort evacuate besieged special forces camp strikes clearly failed stop north vietnamese advance camp south eastern perimeter subjected massive ground assault stop opponent onslaught fighter bombers called north vietnamese formations soldiers ground small arms artillery fire break attack point blank range army shot compound time attack stopped opposite end compound came fire early morning tactical air support difficult north vietnamese troops close proximity allied forces army arrived begin process evacuation took hits anti aircraft fire helicopter burst flames exploded blocked runway soldiers engineer battalion tried remove wreckage operating vehicle having preparation caught fire burning plane engineers assembled push downed helicopter runway north vietnamese troops don cleared wreckage tracked camp shut cleared obstacles prevent fixed wing aircraft airfield simultaneously single air_force flown major james shot outside camp perimeter events negative impact south vietnamese indigenous forces resolve south vietnamese soldiers particular apparently shaken order carry sweep operation rear end camp vietnamese commander refused leave bunker encourage soldiers morale discipline indigenous forces sunk low began leave defensive positions permission section camp subjected major ground attack consequently behavior indigenous soldiers stages battle coupled information friendly soldiers turned marines effect army soldiers ensure soldiers abandon posts soldiers threatened shoot attempting run away evacuation approximately runway cleared wrecked helicopter moments later piloted lieutenant colonel cole touched runway heavy fire flattened tire caused extensive damage wing tanks immediately cole aircraft rushed vietnamese civilians ditches runway filling aircraft prevented unloading aircraft cargo heavy fire cole decided navigate aircraft runway order combined weight cargo civilians addition damage sustained landing prevented aircraft gathering speed aborted civilians proceeded cut blown tire stop slowing aircraft able cut rubber bayonet able cut steel thanks engineers carefully cutting steel fire kept fear catching wheel fire hours later realizing enemy artillery rounds coming closer aircraft colonel cole tried second time managed air time passengers members air_force combat control team radio equipment destroyed cole left flown major ray landed took engineers south vietnamese civilians shortly landed aircraft reported enemy fire coming able safely minutes ground people evacuated aircraft handful helicopters arrived vicinity pilots told try landings afternoon hercules resumed operations major bernard approached airfield south landed despite taking numerous hits vietnamese women children rushed aircraft soon aircraft takeoff north direction unaware opposing forces concentrated area took aircraft quickly ground fire crashed mile end runway south vietnamese civilians entire died crash loss aircraft hercules completed successful evacuation people ground line lieutenant colonel william flying mission diverted extract forces civilians touched artillery shell exploded feet aircraft forced pull throttle forward pulled went second approach desperation people ground landed hundreds civilians soldiers poured ditches rushed aircraft witnessed destruction taking north direction decided fly southwest aircraft airborne banked aircraft masked rolling terrain aircraft sustained damages left wing fuselage leading edge wings landed safely passengers took piloted lieutenant colonel john closed altitude feet aircraft began receive north vietnamese fire sides cockpit opened bullets ripped subsequently touch pilot shut engine forced aircraft remain upright brakes little directional control aircraft crashed destroyed early morning managed turn aircraft runway avoid blocking aircraft stopped completely man crew got quickly minutes later soldiers ground guided safety rescued marine witnessing destruction hercules lieutenant colonel franklin montgomery landed extracted vietnamese civilians soldiers montgomery aircraft suffered hits knocked panic stricken vietnamese civilians whilst trying maintain order montgomery flown arrived continue evacuation aircraft picked people took people remaining ground special forces soldiers indigenous personnel major james wallace flew extracted group people ammunition began explode reported witnessing vietnamese soldiers lost family members crash believed mission piloted lieutenant colonel jay van ordered man combat control team compound earlier day colonel cole protest van argued camp completely evacuated control center insisted combat control team complete task coordinating evacuation van landed aircraft runway combat control team led major john immediately disembarked aircraft team returned special forces camp van waited runway minutes extract survivors appeared pulled throttle took soon van aircraft airborne pilot reported general evacuation completed facility destroyed van quickly notified aircraft vicinity team searched special forces compound division battalion command post artillery compound everybody evacuated dead additionally north vietnamese hands men ran ditch runway tried contact aircraft overhead radio disabled equipment waiting miracle members clashed north vietnamese troops set machine gun position beneath wing crashed successfully disabled opponent weapon ordeal forward air controllers sent low passes locate position successful response nearest aircraft land runway search stranded members lieutenant colonel alfred approached airfield south landed runway support fighter bombers suppress enemy fire seeing men applied power took avoid taking hits north vietnamese anti aircraft fire rolled past position men came position chasing aircraft arms waving believing aircraft missed men ran ditch left runway airborne banked aircraft left enabled men running ditch making attempt landing low fuel line piloted lieutenant colonel joe jackson landed runway fire swept facility able extract stranded heavy fire flew evacuation bombed camp aftermath battle considered defeat forces described historian reverse unlike previous fight application american massacre prevent north vietnamese dominating high ground surrounding general described loss minor disaster decisions influenced higher command level events battle subjected intense media comparison french defeat clash operational thinking general senior generals lesson learned general commanders battle showed air power cure command control system united_states_air_force ordeal imperfect demonstrated involving combat control teams final notable outcome closed special forces camp corps tactical zone close proximity border ground surveillance trail difficult allowing north vietnam supplies develop new branches trail despite setbacks evacuation special forces camp strongly highlighted morale discipline motivation air_force personnel took operation day struggle clear ground units prepared emergency evacuation lack experience terms integrating numbers types aircraft small geographical area establishing procedures order extract military civilian personnel besieged special forces camp despite having lost aircraft pilots completing mission bravery exemplified lieutenant colonel joe jackson received medal honor rescue man combat control team army lost killed action wounded marines lost marines killed action wounded combined services reported highest number missing battle vietnam military personnel reported missing action 1st infantry rescued days captured kept march listed recovered recovered lost aircraft vicinity helicopters north vietnamese claimed killed american soldiers captured enemy troops including american advisors capturing vast quantities weapons ammunition left south vietnam south vietnamese special forces indigenous soldiers believed killed civilians perished major crash total number north vietnamese casualties unknown united_states military claimed killed roughly enemy soldiers july troops infantry brigade operation canyon disrupt north vietnamese logistics system province offensive autumn winter occupied forces conducted searches remains americans battle years earlier teams joint accounting command located crash site recovered remains crewmen remains buried arlington national cemetery december teams joint task force accounting later renamed joint accounting command located green killed outpost green returned fort campbell ceremony buried arlington national cemetery


greek november events november december greek political dispute led armed confrontation athens royalist government greece forces allies issue greece neutrality world war friction existed sides beginning world war surrender border fortress central powers forces mainly composed bulgarian troops event led allies feared possibility secret pact greek royalist government central powers alliance allied army macedonia end intensive diplomatic negotiations king constantine allied diplomats took place summer king wanted greece maintain neutrality position favor central powers plans balkans allies wanted greek army surrender war equivalent lost fort guarantee greece neutrality end summer failure negotiations bulgarian army advance eastern macedonia greek government orders greek army offer resistance led military coup military officers support allies prime minister beginning supported allies established provisional government northern greece began forming army liberate areas lost bulgaria effectively split greece entities inclusion greek army allied forces division greece sparked anti allied demonstrations athens late october secret agreement reached king allied diplomats pressure military advisers forced king abandon agreement attempt enforce demands allies landed small contingent athens december november met organized resistance armed confrontation took place compromise reached end day day allied contingent evacuated athens royalist mob began rioting city targeting supporters rioting continued days incident known greece old style calendar occurred month november incident drove deep wedge bringing closer known national following allies determined remove king constantine established naval blockade areas supported king resignation king june greece unified new king alexander constantine son leadership joined world war allies mobilized greek army provided numerical superiority allies needed allied army shortly defeated central powers forces balkans followed liberation serbia conclusion world war background greece greece emerged victorious balkan wars territory doubled unstable international political climate early 20th century placed greece difficult position ownership greek occupied eastern islands contested ottoman_empire claimed north bulgaria defeated second balkan war engineering strategies greece serbia assassination ferdinand austria serbia precipitated austria-hungary declaration war serbia caused germany austria-hungary countries allied serbia triple powers declare war starting world war greece like bulgaria initially maintained neutrality conflict greek leadership divided prime minister supported great_britain allies king constantine educated germany married kaiser sister king admired prussian anticipating quick german victory king wanted greece remain neutral conflict strategy favorable germany central powers early britain offered greece territorial concessions asia minor participate upcoming gallipoli campaign supported idea king military advisers opposed dismayed king opposition prime minister resigned february months later liberal party won elections formed new government bulgaria mobilized serbia september ordered greek counter asked anglo french army defend aid serbia allies led general began landing september entrenched city greek parliament gave vote confidence help serbia king dismissed prime minister parliament unlawful order escalated animosity king loyal followers liberals december elections causes surrender fort chief general staff central powers von informed athens imminent advance german bulgarian forces reply athens importance general movements requested change strategy guaranteed territorial integrity greece rights citizens respected despite official protest greek government bulgarian soldiers led german cavalry invaded greece greek forces fort surrendered german supreme command concerned allied general movements ordered occupy strategic positions inside greek territory specifically fort despite assurances bulgarian soldiers immediately began forcibly greek population large cities drama german attempts bulgarian territorial ambitions partially successful september occupied bulgarian army reactions allies surrender fort caused allies believe german bulgarian advance result secret agreement athens central powers assured bulgarian force invade greek territory allies saw violation greek neutrality disturbance balance power balkans allied press especially france demanded swift military action greece protect allied forces macedonia supporters surrender fort signaled loss greek macedonia proposed sir francis senior british diplomat athens jean senior french diplomat athens general establish provisional government greek army repel pledged army king royal family according report hoped success action pressure public opinion moment convert majesty proposal french support met strong opposition britain forcing abandon plan june allies held conference london examine reasons quick surrender fort favored complete greek army navy king constantine anticipated results conference ordered partial june tension royal government allies continued anti allied activities athens ignored greek government june mob destroyed newspapers mob proceeded british embassy police stood interfering incident gave france political ammunition persuade britain extreme measures needed june london conference decided absolutely necessary bring king greece government senses military coup august demonstration athens explained disagreements king policies said king victim advisers aims destroy goals revolution additionally appealed king pursue policy true neutrality ended speech stating proposal lead success means protect country complete king refused accept compromise including meeting committee sent days later army officers loyal organized military coup proclaimed provisional government national defence despite support army provisional government officially recognized allied powers criticized course action noting support allied army movement fail immediately population known anti newly founded separate provisional state included northern greece crete islands new lands won balkan wars broadly supported old greece pro royalist admiral general formed provisional government october moved assume command national defense directed greek participation allied war effort direct conflict royal wishes athens according british diplomat beginnings continued appeals king join forces jointly liberate macedonia wrote convince citizens followers end pushed radical solution end stalemate constantine agreement creation provisional government negotiations allies king intensified allies wanted greek army removal military forces safety troops macedonia king wanted assurances allies officially recognize support provisional government guarantees greece integrity neutrality respected negotiations october king suddenly agreed demands required allies including removal greek army king volunteered war greek navy assist exchange king requested french deputy paul agreement secret central powers november vice admiral commander chief allied fleet sinking greek merchant ships german submarine secret agreement demand surrender docked greek war ships took command naval arsenal greek government yielded november partial greek warships began allies towed away lighter craft weeks later french took naval base completely began greek ships operated french crews constantine agreement short lived military plans pressure exerted military athens led king forced greek action met disapproval allied circles associates athens answering criticisms wrote advance attempt undermine king pact planned long failure secret agreement caused subversive activities segments royalist government athens disrupt provisional government diplomatic efforts events seizure greek ships allies incident franco british violations greece territorial integrity offended national honor segment old greece increased king popularity king refused honor secret agreement soldiers requested fight bulgarian occupation charged rebels growing movement low rank officers army led determined oppose assistance allies diplomacy failed despite continuing pressure applied allies athens november presented day ultimatum demanding immediate surrender greek mountain artillery batteries instructed use force possession batteries admiral effort persuade king accept france demands advised king land allied contingent occupy certain positions athens demands accepted greece king said citizens greece army promised greek forces attack allies despite gravity situation royalist government allies effort reach diplomatic solution november royalist government rejected proposal allies armed resistance organized november military units royalist militia surrounding areas recalled gathered athens total men occupied strategic positions orders fire fired allied commanders failed assessment situation greek national pride determination causing conclude greeks allies thought face superior force greeks bring cannons surrender viewpoint shared battle athens early morning december november allies landed strong marine force headed athens allied troops reached designated positions found occupied greek troops hours sides stood facing time morning unknown origin rifle shot fired battle athens began blamed firing battle spread city king requested proposing solution reach compromise small contingent troops unprepared encounter organized greek resistance short supplies readily accepted king compromise agreement finalized battle resumed greek battery hill fired number rounds entrance french admiral established headquarters allied squadron responded bombarding sections city stadium near palace discussions soon resumed final compromise reached king compromised surrender artillery batteries mountains instead allied admiral demanded late afternoon battle finished allies suffered casualties dead wounded greeks lost counting civilians early morning december allied forces evacuated role battle intensely contested witnesses historians vice admiral louis wrote supported allies attacked passing greek royalist army units participation allegedly extensive lead admiral wrote report involved civil war continued fighting evacuation allied marines day claimed large weapons ammunition found strongholds packed french military containers led prison surrounded furious mob supposedly royal army escorts saved murdered angry citizens historians deny collaborated allied forces contemporary royalist historian argues attacked fellow citizens weapons found raids prominent houses knives following days authorities pretext events claimed staged insurrection support allied troops proceeded help extensive arrests city entire operation led generals army troops military district athens took orders general soldiers active defense commanded general later commander chief asia minor expedition terror destruction followed soon went hand making respectable conservative newspaper greek political review beginning urged greek justice conspiracy purge followers end urge following days houses shops people murdered chester says murdered refugees asia minor hundreds imprisoned kept solitary confinement characterizes imprisonment certain prominent mayor athens disgrace authors argue arrested imprisoned ill treated describes released days later strong demand contained ultimatum accepted january opposing reports exist abbot asserts evacuation allied forces criminals collaborators different allied spy agencies slipped athens night allegedly city nearly year failure vice admiral relieved command aftermath greece incident known november events old style calendar marked culmination national political situation greece europe december november britain france officially recognized government government greece effectively splitting country december november government officially declared war central powers royal warrant arrest immediately issued archbishop athens pressured royal house prime minister france presidency leading proponent engaging constantine bring reconciliation greek threatened events athens leading reorganization french government britain prime minister foreign minister sir edward grey resigned replaced lloyd george arthur change british leadership proved particularly important greece lloyd george known admirer dedicated resolving eastern question fall russia refused french proposals constantine removal throne caused france great_britain drastic measures king constantine june decided obligation protecting powers guarantee constitutional democracy greece demanded king resignation constantine accepted june went exile son alexander considered allies sympathies new king greece instead constantine elder son crown prince george king exile followed prominent especially army officers france italy course events paved way return athens greece unified officially joined war allies entire greek army mobilized tensions remained inside army supporters constantine supporters began participate military operations central powers fall greeks soldiers single largest component allied army greek army gave needed advantage allies altered balance sides september command french general combined greek serbian french british force launched major offensive bulgarian german_army battle battle bulgarian army gave defensive positions began retreating country september armistice bulgaria signed allied command allied army pushed north defeated remaining german austrian forces october allied armies recaptured serbia preparing invade hungary offensive halted hungarian leadership offered surrender november marking dissolution austro hungarian empire ended world war germany lacked forces stop allies invading germany south participation greek army decisive event war earning greece seat paris peace conference


ambush ambush engagement united_states north korean forces occurring july village southern south_korea early korean war fight ended north korean victory following successful ambush forces resulted heavy american casualties army 3rd battalion 29th infantry regiment newly formed unit consisting inexperienced new arrivals ordered south korean village hold pass advancing forces north korean people army unprepared combat american forces walked ambush battalion command staff killed pass leaving lower ranking soldiers mount disorganized defence north korean troops occupying prepared positions higher ground hours battalion fought pinned north korean soldiers higher ground north korean forces able divide american force kill commanders men following failed operation wounded commander ordered withdrawal quickly disorganized resulting hundreds casualties destroyed engagement 3rd battalion 29th infantry regiment disbanded merged units north korean forces advanced pass attacked positions east background outbreak war following invasion republic korea south_korea northern neighbor democratic people republic korea north_korea subsequent outbreak korean war result united_nations decided commit troops conflict behalf south_korea united_states subsequently sent ground forces korean peninsula goal fighting north korean invasion prevent south_korea collapsing forces far_east steadily decreasing end world war time closest forces 24th infantry division eighth united_states_army headquartered japan division equipment reductions military spending regardless 24th infantry division ordered south_korea 24th infantry division unit sent korea mission initial shock north korean advances delaying larger north korean units buy time allow follow forces arrive division consequently outnumbered weeks attempted delay north making time 7th infantry division 25th infantry division 1st cavalry division eighth army supporting units position south korean forces meantime systematically defeated forced south korea east_coast entire divisions overrun north superior firepower equipment advance elements 24th infantry division badly defeated battle july battle american north korean forces month defeat task force smith 24th infantry division soldiers repeatedly defeated forced south north korean force superior numbers equipment regiments 24th infantry division systematically pushed south battles 24th infantry division final stand battle completely destroyed delaying north korean forces advancing july time eighth army force combat troops roughly equal north korean forces attacking region new units arriving day replacements arrive july hastily assembled army recruits arrived okinawa aboard uss walker inexperienced soldiers assigned 29th infantry regiment 2nd infantry division command preparing battalions korea relieve units 24th infantry division new formations consisting soldiers combat experience grouped battalions immediately sent headquarters regiment remained form new regiment regiment originally charge defense okinawa later rushed korea battalions landed july assigned 19th infantry regiment 24th infantry division retained designations 1st 3rd battalions 29th infantry regiment instead given time train prepare enter lines battalions immediately sent regiment sector july units lines new equipment equipment fresh production lines prepared combat despite promises commanders unit given time battle american planners believed area attack elements north korean 4th infantry division having received replacements following victory soldiers area actually north korean 6th infantry division command general san divisions coordinating left flank extremely spread groups advancing region small numbers tanks arrival immediately arrival commanding officer 19th infantry regiment colonel moore ordered 3rd battalion 29th infantry regiment seize pass road junction miles southwest north korean soldiers reported moving eighth army received reports north fighting south korean police resisting village mile west pass battalion commander lieutenant colonel alerted troops july battalion departed mission strength men battalion hold pass southern route advancing north korean forces seen significant path despite lack defenses north meantime advanced captured village lightly defended group south korean police military available manpower shortages members 6th division set roads east village began sending scout parties east larger coordinated operation 6th division hopes flanking lines vulnerable southern limit thinking units disorganized suffering low morale 6th division commander general san ordered forces aggressively advance quickly possible accompanying 3rd battalion south korean major general south_korea army chief staff relieved fall seoul having fallen favor south korean command interpreter guide 3rd battalion mission accompanied battalion aides battalion forced impassable roads delayed arrival shortly dawn troops encountered truck south korean militia claimed remains man unit wiped north korean forces area sent executive officer command post ask moore instructions moore ordered proceed mission battalion radio equipment forced send runner relay information returned nightfall forcing battalion village miles west night ambush july battalion moved pass arriving hour yards pass company head formation spotted north korean patrol company heavy weapons fired patrol forcing withdraw causing casualties company rushed pass dug waiting scheduled village mile west company battalion command group followed companies company covering rear battalion command group including senior officers approached pass company took cover left road approached pass company north korean soldiers spotted road scouting party looking probe east company preparing ambush north got closer happen called demanding identify north immediately cover ditches road company opened fire immediately american forces hit machine gun mortar fire north ridge north korean troops dug burst machine gun fire killed wounded commanders including managed ditch american forces dug soon americans vicinity killed withdrew left unable communicate rest battalion north korean forces battalion higher ground pass ridge mortar fire knocked parked vehicles including radio air_force tactical air control party direct fight flights aircraft flew area trying vain contact party unable left area making strikes 3rd battalion walked prepared north korean ambush suffering bombardment mortar machine gun fire prepared hidden north korean positions entire command group eliminated minute shot fired company pass heavily engaged north korean forces higher hill company 1st platoon sustained direct assault members company killed company separated rest battalion north korean forces advancing position ridge company attempted relieve unable company held place company began moving hill provide support north korean forces able cut battalion disorganized groups company engaging forces pass company attack forces north ridge noon north korean forces higher ground american forces american withdrawal brought position company commander captain george ordered command organize retreat ordered withdraw battalion north korean soldiers began moving pass american positions men company forced withdraw rice south pass mortar machine gun fire process cross foot stream retreat drowned process americans forced weapons equipment clothing retreat men company wounded able evacuate truck survivors 3rd battalion battle groups largest group survivors moved miles south small port fishing vessel carried south korean patrol boat groups soldiers escaped hills fight way battalion officers casualties fight scattered disorganized retreat destroyed battalion continued 19th infantry lines rest day aftermath half american battalion lost engagement members battalion including walking wounded able report duty day captured north korean soldier reported men captured later search uncovered american bodies river rice south pass official casualties americans battle killed wounded captured missing total casualties prisoners died captivity missing found dead leaving total number killed battle vehicles practically soldiers weapons 3rd battalion lost casualties north korean forces estimated american units shattered 3rd battalion traveled join 19th infantry regiment disbanded remaining men assigned 19th infantry regiment suffered heavy losses 1st battalion 29th infantry sent north attacked pushed repeatedly north korean 4th infantry division july north korean 6th infantry division struck pushing 19th infantry regiment 3rd battalion 29th infantry forcing withdraw east left southern entries open north korean 6th division unable exploit extended supply line 6th division eventually advanced east attempting capture city newly reorganized troops army repulsed inflicted heavy casualties week later battle notch


capture capture occurred september battle formed set piece battle fought months palestine campaign world war cavalry phase battle 4th cavalry division desert mounted corps attacked captured main communications hub located centre plain known valley plain armageddon plain eastern edge near jordan river miles line hills infantry attacks british corps begun battle september continuous trench line mediterranean plain foothills hills attacks captured ottoman line process ottoman eighth army coast attack infantry created gap ottoman line defences cavalry general egyptian expeditionary force rode north cavalry divisions desert mounted corps successfully captured ottoman seventh eighth armies lines communication plain headquarters hills desert mounted corps began advance riding plain september attacked captured entrenched line barring advance subsequently corps crossed mount range pass northern pass night september 4th cavalry division rode plain morning september primary objective main communications hub attacked captured force sent army group headquarters hold bar pass failed position captured units 5th 4th cavalry divisions shortly leaving 5th cavalry division regiments 4th cavalry division advanced capture later day regiment advanced directly occupy railway bridges jordan rivers capture southern edge plain blocked main line retreat damascus hills general headquarters army group commanded general von captured day days later days later 4th cavalry division advanced southwards jordan river close miles long gap retreating remnants seventh eighth armies escaping successfully attacked captured september completely cut remaining ottoman soldiers hills end month ottoman army destroyed remnants retreat damascus german rearguard captured australian light horsemen september damascus captured october time armistice allies ottoman_empire signed end october fighting underway background plain plain stretches west miles north foothills hills centre plain eastern edge close jordan river southern edge plain foot hills near remains ancient fortress tell dominate entry plain pass relatively small garrison control routes plain armies romans arabs fought near battle napoleon marched fought hills damascus aerial reconnaissance reported defensive works kind identified plain covering approaches apart german troops garrisoned army group headquarters von september von ordered 13th depot regiment military police total companies machine guns occupy defend pass deployment desert mounted corps commanded australian lieutenant general sir harry 4th 5th cavalry divisions australian mounted division division consisted cavalry brigades regiments brigade support troops regiments consisted headquarters squadrons men horses regiment brigades 4th 5th cavalry divisions consisted british regiment british indian army cavalry regiments usually sixth brigade 15th imperial service cavalry brigade regiments armed lance addition swords rifles australian mounted division armed swords rifles 4th cavalry division consisted 10th 11th 12th cavalry brigades 5th cavalry division 13th 14th 15th cavalry brigades australian mounted division 3rd 4th 5th light horse brigades 5th light horse brigade temporarily attached 60th division battle mounted units supported machine gun squadrons artillery batteries royal horse artillery honourable artillery company light armoured car units light armoured motor batteries light car patrols desert mounted corps concentrated near dumped surplus equipment preparation advance moving corps infantry divisions assembled near mediterranean coast september 5th cavalry division lead desert mounted corps advance deployed north west miles line 4th cavalry division orange east miles australian mounted division reserve near miles line movement restricted night time culminating general forwards eve battle night september 4th 5th cavalry divisions moved forward infantry australian mounted division moved divisions concentrated supplies carried horse drawn transport long trains roads divisions carried iron days special emergency rations man pounds grain horse carried horse additional day grain horse carried line transport wagons desert mounted corps objectives plain plain miles ottoman line jordan river valley formed north ottoman positions hills held seventh eighth armies successful infantry breakthrough cavalry divisions ride gap northwards coastal plain eastwards plain jordan river cut ottoman forces hills initial cavalry advance coastal plain desert mounted corps advance strictly enemy forces directly bar path turn north east mount range passes plain 5th cavalry division travel northern difficult track miles south east attack 4th cavalry division southern pass pass capture reserve australian mounted division follow 4th cavalry division pass quickly capture plain ottoman armies fighting hills corps infantry battle corps infantry battle railways cut roads controlled lines retreat plain ottoman armies west jordan virtually cut success depended rapid capture communications hub army group general headquarters disrupt communication simultaneously surround eighth army cut communications supply lines seventh eighth armies hills falls map shows cavalry advances success required cavalry capture hold plain time men horses cavalry divisions dependent rations quickly efficiently transported forward miles base 5th cavalry division objectives capture von army group headquarters miles clearing plain 4th cavalry division objectives capture town advance eastwards plain capture occupy railway road bridges jordan river particular hold destroy bridge miles north distance miles starting point australian mounted division reserve enter plain occupy 3rd light horse brigade advanced capture miles starting point prelude according david concentration surprise speed key elements warfare planned victory depended controlling skies destroying dominating german aircraft activities constant bombing raids royal_air_force raf australian flying corps disrupt communications army headquarters seventh eighth armies headquarters victory depended artillery sufficient intensity effectiveness enable infantry quickly ottoman defenders coast drive gap ottoman line desert mounted corps ride way plain day battle 4th cavalry division breakthrough 11th light armoured motor battery 1st light car patrol attached 4th cavalry division river moving south east close infantry line divisional pioneer party reached line september cut gap flag path ottoman wire permission given 7th division attacked western sector defences 4th cavalry division accompanied horse artillery batteries rejoined division taking bombardment barrage beginning battle pass gap ottoman line defences created attacks falls map vanguard 11th cavalry brigade led 36th jacob horse advance guard 4th cavalry division advance began riding marches northwards southern end pass miles away 11th 12th cavalry brigades crossed moving sides road followed 10th cavalry brigade division passed crossing hour halt line moved brigade columns 12th cavalry brigade proceeded straight 10th 11th cavalry brigades crossed edge marches division approaching crossing river rested advancing capture entrenched ottoman line defence garrisoned eighth army depot regiment stretched sea near mouth 4th cavalry division started later riding north left rear 5th cavalry division divisions approached faced plain alive cavalry miles turkish line quickly captured prisoners remainder garrison retreated closely followed jacob horse 11th cavalry brigade 4th cavalry division took prisoners regiment went forward tell prisoners captured pass september 4th cavalry division halted hours water feed rest 11th cavalry brigade concentrated tell 12th cavalry brigade reached railway north 10th cavalry brigade rode entrance pass miles north tell 2nd horse 10th cavalry brigade pushed forward 11th light armoured motor battery occupy miles north east way pass miles long pass mount range use 15th century army egyptian iii travelled 1st century roman emperor army pass rises feet sea level follows southern hills time yards wide confused hills captured battle september high pass pass narrows miles approaches watershed route narrow descending steep ridge rough section reaching mouth pass plain plain stretching feet major general george commanding 4th cavalry division ordered 10th cavalry brigade march latest finished forward 2nd advance guard ordered push right pass avoid held arrived september meeting opposition captured ottoman soldiers possibly advance guard ottoman battalion von ordered occupy pass returned pass meet 10th cavalry brigade missed entrance pass gone miles north wrong road followed 11th cavalry brigade horseback rode 12th cavalry brigade commanded brigadier general rearguard ordered forward support 2nd regiment came orders september hours 10th cavalry brigade started pass 12th cavalry brigade advance guard 6th king edward cavalry moved minutes walked minutes halted minutes arrive rest 12th cavalry brigade arriving incident soon moved half sections horse pass sending flank guards heights negotiated pass overtook stopped long column ottoman transport capturing prisoners later commented couple machine guns hold hours entrance pass secured regiment remainder 10th cavalry brigade reinforce regiment brigade commander brigadier general richard howard divisional orders brigade finally advanced twice got lost consequence commander 4th cavalry division relieved howard command spot lieutenant colonel green jacob horse took command brigade battle charge defenders arriving 2nd fed setting squadrons followed 11th light armoured car battery 17th machine gun squadron minutes later centre squadron fired companies 13th depot regiment military police supported machine guns von ordered occupy pass september march distance miles having failed reach von force taken position road plain squadron 2nd supported machine guns armoured cars attacked reserve squadron moved right slight depression charge flank second line ottoman defences encountered squadron right squadrons eventually simultaneous charge driven home captured prisoners suffering man wounded horses killed british_empire reconnaissance aircraft reported british armoured cars halfway plain way cavalry brigade seen entering plain advancing broad bullets coming close edged right intention locating enemy left flank squadron ran wire fence hidden covered plain went ahead left second command sing reform squadron bullets coming thick fast imagined squadron pretty heavy casualties added blue funk striking map showing tributary enemy lead squadron right plenty men left formation good moving good miles hour mortal terror turks determined stand fortified knowledge deep lay need worried realized right enemy saw young deliberately aiming realized holding map right hand forgotten draw sword 2nd continued advance minutes successful charge fired september miles town time north regiments 14th cavalry brigade 5th cavalry division 29th horse 34th prince albert victor horse captured railway station road respectively 5th cavalry division leading squadron 34th horse 14th cavalry brigade town ride directly encountered seven carrying german ottoman soldiers road miles south town led german officer enemy soldiers quickly jumped opened machine gun fire killing british indian army cavalry wounding non commissioned officer squadron returned fire hotchkiss guns shortly reinforced remainder 14th cavalry brigade brigade machine gun squadron winning engagement 4th cavalry division 2nd 10th cavalry brigade 5th cavalry division 29th horse 14th cavalry brigade entered german ottoman prisoners captured railway station locomotives railway trucks wagons hospital undamaged aircraft large quantity petrol large stocks champagne captured armoured cars continued pursuit capturing german road railway running south east cut line west cut 13th cavalry brigade 5th cavalry division morning charge outside september having settled cigar bottle changed places president wilson capture 5th cavalry division remained garrison rejoined later day 15th imperial service cavalry brigade divisional artillery left night pass daylight ordered 4th cavalry division 19th horse 12th cavalry brigade advance leaving september led 10th cavalry brigade advanced quickly main road protected flank guards 36th jacob horse 11th cavalry brigade capturing german soldiers way enemy soldiers retreating direction mount captured advance moving railway soldiers facing eastwards captured line established prisoners captured night captured fight september 4th cavalry division rested having covered miles miles sandy soil fought actions hours loss horses opportunity division horses cavalry advance began 4th cavalry division advance rations transport catch day delivered rations division remains days special emergency carried transport miles division divisional transport train ammunition column night september special convoy unable provisions distributed evening september rations delivered 5th cavalry division motor pass divisional transport train 10th cavalry brigade night rest leaving jordan valley september nights miles away rest nights brigade participated long advances divisional formations things complicated large numbers involved despite brigade lost horses 36th jacob horse lost 19th evening september communications cavalry divisions limited wireless aircraft aerial reconnaissance september reported large fires burning railway station fires burning ottoman line jordan alarmed reported brigade british cavalry entering capture bridge 19th 12th cavalry brigade 4th cavalry division remained orders ride evening directly miles north north east capture railway bridges prepare demolition accompanied section 18th machine gun company party 4th field squadron royal engineers regiment left handing 5th cavalry division rode miles night rough country reach september rail tracks left bank jordan river right bank river picked blocking connection railway palestine railway systems explosive charges attached bridge jordan river river north exploded second bridge captured later blown retreating forces aftermath described successful advance infantry driven enemy arms desert mounted corps operating cavalry occupied estimate total number prisoners counted today miles overlooking plain beautiful view flat high hills mount opposite mount overlooking indian cavalry got turks lance plain yesterday killed passed thousands prisoners today hours battle september september german ottoman line cut infantry cavalry passed gap reach objectives continuing british_empire infantry attack hills forced ottoman seventh eighth armies withdraw northwards waiting desert mounted corps dusk september prisoners captured brigade transport following cavalry divisions miles enemy lines ottoman_empire territory september 4th cavalry division motor working hills transporting wounded infantry rejoined division von withdrawal von combat formations available stop cavalry advance coast plain attack forced army group commander retire von retreat began early hours september taking late afternoon arrived morning september way damascus retreat asia corps german ottoman soldiers 16th 19th divisions von moving northwards learned captured decided advance night september correctly von order strong rearguard action commander eighth army ordered cross jordan instead successfully got germans ottoman soldiers september 11th cavalry brigade attack closed jordan river gap crossed captured jordan river gap closed bridge carried road jordan river captured september force comprising new_zealand mounted rifles brigade 1st 2nd battalions british west_indies regiment supported artillery south bridge denied enemy september ottoman iii corps ottoman seventh army fought rearguard action jordan river delayed british cavalry enable remained ottoman eighth army ottoman seventh army retreat eastern jordan river late evening september ordered 4th cavalry division advance south jordan river close miles gap north bridge force captured september day strong patrols 4th cavalry division moved southwards road west bank jordan road east bank 11th cavalry brigade advance southwards 36th jacob horse east bank fired miles south south east long column retiring ottoman soldiers attempting cross jordan river cover strong rearguard machine guns 29th advanced west bank fired rearguard attacked rear flank 36th jacob horse broke rearguard hopeless rout commander 16th division machine guns captured prisoners later identified rearguard von asia corps stronger rearguard east bank protecting retreating columns attacked 1st county london middlesex 11th cavalry brigade 4th cavalry division attacks 36th jacob horse repulsed second larger body ottoman soldiers moving jordan river mile south support hampshire battery cooperation 36th jacob horse east bank requested attack hampshire battery came action drew accurate fire batteries field guns south east ford hit guns yards south squadron 1st county london middlesex found ford jordan river quickly deployed enemy guns action 1st county london middlesex began attack sides river eventually captured ford prisoners leaving dead defenders withdrew ford suffering heavily machine gun automatic rifle fire abandoning enormous material september units 4th cavalry division continued advance southwards september rations distributed observation post sighted column ottoman soldiers making ford jordan river ottoman advanced guard arrived deployed machine guns cover escape larger body ottoman troops ford mile south falls sketch map detail situation 1st county london middlesex attack ford succeeded 29th reinforced attack main column capturing total prisoners including ottoman divisional commander dead troops captured 11th cavalry brigade september rear seventh ottoman army majority crossed previous night early morning continuing retreat von asia corps fourth ottoman army retreating 11th cavalry brigade continued advance miles south encountering ottoman columns corps cavalry regiment contact 29th reached ain male miles east capturing thousand prisoners 11th cavalry brigade subsequently returned september


nova bombing nova bombing occurred july bomb went outside civil guard barracks town nova spain bomb placed patrol car civil guard officers died result explosion second device found civil guard vehicle nearby barracks safely exploded police august nationalist organisation claimed responsibility attack bombs exploded restaurants shopping centres causing injuries bombing attack tried kill king juan summer deadliest attack killed civil guard officers france attack came eve 50th anniversary founding days king yearly visit background organisation declared conversations spanish governments started peace talks ended december broke truce massive car bomb madrid airport officially ended resumed attacks spain time dozens members arrested spanish french police despite organisation lose capacity carrying attacks non nationalist statute autonomy country june killed inspector near bomb attached car exploded july powerful bomb exploded socialist workers party local office causing injuries late july reported preparing summer campaign spanish police looking organisation ready explode july van loaded kilograms explosives went civil guard barracks injuring including women children bombing time killed person attacks december undercover civil guards shot dead french town deadliest attack spanish soil madrid airport attack time killed spanish regions targeted august bomb walk july people injured bombs went months later car bomb main beach summer spanish authorities dismantled cell ready shoot king juan organisation attempted attack kilograms bomb placed civil guard patrol went killing officers diego officers died instantly failed officer officers inside car bomb exploded vehicle parked street government owned building post office civil guard barracks functions hotels located area caused foreign tourists mainly german british witness blast attack authorities started look possible bombs area civil guard giving order search barracks island soon detection dog found bomb attached civil guard patrol parked barracks located kilometre bomb exploded area people evacuated nearby houses hotels civil guard bomb disposal officers carried controlled explosion bomb placed broken vehicle use victims diego lived guard august started working intern january months later suffered accident left weeks coma recovered assigned nova barracks days attack took place buried tried join national police corps finishing high school studies failed member spanish army stationed army barracks del joined civil guard february sent july relatives affected july bombing buried aftermath july funeral held cathedral santa maria service attended minister prince princess people attending mass leader opposition minister interior gathered outside cathedral minute silence held spain memory dead operation cage right attack bombers island civil guard national police corps launched operation named operation cage spanish biggest history island similar operations spain attacks madrid train bombings set island airport ports temporarily closed airport closed opened flights delayed rest afternoon ports opened day attack spanish police released picture members possibly taken bombing police named suspects direct evidence linked attack police officers deployed checking island including fisherman intense search active mid august reactions press conference palace blamed bombings terrorist group vowed bring members justice chance hide flee escape justice arrested sentenced spend lives jail arriving august yearly summer holidays king juan condemned attack vowed hitting head fight stop condemnation came governments worldwide following bombing european commission condemned bombing gave total solidarity spanish people institutions german chancellor angela condemned attack gave rodriguez support fight terrorism mexican foreign affairs condemned killing foreign minister argentina condemned attacks august bombings august day claimed responsibility july attack bombs exploded restaurants shopping centre bombs contained small amounts explosives caused little damage injuries went warning calls local time man speaking behalf called firefighters warning bombs half hour later person speaking behalf called taxi company giving details location time bombs explode finally warning mistakenly personal mobile phone authorities reported bombers given details leading confusion location bombs bomb exploded bar located avenue explosion reported authorities believing gas explosion second bomb exploded restaurant main beaches bomb went restaurant named fourth device exploded shopping mall located main square result details given warning calls police failed evacuate attacked restaurants nonetheless injured investigation authorities rapidly ruled possibility cell island police believing attack carried unit travelled island specifically carry initial reports stated bombers set bomb remote control second bomb spotted police announced device allowed members plant bomb days attack leave island earlier government delegate said security forces believed bombers left hiding island waiting situation cool attempting leave august bombings rule possibility confirmed hypothesis bombers leaving island attack reasonable devices bombs planted women toilets led authorities believe set female suspects arrests august arrested french town french alps held fellow members responsible logistics operation job supplying weapons explosives cells operating spanish soil arrest led discovery tone explosives hidden small france october arrested member arrested january portugal stopped routine traffic check point spanish town spain portugal border arrested member driving van containing kilograms explosives pistols rifle bomb making material spain october


operation operation german military operation second world war designed air superiority operation support kriegsmarine german_navy operation known channel dash kriegsmarine surface vessels carried commerce raiding sorties support german boats battle atlantic january operation berlin launched followed operation dominance royal_navy surface fleet prevented german units returning ports baltic_sea germany surviving ships battleships cruiser docked port brest france raf bomber command attacked ships dock close proximity ports royal_air_force raf airfields allowed large number sorties flown targets quick succession der marine naval high command adolf_hitler desired ships range potential air raids december der luftwaffe high command air_force ordered air superiority plan protection german capital ships escape france germany english channel general der general fighter force adolf prepared aerial assets operation supporting operation launched february phase operation germans achieved surprise german ships reached germany february days start channel dash luftwaffe succeeded defeating air attacks german ships operation allowing reach german waters air battles took place channel british suffered heavy losses non existent return german losses modest operation achieved objective background german capital ships dock brest march previous weeks january march participated german operation berlin allied shipping atlantic_ocean weeks later heavy cruiser sought refuge harbour june failed operation operation exercise rhine whilst port ships easy range british air power suffered frequent attacks damage month offensive raf march succeeded flying sorties brest harbour daylight suffered heavy losses raid july lost percent strength night bombing safer germans lacked night fighters losses enemy action claimed anti aircraft artillery aaa course campaign raf sophisticated navigation aids night december navigation aid employed time concerned loss adolf_hitler ordered kriegsmarine ships germany preparation deployment norway serve fleet premier naval defence german occupied norway lengthy discussions der marine opted shorter arguably dangerous route english channel january hitler met commanders operation headquarters east prussia wolf present commander chief german armed forces chief luftwaffe general staff alfred chief staff military operations adolf general der general fighter forces commander chief navy vice admiral lead battle group course meeting hitler likened german fleet patient cancer doomed submit operation operation hand drastic offer hope patient life saved passage ships operation attempted operational detail discussed luftwaffe ordered provide air cover diversion raids british targets promised aircraft preparations luftwaffe plan happy supporting remarked failed luftwaffe proved right january meeting navy demanded maximum fighter cover given won hitler support wrong navy likely blame luftwaffe damage sustained enemy air forces meeting stood ground refused guarantees reinforce western fighter forces theatres given executive power air operation given code operation existence operation secret sign secrecy left hitler headquarters east prussia details plan worked colonel hugo chief staff air fleet assemble sufficient strength training units bulk soviet_union owing operation route subdivided sectors based existing fighter sector boundaries ensure local control max wing commander fighter wing appointed shortened meaning fighter controller ship embarked signals officer order communicate luftwaffe units operation dummy operations involving sorties january february train mission unclear british aware training missions disrupt british radio unit radio service signals intelligence attempted jam radio telephone frequencies created subtle technique increased atmospheric interference degraded performance british coastal radars addition bomber wing ordered fly electronic deception missions western channel divert enemy aircraft prepared strike raf bases south west england engage slow british naval forces attempt interception strategic long range reconnaissance responsible maintaining reconnaissance channel east west entrance support ensure constant air support fighter wings night fighter wings shape ordered achieve frantic pace preparing aircraft mission constant aerial task force black men mechanics complete minutes insisted air units aircraft split high low altitude provide sound cover low altitude groups able evade detection british coastal radar demanded umbrella fighters ships time length channel fighter group split groups aircraft respective patrol altitudes formation split aircraft tactics involved formation flying sea land pattern ordered fly forth line ships wide figures maintaining radio silence sortie timed allow fighters exactly minutes ships maintain cover allow relieved units refuel return start cycle relieving sortie arrive minutes meant actual fighter cover half dash fighters british preparations raf forces response german action operation fuller british air forces aware germans opt choose english channel route captain norman head admiralty operational intelligence centre certain germans attempt regarded possibility end january warned german warships preparing sea major operation expected sent message sea lord pound short cut german ships english channel miles brest miles dover straits ships passage brest dover straits dark period complete passage brest dover dark period sight passage channel hazardous germans probable heavy ships fully efficient prefer passage relying security destroyers aircraft efficient knowing heavy ships oppose channel taking factors consideration appears germans pass east channel risk attempt ocean passage air marshal philip commander chief raf coastal command agreed probable route expected germans attempt february unfortunately air ministry raf commands raf coastal command raf bomber command raf fighter command believed germans use darkness longest dangerous journey straits leave daylight far adequate forces disposal believed best night raf bomber command ordered stand accordingly order totally unprepared strike daylight hours february coastal command agreed provide squadrons bristol torpedo bombers fleet air arm contributed squadron torpedo bombers raf bomber command bombers standby operation problems slow fighter escort aircraft difficult squadrons spread difficult bring squadron based scotland island portsmouth england near cornwall england forces involved luftwaffe luftwaffe contributed wings operation fighter wing equipped day fighter aircraft operated operated pressed air superiority role operated smaller numbers operated support role mainly maritime air raids enemy airfields southern england distract raf channel germans total combined strength fighters heavy fighters bombers operated maintained monopoly raf confidence british bomber force low having anti shipping attack training ability inflict damage ships poor main hope placed torpedo bomber force mainly aircraft coastal command fleet air arm squadron raf squadron raf squadron raf available coastal command mission short torpedoes torpedo squadrons ones available february bristol diverted theatres leaving chronic shortage torpedo bombers britain time major enemy naval operation expected squadrons squadron raf withdrawn convert page squadron raf midst transfer middle_east time german operation squadron available lockheed hudson squadron raf squadron raf committed reconnaissance operations squadron raf recalled leave potential operation channel squadron available placed high alert took fighting raf bomber command contributed group raf containing aircraft available service raf fighter command committed squadrons operation channel dash contact evening february german flotilla prepared undertake operation slipped anchor raf bombers appeared head german ships conducted turn sped dock raf bombers released bombs little damage fortunately notice ultra british alert series mistakes bad luck enabled germans evade detection lockheed coastal command conducted patrol positions named maintained surveillance sunset light port brest second line watched north port covered area patrols lasted hours dawn february february took usual intercepted night fighter hudson evaded equipment aircraft headed landing replacement headed area reaching location late interlude ships slipped line hudson picked german fleet repeat incident failed attempts repair failed hudson returned base replacement took place depended luck held dawn mist began form airfield island mist threatening deny clear landing run hudson recalled hour early german ships approaching zone flew sorties protecting ships night replaced hours german fleet sailed brest english channel dover straits chance mechanic radar station east sussex finished repairing equipment picked february south cap information relayed vice admiral ordered air officer liaison contact group raf ask armed reconnaissance warned group raf squadron operating raf possible targets channel despite knowing exact number size enemy vessels performance radar sets flying south coast airfield near paris flights ceased installations french coast taken detection piece good fortune germans assumed action iii flew missions plymouth harbour airfield flew diversion missions raf fighters clear request arrived raf experienced pilots group captain francis victor victories wing commander victories sent patrol investigate flying channel ran large numbers protecting large fleet warships away holding radio silence kept discovery landed sighted ships landed minutes bomber command alerted know situation soon naval actions began escorting british motor torpedo boats british alerted ordered low flying cease allowed max team aboard break radio silence began directing raf units heading area luck outnumbered british units entered ships german vessels closest point german airfields allowed luftwaffe offer maximum protection main assaults lieutenant commander eugene acting squadron leader squadron took formation attack ships squadron escort arrived minutes late missed rendezvous unit mission orders squadron leader brian squadron unaware squadron location ran fortunate accident owing low cloud cover dropped feet heavy german fighter cover end protection provide raf fighters look engaged led group commander iii relieving fighters slow forced german pilots lower prevent event shot destroyed return managed fire torpedoes found mark lieutenant commander shot killed awarded victoria_cross original eighteen crew survived squadron raf claimed likely destroyed damaged belgian coast squadron claimed destroyed damaged battles squadron claimed destroyed damaged german ships consumed little ammunition action carried largely luftwaffe stand order meant raf bomber command contribution proceedings came relatively late day dispatched total bombers attackers succeeded hitting targets bristol squadron led cliff took arriving found aircraft took nearly minutes form proper formation squadrons attacked heights feet torpedoes missed losses suffered squadron struck feet bombers lost success squadron nearly achieved hit ship turned away missing later wave bombers intercepted ships crews managed attacks owing poor training bomber command crews trained hit naval targets low cloud base metres poor visibility sea level visibility yards bombers lost formation vickers wellington aircraft attempted strike losing number notable raid action squadron wing commander flood squadron led attack loaded aircraft locating german ships darkness attacked heavy aaa fire scattered bombers successes achieved bombers took missions likely conducted attacks possible carried attacks suggesting total aircraft actually released bombs ships total shot raf fighter command threw fighter bombers try inflict damage operating hurricanes dover area success british managed achieve damage seriously hit mines struck ships recovered steamed stopped dead water engine damage hit failure alert bomber command earlier meant chance missed deliver attack vulnerable second hits came nightfall enabled vessels avoid attacks raf sighting ships occurred unclear exactly responsible damage german ships possible mines air dropped raf page bombers case bombers achieved far damage royal_navy rest raf combined losses protecting raf bombers fighter command lost fighters pilots killed captured raf fighters shot luftwaffe shot aaa fire collided lost unknown causes fighters hurricanes air battles mutual took place luftwaffe significantly worse raf fighters claimed destroyed damaged claimed destroyed damaged actual german losses amounted fighters human casualties amounted killed german fighter units claimed raf aircraft shot awarded seven kills probable victories actual british losses number lost aaa fire iii participated raids raf airfields luftwaffe flown fighter bomber missions february attacks port german flotilla reached home ports evening february threat raf bombers daylight gone bomber command soon making night bombing attacks kiel port moved inner basin alongside depot ship olivia left open tanks containing large fuel left raf bomber command attack night february bombers flew kiel olivia destroyed escaped february raf bombers returned bomb penetrated exploded oil tanks ignited ship fire bow turret entire forward bow needed replaced steamed poland april decommissioned range raf bombers sea raid cost aircraft german casualties amounted civilians sailors dead february bombers flew wilhelmshaven looking cloud obscured target area german reports noted explosions armstrong bombers lost causes evaded worst attacks raf bomber command ready summer series accidents striking running aground meant delayed turn year ship unsuccessful attempts sail norway january spotted raf aircraft turned reaching attempt tried january failed march finally norway survive months sent wartime mission operation sortie sunk battle north cape aftermath british failures failure coordinate raf navy dispersed confusion owing weather lack control british sea air forces caused element work independently caused friendly fire incidents attack squadron hms failure fighter command failure provide adequate protection bomber naval forces weather prevented greater german fighter activity time target area reached valuable time lost bomber formations searching fighter escorts rendezvous positions arrived given incorrect orders direction late acted little communication enabled fighter bomber units strike units problems raf bomber command crews majority strike forces trained attacks naval targets anti shipping torpedo bomber squadrons squadrons coastal command owing logistical issues torpedoes short total complement air marshal philip raf coastal command blamed failure operation fuller neglect anti shipping aviation directing forces operation intelligence services called anti shipping units handed service better training aircraft higher quality equipment allow raf avoid repeat channel dash air ministry refused request instead group raf bomber command support coastal units enemy shipping wilhelmshaven production remained favour bomber command producing types strategic bombing campaign germany failure fuller adding raf difficulty coastal command anti shipping units withdrawn essential mediterranean theatre operations leaving coastal command short naval strike aircraft air marshal charles portal agreed needed change arguing agree importance torpedo bomber aircraft proved completely passage channel succeeded new bristol entered service november squadron operational despite need anti shipping strike aircraft service continued struggle portal fulfilled promise aircraft including available proved watershed electronic warfare techniques removed british concerning use german defensive system line paved way debut window june devastating effect ability german night fighter radar defences locate intercept raf bombers defence step campaign british_army operation operation biting steal radar set february british removed components developed counter measures germans responded radar sets visible raf aerial reconnaissance british began occasional radar sets germans realise happening september german forces offensive british radar enable fighter bomber operations england british described real menace radar counter measures innovations escalated point onward german perspective operation outstanding success luftwaffe measure success lay ratio losses amounted german favour failure raf royal_navy intercept inflict severe damage german warships forces committed navy repulsed easily german warships escorts heavy aaa fire offered helpful defence air attack german air defence succeeded poor weather breaking raf assaults ships responsible plan called high point career kriegsmarine operation operational success strategic reverse present situation forced operation effect strategic withdrawal atlantic point onwards german campaign atlantic carried boats surface fleet german ships removed french atlantic ports british fleets contain effectively norway north_sea damaged mines required extensive repairs torpedoed stern collapsed weeks ships action extended periods bad luck followed knocked good february sinking december ships sailed atlantic intervening period leaving battle atlantic carried boat forces