battle battle second engagement united_states north korean forces korean war occurring july village western south_korea fight ended north korean victory following unsuccessful attempts american forces inflict significant damage delays advancing north korean units despite opportunities united_states_army 34th infantry regiment 24th infantry division assigned delay elements north korean people army 4th infantry division advanced south following victory battle day regiment attempting form line hold north area terrain formed mountains yellow sea half regiment strength ordered retreat position north korean force encountered leaving flank open remaining force 1st battalion battalion encountered north korean forces morning july brief fight unable repel effectively battalion mounted disorganized retreat miles away having failed significantly delay north korean forces movement south background outbreak war night june divisions north korean people army launched scale invasion nation neighbor south republic korea force men moved columns catching republic korea army completely surprise resulting disastrous rout south disorganized ill equipped unprepared war numerically superior north korean forces destroyed isolated resistance south korean soldiers advancing steadily south south_korea forces retreated face invasion june north captured seoul south_korea capital forcing government shattered forces withdraw south united_nations security council voted send assistance collapsing country president harry subsequently ordered ground troops nation forces far_east steadily decreasing end world war years earlier time closest forces 24th infantry division eighth united_states_army headquartered japan command major general william dean division strength equipment reductions military spending following world war spite deficiencies 24th infantry division ordered south_korea battle 24th infantry division battalion assigned korea transport aircraft quickly block advancing north korean forces remainder division transported south_korea ships 21st infantry regiment determined combat ready 24th infantry division regiments 21st infantry 1st battalion selected commander lieutenant colonel charles smith experienced having commanded battalion battle world war july task force smith engaged north korean forces battle delaying north korean infantry seven hours routed forced time 24th division 34th infantry regiment men organized 1st 3rd battalions second unit korea sent rail north 1st battalion 34th infantry miles south block north korean advance village consisting wooden muddy roads meantime 3rd battalion 34th infantry miles east battalions assigned form line block north korean advance terrain south line substantially open meaning line sat mountain ranges east inlet yellow sea west dean considered line vital defensive plans 1st battalion unprepared fight poorly trained tanks anti tank guns fight north korean armor shortages equipment hampered entire division efforts shortages heavy guns reduced artillery support entire division communications equipment weapons ammunition largely absent large amounts equipment route division equipped japan radios available division work batteries communication wire communicate units short supply division tanks new older tanks arrived weapons penetrate north korean high explosive anti tank ammunition short supply radios wire hampered communication american units battalion new commander lieutenant colonel apparently given faulty intelligence told command advancing south poorly trained poorly equipped battalion formed line miles north series grassy hills rice dug prepared advancing north korean forces soldiers battalion equipped rifles weapons rations rounds ammunition whilst machine gun available platoon grenades little ammunition heavier weapons north korean tanks additionally soldiers regiment combat experience world war hastily transferred division day battle opening moves reconnaissance team sent north evening july reported seeing tanks south team attempted destroy tank spotted village unsuccessful suffered killed private kenneth forced return shortly survivors task force smith arrived 1st battalion command post telling stories defeat believe accurate brigadier general george acting division artillery commander 24th infantry division stopped command post ordered battalion hold long risk flanked surrounded wary defeat moved 34th infantry regiment command ordered regimental commander colonel jay consolidate regiment south subsequently moved 3rd battalion south having engaged enemy believed 34th infantry able defend long 21st infantry defended 3rd battalion company detached ordered hold south cover 1st battalion retreated order carried company left having pushed task force smith north korean 4th infantry division supported elements north korean armored division continued advance road men strong division commander lee infantry regiments supported dozens tanks task force smith observer ordered 1st battalion 34th infantry hold north threatened fall successive positions south delaying north korean force long possible midnight july survivors task force smith streamed battalion lines july battalion destroyed small bridge stream yards north position north korean attack rain fog heavy morning july visibility limited troops north korean tanks spotted stopped bridge following columns infantry american forces originally believed survivors task force smith realized forces deploying numbers great began preparing attack north battalion commander ordered mortar fire north korean forces causing disperse lead tank began firing positions company hill southwest road mortar fire destroyed truck round north korean tank stunned artillery observer took place confusion ending american mortar attack north korean forces immediately began advancing company position company able return fire effectively fewer half soldiers weapons minutes squad platoon leaders shot rest soldiers hid minutes company able return fire effectively time north korean forces advanced steadily 1st battalion position later examinations found american soldiers weapons assembled incorrectly dirty broken americans fight tanks unable stop north korean soldiers advanced began companies minutes shots fired companies ordered withdraw platoon time company kept reserve engagement retreated coming contact north korean forces company heaviest attack attempted gradual withdrawal quickly men ran hill weapons ammunition north korean machine guns entire time panic quickly overtook men battalion started running past designated rally points way scared retreat remained captured north korean forces officer attempted stay search survivors allegedly captured executed north korean forces company commanders gathered men began moving south fourth 1st battalion killed missing captured immediately brief fight retreating elements left trail equipment road ammunition helmets rain gear retreat platoon company left retreat railway cover american withdrawal battalion mass disorganized soldiers leadership engineers battalion demolished bridge north town moving south remains company headed rest 1st 3rd battalions withdrawn trucks found retreat carried foot scattered artillery shells landed retreating force north korean soldiers aggressively pursue noon disorganized remains 34th infantry enemy fire immediate danger soldiers equipment missing attempt delaying actions unable communicate units radio equipment lost retreating american aircraft accidentally column injuring south korean soldier moving soldiers 34th infantry regiment began set new line south nightfall men longer equipment fight aftermath general dean divisional commander angered poor performance 34th infantry regiment battle allegedly upset regiment retreated quickly attempting delay north considered ordering regiment north immediately fear ambush dean replaced commander 34th infantry colonel ordered 3rd battalion north encountered north korean resistance immediately disorganized forced withdraw engagement caused significant decline morale american forces fighting peninsula continue victories perimeter allowed offensive dean took blame defeat historians consider partially fault expecting inexperienced battalion hold line numerically superior enemy trained regiment forced oppose north korean forces suffered heavy casualties forced withdraw battle 24th infantry division continue fight delaying actions weeks overwhelmed battle time perimeter place divisions able hold line months battle perimeter landings american forces finally defeat north korean army ending phase war


battle battle turkish german von fought october egyptian expeditionary force attacked captured army group garrison beginning southern palestine offensive palestine campaign world war successful limited attacks morning infantry 60th london divisions corps south west mounted division desert mounted corps launched series attacks attacks strong defences dominated eastern eventually resulted capture late afternoon shortly australian mounted division 4th 12th light horse regiments 4th light horse brigade conducted mounted infantry charge hands weapon mounted attack rifles backs regiments attack defending remainder light horsemen continued charge town capturing place garrison withdrawing defeats second battles march april victorious german general friedrich von commander divisions fourth army strengthened defensive line stretching received reinforcements divisions lieutenant general philip commanding eastern force began stalemate southern palestine defending entrenched lines held end second battle initiated regular mounted reconnaissance open eastern flank line june ottoman fourth army reorganised new army group established commanded german general von time british general replaced general murray commander reorganised direct command corps process eastern force placing command infantry corps time desert column renamed desert mounted corps stalemate continued summer difficult conditions northern edge desert reinforcements began strengthen divisions suffered casualties battles primary functions ottoman army time man lines patrol open eastern flank sides conducted training units mid october battle continued western corps maintained defences sector line preparations manoeuvre warfare attacks ottoman defensive line beginning subsequent advance jerusalem nearing completion arrival reinforcements defended lines trenches supported isolated earthworks hills covered approaches town ottoman garrison eventually encircled infantry mounted divisions supporting artillery launched attacks 60th london division preliminary attack capture hill led bombardment main ottoman trench line joint attack 60th london divisions captured objectives north east mounted division cut road continued jerusalem continuous fighting main defences dominating eastern approaches town resulted eventually capture afternoon fighting 3rd light horse brigade sent reinforce mounted division 5th mounted brigade armed swords remained corps reserve brigades mounted divisions committed battle brigade available 4th light horse brigade ordered capture sword mounted plain riding town supported mound south east 4th light horse regiment right jumped trenches turning attack ottoman infantry trenches gun pits rising ground 12th light horse regiment left rode face main find gap ottoman defences squadrons rode railway line complete step offensive capture jerusalem weeks later background second defeat april general murray sacked commander eastern force lieutenant general charles lieutenant general philip promoted command eastern force harry promoted lieutenant general command desert column major general edward promoted new_zealand mounted rifles brigade command mounted division replacing arrival general june murray relieved command egyptian expeditionary force sent england strategic priorities ottoman general staff push suez_canal retake baghdad persia fortunate victorious ottoman forces position april launch large scale counterattack immediately second victory attack rudimentary defences northern edge disastrous instead sides constructed permanent defences stretching sea west lightly entrenched line extended continuing south miles western sector stretching strongly entrenched wired defended ottoman infantry eastern sector stretching east south open plain patrolled desert column mounted infantry opportunity patrols outposts harassed opposing forces wells mapped town strongly defended having developed strong modern fortress entrenched wired good observation southern south eastern face formidable mile long ottoman line stretching eastwards dominated country south deployed open low lying country cut deep ottoman defences centre line supported overlooked plain making frontal attack virtually impossible ottoman defences strengthened extended road east palestine railway line trenches extend strong fortifications isolated town fortress open eastern flank dominated beginning stalemate crossed places mouth mediterranean coast main road crossing crossing battle crossing khan road crossing road difficulty crossing feet perpendicular banks cut plain regular floods additional crossings constructed stalemate hebrew arabic foot hills built eastern bank joins stretching mediterranean_sea located north west end flat plain miles long miles wide town surrounded rocky hills north north east miles away southern edge hills rises feet town overlooking feet lower hills range east south spur plateau south east extending town ancient times town trading centre roads directions north east sealed motor road region stretched spine hills jerusalem tributary north west road miles away crossed open plain west track southern road continued road jerusalem developed ottoman_empire trading centre northern edge halfway mediterranean dead sea railway line ran istanbul main ottoman desert base raid suez_canal advance damaged repair raid hospital army barracks railway station water tower engine sheds large storage buildings square houses designed strongly constructed stone buildings red roofs german beer garden inhabitants region northwards varied population mainly arabs belonging islam jewish christian colonists decided invade ottoman territory battle basis britain major war objectives maintain maritime supremacy mediterranean preserve balance power europe protect egypt india persian gulf despite defeats battles casualties planned advance palestine capture jerusalem secure region cut ottoman forces levant arabian peninsula capture dominated coastal route egypt step aims lines communication stalemate april end october ottoman army improved lines communication laid railway water lines sent troops guns ammunition forward defend lines ottoman lines communication shortened retreat advance peninsula southern palestine lengthened theirs requiring large investment infrastructure brigade light horse mounted rifles mounted including infantry divisions consisted soldiers requiring ammunition rations supplies major undertaking march miles road miles wire roads miles water pipeline constructed miles railway lines laid rate kilometre day miles mid april line reached branch line completed egyptian transport corps support large offensive advance drawn wagon trains established supply columns designed support military operations infantry mounted troops hours prelude ottoman force weeks ottoman victory second battle general friedrich von commander victorious 3rd 16th 53rd divisions fourth army reinforced 7th 54th divisions june headquarters german commanded ottoman force defending line consequence aerial bombing moved july force reorganised corps hold line corps 16th 54th infantry divisions infantry regiment 3rd cavalry division corps 3rd 7th 53rd infantry divisions july ottoman force defending line increased rifles machine guns artillery guns corps defended 3rd 53rd divisions corps headquartered defended iii corps commanded recently arrived headquarters town iii corps defended gallipoli ottoman army hold british_army showed high level operational tactical mobility battles line corps consisted regiments 27th division total rifles percent arab 6th 8th regiments 3rd cavalry division 48th regiment 16th division 2nd regiment 24th divisions regiment ottoman corps miles north north west hills took action total rifles machine guns field guns infantry regiments available defence tactical deployment ottoman iii corps defending line change activated army group known army group group june new group commanded german general ottoman marshal von prussian minister war chief staff german field armies commander ninth army reinforced surplus ottoman units transferred romania collapse russia army group consisted fourth army headquarters syrian units commanded remained syria fourth army headquarters palestine commanded von fourth army headquarters palestine september reorganised armies renamed days later reactivated new ottoman eighth army headquarters commanded von responsible palestine new seventh army activated commanded resignation defences natural features town favoured defence rolling plain devoid trees water west hills tells north south east geographic features strengthened series fortifications constructed trenches protected wire fortified defences north west west south west included sited series high points extending miles town defending east manned battalion 48th regiment machine gun company 6th 8th regiments 3rd cavalry division deployed high ground north east foothills hills guard jerusalem road surrounded west south west town 27th division infantry regiments deployed fortified line deep trenches strengthened barbed wire regiments consisted primarily arab farmers surrounding region inexperienced fighters defending fields defenders deployed follows infantry infantry regiments 27th division defended west south 3rd cavalry division deployed high ground northeast town battalion 48th infantry regiment 16th division machine gun company defended remainder regiment deployed south road battalions 2nd regiment commanded german officers deployed trenches defending south east facing open plain south reinforced arrival june july 7th 8th mounted brigades 60th london division transferred 75th division formed egypt territorial indian battalions arrival mounted brigades possible expand desert column divisions establishment mounted division infantry reinforcements needed july bring infantry mounted divisions taken battles strength reinforcements arrive battle 10th irish division marching north october general took command midnight june reorganised force reflect contemporary thinking resemble organisation army france eastern force establishing place infantry mounted corps command corps desert mounted corps desert column october rifles corps 53rd welsh division 60th london division division 10th irish division 2nd county london attached divisions desert mounted corps deploying attack infantry territorial force divisions following outbreak war divisions fought gallipoli campaign 52nd lowland cape 53rd welsh bay 54th east division 60th london division served western division recently formed strength regiments fought gallipoli 10th irish division new army division fought gallipoli bay light horse mounted rifle brigades australian mounted divisions fought gallipoli plan attack corps imperial corps brigade attached desert mounted corps mounted division main attack corps held sector line mediterranean coast success depended attack resolution unsuccessful dry country northern edge force attacking divisions retire army level corps level plans set objectives corps advance south south west 60th london divisions attacking defences road beginning immediately dawn infantry divisions attack outer defences high ground west south west stages preceded bombardment left 60th london division capture hill known point hill outer defences main attack begin commanders 60th london divisions satisfied wire adequately cut objectives trenches defending ottoman artillery batteries supporting subsequently hold high ground west town left flank protected smith group consisting brigade 53rd division minus battalions imperial brigade group orders division held section defence stretching north road 53rd welsh division brigade 10th irish division attached deployed miles line stretching west mile railway station watch counterattack north capture garrison attempted retreat road remainder 10th irish division corps reserve deployed east mounted division deploy line outposts connecting corps holding end line near stage attack mounted division australian mounted division reserve seize ottoman garrison northern line retreat cutting road jerusalem secondly mounted divisions attack capture water wells quickly possible prevent retreat ottoman garrison left 7th mounted brigade regiments link corps desert mounted corps attack defences south town preliminary moves beginning october australian mounted division moved new_zealand mounted rifles brigade moved following 2nd light horse brigade miles away develop water supply remained inadequate october regiments brigade sent water returning dawn october water mounted division inspected projects expand water supply miles project inspected preparations building forward railway begin simultaneously attack rear units working deserted camps making appear use inspected formations way assembly places waited forward areas sense importance attached work ottoman forces informed build evidence army group fairly accurately informed british confirmed october army group knew camps khan placed infantry divisions east fourth 10th irish division approaching estimating cavalry reconnaissance continued sunday october 5th mounted brigade rode south area reporting ottoman troops occupying trench line east tents 6th light horse regiment 2nd light horse brigade area reporting occupied ottoman army soldiers october water supply reported capable providing drink day horse division hour later desert mounted corps ordered mounted division brigades tonight dusk australian mounted division began night march following mounted division australian mounted division mounted division prepared east october guns british french naval ships mediterranean_sea joined bombardment begun days earlier orders corps mounted division detached desert mounted corps moved mediterranean coast infantry brigades division advanced right 53rd welsh division holding line leading units 60th london division approached 10th irish division approached october mounted division desert mounted corps assembled australian mounted division began arrive approach marches october extensive complex arrangements required support infantry attack west mounted attack east completed october attacking forces moved positions day march deployment divisions corps concentrated position 53rd welsh division 60th london division division preparation final approach march civil service rifles queen westminster rifles brigade 60th division supplied tea following day rations tin bully beef slice cooked bacon dates opened advance corps headquarters half hour later infantry approach marches began division advanced road led brigade brigade following north south road 60th london division advanced brigade groups brigade left advanced north south brigade right advanced road advance guard 13th battalion london regiment attacked crossed brigade brigade reserve advanced straight corps cavalry regiment westminster concentrated south east covering corps right flank orders connect desert mounted corps south rear 53rd welsh division dug corps artillery approached arriving october reconnaissance established track mechanical transport required heavy gun battery ammunition position attack job companies travelled cairo addition ammunition hauled forward deployment infantry divisions completed light moon 60th london division linked division reaching line deployment targeted rifle shell fire civil service rifles battalion approached yards ottoman trenches fired deploy mounted divisions desert mounted corps ride miles bring striking distance dawn october arrived desert mounted corps headquarters afternoon october arrangements completed continuation marches australian mounted divisions mounted division australian mounted division hours march 7th mounted brigade light armoured motor battery lamb sent ahead mounted division position north slopes guard flank moved forward divisional headquarters closed divisional troops left railway station half hour later mounted division rode banks kilometres arriving midnight crossroads east division hours continuing columns 2nd light horse brigade column rode northeast following track leading regiment 7th light horse arrived waited remainder brigade arrive continuing advance 2nd light horse brigade encountered ottoman outpost occupying hill mile south west fired screen new_zealand mounted rifle brigade 7th light horse regiment moved forward occupy hill hill line miles north brigade remained mounted division 2nd light horse brigade led wellington mounted rifles regiment new_zealand mounted rifles brigade second column rode north crossroads east past small force ottoman soldiers brushed aside advance continued new_zealand mounted rifles brigade approached 2nd light horse brigade seen arriving opposition units seen trenches near hill known hill infantry objective western hostile squadrons seen moving north dust smoke seen rising corps artillery bombardment west south west passing mounted division concentrated near line following reserve australian mounted division marched arrive october transport animals began approach march following mounted division miles ride arriving october crossroads division continued linking desert mounted corps headquarters establishing divisional headquarters hill miles miles south main ottoman defence eastern gave clear view plain battlefield headquarters joined headquarters mounted division desert mounted corps arrived dawn october 7th mounted brigade advanced direct vicinity cutting road holding line connecting corps left australian mounted division right brigade reported holding position point held unknown numbers defenders battle bombardment coordinated bombardment began multiple dimensional phased attack including successful wire cutting divisional fronts artillery subsequently shift fire target ottoman fortifications trench lines rear areas newly organised heavy artillery groups conduct counter battery work targeting ottoman guns bombardment shells ottoman counter battery artillery fire fell assembled infantry brigade division brigade 60th london division suffered severely high explosive guns comes burst rains steady stream wounds young morrison elbow brown arm low head ought old position stupid guns away time kicking delight drawing fire catching bombardment suspended allow dust settle artillery observers check targets wire appeared intact bombardment resumed preliminary attacks final intense minute bombardment targeted ottoman trenches yards infantry cover work wire cutting units cut gaps barbed wire battalions brigade 60th london division launch attack hill known hill 22nd battalion london regiment advanced attack hill 24th battalion london regiment attacked defences north brigade quickly captured objectives taking prisoners suffering casualties guns bang followed flying bits premature burst guns yards away cries got casualties fellow rogers jaw blown fragments blood nose gives bound carried away high explosive lower near guns continue bark ears getting report hungry flame ground stones blood stay guns cover spare water bottle gas helmet far head concerned wonder things going heard bombardment machine guns gun barrage minutes assault 15th 14th regiments brigade presumably dominating hill left hill come right attack leading brigades division advanced conform brigade advance consequence brigade suffered accurate fire moved slightly right forcing brigade left fill gap supporting companies 10th division advance approached ottoman trenches heavy machine gun fire slowed progress brigade yards line brigade yards advances capture hill possible heavy guns forward target barbed wire protecting main ottoman defensive line ottoman observation posts corps attack guns moved forward captured ottoman positions continuing let dust settle noon concern wire division cut practice barbed wire cut advancing troops came obstacle commanders 60th london divisions decided begin main assault screened dust smoke bombardment brigades 60th division division launched attack battalions line brigade deployed line battalions mainly organised companies line companies waves lines advancing yards apart wave follow required yards 22nd battalion london regiment remained guard hill clock heard hill taken went assaulting wave platoon runner sergeant boasted little ridge necessary ridge skyline quickly possible ridge rush valley charge opposite ridge turkish trenches ridge noticed scattered groups machine gunners rocks shallow trench protecting fire turkish trenches right open suicide position ridge rushed slope past machine gunners bullets falling went running cheering shouting sergeant orders voice minute expecting bullet good luck stuck got turkish trenches jumped straight shot took prisoner lucky section trench jumped hear shooting fighting soon advanced yards trenches worked like hell tools digging 15th battalion london regiment right brigade suffered severely machine gun fire machine gun positions captured resistance ceased 24th 25th battalions royal brigade division met stout resistance location ottoman soldiers fought man intense hand hand fighting trenches continued ottoman trench line western stretching road south north captured fighting royal battalions captured quarters prisoners suffered thirds casualties corps corps captured prisoners guns numerous machine guns casualties included killed wounded missing casualties ottoman artillery machine guns preliminary bombardment final objective corps described corps instructions destroy opposition units cooperation desert mounted corps instructions continued objective attack corps day capture line works road capture enemy guns trenches west town operation cavalry drive enemy remainder defences claimed west corps objectives doubt captured mounted troops objective infantry divisions capture main garrison occupied desert mounted corps captured town official british historian stated capture task desert mounted corps required water town horses corps instructions stated outposts placed approximately blue line tracing cover consolidation position reorganization attacking troops units blue line orders capture guns capture main trenches guns 60th london divisions target defences north south main attack deployed forward captured position pursue ottoman forces fire attack defenders deal advance 13th battalion london regiment 60th london division forward infantry battalions attacked captured field guns final objective lewis guns forcing ottoman detachments retreat desert mounted corps headquarters reported seeing ottoman troops retiring midday late afternoon infantry brigades 54th east division imperial brigade monitoring defences north uncertain trenches defended brigade division ordered launch attack hour later reserve brigade occupied northern trenches little difficulty abandoned captured light horsemen charge begun 60th london divisions battlefield line outposts 53rd welsh division remained covering western flank 10th irish division basal ottoman reinforcements loss battalions regiment defending western commanding garrison sent reserve battalion 2nd regiment reinforce south western sector time withdrew companies regiment defending area north desert mounted corps attacks australian mounted divisions rode miles respectively south night october position attack east australian mounted division desert mounted corps reserve deployed southeast near support mounted division attacks 8th light horse regiment 3rd light horse brigade australian mounted division deployed screen linking 7th mounted brigade left new_zealand mounted rifle brigade right australian mounted division objective mounted division cut road jerusalem miles north east town known prevent reinforcement retreat direction second objective height dominated east north south captured attack open ground launched dawn mounted division deployed new_zealand mounted rifles brigade 1st light horse brigade support new 2nd light horse brigade concentrated near infantry battle fought west edward commanding mounted division ordered 2nd light horse brigade attack gain control jerusalem road time ordered new_zealand mounted rifles brigade 1st light horse brigade support attack ottoman garrison holding fortifications hard fought attacks continued afternoon regiments 3rd light horse brigade australian mounted division ordered reinforce mounted division attack lesson learned patience expect things happen quickly progress slow deadly pause commander soon mounted division 2nd light horse new_zealand mounted rifle brigades advances began targeted heavy artillery fire hills north jerusalem road brigades forced slow advance plain cut number narrow deep fast riding impossible time shells corps bombardment seen hills west leading troops 7th light horse regiment 2nd light horse brigade confused 7th mounted brigade near south seen approaching reported advance increasingly difficult hostile units defending high ground south ottoman convoy wagons seen leaving road jerusalem regiment ordered cut road convoy escaped heavy shell bombardment point blank machine gun fire position south road artillery battery got position support light horse regiment attack 5th light horse regiment 2nd light horse brigade ordered engage ottoman left flank crossed road jerusalem 5th light horse regiment heavily shelled artillery fired machine guns high ground north northwest overlooking area minutes later 7th light horse regiment cut road captured convoy prisoners horses wagons loaded forage regiment pinned small rough country north gun battery machine guns located road arrival 5th light horse regiment regiments supported artillery advancing attack high ground northeast 2nd light horse brigade reported ottoman guns appeared action artillery fire continued hold road jerusalem 5th 7th light horse regiments found cover targeted high ground north ottoman machine guns remained evening strong ottoman 3rd cavalry division defended hilly area north 5th 7th light horse regiments 2nd light horse brigade continued hold outpost line night covering jerusalem road northeastern approaches remainder 7th light horse regiment withdrew mile south night 5th light horse regiment right squadron time sent water good water supply found 2nd light horse brigade 7th light horse regiment men injured wounded action captured total prisoners captured ottoman cavalry transport guns seen moving north road jerusalem shortly aircraft reported seeing large camp main ottoman defensive position east located prominent acres dominating eastern town steep sides flat topped hill strongly garrisoned battalion described rifles machine gun company machine guns deployed general defence trees cover area swept fire numerous machine guns field guns concealed town strongly entrenched hill fire directions annihilated attackers mounted division new_zealand mounted rifle brigade advanced intention north supported royal horse artillery came action range yards distance artillery unable ottoman defence brigade advanced canterbury mounted rifle regiment right mounted rifle regiment left supported machine guns receiving heavy machine gun artillery fire mounted rifles regiment formed advance guard rode yards open country excellent cover horses machine guns found good positions machine gunners provide effective fire frontal attack launched foot mounted attack direction impossible regiment launched attack north bank advancing narrow good cover provided heavy ottoman machine gun fire point yards ottoman position attack slowed troop time advanced cover new_zealand machine guns ordered 1st light horse brigade reinforce attack south cooperate attack brigade sent 3rd light horse regiment 1st light horse brigade machine gun squadron cover new left flank advance plain artillery machine gun fire shortly squadrons took exposed position bank covering attackers left flank heavy machine gun hotchkiss rifle fire targeted ottoman position providing covering fire mounted rifles regiment attack canterbury mounted rifles regiments engaged ottoman soldiers near bend southeast attack launched 3rd light horse regiment troop mounted rifle regiment south bank force covered main attack rest mounted rifles regiment advanced north bank supported machine gun cover fire time battery attached 1st light horse brigade came action covered advances 3rd light horse regiment somerset battery moved yards attacking artillery heavily ottoman defensive positions hard find ottoman machine gun positions positions communicated artillery flags accurate targeted hostile aircraft began circle battlefield dropping bombs groups led horses casualties 2nd light horse regiment 1st light horse brigade ordered reinforce left 3rd light horse regiment half hour later australian mounted division 9th 10th light horse regiments 3rd light horse brigade artillery batteries ordered reinforce mounted division attack horses new_zealand mounted rifle brigade orders general attack issued 3rd light horse brigade battery honourable artillery company moved reinforce attack squadron 2nd light horse regiment 1st light horse brigade deployed effective covering fire right flank machine hotchkiss guns rifles rest 2nd light horse regiment attacked captured recent captures targeted flank defences causing defenders fire canterbury mounted rifles regiment firing rear position held ottoman defenders slopes hills overlooking jerusalem road australian new_zealand troops covered attack 3rd light horse regiment 1st light horse brigade left mounted rifles regiment right closed northeast mounted rifles regiment began frontal assault advancing steadily short rushes cover available guns machine guns gain trenches hill eastern flank yards east captured prisoners machine guns captured machine guns turned main ottoman greatly weakening position attacking troops mounted rifles regiment reorganised launching final assault moved forward steadily rushed fell machine gun prisoners captured captured machine gun turned escaping ottoman soldiers running killed ottoman defenders surrounding country prisoners machine guns rifles ammunition horses captured mounted rifles regiment seven killed wounded squadron 2nd light horse regiment squadron 3rd light horse regiment 1st light horse brigade followed retreating ottoman soldiers position near junction west fired retiring ottoman units moving northwest high ground time squadron 2nd light horse regiment 1st light horse brigade advanced counterattack launched drove orders received new_zealand mounted rifle brigade state defence possibility began headquarters saw captured ottoman artillery began target quarter hour capture hostile aircraft bombed attacks continued afternoon rest divisional headquarters moved machine hostile aircraft hostile aircraft dropped bombs 3rd light horse brigade killing wounding australians horses killed sixteen wounded bomb dropped 4th light horse field ambulance time horses lay blood running sunset returned horses men horses german came time hours setting sun flying low impossible right overhead saw observer leaning cockpit bomb leave plane feet bomb burst impact hard ground direct hit bearer lines turned machine camp added confusion black dust smoke horses away men running grabbed medical ran yards reach left leg blown bleeding badly hand wounded staff sergeant stewart came running got thigh seconds attending high right arm blown hay left cut clean away found dressed bad wound heart great pain gave shot brown slightly wounded bill taylor worst types casualty shell shock apparently standing horses feet bomb hit placed wreck unable walk ottoman response final attack capture 1st light horse brigade reported squadron ottoman cavalry leaving heading north targeted divisional headquarters high explosive shells fired ottoman field guns capture unknown attackers withdrawal ordered german commander eighth army von explained turkish battalion entrusted defence held great courage fulfilled obligation held english cavalry divisions hours prevented expanding manoeuvres road commanding garrison ordered general retirement north withdrew headquarters regiment corps located miles north hills time 27th division engineers ordered destroy water supply 48th regiment deployed defend southern sector defences road battalion machine gun company defending unit retire moved establish rearguard position australian light horsemen captured town captured mounted division ordered attack final objective town ordered 1st 3rd light horse brigades advance mosque northern outskirts line stretching point miles northwest point south town brigades deployed 9th 10th light horse regiments 3rd light horse brigade right 1st light horse brigade centre 4th light horse brigade australian mounted division left 1st 3rd light horse brigades continued attacks shelled ottoman artillery 1st light horse brigade blocked exits mosque area including hospital barracks capturing prisoners hospital staff priest medical corps details patients brigade established outpost line sector having suffered seven men killed wounded horses killed wounded 10th light horse regiment 3rd light horse brigade held outpost line north night group ottoman soldiers approached line surrounded sides regiment fired machine guns killing light horse charge corps headquarters sent telegram ordering capture nightfall telegram reached 4th light horse brigade preparing mounted attack aerial reconnaissance established feasibility attack trenches stretching direction charge reinforced barbed wire horse pits commander 12th light horse regiment said clear job dark advised place chance experience successful mounted surprise attacks boer camps south african war possibility charge mounted infantry riding home raised australian mounted division preliminary instruction dated october suggested bayonet equal sword weapon mounted attack sword pointing preliminary instruction advised bayonet hand held controlling horse charge difficult bayonet fixed rifle divisional ordered brigadier william grant 4th light horse brigade arrived men horses rested battle fought corps mounted division ordered saddle grant sent commanders seconds command 4th 12th light horse regiments issuing orders attack 4th light horse regiment new_south_wales 12th light horse regiment miles formed ridge mile north hill left mounted division 4th light horse regiment deployed north road known black road 12th light horse regiment south road left armed sword lance hands regiment squadrons formed squadron lines order yards apart squadron line extended yards 4th machine gun squadron attached regiment lieutenant colonel murray commander 4th light horse regiment fought trenches said hotchkiss guns useless fast pace time action direction given movement grant brigade major cameron leading regiments half mile covered walk grant joined reserve squadrons regimental headquarters regimental commanders remained far vanguard regiments moved deploying leading squadrons preceded scouts yards came range ottoman manning defences directly track number horses hit sustained rapid fire ottoman trenches primarily facing south shallow trenches facing east defenders saw light horsemen charge opened fire 4th 12th regiments immediately deployed advance 12th light horse regiment fired trenches battery opened fire machine gunners trenches second shot ottoman soldiers seen retreat regiments ridden nearly miles 12th light horse regiment left targeted heavy machine gun fire direction hill effective range proved destructive officers essex battery got range action shells charging regiments fired mile east battery drove garrison point indicated red brigade war diary sketch map charge remainder 4th machine gun squadron reserve squadron 12th light horse regiment advanced point town left protect left flank charging regiments consider success movement carried owing volume fire brought bear enemy position machine guns rifles attack resulted greater number casualties noticed morale enemy greatly shaken troops positions causing machine gunners lose control fire discipline troops came short range trenches enemy direct fire horses 4th light horse regiment attacks trenches great sight suddenly sprung left lines lines horsemen moving turks run horses jumping trenches dust 4th light horse regiment approached fortifications directly leading squadron jumped advance trenches main foot foot trenches defended ottoman soldiers leading squadron area tents rear joined troop 12th light horse regiment led horses cover launched attack trenches killing remainder surrendered defenders fought considerable number killed gallipoli veterans shot dead feet ottoman trenches second line squadrons approached ottoman trenches troops squadron attack capture advance trench continuing support attack main trenches rode forward working amidst fighting earthworks shot dead close range capturing east consolidated 4th light horse regiment held area overnight case counterattack 12th light horse regiment captures leading squadrons charged trenches squadron commander 12th light horse regiment attack rifle bayonet remainder regiment continued passed right ride gap defensive line second line squadron 12th light horse regiment approached trenches squadron continued mounted riding gap squadron commanders fight trenches earthworks continued mounted led captains davies leading troops stopped assemble point near road crossed main ottoman defences davies mounted reorganised rode road force capture town reached red brick building near mosque squadron rode western town north reach point yards south railway station proceeded railway line turning right finish near oval building northern outskirts town davies squadron rode main street join northern outskirts squadrons turned stop capture ottoman column attempting escape column surrendered guns troop ottoman soldiers holding trenches east tried escape recaptured troop 12th light horse regiment squadron large proportion ottoman troops town eventually killed captured estimated half ottoman troops captured killed guns town captured 12th light horse regiment handed officers ranks prisoners brigade headquarters guns transport 4th 12th light horse regiments captured prisoners field guns machine guns huge quantity military stores railway rolling stock total captures desert mounted corps day amounted prisoners available engineer units sent develop wells town supply great fortunately october thunderstorms left pools water wide area horses prisoners moved area near railway outskirts assembled counted 3rd cavalry division managed withdraw earlier day 12th light horse regiment established round defensive positions including guarding pumping station withdrawn brigade headquarters arrived took duties patrol men reconnaissance southwest returning prisoners report clear 12th light horse regiment ordered stand arms capture 12th light horse regiment largely written history honor glory securing town went 4th australian light horse cavalry charge notoriety ranks charge light brigade 12th light horse regiment capture report intended king according 4th light horse regiment charged captured town time short brigade commander brigadier general grant sent leading regiment charge trenches regiment 4th light horse trenches feet deep feet wide turks ended resistance neat finish battle despatches december secretary state war republished london gazette identify australian light horse regiments brigades supporting units ordered 5th 7th mounted brigades support following charge 7th mounted brigade covering left advanced direction 11th light horse regiment ordered 4th light horse brigade advance support supporting units described 11th light horse regiment follow ing came 5th mounted brigade away left 7th mounted brigade advanced road substantial following close support 11th light horse regiment officers miles southwest covering outpost line connecting australian mounted division 7th mounted brigade road replaced 8th light horse regiment 3rd light horse brigade 11th light horse regiment moved rejoin 4th light horse brigade headquarters arriving regiment moved western northern edges town man outpost line counterattack 5th mounted brigade trained armed mounted attack close headquarters 4th light horse brigade nearer decision charge moment employ 5th mounted brigade reserve armed sword unlike australians 4th light horse brigade close decided attack 5th mounted brigade ordered advance rear 4th light horse brigade rode water regiment eventually moved rearguard 5th mounted brigade arriving november 7th mounted brigade section light armoured motor battery ford car attached ridden october country road miles south established links desert mounted corps right corps left road orders hold line covering point miles south established observation posts line mile south stretching established communications australian mounted division south west close touch corps cavalry regiment remainder brigade assembled south outpost line ready act 8th light horse regiment 3rd light horse brigade reported headquarters point strongly defended touch 7th mounted brigade left 7th mounted reported battery shelled opposition northern slopes ottoman garrison reported begun retreat 7th mounted brigade received orders cooperate direction australian mounted division attack verbal orders cooperate attack received 7th mounted brigade 4th light horse brigade half hour later leading squadron rangers regiment pushed forward squadron holding line point arrived find defenders gone firing shot rest rangers regiment occupying trenches east informed captured 4th light horse brigade 7th mounted brigade rode unopposed road water horses casualties corps captured prisoners desert mounted corps captured ottoman soldiers ottoman casualties believed half number dead found battlefield heaviest allied losses suffered british infantry corps lost killed action total number british force killed battle 4th light horse brigade suffered total killed wounded 12th light horse regiment suffered killed wounded wounded light horsemen fell charge high percentage killed wounded occurring hand hand fighting trenches aftermath corps desert mounted corps won tactical victory forcing ottoman garrison withdraw 53rd welsh division brigade 10th irish division attached deployed prevent ottoman units escaping battle garrison able withdraw road north hills road jerusalem garrison suffered casualties fighting strong ottoman delayed seven days continued hold remainder line ottoman iii corps headquarters withdrawn battle moved support defence road followed regiment 24th division rifles group reorganised group moved reinforce defence battle began november november attacks mounted division road jerusalem concerned ottoman defenders feared major cavalry attack breakthrough ottoman line capture seventh army headquarters planned break ottoman line center fighting continued minor attack overnight november main attacks centre battle began november found evacuated ottoman defenders early november captured morning strong resistance 60th london division attacks ottoman defenders supported light horse charge november position captured infantry dusk november british foreign secretary arthur contacted baron wealthy banker head british branch european jewish causes november days capture declaration proposed national home jewish people palestine published times november november victory war office informed unlikely receive reinforcements wish concerned success hoped able develop press turks opposed extent resources force enemy divert troops palestine relieve pressure advantage arab situation deciding extent able carry safely policy guided fact increase forces disposal claim rom end war turks forgot german ottoman infantry frequently invariably shot wildly surrendered early conflict solid ottoman defence met 11th 12th light horse regiments charge fighting november charge november occupied november imperial service cavalry brigade corps rode ruins reach brigade 52nd division began infantry pursuit mediterranean shore reach centre line mounted division found gap eastern begin pursuit daylight november held australian mounted division 60th london division advanced capture november evening ottoman positions line captured defenders retreat


operation operation january march australian new_zealand military action vietnam war operation saw heavy fighting 1st australian task force north vietnamese army wider fighting long american south vietnamese intelligence reports indicated imminent communist offensive new year festival likely response australians new deployed away base province bolster american south vietnamese forces defending long complex north east deliberately established fire support bases communist lines communication vicinity village expecting attempt destroy australians subsequently clashed early patrols area operations columbus later fire support base repeatedly subjected major ground assaults operation mounted late prevent attacks australians new successfully disrupted communist lines communication limiting freedom manoeuvre attack long complex able successfully withdrawal causing heavy casualties operation significant deployment outside tactical area responsibility set precedent later operations outside province remaining australian forces province successfully repelled repeated attacks long offensive population centres south vietnam background military situation january south vietnamese forces began hour celebration arrival year monkey earlier communists declared seven day festival normally period truce community gatherings family vietnamese society south vietnamese allies north vietnamese leadership decided use cease fire launch large offensive south order break developed conflict despite reluctance democratic republic vietnam president defence minister general primarily general upcoming offensive timed provoke popular general uprising south vietnamese people government american supporters required south vietnamese maintain cent forces standby american allied forces general william free world military forces remained alert despite measures fighting largely succeeded american resources attention away zone communists element surprise number units mistakenly began planned offensive south vietnam day early attacking towns corps morning january president republic vietnam van subsequently cancelled regardless offensive proper began early hours january north vietnamese troops simultaneously assaulted population centres allied installations south vietnam south vietnamese intelligence reports impending attacks afforded failures caught allied units unprepared come complete surprise growing threat earlier prompted lieutenant general frederick commander iii corps tactical zone request use 1st australian task force strength infantry battalions support arms outside usual base province order defend vital bases long complex north east request subsequently approved australians agreed basis battalions 3rd battalion royal australian regiment remain secure case attack prelude opposing forces january headquarters command brigadier ron hughes inserted air new area operations long provinces east approximately kilometres initially force consist battalions armour squadron 3rd cavalry regiment millimetre battery battery 4th field regiment royal australian artillery aviation assets support later elements committed coincidentally operating area fought airborne brigade november occasion encountered heavy resistance series bunker systems protecting key communist supply lines gang time establish communist lines communication expectation provoking aggressive response north vietnamese days australians establish fire support base order deny communists access suitable sites launching millimetre rocket attacks important allied bases installations long complex including large long logistics depot plan protect bases combined australian force establish screen movement northern approaches long subsequently allocated north eastern sector new area operations named columbus sparsely inhabited columbus situated east long highway south song river north rectangular shape measured kilometres east west kilometres north south west mainly covered jungle whilst grassland east defended light infantry brigade occupying west song airborne division occupied manchester south vietnamese 18th infantry division defended north west concept operations operation called infantry companies road rear units order secure established kilometre north easy access route remainder battalion deployed helicopter 4th field regiment inserted road task force maintenance area subsequently located supplied operation elements 1st australian support group deployed forward long harrison located kilometres west bases positioned support event attack small number patrols provide reconnaissance task force people army vietnam forces identified columbus included north vietnamese army units battalion group regiment 5th division battalion artillery rocket regiment equipped millimetre rocket launchers millimetre mortars small element regiment main force elements regiment 9th division local force elements included number company platoon strength units addition district village guerrilla forces forces believed lying wait attack nearby american bases planned offensive battle patrolling columbus january february australians began intensive patrol program columbus soon fighting platoon sized units series bunker complexes january australians conducted reconnaissance force operations series minor patrol clashes followed end january january company fought hour action entrenched bunker system day platoon company assaulted occupied camp initially believed similar strength held hours repeated attacks force estimated company strength whilst providing flank security new company engaged series skirmishes resulted dead weapons captured new wounded january heavier contacts resulting australians wounded killed placed deny communists use increasingly obvious little role heavy presence prevented operating normally attempt insert patrol called presence hostile forces vicinity landing zone subsequently killed patrol extracted minutes second attempt lasted minutes longer extracted following brief contact finally patrols joined effort provide protection january patrolled battalion headquarters minutes australians encountered small party tried hours later detected following day tried time contacted unable operate effectively patrols withdrawn returned february january company contacted battalion concentrating half hour battle saw australian casualties including killed seven killed january overran village metres south west australians reclaimed afternoon communists attack day australians recaptured time savage house house fighting involving company squadron company subsequently inserted assist protection harrison response attack company dispatched forward search area lead platoon advanced camp later found battalion size destroyed ensuing fire fight half platoon soon casualties platoon moved forward aid extraction close support artillery protected australians casualties eventually forced withdraw australians killed wounded engagements point new died wounded killed wounded early hours january key installations long complex come heavy attack 5th division second communist attacks offensive south vietnam received heavy rocket fire caused extensive damage buildings aircraft facilities long logistics depot prisoner war camp hit days light infantry brigade later reinforced 11th armored cavalry regiment infantry battalion airborne division forced heavy combat communist indirect fire ground attacks february americans gained upper hand remaining following sweep cleared town attacks forced change tactics australians mission quickly changed reconnaissance force blocking operation designed intercept withdrawing communist forces january february australian battalions moved company blocking positions number minor contacts occurred resulting casualties capture weapons equipment position intensity clashes increased australians sprung platoon early february nature contacts columbus began change australians increasingly faced larger company sized main force units located static defensive positions week february began streaming retreating wake heavy losses managed avoid decisively engaged killed captured australians maintained blocking positions company detached order protect task force headquarters act reserve particularly heavily engaged phase force gradually patrolling kilometres north morning february contacted large force consisting regimental headquarters companies constructed defensive position defended heavy machine guns australians assaulted position occasions days vicious fighting supported artillery helicopter attack february lieutenant mark company platoon commanders charged forward rocket launchers attack series single handed succeeded destroying fell badly wounded survived actions recommended victoria_cross award gunner michael williams corporal graham awarded military medal actions fire battle continued seven hours australians eventually routing bunker system battle later hailed probably brilliant actions fought australian rifle company amidst confusion efforts went largely unnoticed early morning night harbour occupied new company attacked force consisting elements companies regiment shortly stand incident proved intense fighting involving new_zealand forces vietnam point course hour attack successfully repelled assistance highly accurate artillery support battery operating direct support mortar fire withdrew following arrival light fire team leaving dead number blood trails new wounded engagement subsequently required evacuation helicopter province stretched thin remaining australian forces soon drawn heavy combat units simultaneously attacked main provincial towns forced dispatch task force reaction force company command major brian howard moving reinforce south vietnamese government forces following attack strong force battalion provincial capital light february fighting street street series close quarters australians successfully repelled attack killing later february company attack long conducted sweep long overall fighting february resulted killed wounded prisoner australians killed wounded australians columbus successfully interrupted pre positioning communist forces main approaches deployed late interfere seriously offensive period february moving south fire support bases remaining companies subsequently relieved moved north february returned february harrison abandoned command support elements concentrated contact minimal period killed fighting february australian defence left armoured personnel carriers troop squadron 3rd cavalry regiment troop engineers 1st field squadron artillery support provided field battery royal new_zealand artillery american millimetre self propelled medium guns battery 35th artillery regiment radar detachment divisional locating battery attached elements reconnaissance flight company supporting arms left defend base rifle companies continued reconnaissance force operations artillery targeted known base areas number ground contacts limited late evening february north vietnamese army launched assault attack preceded heavy rocket mortar barrage early hours morning followed waves infantry company size attack focused south west perimeter manned mortar platoon american medium artillery battery perimeter wire subsequently breached attack repulsed mortar counter battery fire mines heavy weight machine gun fire armoured personnel carriers american gunners communist barrage devastating effect falling american new_zealand gun positions mortar lines battalion scoring direct hit australian engineer standing patrol second attack shortly time north repelled small arms fire forward australian pits total casualties unknown bodies found wire dawn numerous found later sweep perimeter suspected mortar base plate location seven australians american killed australians americans wounded result growing threat australian base decision reinforce company flown time second attack nights later cover south east ridge southern approach communist assault commenced midnight february time south east preceded heavy machine gun fire attack stopped short wire regardless forward pits hit rifle grenades assault pioneer positions attacked charges casualties killed final attack february began mortar attack communist assault wave broken mortar fire forced withdraw east americans wounded clearing patrol later revealed inserted mortar team edge rubber trees night cart tubes position defence occasion history operations vietnam australian fire support base subjected ground assault attacks cavalry artillery support played key role defence later operation patrolling rifle companies systematically searched contact patrols effective denying subsequent use area launch rocket attacks bases long aftermath casualties operation ended march air fighting cost australians killed wounded allied casualties included new american killed new americans wounded communist casualties included killed wounded captured removed battlefield large quantities weapons equipment captured australians overall considered success australians americans inserted late prevent attacks successfully disrupted communist lines communication limiting freedom manoeuvre attack long complex australians successfully withdrawal causing heavy casualties operation significant deployment outside set precedent later operations outside province royal australian regiment 3rd cavalry regiment subsequently awarded battle honour presented australian units war assessment strategic level general uprising late february communist offensive collapsed suffering killed south vietnamese allied losses men tactical disaster communists regardless offensive turning point war prior american commanders politicians talked winning war arguing strategy attrition reached point communists losing soldiers equipment faster replaced scale fighting surprise violence offensive launched shocked public predictions imminent victory confidence military political leadership collapsed public support war america ultimately publicity media triumph communists emerged significant political victory wake president johnson announced seek second term office subsequent operations similar effect australian public opinion caused growing uncertainty government determination united_states remain militarily involved southeast_asia amid initial shock prime minister john unexpectedly declared australia increase military commitment vietnam current level personnel war continued respite june deployed away response intelligence reports impending offensive australians subsequently took positions north east operation communist lines communication fighting series significant actions day period known battle coral


july yugoslav border clashes july yugoslav army border patrol ambushed liberation army insurgents foreign west frontier albania yugoslavia ambush resulted deaths fighters citizens saudi_arabia fighters arrested yugoslav authorities charged illegal entry reported seizing significant arms ammunition smuggling yugoslav border guard seriously wounded clash according israeli historian ambush represented clash war foreign human rights watch advisor fred suggests possible deliberately led trap plan reduce influence islamic ranks later day fighters wounded shelled arms smuggling route near site ambush evacuated border guards receive treatment country capital officials later alleged mortar rounds fired yugoslav troops landed inside albania sparking tension countries afternoon attacked yugoslav border patrol wounding soldier background following world war given status autonomous province socialist republic serbia constitutional socialist federal republic yugoslavia death yugoslavia long time leader yugoslavia political system began belgrade series political maneuvers known anti bureaucratic revolution autonomy province predominantly inhabited ethnic great historical cultural significance serbs formed majority mid-19th century represented percent population alarmed numbers province serbs began fear ethnic tensions worsened autonomy abolished minority government run serbs appointed serbian president oversee province enforced thousands heavily armed serbia proper culture systematically hundreds thousands working state owned companies lost jobs socialist federal republic yugoslavia following constituent croatia macedonia bosnia amidst breakup yugoslavia yugoslav wars federal republic yugoslavia controlled federation consisting serbia including montenegro proclaimed group nationalists calling liberation army began attacking dominated yugoslav army croatian serbian ministry internal affairs croatian goal separate province rest yugoslavia carried hit run attacks january february gained popularity young rejected non violent resistance yugoslav authorities advocated politician favoured aggressive approach organization received significant boost armed uprising neighbouring albania led thousands weapons army depots looted weapons ended hands substantial resources involvement trafficking drugs weapons people donations cross border arms smuggling flourished unit charged securing yugoslav border brigade command general popularity attacked compound leader march killing closest associates family attack prompted thousands young join ranks uprising eventually erupted spring timeline prelude summer number senior intelligence officials met leaders central intelligence agency cia agents arrived northern albania monitor fighting assist training rebel fighters exchange american military financial intelligence support leaders promised carry actions outside continue participating drug trade accept help islamic ordered foreign fighters fighting ranks leave argued accepted assistance source commanders ordered leave refused disagreements arose ranks sources assert began arriving spring mainly bosnia summer present northern albania ethnic group included dozen arabs middle_east north_africa according diary ambushed group leader ali involved july ambush initially gathered munich taking ferry port city albania escorted frontier towns men clashes early morning hours saturday july fighters left base northern albania departed carrying large quantity arms ammunition significantly movement obliged slowly yugoslav frontier hypothesis heading reinforce fighters battling town column ambushed yugoslav border guards near mount kilometres border west clashes reportedly lasted according human rights watch observer fred total killed clash killed documents recording journey recovered corpse yugoslav authorities sixteen citizens saudi_arabia citizen carrying forged ethnic according israeli historian incident represented skirmish foreign war unclear ambush came result yugoslav deliberately led trap goal eliminating limiting influence islamic ranks survivors told monitors organization security operation europe fighters led trap fled yugoslav lance corporal seriously wounded exchange surviving retreated albania went hiding border fled dropped large quantities chinese weapons munitions subsequently seized yugoslav authorities citizens albania captured charged illegally crossing border yugoslav officials stated tonnes long tons short tons weapons ammunition including rifles machine guns guns number mortars confiscated later day shelled known arms trafficking route near site ambush wounding fighters rescued border guards helicopter receive treatment hospital opened fire yugoslav border patrol metres frontier border patrol returned fire fled albania yugoslav soldier slightly wounded aftermath tim journalist specializing balkans described ambush catastrophic disaster albania deputy minister interior affairs claimed yugoslav mortars landed inside albania incidents dangerous consequences warned officials indicated mortars cause injuries albania lodged formal protest demanded explanation yugoslav authorities yugoslav officials denied border accused authorities turning blind eye arms smuggling northern albania foreign minister stated albania expresses solidarity supports struggle government released statement describing ambush calling international community stop means fascist aggression belgrade inflicting population turn yugoslav officials accused albania sending soldiers fight alongside citing testimony captured personnel officials denied having troops province united_states warned yugoslavia shell territory state department spokesman james told reporters alleged likely attempt prevent insurgents entering true represents unacceptable violation territory continued belgrade understand runs risk escalating current conflict said opposed creation pan state emphasized calls establishment dangerous development affect stability region russian officials accused fighters clashes called peace talks yugoslav authorities july officials requested greece important trading partner albania traditional ally serbia end fighting greek foreign minister issued condemnation saying acts violence stop european_union condemned militant alleged cross border

July 18, 1998 Albanian–Yugoslav border clashes


action march action march minor naval engagement napoleonic wars fought royal_navy blockade french english channel ports royal_navy control french coast entrenched french ships unable travel safely french territorial waters late french frigates sailed join larger squadron intercepted british frigate squadron forced shelter saint came sustained attack destroyed successfully slipping cover darkness prevent escaping british blockade squadron reinforced evening march left sailing west night escaping ships watching sighted dawn march cape ship line hms pursued french frigate bay nautical mile west lighthouse reinforced squadron smaller ships attacked unable approach rocks coast plans overnight attack frigate ship boats following day french captain bernard louis set ship fire prevent capture action autumn napoleonic wars lasted seven years french_navy course conflict driven atlantic french port watched royal_navy close blockade ready attack french ship emerged harbour main french fleet brest attempted break open water driven defeated battle roads french effort sea subsequently fell commerce raiders including frigate squadrons operating smaller northern coast france english channel principal raiding ports normandy maintained squadrons anchorage held ships line large newly built frigate frigates stationed ports watched closely blockade squadron detached channel_fleet including ships line frigates hms diana hms november attempted break join squadron slipping past blockade darkness spotted early hours november frigates managed anchor defended harbour saint november attacked combined blockade forces attack beaten badly damaged continue mission november successfully returned encountering british forces subsequently driven onshore destroyed british squadron journey commanded captain bernard louis attempted sail march occasion successfully evaded blockade dawn march point cape frigate passed lighthouse miles destination spotted british ship line recently sailed british fleet anchorage gun hms captain james sailing approximately nautical miles offshore took pursuit seeking cut advance french captain managed evade taking shelter small bay nautical mile west lighthouse navigation rocks bay difficult entered bay rudder torn away rendering ship trapped called rest squadron frigate hms captain frederick paul brig hms commander james hms hawk commander henry force required remain substantial distance offshore rocky coastline posed considerable danger british ships plan wait high tide bring squadron closer bombard french frigate surrender waited squadron joined captain john tides optimal attack sailed bay situated strong position protected close attack rocks consequence british ships fire wore resulting scattered inaccurate fire advanced british ships came fire killed sailor killed wounded british fire effect french ship withdrew ships bay vessels having suffered considerable damage rigging sails shot aftermath considered plans use ship boats attack directly resolved attempt enter bay morning march dawn broke apparent abandoned damaged ship crew setting frigate fire departed end day burnt waterline destroyed squadron returned blockade duties remaining frigate region eventually succeed breaking intercepted captured atlantic raiding mission january


battle battle major combat action world war fought american german forces germany october city incorporated line main defensive network germany western border allies hoped capture quickly advance basin civilian population evacuated battle began city destroyed sides suffered heavy losses largest urban battles fought forces world war city german soil captured allies battle ended german surrender defense significantly disrupted allied plans advance germany background september western allies reached germany western border protected extensive line september british american polish forces launched operation market garden ambitious attempt bypass line crossing lower rhine river netherlands failure operation acute supply problem brought long distances involved rapid drive france brought end allied race berlin german casualties france high field marshal walter model estimated divisions actual strength western allies logistical problems gave germans respite begin rebuilding strength september high command reinforcement line brought total troop strength estimated soldiers including fresh personnel start month germans tanks west end roughly men equipment continued flow line able establish average defensive depth miles supreme headquarters allied expeditionary force command general dwight set sights occupation germany industrial general george army given task occupying french region general army ordered break near initially hoped bypass city believing held small garrison presumably surrender isolated ancient picturesque city little military value major center war production population subject heavy bombing allies important symbol nazi regime german people german city threatened enemy world war historic capital founder immense psychological value mindset city defenders altered different attitude local population fought home soil time german officer commented suddenly longer nazis german soldiers sector protected line consisting belts inter connected forts protected extensive minefields dragon teeth anti tank obstacles barbed wire areas german defenses miles deep words historian stephen undoubtedly formidable man defense contrived learning experiences eastern germans ran main line resistance center towns located defensive wall taking advantage narrow streets limit mobility enemy armored vehicles despite low quality troops manning fortifications protecting formidable obstacle progress american forces saw breakthrough sector crucial terrain generally flat highly favorable allied armies fighting began early second week september period known germans battle time city defended division command general von proximity allied forces caused majority city government officials flee evacuation citizens complete hitler nazi officials fled stripped rank sent eastern instead continuing evacuation von opted surrender city allied forces september deliver letter capitulation written von ordered launch counterattack american forces penetrating southwest elements forces german general attempt surrender city soon irrelevant letter delivered instead fell hands adolf_hitler ordered general immediate arrest replaced general united_states vii corps continued probe german defenses despite resistance encountered september september 1st infantry division continued advance face strong defenses repeated ultimately creating half moon arc city slow advance came halt late september supply problem diversion existing stocks fuel ammunition operation market garden netherlands comparison forces german defenders took advantage brief respite pulling 1st 2nd 12th divisions 9th divisions line october responsibility sector defense given general friedrich corps included divisions 12th 49th infantry divisions forces attached tank battalion tank brigade numbered roughly men tanks promised reformed division 3rd division numbering total personnel division replaced division proper division 49th infantry division defended northern approaches 12th infantry division positioned south october elements 1st division adolf_hitler released reinforce defense reinforcements continued arrive corps units suffered heavily 12th infantry division lost half combat strength september 49th infantry divisions pulled line german infantry divisions generally strength soldiers start world war gradually reduced official table organization size november average actual strength division men attempt cope manpower shortages divisions created average total strength men division experienced veterans half fresh remainder luftwaffe kriegsmarine divisions received newest small arms artillery severely limiting tactical case corps division men activated september meaning division time train unit division similar state personnel having received fewer days infantry training deficiencies personnel offset somewhat inherent strength planned constructed fortifications surrounding american forces task taking fell general charles corps 30th infantry division joseph collins vii corps 1st infantry division general 30th infantry division assisted 2nd armored division exploit 30th division penetration line flanks protected 29th infantry division south 1st infantry division supported 9th infantry division 3rd armored division divisions brief respite fighting weeks september rest refit taking large number replacements october men general 1st infantry division replacements weeks september spent giving men village fighting weapons training impending offensive plan called infantry divisions avoid street fighting instead divisions link city assigning relatively small force capture bulk forces continued pushing east american units usually able numbers quickly replacements rarely sufficient tactical training junior officers short tactical leadership abilities shipped europe having driven car tank commanders forced teach men load fire tank guns field prior missions american replacement system focused quantity quality ensured majority fresh troops reaching lines properly trained combat unusual half unit replacements casualties days combat tremendous losses required troops fed fighting instance reinforced battalion 28th infantry division immediately thrown direct assaults depleted 1st infantry division final stages battle october forces supported ninth air_force pin pointed planned opening bombardment including bombers fighters fresh aircraft second aerial wave included use germans having anti aircraft batteries severely limited support luftwaffe allied dominance sky near total battle days prior beginning american offensive allied heavy artillery targeted german defenses heavy bombardment forced german corps halt daylight personnel supply movements little effect opening aerial bombardment october caused little damage german defensive positions aircraft took wave failed register single direct hit german targets largely obscured thick smoke allied artillery barrage aircraft finished assault artillery resumed bombarding lines firing shells gun tubes couple hours advance north october 30th infantry division began advance october divisional heavy artillery target german took average thirty minutes capture single americans found failed immediately press germans sure counterattack heavy resistance expected company lost combatants hour lost soldiers german artillery strike attackers slowly able cross river engage german explosive charges afternoon october elements 30th infantry division breached german defenses reached town advanced house house fought number hand grenade private awarded medal honor throwing german grenade near saving lives fellow soldiers fighting town equally terrible american armor able river provide fire support attempting storm medieval castle fort germans 30th infantry division subdued roughly german day advance having structure attack rear division effort aided 29th infantry division attacks flank leading germans believe americans main attack night october german assault gun battalion ordered launch counterattack 30th infantry division allied artillery delayed start raid ultimately attempt failed american armor available support advance october attacking forces brought abrupt halt number german town taken second day offensive fighting german defenses remained slow tanks millimeter artillery guns brought blast point blank range fighting begun develop town american tanks rushed town pinned german artillery fierce followed american artillery fire narrowly preventing germans end day forcing river creation cost 30th infantry division dead wounded german forces continued suffering heavy casualties american artillery infantry fire inability retake persuaded german commanders insufficient forces properly defend approaches tie american troops continued advance october allied advance limited towns taken americans having lost roughly soldiers past days combat better progress october regiment 30th infantry division captured following day germans launched counterattack failing americans german armor unable cope overwhelming numerical superiority american tanks ditch effort halt advance germans began concentrated attacks american positions artillery aircraft muster found severely lack reserves general able deploy tiger detachment town attempt plug american penetration northern defenses counterattack developed october composed infantry regiment 1st assault battalion battle group brigade armored fighting vehicles available units hindered american artillery left wing attack managed cut american platoon right wing reached road junction north town platoon supporting attack town suddenly found attacked rear able repel germans heavy fighting german self propelled assault guns squad infantry entered heavily vehicles american tanks finally engaged american infantry forced starting point casualties mounting americans drawing closer german high command transferred 3rd division followed corps included division heavy battalion element 1st division advance south october south 1st infantry division began offensive october aiming capture town hill dubbed hill near town attack preceded massive artillery barrage helped seize objectives quickly hill captain brown commander company 18th infantry personally pole charges despite wounded continued lead men attack earning medal honor october 1st infantry division designated position link 30th infantry division success met german counterattack hill scene intense battle ended germans leaving dead prisoners despite repeated german slowing advance 1st infantry division able capture high ground surrounding city october general delivered ultimatum german forces threatening bomb city submission garrison didn surrender german commander refused response american artillery began pound city october firing estimated shells short tons explosives subjected intense bombardment american aircraft link october american casualties climbing frequent german cost germans spent night october turning houses town fortified american attackers forced withdraw instead shell town submission october germans launched major counterattack american 30th infantry division disrupted heavy artillery fire placed anti tank defenses village hour fight broke german tanks single american managed knock enemy force withdraw soon attacked lone tank eventually joined elements 2nd armored division germans driven town 30th infantry division soon found defensive positions ordered continue pushing south intended link 1st infantry division accomplish infantry battalions 29th infantry division attached hard pressed 30th day october south german infantry regiments attempted retake hill 1st infantry division fierce fighting germans temporarily took control hill end day regiments virtually destroyed october allied aircraft bombarded selecting targets closest american lines october 26th infantry regiment ordered clear industrial zone edge preparation attack city october effort widen gap american germans 1st infantry division number heavy tanks managed break american lines bulk german forces destroyed artillery air support day germans attempted mount local 3rd division sustaining heavy losses forced suspend offensive action 30th infantry division elements 29th infantry 2nd armored divisions continued push southwards october sector village heavy air support unsuccessful breaking german defenses linking allied forces south germans took advantage narrow pound advancing attackers artillery progress remained slow german tanks houses surprise american foot soldiers general commander 30th infantry division attempted german defenses attacking sector infantry battalions attack success allowing 30th 1st infantry divisions link october fighting far cost american corps dead wounded 30th infantry division germans fared better october soldiers killed wounded lost 3rd division counterattack 1st infantry division october fight city october needing manpower german secure area 1st infantry division able single regiment job taking city task fell 26th infantry regiment battalions hand armed machine guns 2nd 3rd infantry battalions aided tanks single millimeter city defended roughly german troops including converted navy air_force city police personnel soldiers inexperienced supported handful tanks assault guns defenders use maze streets occupied historical center 26th infantry initial attack october provided important insight nature fighting american infantry ambushed german defenders forcing advancing american infantry clear opening continuing streets tanks found impossible maneuver suppress enemy fire german civilians cleared 26th infantry advanced germans allowed remain americans rear success measured number houses captured advance proved sluggish order cope thick walls older buildings city 26th infantry regiment point blank range destroy german fortifications created allowed advance building building having enter city streets pinned enemy fire tanks ambushed entered intersections concealed german anti tank guns soon american tanks armored vehicles advance shooting buildings ahead accompanying infantry clear possible defenders pinned surface allied aircraft german use deploy american formations attack rear german resistance fierce launched small armor halt american movements october 3rd battalion 26th infantry regiment prepared assault hotel areas resistance city american tanks guns firing hotel city defense headquarters point blank range night soldiers 1st battalion able reinforce hotel defeat attacks building furious german counterattack managed overrun number american infantry positions outside hotel temporarily released pressure beaten american mortar fire events aided final advance infantry casualties decided barrage remaining german guns secondly assist 1st infantry division battalion infantry regiment 28th infantry division moved corps sector october close gap forward 26th infantry regiment elements city defensive mission new battalion changed october closely support urban assault participating depleted regiment missing battalion october soldiers 26th infantry regiment supported reinforced battalion infantry regiment finally conquered central day marked surrender german garrison hotel ending battle city aftermath battle cost americans germans suffered casualties lost casualties taken prisoner october 30th infantry division suffered roughly men killed wounded 1st infantry division took casualties killed wounded germans lost casualties fighting including prisoners process battle lost complete divisions severely depleted including fresh infantry divisions single refitted armored division largely attributed fought equivalent infantry battalions 30th infantry division average separate attack involved infantry regiments conflict germans developed respect fighting ability american forces noting capability fire overwhelming amounts artillery fire support armored forces 30th infantry 1st infantry divisions received distinguished unit actions german resistance upset allied plans continue eastward advance following end fighting western allies army tasked capture series dams forest germans flood valleys opened road berlin lead battle forest prove difficult battle


battle battle known battle february minor naval action adriatic campaign napoleonic wars fought british french ship line vicinity towns adriatic_sea french named napoleon victory years earlier recently completed venice french naval authorities intended bolster french forces adriatic following succession defeats preceding year prevent ship challenging british dominance theatre royal_navy ordered ship line mediterranean_fleet intercept capture maiden voyage captain john hms victorious arrived venice mid february blockaded port attempted escape cover fog chased forced surrender hour battle losing half crew wounded dead background treaty resulted russian withdrawal adriatic french takeover strategic island fortress treaty austrian empire solidified french influence area control provinces eastern shore protect gains french italian governments instigated program venice italian ports effort rebuild mediterranean_fleet challenge british efforts hampered poverty italian government difficulty french_navy manning ships result ship line built adriatic program launched completed early time ship launched royal_navy achieved dominance french adriatic_sea regional commander bernard killed squadron destroyed battle march french efforts supply scattered garrisons proving increasingly risky demonstrated destruction armed convoy action november launch seen french_navy opportunity reverse defeats new ship line british frigates operated adriatic able operate adriatic threat attack frigate squadron based royal_navy aware threat posed warned advance spies venice progress ship construction neared completion hms victorious dispatched mediterranean_fleet intercept leave port victorious commanded john successful popular officer distinguished capture french frigate milan service dardanelles operation accompanied gun brig hms commander john william andrew battle departed venice february command commodore jean accompanied smaller escort ships gun gun brig small improvised line battle hoped use heavy sea fog descended break venice pursuit victorious held land fog time able observe venice harbour opponent escaped searching sailing spotted french gave chase french head start enabled gain substantial distance british ship february able close quarry escort wishing held escort ships protecting ordered ahead engage victorious fought flagship directly overhauled french brig opened fire close range kind engaged greater distance ships allowed commander andrew focus attack fought hard minutes destroyed catastrophic explosion probably caused fire magazine immediately launched boats rescue survivors saved following explosion aboard french scattered briefly pursued chased unable bring decisive action loss french escorts allowed victorious close unopposed large ships began close range artillery duel combat continued half hours ships severely damaged suffering heavy casualties captain struck head flying splinter quit deck temporarily blinded command passing lieutenant thomas assist recalled block french ship attempts escape commander andrew sailing ship repeatedly surrender aftermath struggling reach harbour lost fire victorious nearly moment pounder long guns exploded killing wounding men greatly forcing transfer gunners upper gun deck man lower battery minutes later ship battered commodore surrendered suffered killed wounded crew assembled time days sailed ship open water losses aboard victorious heavy officer sailors marines killed officers including captain men wounded french losses unknown exactly severe sailors surviving despite engaged different french ships considerable time man killed wounded entire engagement scattered escorts pursued british efforts directed instead bringing shattered port prize result remaining french ships able way friendly ports unopposed new built ship following immediate repairs port george victorious traveled britain repaired victorious returning fleet service united_states_navy war commissioned hms service home waters crews victorious rewarded promotions prize money junior officers promoted advanced commander andrew post captain captain rewarded end war knight commander order bath recognition success nearly decades later battle actions recognised attached naval general service medal awarded application british participants living significant ship ship action adriatic conclusion allowed british raiders strike coastal convoys shore facilities unopposed seizing isolated islands garrisons aid increasingly population