operation operation arabic plan code egyptian military operation cross suez_canal seize bar line israeli fortifications october launched conjunction syrian assault heights attack marked start war operation preceded training exercises starting operational planning onwards deception operation opening stages attack known crossing combat engineers water cannons rapidly clear numerous passages sand wall lining east bank canal laid bridges operated ferries allowing armor cross egyptian infantry assaulted bar fortifications israeli armor infantry attack surprised october crossing complete east bank canal occupied egyptian infantry divisions infantry proceeded establish defensive positions spanning kilometres following fighting october israeli armor reserves arrived launched counterattack opposite city egyptian forces successful employing anti tank weapons repel israeli armor advanced end october egypt occupied strip territory entire east bank canal depth approximately kilometres addition canal crossing egypt laid successful naval blockade israel red_sea mediterranean_sea war commemorated special egyptian museum 6th october cairo damascus prelude end day war israel held entire peninsula exception port israel victory day war brought sense security israel occupied territory added strategic depth country defense consequently israel egypt ignored united_nations security council resolution called withdrawal occupied territories return arab recognition negotiations countries ceased israeli prime minister aimed maintain status quo believed country military strength secure peace arab nations terms egypt hand refused recognize israel negotiate directly preferring talks parties war severely depleted egypt military strength air_force large quantity equipment destroyed soviet assistance helped egyptian military start rebuilding armed forces shortly war september egyptian ground forces sufficiently recovered challenge israeli presence east suez_canal war attrition began egyptian artillery commando raids countered deep striking israeli borne raids egypt egypt inability challenge israeli air superiority led deployment soviet operated air defense assets protect parts egypt interior launching deep penetration raids allowing rebuild air defenses defensive upgrades incurred increasing israeli air losses leading august lasted died september succeeded egyptian strategy president believed egypt economic political social military problems result day war believed solution problems lay humiliation defeat required regaining began coordinated political military achieve february proposed phased israel withdrawal involve reopening suez_canal israeli including resolving palestinian refugee problem return egypt sign peace treaty israel relations united_states israeli insistence retention territory necessary security ended diplomatic efforts simultaneously sought improve egypt military capabilities march began trips soviet_union obtain arms munitions cover expended war attrition publicly stated desire war marked year decision soviets failed deliver promised supplies ruled offensive year drew close threats dismissed hollow arab rhetoric added weak political position arab leaders reached consensus diplomatic solution conflict hopeless american steadily declined entirely united_states soviet_union focused arabs worried meant military situation israel remain disadvantage believing diplomatic avenues reached dead end focused taking decisive military action renewed conflict israel disrupt soviet american force intervention solution arab israeli conflict center stage issue israel ussr number egyptian commanders wanted carry general war regain significant view notably held minister war general january acknowledged egypt armed forces ready land war years cited studies opposition limited offensive egyptian analyses estimated casualties canal crossing soviet estimates placed casualty figures troops stressed immense losses sustained military political gains limited offensive required following political reasons dismissed arguments government political position egyptian public angered war peace situation israel demanded action economy suffering loss suez_canal revenues oil fields cope country war extended period war desperate option limited offensive current circumstances solution session arab league joint defence council january egypt presented report stressing attack israel carried simultaneously egypt syria jordan israeli air superiority according report egypt syria air forces reinforced air squadrons arab countries achieve numerical superiority offset superior training aircraft weaponry simultaneous arab attack effectiveness israeli air_force force israeli ground forces fight war month syrian president indicated intentions going war israel egypt syria agreed coordinate military action negotiations respective ministers war formulated common military strategy egypt enlisted political support arab countries producers oil discussed possibility oil economic weapon pressure western governments adopting pro arab policies war oil producing arab nations primarily libya saudi_arabia initiated oil sent token forces lines bred caution commanders warning later minister war ali lose army happened june outlined vision limited war want plan offensive capabilities cross canal hold centimeters course help greatly alter completely political situation internationally arab ranks strategy designed achieve political success needing comprehensive military victory view egyptian military marked israeli defense forces required limited war background planning preparations major general predecessor defense minister regularly held command exercises unrealistic objectives operational aims considerably outside capabilities egyptian military lieutenant general chief staff offensive plans existed defensive plan code named operation aggressive alternative named operation granite granite incorporated raids assaults essentially defensive assessment military capabilities concluded air_force weakest arm israeli counterpart aspects israeli pilots experienced pivotal equipment advantage phantom generation fighter bomber outbreak war october denotes reconnaissance variant service compensate weaknesses egyptian air power developed air defenses fielded backbone air defenses mobile self propelled anti air gun portable infantry addition thousands conventional anti air artillery air defenses provide protective umbrella egyptian ground forces systems moved hour period best exposing air defenses degradation case advancing forces hand systems available limited numbers insufficient provide adequate protection advancing armored forces restrictions supported limited war retake east bank canal opposed authorized planning offensive plans starting july operation involved offensive entire suez_canal objective seizing key passes plan developed cooperation soviet advisers objectives operation outside capabilities egyptian military saw means inducing soviets supply arms equipment plan encourage join attack israel operation completed september following month flew moscow conclude egypt largest arms deal receiving fighters bombers anti aircraft missiles heavy artillery operation renamed granite second plan high called crossing separate areas length canal advance kilometers establish defensive positions restricting advance egyptian ground forces remain range sam defences provide protective umbrella israeli advantage air way high planned accordance capabilities egyptian army plan outline completed september absolute secrecy continued refuse concept limited war tensions rose following heated meeting senior commanders minister war sacked replacement major general favor limited offensive high continued developed viable offensive plan spring possible launch date based intelligence estimates main israeli place hours assault began armored divisions armored support crossing available hours deal egyptian infantry supplied large numbers anti tank guided missiles rocket propelled grenades rpg portable anti tank weapons principally numerous wire guided hundreds rifles conventional weapons manually guided missile long range powerful suffered low velocity flight allowing target tank time maneuver return fire minimum range meters created significant area dead ground covered rpg rifles addition anti tank grenades assault infantry equipped night vision devices infrared counter tactic mounting tanks vehicles blind enemy infantry night allow infantry carry assortment heavy weaponry machine guns mines bridges laid achieved steps firstly different field kits created lighter accommodated larger water bottles carry hours food supply field kit specifically designed meet needs assault teams solution use wheel wooden transport equipment weaponry ammunition crossing providing capacity transport nearly tons rope wooden steps deployed lift ammunition heavy equipment rifle sand wall high called assault infantry establish kilometers deep kilometers wide relatively short perimeter increase fire density initially attack receive supporting fire sand western bank reinforcements armor crossed deepened kilometers accomplished hours start operation airborne forces conduct attacks delay israeli reserves heading bar line spring passed offensive launched august year complete secrecy senior syrian commanders false names arrived alexandria harbor soviet passenger liner carrying holiday makers syrian commanders principally minister defense general chief staff general days convened egyptian counterparts egyptian naval headquarters tin palace august documents ratified concluding egyptian syrian armed forces ready war remained choose date september october date chosen jointly presidents required communicate decision commanders days date attack august days september passed reply clear offensive place september august met damascus agreed start war october specified october day informed september turn relayed decision chiefs staff request produced presidential directive war september month attack date october finally selected day coordinated offensive begin cairo local time october chosen reasons speed water current tide optimal crossing operation night moon bridge construction date coincided jewish day important factor choosing october attack jews fast day use fire electricity meant transportation israeli army october coincided month muslim calendar meant muslim soldiers muslims won victory battle year opting inspirational high operation chosen egyptian commanders assault combat engineering crossing suez_canal egyptian forces success highly dependent performance egyptian corps engineers tasks accomplish israeli engineers constructed massive artificial sand barrier spanning kilometers canal east bank great bitter lake width canal crossing unlikely prevent erosion sand barrier supported concrete meter water high tide meters water low tide canal meters wide approximately meters deep engineers clear seventy passages sand wall seven meters wide meant removal cubic meters sand passage initially conventional methods tested sand wall found clear single passage required men explosives hours enemy fire crossing sites likely enemy fire methods proved impractical costly solution dilemma simple nonetheless ingenious late egyptian officer suggested use small light gasoline fueled pumps ferried canal blast sand barrier suggestion proved worthwhile egyptian military ordered british pumps tests showed pumps remove cubic meters sand hours powerful german pumps purchased combination british german pumps possible clear passage hours passages cleared engineers construct heavy bridges bridges light bridges bridges ferries passages opened seven hours immediately followed ferries bridges hours later enemy fire heavy bridges soviet heavy folding bridges erected shorter time bridges inventory saving critical hours bridges easier repair speed engineers cleared passages laid bridges ferries affect course entire operation engineers man boats cross assault infantry initially finally breach minefields israeli defenses assault infantry israeli defences constructed series fortifications canal called bar line considered main obstacle defences massive artificial sand wall erected israeli engineers meters high degree entire suez_canal reinforced concrete prevented attempt amphibious vehicles climb sand wall blast sand barrier estimated probably hours series fortifications comprising average fortifications kilometers apart stories deep sand provided protection pound ton bomb incorporated trenches barbed wire minefields meters deep numerous troop shelters firing positions tanks underground reservoir filled crude oil oil pumped suez_canal pipe system ignited create temperatures reaching second defensive line meters main line concentrated likely crossing areas designed occupied armored forces incorporating tank firing positions defensive line kilometers bar line defenses canal defences concentrated main roads principal routes advance attacker main line canal concentration areas armor infantry supply depots numerous artillery positions forth israeli command developed basic defensive plan details known plan divided bar line sectors northern sector defended coast central sector defended southern sector defended area great bitter lake end suez_canal prevented thrust passes armored division led major general albert charged defense bar line incorporated armored brigades positioned kilometers series fortifications brigade tanks led colonel split battalions tanks battalion sector case egyptian attack brigade forward occupy tank platforms firing positions bar line kilometers canal additional armored brigades led dan tanks brigade reinforce forward armored brigade brigade main egyptian assault garrison numbered men overall commander served head israeli southern command garrison stationed infantry brigade occupied canal october deployed line minutes hours armor deception final days war positioning second armies equipment canal preparation operation high alert element surprise egyptian forces suffer high losses attack estimates casualties ran thousands military intelligence abbreviated formulated israel intelligence estimate known tasked detecting troop movements activity egyptian syrian forces military activity particularly intensive days preceding assault deception plan mounted included intelligence services relied producing series events incidents militarily politically internationally nationally aimed convincing israeli intelligence analysts arab world preparing war plan requirements senior commanders preserve superficial working secretly final preparations offensive core egyptian deception plan based prevalent israeli mentality following lightning quick victory arab forces day war mentality clearly illustrated following israeli saying thesis war major michael jordan explains quote prevailing opinion represented pre october reflects contempt held military abilities arab neighbors egypt syria victory complete won viewed military forces invincible intelligence service arab foes inferior incapable expected hour warning intelligence services rate confident arab attack swiftly sought exploit israeli belief advantage assuming office continually threatened israel war engaging threats ignored israel world order position forces attack israel announced exercise canal exercises conducted numerous times august false caused israeli army response exercises costing israel million occasion time began exercises october october disregarded heightened military activity training maneuvers troop movements syrian detected concluded war pretext exercises allowed conceal preparations facilitated fact egyptian second field armies normally stationed suez_canal defence troops armor equipment moved concentration areas period nights night october peak activity final nights occupied israel openly declared remain ensure sea lanes port straits remained opened closing straits israeli shipping causes day war egypt aimed importance israel imposing naval blockade straits kilometers israel end arrangements pakistan receive egyptian vessels repair early approval sought obtained receive submarines way pakistan port friendly visit pakistan approval receive egyptian vessels repairs public october force containing submarines destroyers missile boats set sail route planned ensure arrival october fleet fully equipped combat force ordered maintain complete radio silence meant way recalling submarines commanding officers unaware real mission issued sealed detailing orders mission instructed open october hours war begin break radio silence fleet set sail day october war effectively begun military sought maintain impression begin september ministry war publicly announced military personnel register leave perform pilgrimage egyptian newspapers announced races held participants included high ranking officers egyptian navy addition visit planned october days scheduled attack romanian minister defense egypt publicized ministry war program visit announced visit promptly canceled war broke october proved useful deception plan september large batch given orders suspicion cabinet ministers egyptian government invited open tour general headquarters planning coordination operation took place batch called september quell suspicion publicly announced october called september men october onwards order war began spread outside circle senior commanders egypt generals commanders second field armies respectively informed decision implement operation october informed divisional commanders brigade commanders told october battalion company commanders october platoon commanders troops told october hours start attack played role deception plan september attended non aligned conference algeria return rumored ill remained days leading october public sight egyptian intelligence planted false stories illness press initiated search home europe receive treatment adding rumor credibility implementing deception operation entirely incident initially soviets kept dark egyptian intentions war instead october told israeli raid expected days director defense intelligence service general informed chief soviet liaison officer general raid expected large scale attack coupled air strike appeared believe story clear soviets suspicious particular soviet advisors serving egyptian syrian units october reporting unusually heightened activities egyptian syrian forces decided inform soviets intention war october promptly soviets requested permission evacuate personnel egypt leaders reluctantly agreed egyptian commanders taken completely surprise beginning late evening october soviet experts serving field units embassy personnel families evacuated october evacuation complete incident important factor convincing war likely october provided worrying incident egyptian commanders aware evening country national airline canceled flights arranging protection civil air fleet aircraft outside egypt orders came minister aviation general headquarters quickly intervened reverse dispersal orders october flights normal schedule believed incident breach security leak egyptian plans war clear egyptian commanders aware incident september air battle took place syrian israeli fighters skirmish syrian aircraft shot lost fighter tension ran high countries particular concerned april air battle syria israel escalated military situation causes day war aware war launched days later chose air battle aided concentrating forces war interpreted defensive reaction closely monitored buildup near intelligence remained adamant syria war egypt believed currently occupied internal issues september received warnings including warning jordan king egypt syria bent war disregarded maintained belief arabs launch attack director remained opinion war arab option remained signs ignore chief hasty soviet evacuation cairo damascus constant buildup forces syrian egypt assumed enter war chief staff david assured probability war remained low took steps october placed entire military alert canceled leaves ordered air_force assume alert posture ordered 7th armored brigade relocate heights raised israeli numbers heights tanks artillery pieces october replace 7th armored brigade armor school command colonel ordered activate tank brigade immediate october war began ultimately orders issued senior commanders expected hour warning intelligence services arab nations bent war night october went europe meet personally egyptian double agent informed joint egyptian syrian attack imminent combined warnings incidents warning finally convinced war director sent definite warning war israeli leadership october concluded arabs attack fact hours late israel prime minister met defence minister general david hour asked men present views conflicting continued believe war certainty believed arguing air strike syria proposed partial reserves favored entire air_force armored divisions totaling troops concluded meeting stating strike launched order ensure backing united_states sided issue orders issued delivered warning israeli commanders half hours outbreak hostilities falling considerably short expected hours warning period arabs won intelligence war achieving surprise gaining initiative battlefield course operation october crossing began october expected attack begin hours later troops armor assigned man bar line position northernmost forts sixteen fortifications line fully manned partially manned operation began major air strike involving aircraft hawk sam batteries command centers artillery positions radar stations employing concert artillery strikes starting nearly pieces bar line armor concentration areas artillery positions field guns mortars tank guns rifles self propelled field guns assigned counter battery fire missions israeli artillery minute long fire preparation largest history divided minutes long aimed enemy targets eastern bank depth kilometers estimated shells fired israeli targets minute start fire preparation tank hunting detachments groups equipped rockets grenades missiles crossed canal deploy kilometer deep quickly occupying tank proceeded set lay mines barrage ended egyptian artillery began second minute long barrage targets depth kilometers time wave assault infantry men began crossing canal crying god great wooden boats transport troops smoke crossing points provide cover night october engineers blocked underwater pipes opposite bank preventing releasing oil canal wave lightly equipped armed missiles rope deploy sand wall wave combat engineers units lit commando forces tasked setting reinforcement routes attacked command posts artillery batteries order deny control forces engineers breached minefields barbed wire surrounding israeli defenses immediately following military engineers transported water pumps opposite bank began setting time egyptian aircraft involved air strike began returning aircraft lost end day rose air strike air bases operation hours damaged hawk batteries artillery batteries electronic center radar stations destroyed allowed egyptian air_force operate rest war ground based communications interference center located considerably dozen missiles fired bombers shot hit targets including missiles fitted anti radiation knocked israeli radars success air strike caused cancel planned second air strike account states egyptian aircraft lost losses prompted second wave great bitter lake egyptian amphibious brigade performed crossing composed infantry battalions men including anti tank battalion anti air battalion tanks amphibious armored personnel carriers tasked seeking destroying enemy installations entrances passes sand lined entire suez_canal exist bitter lakes israeli defences units encountered brigade reached opposite bank losses discovered minefield blocking advance military engineers worked clear path subsequently outside minefield attacked company tanks east fortification bar located bitter lake battalion reinforced tank hunting detachment 7th division managed destroy tanks armored vehicles withdrew original assignment canceled ordered capture east position fort occupied abandoned position october battalion despite cut coming numerous attacks held remainder war battalion began eastwards time dusk israeli battalion tanks artillery road kilometers bitter lake battalion guns outnumbered heavier israeli guns manually guided difficult operate night israeli tanks employing caught open desert defeated lost tanks armored vehicles significant casualties remaining troops retreated army lines units reached objectives disputed egyptian troops raised national flag eastern bank canal time company battalion size units israeli tanks infantry began reaching bar line prevented reaching positions egyptian tanks broke came fire west bank second wave infantry landed opposite bank subsequent waves infantry arrived minute intervals fourth wave fatigue technical problems boats gradually widened time intervals abandoned schedules giving priority anti tank teams weaponry critically affect battle amphibious vehicles cross equipment wooden ferried east bank boats initially lifted sand wall loads method proved clumsy emptied lifted loaded dragged troops line greatly facilitated supply transportation east bank israeli southern command attempted main egyptian effort launch counterattack dan reserve armored brigade fact main effort result southern command wasted critical hours taking decisive action tactical errors showcased moved tank brigade forward israeli commanders neglected conduct reconnaissance causing units fall egyptian confusion ensuing surprise assault attempt evacuating bar garrison egyptian forces captured fort fortification bar line fall infantry reinforced rifles time engineers began operating water pumps sand wall opening passage hour moved units canal waves brought canal infantry brigades totaling men average kilometers wide kilometers deep high velocity rifled anti tank guns action east bank time hours war twelfth final infantry wave crossed bringing total men israeli armored losses reached tanks magnitude israeli losses stemmed insistence reach comrades bar line repeatedly ran aggressive egyptian soldiers taking advantage dusk battalions deep helicopters flying low altitude assigned objective reserves route israel helicopters left range friendly assigned air cover resulting number shot egyptian armor anti tank units west bank began moving crossing sites minutes later engineers completed assembly ferries waited opened nearly kilometers deep israeli artillery bar line eliminated units moved forward midnight bridges heavy light laid ferries began transporting reinforcements opposite bank far south canal 19th division sector sand turned mud making difficult clear consequently ferries bridges assigned division deployed seven hours schedule periodically bridges relocated confuse israeli air strikes targeting opened passages operating bridges allowing bridge moved passages night following morning tanks vehicles kept crossing canal military police responsible directing enormous traffic utilizing color coded signs port said sector port said sector independent military command egyptian military second army incorporated port said port vicinity sector contained infantry brigades military operations area directed fortifications rest offensive began fire preparation high trajectory weapons employed egyptian aircraft flying sector direct fire guns bombard israeli positions fort kilometers south port isolated egyptian infantry prior attack preventing israeli reinforcements reaching breached minefield barbed wire surrounding fort point approximately company sized force egyptian troops assaulted defenses fort declared egyptian control proceeded clear occupied israeli soldiers surrendered began facing cleared fort completely battle fort fort kilometers south port isolated prior attack approached land port suez_canal attack quickly ground halt force approaching north failed breach minefield leaving force attacking canal pinned sand wall enemy fire subsequently infantry company crossed renewed attack south seizing positions reinforcements soon allowed positions captured october remaining defenders break attempt join friendly forces intercepted killed captured located narrow strip land southeast port fort surrounded water sides fort came air artillery strikes company cut route fort reinforcements battalion attacked port advancing narrow strip land natural cover battalion attack minefield meters deep soon came air attacks fort outside sam umbrella faced stiff resistance fort garrison battalion eventually broke attack retreated unit east fort prevented reinforcements reaching fort days withdrew attack october came close succeeding ultimately failed fort position bar line remain israeli hands battles fort naval actions october egyptian naval task force broke radio silence operation began rear admiral authorized fleet proceed blockade egyptian submarines destroyers intercepted ships traveling destined israeli maritime navigation red_sea ceased blockade strategic success egypt israeli navy air_force incapable lifting blockade long distance israel mines laid entrance gulf prevent israel transporting oil fields historian claims blockade enforced mediterranean sources dispute news blockade censored israel aside blockade egyptian navy carried missions coastal artillery port said participated fire preparation bombarding fort fort coastal artillery hit targets opposite army missile boats bombarded mediterranean gulf naval raided oil installations massive naval engagements took place egyptian israeli missile boats coast port said including october flotilla israeli missile boats attempted shell coastal targets delta egyptian class missile boats confronted leading battle egyptian missile boats sunk minutes israeli casualties egypt claimed sunk israeli targets believed motor torpedo boats missile boat according israel responded naval blockade egypt damaged egyptian economy sea routes egypt principal ports alexandria mediterranean port red_sea remained secure open shipping duration war october early hours sunday october midnight egyptian infantry tank support advanced expand israeli armored formations experienced heavy losses trying repeatedly reach bar line disorganized confused israeli units resisted egyptian advance twice night october october groups tanks infantry penetrated reach canal line managed damage bridges destroy number ferries surrounded sides units soon destroyed sunrise reached depth kilometers attacking israeli units retreated sufficient numbers armor finally east bank reinforcements infantry began cross dawn october saw total men egyptian tanks occupying suez_canal egyptian forces reorganised entrenched anticipation israeli david continued evacuate soldiers surrounded october israeli defences encircled egyptian losses morning october killed tanks destroyed israeli losses far heavier brigade bar line completely surrounded men casualties captured armored losses tanks destroyed source puts losses roughly morning battalion sized attacks regain forts reach central southern forts incurred casualties tanks destroyed subsequent days defenders bar line managed break egyptian forces return lines extracted israeli forces came later magnitude israeli losses clear decision noon form defensive line lateral road kilometers east canal ordered divisional commanders deploy accordingly noon elements division division began reach fronts consequently divided divisional commands deployed northern sector central sector southern sector air strikes continued day southern command received optimistic reports afternoon claimed seven bridges knocked action remaining ones destroyed evening fact bridges destroyed real bridges damaged sections quickly repaired returned service heavy bridges laid crossing bridges south laid operational october bridges removed placed reserve leaving division heavy bridge light bridge egyptian forces widened day narrow kilometers gaps general headquarters worked organizing forces east bank egyptian troops crossed hours worth supplies sunday necessary resupply forces administrative supply units disarray south problems laying bridges handicapped supply efforts october offered relative intense fighting taken place allowing organize battlefield administration 19th division south efforts lay bridges abandoned difficulties terrain instead supplies reinforcement destined division transferred 7th division bridges north engineers successful laying bridges fighting cease entirely rest day taking besieged israeli defences resisted units previous day began engaging israeli reserves heading main areas operation central mountain passes northern coastal routes near gulf battalion transported helicopters captured pass south port near gulf route helicopters shot survivors including crewmen managed rest battalion held position remainder war extremely difficult conditions preventing israeli reserves pass reach companies attempted establish central israeli air resulted helicopter making forced landing hit helicopters turned withdrew forced landings incurred casualties particularly burns survivors way friendly lines helicopters reached designated landing zone flown indicating nature operations albeit original force managed block israeli reserves hours companies completely destroyed suffering dead including officers israeli estimates claim downed helicopters day war northern company established coastal road october following day ambushed colonel armored brigade division destroying tanks vehicles coastal road blocked hours airborne israeli infantry committed support armor ensuing battle tanks half tracks destroyed soldiers brigade killed company lost dead addition delaying israeli reserves carried sabotage operations report cards operations highly controversial sources claim suffered immense casualties clear operations inflicted damage caused confusion anxiety diverted resources counter threats slowed israeli divisional commander commended egyptian saw heavy fighting troops 18th division engaged israeli forces town early morning division commander brigadier general able set command post close quarter combat hand hand fighting took place cleared ghost town building building fighting intense end october town outskirts nearby fortifications bar line egyptian control israeli conference david encouraged reports successes decided visit israeli southern command accompanied aide colonel israeli chief staff arrived advance command post chief attending arrived meeting concluded conference light little information available egyptian intentions shortage infantry artillery commanders agreed relieve surrounded canal near future general consensus attack egyptian forces throwing balance disagreed southern command expected tanks monday october tanks distributed divisions tanks losses replaced estimates number egyptian tanks fact tanks canal sunday evening light apparent superiority recommended frontal attack night division crossing west bank division crossing city lacking infantry urged cautious approach reserves reached favored caution decided limited attack morning october attack southward second army remaining kilometers away canal avoid egyptian anti tank weaponry continue southward division moved sector concentrating support needed kept open question israeli counter crossing collapse israeli succeed attack army manner similar cross west bank remain defensive organizing division fighting dozen tanks clearly emphasized canal crossing attempt reach occur approval meeting ended arrived missing entire conference speaking commanders left recommended immediate assault relieve pointed israeli course action past hours avail reject outright told prepare attack promising final decision matter dawn conform original plan limited attack following day october division size consolidated monday october army size second army divisions occupied north south army divisions occupied southern end bitter lakes point southeast port far end canal incorporated total men tanks dug entrenched division deployed accordance operation infantry brigades forward infantry brigade second reserve armored brigade established anti tank defences lines employing anti tank rifles dawn friendly fire incident occurred 2nd 16th divisions second army closing gap ridge tank division confronted meters tank crews agitated opened fire immediately platoon lost tanks direct hits minutes men killed visited early morning israeli attack form assessment situation arrived second army headquarters situation went 2nd division advanced headquarters met brigadier general visited troops soldiers slept nights successful crossing moral described went southward 7th division army sector traffic met 7th division commander brigadier general informed bridge laying problems experienced 19th division engineers south leading army supplies reinforcements sent 7th division bridges creating solid traffic jam despite sunday situation improved created complications soldiers tank crews lost contact units consequently idea designated positions troops low supplies returned west bank canal food water supply chief engineers second field armies aware despite heavy losses destroyed bridge sections lost equivalent heavy bridges leaving bridges reserve laid canal gave rise concerns supply coming days weeks discussed possibility constructing bridges canal earth sand air strikes artillery chief engineer army discussed idea given constructed week israeli counterattack shortly midnight october optimistic field reports expecting imminent egyptian collapse caused alter plans attack attack direction change formulated precise tactical intelligence come cause confusion israeli commanders rest day armoured division deployed road north division composed colonel armored brigade tanks brigade tanks brigade tanks route area total tanks planned avoid egyptian anti tank weaponry having brigade southward artillery roads road ran immediately alongside canal kilometers east reach position link brigade opposite opposite similar manner link east artillery road position brigade opposite northern end bitter lakes infantry brigade super expected join attack late morning little air support come attack concentrated syrian minutes israeli attack commence israeli forces near heavily engaged brigade composing 18th division right flank egyptian troops sought secure town vicinity division commander supported brigade companies tanks prevent israeli forces area ordered remain near help contain egyptian attack left tanks command carry attack began drive south ordered prepare reach signal route area brigade arrived conduct assault 16th division direction error navigation instead moving kilometers canal moved artillery road kilometers away consequently forced conduct frontal assault east west direction instead north south flanking maneuver planned brigade began reach plain artillery road bridge far egyptian resistance significance encountered brigade objective attacking 2nd division division commander 24th armored brigade divisional reserve commit case israeli penetration wanted reach contacted request crossing canal ignored negative reports told positive developments meeting communicated assistant approved crossing giving permission division south ordered cross west bank city short forces requested send battalion protect southern flank comply consequently critical positions lost later assault commenced battalions ammunition fuel battalion proceeded assault tanks carried assault planned performed tanks broke egyptian troops advanced meters canal point came heavy fire anti tank weaponry artillery tanks battalion lost tanks minutes commanders killed wounded leaving battalion arrived opposite bridge tank battalions discussed plans attack arrived ordered support attacking left headed city leaving single reconnaissance company hold vital ridges hills north instead brigade gained responsibility areas action endangered position brigade battalion attack brigade tanks surprise reserve armored battalion tanks commanded colonel arrived area route brigade short forces approval battalion ordered provide covering fire assault bridge group 2nd division discovered tanks concentrating north east minutes later intercepted radio signal hebrew informing command ready attack minutes little time left decided risky estimating correctly attack come directed forward brigades weakest point lines planned draw israeli forces kilometers canal engaging sides committing anti tank reserves attack carried brigades lack coordination communication difficulties brigades hampered attack battalions attacked time allowed advance encircled attackers entered prepared killing zone egyptian armor 24th brigade opened fire advancing tanks complemented infantry anti tank weapons flank israeli forces tank hunting detachments attacked rear minutes israeli force destroyed destroyed tanks captured intact captured lieutenant colonel battalion commander unit lost killed end attack operational tanks remaining including battalion attacking right forced halt advance encountering stiff resistance requested air support times receive egyptian advance operation called october accomplish infantry divisions forces infantry brigades second divisional lines advance forward infantry brigades brigade form line infantry brigades form second line reserve armored brigade constitute afternoon 8th egyptian artillery air strikes took place entire opposing israeli forces believed counter offensive surprised sight advancing egyptian troops advancing egyptian units managed reach kilometers mark necessary control artillery road division held positions kilometers deep second army sector 16th infantry division successful occupying strategic positions missouri fighting lasted kilometers canal overlooked artillery roads brigadier general lost leg commanding brigade attack positions deepest penetration army sector reached depth nearly kilometers captured additional bar forts attempt regain lost ground brigade organized assault hill battalion provided covering fire battalions lieutenant dan confused brigade commander attacked tanks nearly meters egyptian positions dan killed tank took direct hit disrupting battalion attack battalion continued fighting dusk losing seven tanks starting realise gravity position ordered pull return initial positions armored brigade arrived offer assistance poor coordination commanders led failure attempts capture hill end day division lost tanks aftermath operation opening battle war major arab victory years division sized counterattack october establishing east bank depth kilometers accomplished objectives operation start war secretary state henry believed better equipped secure victory days tried delay united_nations security council counterattack october came american expectations taken told extent israel losses morning october israeli ambassador asked explain tanks lost threatened use nuclear weapons egypt syria order urgency israel situation push initiating replace israel losses later day relayed president richard_nixon decision initiate operation grass aimed replace israel material losses prevailing view officers tide quickly turn favor course combat october came shock end day commented egyptian army press conference night october knowing defeated claimed destruction egyptian army underway soon break arabs military personnel bones later regret statements israeli commanders began doubt ability meeting israeli commanders midnight october decided suspend offensive operations especially tanks left new order division mounted major brigade sized attack following day despite initial successes repulsed end day gains losing tanks process furious violation decision remain defensive repeatedly direct orders number occasions equally remove innovative commander political connection opposition party decided replace proven depth operational commander chief staff bar brought retirement replace avoid appearance firing retained deputy bar october settled stalemate success achieved operation surprised egyptian commanders confidence came pressure press offensive passes remained holding original goal limited war par opinion appeals situation desperate october ultimately forced change mind political reasons protests commanders consequently egypt lose initiative israel launched unsuccessful attack eastwards october political impact soon war demanded inquiry investigate known focus shortcomings government army particularly lack attack finally agreed formation commission end november war veterans members public attacked israeli generals criticised performance israeli labor party won elections held late december release commission findings april failure accuse nation political leadership shortcomings recommending dismissal senior officers led widespread public outrage resigned response public criticism remained eventually elections saw end labor party reign israeli politics election begin party war convinced necessity negotiations arabs unprecedented willingness coupled diplomatic initiatives united_states break barriers egypt israel possible long series discussions nations negotiations ultimately resulted camp david agreements peace treaty egypt israel major war able regain diplomatic means


battle triangle hill battle triangle hill known operation showdown campaign chinese pinyin protracted military engagement korean war main combatants united_nations infantry divisions additional support united_states_air_force elements 15th 12th corps people republic china battle american attempts gain control iron triangle took place october november immediate american objective triangle hill forested ridge high ground kilometers north near korean zone hill occupied veterans people volunteer army 15th corps course nearly month substantial american south korean forces repeated attempts capture triangle hill adjacent sniper ridge despite clear superiority artillery aircraft escalating american south korean casualties resulted attack halted days fighting chinese forces regaining original positions background korean war entered period relative stalemate resignation dwight supreme commander north_atlantic treaty organization nato june general matthew united_nations command transferred korea europe replacement united_states_army appointed general mark wayne clark commander fifth army world war overall command korean peninsula replacement general james van fleet eighth united_states_army hoped change commanders allow chinese major campaign effort limit losses peace talks clark repeatedly overruled van fleet requests authorized offensive north korean territory september van fleet submitted tentative offensive plans operation showdown small scale offensive drafted corps ridge capturing operation goal submitted plans improve defensive line 7th infantry division north near triangle hill pushing chinese defensive line september negotiations began fall apart primarily sino north korean insistence prisoners war repatriated respective original countries regardless personal preferences significant number chinese north korean expressed desire defect permanently south_korea taiwan demand met strong opposition united_states south_korea feeling negotiations soon fail military commanders sides authorized numerous tactical plans means applying pressure opponents late september high command chinese people volunteer army authorized tactical plans led battle white horse october truce negotiations officially ceased clark gave consent operation showdown day prelude locations terrain triangle hill named american command forested hill appears shape seen air map hill sits tip valley south apex ridges extend northeast northwest ridge northwest dominated hill nicknamed pike peak connects pair hills dubbed jane russell prominent ridge named sandy slopes east valley sandy stands sniper ridge located forces strategies original plan operation showdown called simultaneous attacks triangle hill sniper ridge battalion 31st infantry regiment 7th infantry division triangle hill battalion 32nd regiment republic korea 2nd infantry division attack sniper ridge parallel northbound route planners expected operation days casualties based assumption maximum artillery air support available plan carried artillery air assets operation diverted fighting white horse reviewing situation colonel lloyd moses commander 31st infantry regiment doubled american strength offensive chinese triangle hill defended 8th 9th companies sniper ridge 1st company 15th corps regiment 45th division commander 15th corps predicted major american attack infantry armor directed valley west triangle hill result primary formations 15th corps including 44th division 29th division armored regiment corps artillery positioned near effort compensate inferior firepower 15th corps constructed intricate series defensive networks composed meters tunnels trenches obstacles minefields october staff officer 2nd infantry division defected chinese forces bringing complete battle plan operation showdown information taken seriously chinese battle opening moves october following days preliminary air strikes american bombardment intensified held chinese 15th corps guns corps extended firing range allow american infantry advance rolling barrage concentrated bombardment succeeded clearing foliage triangle hill sniper ridge destroying ground fortifications positions intense disrupted chinese communication lines eliminating wired wireless communications area american south korean forces approached chinese defenses met grenades torpedoes shaped charges rocks unable safely advance american south korean troops forced rely close support artillery subdue chinese resistance complex network tunnels allowed chinese bring reinforcements ground troops depleted 31st infantry regiment equipped mass military deployment modern personal armor 1st 3rd battalions suffered fatalities additional men wounded attack heaviest casualties 31st infantry regiment suffered single day war chinese managed inflict heavy casualties attackers defenses starting way devastating firepower defending company sniper ridge forced withdraw tunnels reduced survivors 2nd battalion captured ridge despite acquisition sniper ridge attack triangle hill stalled dominant hill american battalions suffered heavy casualties chinese grenades partial progress claimed late afternoon attacks subsided preparation defensive positions face chinese counterattack began recover lost ground 45th division commander attempted sneak attack infantry companies broke night cover attackers launched bayonet charges hand hand fighting ensued forces responded heavy artillery fire determined chinese assault troops marched chinese artillery screens reach positions strange sight american observers believe attackers influence drugs intense fighting prevented forces receiving resupply defenders forced captured ground running ammunition taking surface major general wayne smith lieutenant general commanders 7th infantry division 2nd infantry division respectively relieved exhausted battalions daily maintain troops morale october smith ordered 1st battalion 32nd infantry regiment 2nd battalion 31st infantry regiment placed command colonel moses resume attack triangle hill similarly replaced 2nd battalion 32nd regiment 2nd battalion 17th regiment later day battalions captured hill sandy ridge meeting light resistance chinese tunnels counterattack regiment prevented americans advancing pike peak jane russell hill south hand thrown chinese counterattack sniper ridge october colonel joseph 32nd infantry regiment took operational command moses given 2nd battalion 17th infantry regiment reinforce right wing arriving battlefield 2nd battalion managed wrestle jane russell hill away chinese october americans soon came heavy fire chinese machine guns valley forced withdraw slope hill october chinese continued harass american positions small raiding parties grenade night fared somewhat better joint attack 2nd battalion 17th regiment 2nd battalion 32nd regiment captured sniper ridge held subsequent chinese time combat began forces gained firm control surface exception pike peak afternoon october 3rd battalion 17th infantry regiment relieved 2nd battalion 31st infantry regiment left wing 1st battalion 32nd infantry regiment withdrawn center lack functioning communication networks accurate intelligence prevented responding assaults 45th division received artillery support attacks face devastating firepower chinese defenders suffered casualties day initial onslaught october learning chinese infantry companies rendered combat ineffective committed remaining infantry companies ditch counterattack aided large caliber guns regiment rocket launchers elite 8th company regiment attacked tunnels hill infantry companies attacked open ground dusk october left wing drove south sniper ridge defenders triangle hill held firm october firepower regained upper hand chinese forced tunnels suffering heavy casualties time smith replaced 17th infantry regiment 32nd infantry regiment afternoon october received reports 45th division completely chinese attacked hill night october infantry companies entrenched troops beat attack little difficulty suffering casualties days failure attack ended 45th division role chinese forces gained strong control area remaining chinese defenders trapped tunnels positions despite initial setbacks acting commander considered situation golden opportunity bleed military white strategy meeting held evening october 15th corps ordered retake hills regardless cost interlude van fleet decided rest 7th infantry division october chinese intention inflicting additional casualties americans 31st regiment 2nd infantry division triangle hill area 17th regiment 2nd infantry division maintained control sniper ridge day fresh chinese reinforcements high command ordered 12th corps placed command 15th corps ordered regiments 29th division link 45th division new counterattack 45th division received new recruits infantry companies heavy guns regiment anti aircraft artillery available support upcoming counterattack chinese reinforcements focused triangle hill sniper ridge considered secondary days 31st regiment involved bitter struggle chinese defenders underground 45th division small units positions night resupply trapped units evacuate wounded causing heavy casualties chinese logistics medical units battalion level combat october october chinese able gather strength decisive blow start battle worried van fleet try lure chinese forces triangle hill real blow directed valley counter possibility 44th division regiment 29th division conducting attacks jackson heights early october mid october 44th division increased strength attacks effort relieve pressure triangle hill battle attrition witnessed triangle hill developed jackson heights noon october 15th corps bombarded large caliber guns rocket launchers heavy mortars largest chinese artillery operation korean war bombardment ended midnight infantry companies 45th 29th divisions 31st regiment positions pushed south summit aftermath fighting south survived onslaught defending infantry companies regiment 31st division 12th corps arriving reinforcement november chinese forces chased remaining south korean defenders jane russell hill beat subsequent counterattack responding losses corps ordered 30th regiment 9th infantry division triangle hill october south launched continuous attacks days avail south failed recapture hill resulting heavy casualties forced chinese regiment 31st division reinforcement november day lieutenant general commander corps suspended attacks triangle hill prevent casualties protect sniper ridge corps gave triangle hill 31st division 12th corps position sniper ridge cover weather assault launched regiment november chinese soon drove defending 1st battalion 32nd regiment immediately replied counterattack 17th regiment 2nd infantry division dawn november hours fighting 1st battalion 17th regiment recaptured thirds sniper ridge inflicted heavy casualties regiment 31st division relieved regiment regiment launch assault november 17th regiment responded committing units blunt attack november help 1st field artillery group 2nd battalion returned 1st battalion original position hour battle heavy casualties regiment 34th division 12th corps relieved weakened regiment night november days fighting continued sniper ridge november 2nd infantry division relieved 9th infantry division sniper ridge fighting finally died conclusion given high numbers casualties pressure clark van fleet broke operation showdown november ending battle triangle hill days later 34th division 9th infantry division engaged battle sniper ridge december failed produce territorial gains december 29th division taking control battlefield 34th division 12th corps withdrew area 15th corps settled status quo prior october aftermath battle triangle hill biggest contest days heavy fighting eighth army failed gain hill masses original goal chinese hand 15th corps stop attacks triangle hill assaults conducted 44th division resulted jackson heights capture november chinese suffered casualties units battle ability sustain losses slowly exhausted eighth army months attrition high command viewed victory attrition effective strategy forces chinese aggressive armistice negotiations battlefield high casualties forced clark suspend upcoming offensive operations involving battalion effectively preventing major rest war clark president harry later battle blow morale south modest gain sniper ridge convinced south korean armed forces capable conducting independent offensive operations american advisers impressed performance course battle despite impact scale battle triangle hill known episodes korean war western media chinese costly victory presented opportunity promote value endurance sacrifice courage demonstrated chinese soldiers triangle hill repeatedly forms media including major motion pictures celebrated hero eventually rose minister defense vice chairman national people congress 15th corps prestigious units selected 15th corps china airborne corps remains elite corps size unit china today


operation freshman operation freshman given british airborne operation conducted november world war british airborne operation conducted target chemical plant county norway produced heavy water nazi_germany german atomic weapons programme come close able develop nuclear order function require great deal heavy water source heavy water plant occupied british government learned german nuclear developments decided raid launched destroy plant deny germans heavy water required develop nuclear weapon tactics discussed discarded impractical finally decided small airborne force composed royal engineer units attached 1st airborne division land short distance plant demolish explosives escape norwegian border sweden period extensive training airborne force took aircraft combinations night november managed reach norwegian coast able reach objective pair suffered navigational difficulties severe weather resulted tow rope snapping crash landing aircraft returning base airborne troops killed outright severely injured survivors captured shortly crash second pair fared worse aircraft crashing mountain unknown reasons number airborne troops killed outright survived taken prisoner survived long poisoned executed result adolf_hitler commando order stated commando personnel immediately executed capture end war number personnel tried condemned death executions background german government began development atomic weapons programme april scientists declared issue scientific journal nature atomic possible produce immense amounts power argued possibilities power source create extremely powerful weapon september german scientists assigned programme determined nuclear developed required significant quantities heavy water act provide material nuclear weapon heavy water extremely scarce difficult produce germany possessed small produced laboratories norway possessed large produced chemical plant near village norwegian government sell gallons heavy water month suspicious sudden increase demand water german government norway invaded occupied germany april ended plant captured began producing heavy water german atomic weapons programme production heavy water slowed initially effects fighting norway drought area led lack water provide hydroelectric power plant weather improved snow began melt providing water create sufficient hydroelectric power production continued come attention british government plant begun produce large quantities heavy water later use decision taken plant heavy water destroyed order german programme number methods destroying plant considered mass raid royal_air_force raf bombers rejected difficulty locating plant night bombing principal bombing tactic raf time heavy casualties inflicted local norwegian population night raid attack norwegian ruled landing troops flying boat lake miles target surrounding mountain slopes inability flying boats land frozen water decided raid borne airborne troops greatest chance success area plant difficult land possible landing site located near dam require considerable skill pilots order land safely preparations operation march recruited norwegian engineer worked dam successfully sailed britain days intensive training having contacts able roughly identify disposition german troops defences additionally decided send advance party norwegian agents began training man team summer party code named operation led included people local area exceptional outdoors skills underwent extra outdoor training scotland learning skills necessary operate occupied territory including sabotage radio irregular warfare team ready inserted october flights aborted bad weather team finally dropped october team landed large wilderness avoided german forces spent days contact brother established contact london party began making preparations arrival british suitable landing site chosen miles south west dam team area help combined operations decide best way attack plant german defences geography area village plant meant attacking plant destroying existing stocks heavy water extremely difficult situated deep valley possessed forested sides rose vertically narrow river bed overlooked mountain approximately feet high plant built broad rock shelf feet river bed observed german defences summer passed information later reconnaissance team transmitted london weeks leading operation early october von commander chief german forces norway personally visited plant warned local garrison believed plant likely target british commando raids resources increase manpower observed garrison men village dam near main plant summer october reduced plant dam approximately men elderly austrians command elderly captain trained german regulars periodically passed believed agents area germans erected iron valley prevent low flying bombing raids ground defences positioned prevent assault ridge plant direction believed attack likely minefields traps predominantly protected plant roof machine gun nest near entrance single bridge crossed steep gorge plant normally protected guards german troops norway time reinforcements quickly called area escape swedish border planning headquarters staff combined operations war office tasked plan borne assault plant previous airborne commando operations operation biting british airborne operation use previous operations conducted solely staff decided suitable operation heavy loads carried airborne troops possibility widely dispersed dropped parachute airborne troops trained possible parachute landing zone found unsuitable complicated technical nature operation plant rigged explosives detonated believed minimum sixteen men required skilled engineers important nature operation led force doubled order duplicate ensure half force killed survivors necessary skills complete operation selected troops volunteer chosen 9th field company airborne royal engineers field park company airborne royal engineers attached 1st airborne division parachute trained royal engineers unit existence time 1st parachute squadron royal engineers deployed north_africa 1st parachute brigade units participate operation commanded officers royal engineers lieutenant allen second second lieutenant green later replaced lieutenant injured training accident days operation begin royal_air_force unit selected transport wing commanded group captain cooper provided special page halifax heavy bombers operation british aircraft existence time capable distance required returning base agents selected landing zone approximately kilometres plant observed german patrols plan operation called land landing zone guided agents equipped radio successfully landed escorted plant agents demolish plant stocks heavy water cross norwegian border neutral sweden combined operations initially suggested men fight way swedish border believed chances survival better attempted disguise travel pairs order facilitate escape men provided civilian clothes worn operation simple norwegian phrases hope german encountered speak norwegian escape sets containing money maps ordered grow hair long order blend norwegian men training training began early october wales designed extremely ensure took peak physical mental fitness eliminate individuals unable cope long marches difficult terrain encountered operation portion training completed transferred area fort william scotland hydroelectric plant similar design norway received training efficient way plant explosives plant cause maximum damage training took place port sunlight shown destroy large kind found plant given detailed plant surrounding area trained large models mock ups buildings plant composed based information provided agents arrived earlier month operation considered extremely important results vital allied war effort security efforts extremely thorough cover story provided conducted training spread training compete company american engineers fictional washington cup athletic event involved long route march completed parachute followed complex demolition task finally demanding endurance test departure airfield sealed civilians non essential military personnel mail telephone calls censored operation training completed november transported raf airfield scotland operation scheduled commence days later evening november group captain cooper aid norwegian regular reports agents stationed near landing zone decided weather perfect best launch operation night cooper believed delayed weather deteriorate subsequent days prevent operation conducted entirely aircraft combination took airfield second following airfield times combinations headed north_sea objective combination combination flew poor weather conditions managed reach norway fly objective flight norway receiver supposed pick signal norwegian agents developed mechanical problem unable pick signal left map reading available locate landing zone poor weather impossible second attempt find correct area combination flew thick clouds approximately miles northwest ice began form aircraft rope connecting point combination began lose altitude rope snapped setting free low fuel aircraft forced turn signaling released succeeded landing britain shortly releasing aircraft broadcast second message sea indicating air crew belief crashed royal_navy asked begin search rescue mission ships area aerial search area instead conducted find fact land sea crash landed area called overlooking seventeen men board killed outright severely injured local farmer found injured soldiers knew english unable communicate nonetheless neighbor decided assist wounded soldiers contact german authorities contacting local residents soldiers asked assistance escaping sweden convinced impossible involve traveling entirety norway sheltered gave medical attention injured soldiers allow leave burned maps documents crash germans arrive managed entire operation secret hours german soldiers including troops army arrived afternoon boats nearby camp quickly took british soldiers prisoner departed boats despite grave injuries suffered soldiers forced walk power ride boats cold dead soldiers dumped shallow grave second combination second combination managed reach coast norway fared worse combination turn weather tow aircraft second halifax piloted flight lieutenant released great height crashed mountain high winds rain hail killed instantly area heard plane pass overhead shortly crashing alerted german authorities arrived quickly finding survivors germans threw bodies nearby left area released tow aircraft crashed second control crash landed mountains seven men killed instantly rest injured varying degrees survivors unwilling leave seriously wounded british soldiers left crash site search help searching time arrived hamlet miles crashed contact local residents soldiers told injured comrades asked help find doctor agreed help informed nearest doctor lived miles away town order contact use telephone system controlled german authorities alert presence soldiers believing alternative soldiers agreed contact germans expecting taken prisoners war party norwegian labour service arrived crash site shortly helped tend injured soldiers burned sensitive documents materials german party arrived minutes later british submitted struggle arrest prisoners taken german camp near shot aftermath allies unaware fate operation intercepted german stating aircraft forced crews engaged annihilated december received message agent explaining second occupants shot details fate combinations discovered war ended soldiers survived crashes remained alive long soldiers injured men tortured later killed doctor injected air fourth injured man shot head day bodies dumped sea men held concentration camp january taken nearby woods executed german argued fate prisoners second believed treated accordance geneva convention end survivors interrogated executed hours capture german barracks taken nearby woods shot forced listen man executed bodies stripped thrown unmarked grave executions conducted accordance commando order issued adolf_hitler october stated commando troops killed immediately capture local norwegian population unable prevent prisoners executed tended graves dead end war allied soldiers believed burnt maps second missed germans found able identify plant target increased defence accordingly german started instantly armed agents swept arrested questioning members operation slipped away wilderness later contributed successful operation february small team norwegian agents area demolished heavy water plant plant eventually resume operation bombing raids ensured produced little heavy water german atomic weapons programme operation failure demonstrated range flexibility possibilities airborne forces operations highlighted equipment failures later operations included developing new version device system ready proved successful later airborne operations operation market garden operation varsity aircraft system reported success rate 1st airborne division arrived norway informed fate prisoners norwegian government fallen men buried military honours interred commonwealth war graves plot near oslo second occupants churchyard halifax head oslo signed order prisoners executions committed suicide days prior 1st airborne division arrival personnel implicated decision execute prisoners trial found guilty shot hanged whilst senior non commissioned officer shot prisoner head soviet_union alleged abuse conducted soviet prisoners furthermore commander german forces norway von found guilty freshman deaths war crimes trial