battle belgium battle belgium belgian campaign referred belgium days campaign french des dutch formed greater battle france offensive campaign germany second world war took place days ended german occupation belgium following surrender belgian army germany invaded netherlands belgium operational plan fall case yellow allied armies attempted halt german_army belgium believing main german thrust french fully committed best allied armies belgium germans enacted second phase operation break cut advanced english channel german_army reached channel days allied armies germans gradually reduced pocket allied forces forcing sea belgian army surrendered ending battle battle belgium included tank battle war battle largest tank battle history date later surpassed battles north african campaign eastern battle included battle fort strategic airborne operation attempted german official history stated days bitter fighting belgian army tough opponents spoke extraordinary bravery soldiers belgian collapse forced allied withdrawal continental europe british_royal_navy subsequently evacuated belgian ports operation allowing british_army escape continue military operations france reached armistice germany june belgium occupied germans autumn liberated western allies pre battle plans belgium strained alliances belgian strategy defence german aggression faced political military problems terms military strategy unwilling stake linear defence belgian german border extension line leave vulnerable german assault rear attack netherlands strategy rely french quickly belgium support garrison politically trust french marshal suggested french strike germany area belgium spring board october january belgium feared drawn war regardless sought avoid feared drawn war result french soviet pact franco belgian agreement stipulated belgium germans clear belgium event german invasion poland preferred alliance united_kingdom british entered world war response german violation belgian neutrality belgian channel ports offered german_imperial_navy valuable bases attack offer german kriegsmarine luftwaffe bases engage strategic offensive operations united_kingdom coming conflict british government paid little attention concerns lack commitment ensured belgian withdrawal western alliance day lack opposition served convince france britain unwilling fight strategic interests let belgium belgian general staff determined fight interests necessary belgian place allied strategy french infuriated king iii open declaration neutrality october french army saw strategic assumptions undermined longer expect closer cooperation defending eastern borders enabling german attack checked forward french border french dependent cooperation extract situation deprived french prepared defences belgium attack situation french wanted avoid meant engaging german divisions mobile battle french considered invading belgium immediately response german attack country recognising danger posed germans secretly defence policies troop movement information communications fixed defence intelligence air reconnaissance arrangements available french military brussels allied plan aid belgium plan cream allied forces included french armoured divisions advance river response german invasion choice established allied line lay reinforcing east country albert canal line holding estuary linking french defences south belgian forces protecting antwerp defensive strategy weakness plan politically abandoned eastern belgium germans militarily allied rear right angles french frontier defences british communications located bay ports parallel despite risk committing forces central belgium advance lines vulnerable french commander approved plan remained allied strategy outbreak war british army field position challenge french strategy assumed prominent role western alliance having little ability oppose french british strategy military action came form strategic bombing industry belgian military strategy official belgian withdrawal western alliance refused engage official staff meetings french british military staff fear neutrality regard german invasion inevitable determined invasion place effectively resisted new fortifications taken measures reconstruct defences border german state adolf_hitler rise power january belgian government watched increasing alarm german withdrawal league nations treaty versailles violation treaties government increased expenditure fortifications new lines defence established canal joining albert canal protection eastern frontier based mainly destruction number roads entrusted new formations frontier units newly formed belgian defences completed felt defences longer adequate significant mobile reserve needed guard rear areas result considered protection sudden assault german forces sufficient significant manpower reserves needed bill provision longer military service training army rejected public basis increase belgium military commitments request allies engage conflicts far home king iii speech october council ministers attempt persuade people government defences needed strengthening outlined main military points belgium increased german following complete italy russia soviet_union caused states deliberately like switzerland netherlands exceptional precautions vast change methods warfare result technical progress particularly aviation initial operations armed conflict force speed magnitude particularly small countries like belgium increased lightning fact bases start possible german invasion moved near frontier april french british delivered public declaration belgium security paramount western allies defend accordingly aggression sort aggression directed solely belgium means obtaining bases wage war states british french circumstances released belgium obligations render mutual assistance event german aggression poland british french maintained military obligations belgium militarily considered stronger allies particular british_army engaging allies result belgium adequate allies french remained confused expected hostilities commenced determined hold border fortifications albert canal withdrawing french army arrived support keen pushing plan far concerned driven defences retreat antwerp fact belgian divisions protecting border withdraw retreat southward link french forces information given far concerned plan advantages instead limited allied advance meeting germans franco belgian border river reduce allied central belgium kilometres freeing forces use strategic reserve felt save belgian territory particular eastern industrial regions advantage absorbing dutch belgian army formations including belgian divisions justify plan defeat arguments january episode known incident german_army major crash landed near carrying plans german invasion western_europe expected entailed repeat plan german thrust belgium expanded include netherlands france suspected ruse plans taken seriously belgian intelligence military cologne correctly suggested germans commence invasion plan suggested germans try attack belgian advance aim allied armies belgium correctly predicted germans attempt literally battle meaning destroy enemies predicted exact german plan offered von belgian high command warned french british concerns feared plan belgian strategic position danger entire left wing allied king general van king aide camp warned french army command concerns march april ignored belgian plans defensive operations belgian plan event german aggression original provided delaying position albert canal antwerp held long allow french british troops occupy line antwerp anticipated forces powers action day invasion withdrawal antwerp position belgian army hold sector excluding including antwerp main allied defensive position agreement british french armies french 7th army command advance belgium past estuary possible netherlands british_army british expeditionary force commanded general john lord occupy central position brussels gap supporting belgian army holding main defensive positions kilometres east brussels main defensive position ringing antwerp protected barely kilometres city french 7th army reach inside dutch border french position protect left flank belgian army forces protecting antwerp threaten german northern flank east delaying positions constructed immediate tactical zones albert canal joined defences west line southward continued gap heavily protected fort guarded city northern flank tank country lying strategic depths belgian forces occupying city axis advance west country lines defence ran south west covering axis belgian army added benefit french 1st army advancing southern flank covering sector covered gap belgian defences main belgian positions line south south french 9th army advanced axis river french 2nd army responsible kilometres covering lower belgian border northern flank line german operational plans german plan attack required army group advance draw allied army group central belgium army group conducted surprise assault belgium act secondary regard importance army group given limited numbers armoured mobile units vast majority army group comprised infantry divisions english channel reached division units infantry removed army group given army group strengthen german lines communication prevent allied breakout plan fail sufficient ground taken quickly belgium squeeze allies fronts preventing happening defences fort albert canal bridges canal key allowing army group high operational tempo bridges belgium dutch border target failure capture bridges leave german 6th army southern army group trapped albert canal subjected fire fort captured destroyed adolf_hitler summoned lieutenant general kurt student division 7th air division discuss assault suggested conventional parachute drop airborne forces seize destroy forts guns land units approached suggestion rejected transports slow likely vulnerable dutch belgian anti aircraft guns factors refusal weather conditions blow away fort disperse widely seven second drop minimum operational height led metres hitler noticed potential flaw defences roofs flat unprotected demanded know land student replied aircraft daylight deliver target hitler revealed tactical weapon strategic operation work introducing hollow charge kilograms explosive weapon destroy belgian gun tactical unit strategic airborne operation history forces involved belgian forces belgian army muster divisions contained artillery pieces tanks belgian combat vehicles included tank destroyers excellent gun machine gun turret possessed officially described armoured cars actually fully tracked tanks turret machine gun standard belgian anti tank gun towed trucks fully tracked armoured report states round gun went straight penetrated armour belgian guns better guns respectively french germans began august mounted field army infantry divisions divisions partly cavalry divisions force totaling men belgian reserves able field men army lacked armour anti aircraft guns completion belgian army muster regular corps reserve army corps consisting regular infantry divisions divisions reserve infantry divisions brigade frontier guards cavalry corps divisions brigade cavalry army contained anti aircraft artillery artillery regiments unknown number fortress engineer signals force personnel belgian naval corps corps marine resurrected belgian merchant fleet ships evaded capture germans terms belgian royal_navy agreement ships crewmen placed british control duration hostilities general headquarters belgian admiralty command major henry naval division based second divisions based antwerp belgian air_force barely begun aircraft technology ordered buffalo hurricane fighters trainers battle light bombers fighter reconnaissance aircraft hurricanes battles delivered shortage modern types meant single seat versions fox light bomber fighters possessed combat aircraft fighters bombers reconnaissance aircraft reasonably modern standard liaison transport aircraft services included total strength number fighters bombers commanded paul received pilot license outbreak world war risen position commander chief organised service air regiments aircraft aircraft aircraft french forces afforded substantial support french army french 1st army included general cavalry corps corps given 2nd light division division 3rd light division allocated defend gap armoured forces consisted formidable hotchkiss light tanks types armour firepower superior german types contained french 7th army assigned protect northernmost allied contained 1st light division 25th infantry division division dim 9th infantry division dim force advance netherlands french army action belgian soil 9th weaker 7th 1st armies 9th army allocated infantry divisions exception 5th infantry division dim mission protect southern flank allied armies south river north south france french 2nd army protecting franco belgian border weakest french armies protecting area main german thrust british forces british contributed weakest force belgium command general lord consisted men corps divisions hoped field armies corps scale took place corps commanded john later michael turn replaced major general alexander commanded corps later iii corps adam added british order battle royal_air_force raf personnel raf advanced air striking force command air vice marshal patrick support operations belgium grown men logistical rear area organisations little military training comprised divisions strength artillery pieces tanks german forces army group commanded von allocated infantry divisions invasion netherlands belgium divisions 3rd 4th operate belgium command 6th army corps 9th division attached 18th army battle netherlands support push belgium alongside 18th army cover northern flank armour strength army group amounted tanks command tanks operational 3rd division armoured regiments consisted command tanks 4th division command tanks 9th scheduled initially operations netherlands weakest division elements drawn 7th air division 22nd division attack fort named assault detachment named commanding officer group walter force assembled november primarily composed 1st parachute regiment engineers 7th air division small group luftwaffe pilots luftwaffe allocated combat transport aircraft assault low countries initial air strikes belgian air space conducted general der alfred force consisted stab iii stab iii iii aircraft augmented von viii aircraft turn supported kurt von fighters headquarters operate based iii based support von came present day north rhine bases battle luftwaffe operations evening belgian military berlin germans intended attack following day offensive movement enemy forces detected border general headquarters unspecified squadron brussels gave alarm state alert instigated belgian forces took deployment positions allied armies enacted plan morning approaching belgian rear king gone headquarters near antwerp luftwaffe aerial battle low countries task elimination belgian air contingent despite overwhelming numerical superiority aircraft air campaign belgium limited success overall day roughly air raids conducted airfields communication centres tremendous impact aircraft success achieved subordinates particularly commander attachment viii noted commented result known tendency commanding general conduct private war destroyed main bases help fighters eliminated belgian squadrons afternoon destroyed fighters hurricanes destroyed damaged wave caught lost destroyed airfield destroyed success destruction aircraft aerial combat battles sided shot hurricanes return belgian shot squadron raf sent bristol operations belgian lost end official german figures indicate claims belgian aircraft destroyed ground plus raf bombers air losses victory claims likely total belgian machines trainers squadron destroyed flew sorties days flew operations spent time retreating fuel withdrawing face luftwaffe attacks border battles german planners recognised need eliminate fort army break interior belgium decided deploy airborne forces land inside fortress perimeter special explosives disable defences entered fortress ensuing battle german infantry overcame defenders belgian corps 7th infantry division hours main belgian defence line breached german infantry 18th army passed rapidly german soldiers established albert canal british able reach hours later south orders commander withdrew destroying bridges wake german airborne forces assisted iii helped suppress defences assisted capture bridges immediate area successful german airborne offensive operations carried seized crossings communication routes leading central belgium offensive carried volunteers 34th infantry division command achieved missions flying objectives cost loss aircraft dead fort breached belgian 4th 7th infantry divisions confronted prospect fighting enemy relatively sound terrain armour operations 7th division 2nd 18th regiments 2nd struggled hold positions contain german infantry west bank belgian tactical units engaged point succeeded bridge blowing points germans time establish strong repulsed attacks little known airborne operation operation conducted southern belgium objectives operation land companies 3rd battalion infantry regiment aircraft south country order clear path 1st 2nd divisions advancing belgian original plan called use transport aircraft short landing capability metres saw aircraft assault operational mission cut signal communications message links roads largest southern city belgium prevent approach reserves area facilitate capture advance pressure line border rear german infantry engaged belgian patrols equipped armoured cars belgian repulsed attack 1st light division germans faced counterattack later evening elements french 5th cavalry division dispatched general charles french 2nd army massive tank strength germans forced retreat french failed pursue fleeing german units stopping dummy barrier morning 2nd division reached area mission largely accomplished german perspective operation hindered helped corps regiment blocked roads odds prevented french reinforcements reaching belgian franco border destroyed belgian telephone communications inadvertently prevented belgian field command recalling units border 1st belgian light infantry receive signal retreat engaged severe fire fight german armour slowing advance failure franco belgian forces hold gap fatal withdrawn initial invasion demolished blocked routes advance held french 2nd army units moving north devoid centre resistance german assault engineers cleared obstacles delay belgian light infantry considered elite formation inflicted advancing german armour proved fight 1st division held total hours battle result breakdown communications ran contrary operational intentions belgian army central belgian sector having failed restore means ground attack attempted bomb bridges positions germans captured intact holding belgian battles iii escorted attacked albert canal bridges intercepted shot units destroyed battles heavily damaged remaining evacuated near brussels seven remaining hurricanes destroyed air base respectively raf contributed effort attack bridges british dispatched bristol squadron squadron lost squadron suffered damage bombers intense ground fire french air dispatched leo escorted operation failed bomber lost fell french claimed squadron lost destroyed bombed airfield battle squadron raf lost raid german counter air operations spearheaded command hugo responsible german claims aerial combat despite apparent success german fighter units air battle sided morning shot attacking belgian forces gap despite presence germans reported weakening allied air resistance northern belgium night british 3rd infantry division command general bernard law montgomery reached position river belgian 10th infantry division occupying position german fired refused yield montgomery claimed got way placing command belgian forces knowing germans came artillery range withdraw commander british corps sought matter cooperation right king king discussed matter felt compromise reached van king military aide stepped said 10th belgian infantry division moved instead british south remain completely clear brussels told king 10th belgian division wrong line exposed deferred advisor chief staff found ignorant situation given left flank rested belgian ally british unsure belgian military capabilities allies grounds complaint belgian anti tank defences line covered gap protected natural obstacles days attack general headquarters discovered sited anti tank defences defences miles east holding albert canal west bank nearly hours 4th 7th belgian infantry divisions withdrew capture allowed germans force 6th army situation belgian divisions withdraw encircled germans advanced position sweep south threaten entire albert canal positions circumstances divisions withdrew evening belgian command withdrew forces antwerp line following day french 1st army arrived cover gap flat area devoid prepared entrenched positions french 7th army northern flank belgian line protected axis covering channel ports advanced belgium netherlands speed reached netherlands german parachute forces seized bridge river south making impossible french link dutch army dutch army withdrew north amsterdam french 7th army turned east met 9th division kilometres east battle resulted french retiring face luftwaffe air assaults antwerp later help defence city luftwaffe given priority attacking french 7th army netherlands threatened supported viii helped drive fears allied reinforcements reaching antwerp forced luftwaffe cover estuary bombed sank dutch dutch destroyers badly damaging royal_navy destroyers overall bombing limited effect battles central belgian plain night fully engaged withdrawing line covered network morning king iii general van general commander allied army group comprising french 1st 2nd 7th 9th armies general coordinator allied armies general henry chief staff met military conference near agreed belgian army man antwerp line allies took responsibility defending extreme north south country belgian iii corps 1st 2nd infantry 3rd infantry divisions withdrawn fortifications avoid encircled regiment fortress regiment stayed disrupt german communications south fortress manned corps 5th infantry division 2nd 12th french infantry division fought delaying actions participated lot demolition work guarding position far concerned accomplished independent mission assigned hold albert canal line long allied units reach friendly forces occupying antwerp line remainder campaign execute operations accordance overall allied plan belgian soldiers fought rearguard actions belgian units line worked organise better defensive positions antwerp gap 2nd regiment guides 2nd 2nd belgian cavalry division covered retreat 4th 7th belgian divisions particularly distinguished battle battle support belgian forces area raf french flew air defence operations area raf advanced air striking force committed squadrons battle series air battles fought bomber units involved belgium france day disastrous british hurricanes shot light withdrawal main defensive line supported british french armies king issued following proclamation improve morale defeats albert canal soldiers belgian army brutally surprise attack forces better equipped advantage formidable air_force days carried difficult operations success importance general conduct battle result war operations require officers men exceptional efforts sustained day night despite moral tension tested limits sight devastation wrought severe trial come position improves hour ranks closing critical days ahead summon energies sacrifice stem invasion french british troops counting safety honour country hands allies belgian failure hold eastern thought capable holding weeks disappointment allied chiefs staff sought avoid encounter mobile battle strong fixed defences fall hoped belgian resistance long defensive line established brief fell enabled allied armies position time major assault launched following day allied cavalry moved position infantry artillery reaching slowly rail unaware allied army group belgian army outnumbered von german 6th army morning response belgian pressure necessity royal_air_force air undertook air attacks german held bridges prevent german forces flowing belgium sorties flown allies eighteen french bombers shot raf advanced air striking force included largest allied bomber force reduced aircraft hours missions postponed german anti aircraft fighter defences strong results bombing difficult determine german corps war diary situation summary noted completion military bridge carried owing heavy flanking artillery fire long bombing attacks point day divisions endure constant air attack especially crossing points fighter cover inadequate requests increased fighter protection unsuccessful luftwaffe operations includes note vigorous enemy fighter activity close reconnaissance particular severely inadequate protection given cover raf bombers strength german opposition target area battles bristol attacked enemy columns communications area lost daylight bombing significantly reduced aircraft employed failed return equally owing allied fighter presence german corps war diary states corps longer disposal long range reconnaissance reconnaissance squadrons longer position carry vigorous extensive reconnaissance owing casualties half aircraft available combat evolve beginning battle german_army group advanced belgian army group 6th army launched offensive operation gap occupied position belgian plain space main belgian defensive line gap stretched southern end line north south kilometres kilometres attacking defeating belgian defences compelled belgian corps retreat german 6th army corps command general containing 3rd 4th divisions launched offensive area french mistakenly expected main german thrust gap defended french 1st army elite divisions including 2nd division 3rd light divisions cavalry corps command advance kilometres line east provide screen french 1st 2nd armoured divisions moved french 1st army defend main lines depth cavalry corps equal german corps occupy screening line axis operational plan called corps delay german advance main elements french 1st army reached dug corps cavalry clashed head near belgium contrary popular belief germans french frequently figures german french tanks given german 3rd 4th divisions numbered respectively numbered hotchkiss added force considerable number cavalry corps equal superior armament terms applies armoured cars french army main gun penetrate armour terms tanks capable engaging surviving tank tank action germans possessed french german tank units contained dubious combat value given losses polish campaign german forces able communicate radio battle shift point main effort unexpectedly germans practiced combined arms tactics french tactical deployment rigid linear world war french tanks possess radios commanders issue orders despite experienced germans armour able gain upper hand morning battle french battalions combat power french managed defeat german defences guarding pockets freeing trapped units contrary german reports french victorious day preventing break seizing result day battle effect german light tanks catastrophic virtually french weapon upward penetrated fared somewhat better especially armoured polish campaign losses high sheer frustration crews light face heavier armoured french machines resorted desperate account speaks german commander attempting climb hotchkiss hammer presumably smash machine falling crushed tank tracks certainly day end reason claim tanks come best battlefield knocked tanks bulk german far away bulk following day french poor tactical deployment armour thin line leaving defence depth point sending french armour gap place left chance mass french light divisions achieve breakthrough sector reserves french denied chance counterattack victory saw corps manoeuvre left flank belgian iii corps retreating offered support french held offer rejected lost lost french disabled german tanks poor linear deployment allowed germans chance breaking spot entire battlefield abandoned germans repaired nearly quarters tanks destroyed repaired men killed wounded terms battlefield casualties battle resulted french knocking german tanks losing achieved tactical mission withdrew pursued retreating french wait infantry divisions catch instead hoped continue pushing french time construct coherent defence line german formations pursued enemy corps ran retreating french columns inflicted heavy losses pursuit created severe problems french artillery combat closely fought danger friendly fire incidents real french setting new anti tank screens lacking infantry support caused germans attack positions head following battle divisions reported heavy losses forced slow pursuit german attempts capture repulsed suffering numerous tactical operationally germans diverted allied army group lower area process forces luftwaffe depleted cavalry corps news german breakthrough reached withdrew gap breached german corps 3rd 4th divisions longer required army group handed army group army group continue offensive force collapse army group position advance westward belgian army protecting brussels sector turn south french 9th army german losses heavy 4th division tanks including 3rd division percent operational force 4th division percent tanks combat ready damaged tanks quickly repaired strength initially greatly weakened french 1st army taken despite winning tactical defensive victories forced retreat owing developments leaving tanks battlefield germans free recover theirs retreat coast morning german_army group broke defences free drive english channel allies considered wholesale withdrawal belgian trap withdrawal reflect stages night river night river night river reluctant abandon brussels especially line german pressure belgian army french 1st army effect ordered forced retire avoid southern flanks turned german armoured forces advancing french german 6th army advancing belgian army holding german fourteenth army line french 7th british armies collapse french 2nd army confident checked german advance situation called french british abandon antwerp line strong positions favour improvised positions facing real resistance south general belgian vii corps retreated regions fortress region stiff resistance german 6th army north 7th army diverted antwerp surrender dutch diverted support french 1st army centre belgian army suffered little german pressure sector tested held british 3rd division pursued vigorously withdrawal french army northern sector left guard fortified city antwerp infantry divisions including 13th 17th reserve infantry divisions engaged german eighteenth army infantry divisions successfully defended northern city delaying german infantry forces starting withdraw antwerp city fell considerable belgian resistance received word fort fallen fell dave british french withdrew canal volume allied forces belgium fell moved german armoured thrust belgian corps corps retreated called belgian artillery corps infantry support defeated attacks eighteenth army infantry london british recognized belgian army contributed largely success defensive battle fought outnumbered abandoned brussels government fled city occupied german_army morning german corps commander ordered release 3rd 4th divisions army group left 9th division attached eighteenth army armoured unit belgian germans hours away reaching french channel coast discovered french plan reserves little hope stopping german thrust channel concerned french 1st army southern flank reduced disorganized mass ends fearing german armour appear right flank striking channel ports north west british flank position belgium massively compromised considered abandoning belgium retreating lying kilometres kilometres inside french border proposals british strategic withdrawal continent rejected war cabinet chief imperial general staff dispatched general inform decision order conduct offensive south west opposition reach main french forces south strongest french forces actually north belgian army asked conform plan choose british_royal_navy evacuate units british cabinet decided offensive carried successfully units need evacuated ordered admiral assemble large number vessels beginning operation arrived british general headquarters day continental communications france belgium cut proposals known replied attack impossible seven divisions engaged possible withdraw create gap british enemy exploit marching fighting days running short ammunition main effort french south belgian position offensive clear iii far concerned belgian army conduct offensive operations lacked tanks aircraft existed solely defence king clear rapidly area belgium free food weeks expect position order contact belgian army warned british persisted southern offensive army collapse king suggested best establish beach head covering belgian channel ports won committed infantry battalions armoured battalion attack despite initial tactical success failed break german defensive line battle aftermath failure asked fall river protect allied left flank rear areas king aide general said lead belgian army plan suggested french requested withdraw british french frontier extend free parts attack french 1st army relieve divisions right flank reluctant undertake abandon small portion belgium belgian army exhausted enormous technical task long complete time british concluded french beaten allied armies pocket belgian franco border destroyed action taken british having lost confidence allies decided look survival defensive battles belgian battle morning extended kilometres north south beginning cavalry corps checked advance vii corps belgian drawn signal corps guarding coast formations largely holding eastern french forces withdrew west protect vulnerable german assault eastern remained intact occupied fortified position belgian corps incomplete divisions heavily engaged fighting line wearing thin day winston_churchill visited pressed french british armies break north east assumed belgian cavalry corps support right flank churchill dispatched following message belgian army withdraw line stand opened british_army french 1st army attack south west earliest moment certainly tomorrow divisions belgian cavalry corps right british order ignored fact belgian army withdraw little chance belgian cavalry joining attack plan belgian withdrawal sound river covered east south canal covered west ring dramatically belgian army area operations abandoned certainly meant capture reducing belgian territory free square miles meant loss belgian ports east french tried conduct series german defensive line axis failed meaningful gains belgian pressure retreated germans captured day trouble moving oil food ammunition left luftwaffe air superiority everyday life hazardous logistical terms air support called wireless raf operating bases southern england communication difficult french denied use bases initially placed disposal forced use left churchill taken command determined break german line forces south communicated intentions king van stunned dangerous gap starting open british threatened remained belgian cover consulting french asking permission government immediately decisively ordered british 5th 50th infantry divisions plug gap abandon offensive operations south afternoon von thrown divisions 6th army belgian corps position area battle germans managed fierce resistance cross river night force mile penetration mile germans superior numbers command air won inflicted casualties tactical defeats germans 1st 3rd 9th 10th infantry divisions acting reinforcements times managed capture german prisoners belgian artillery infantry heavily attacked luftwaffe forced defeat blamed french british providing air cover german dangerously exposed eastern flank southward stretched 4th infantry division montgomery dispatched units 3rd infantry division including heavy infantry 1st 7th middlesex battalions battery 20th anti tank regiment improvised defence critical point plan british government french army argument thrust south withdrawal forces offensive left belgian army extended instrumental collapse forced cover areas held order enable engage offensive collapse resulted loss channel ports allied leading complete strategic counterattack von left flank relieve von attacked fortified british position belgian high command appeals british attack vulnerable left flank german divisions disaster admiral sir roger transmitted following message van desperately keen strong british counterattack north south help restore situation expect attacked tomorrow germans canal west question belgian withdrawal battalion march practically wiped today attack aircraft withdrawal open roads adequate fighter support costly supplies east strongly represent attempt restore situation british counter attack opportunity hours attack came germans brought fresh reserves cover gap nearly cut british 2nd 6th 10th cavalry divisions frustrated german attempts exploit gap depth situation critical operation officially commenced large french british contingents evacuated united_kingdom time royal_navy withdrawn british non fighting troops fallen leaving viable ports evacuation advance 14th german_army leave available longer west german_army group reached miles centre morning bringing port artillery range situation changed considerably hours earlier belgian army forced line fallen western central east germans reached outskirts captured west line broken railway trucks help form anti tank defences line west forced north french border danger allowing gap develop belgian southern flank axis danger allowing german advance mean loss port great british withdrew port left french 1st army north eastern flank near exposed british moved germans moved bulk french army chief staff general henry accepted withdrawal mean destruction french 1st army blamed fighting brought belgian army brink collapse held line west line east central collapsed sector prevent german thrust east west ports deep allied rear practically exhausted available means resistance belgian army caused erroneous accusations british fact numerous occasions held british example taking line relieved british 44th infantry division allowing retire ranks despite greater extent showed anger belgian king decision surrender considering war effort evacuated reported replied don care happens belgian surrender belgian army stretched south river west sort reserves exception raf sorties air exclusively control luftwaffe reported attacks targets considered objective resulting casualties natural obstacles remained german_army retreat feasible luftwaffe destroyed rail networks roads left axes retreat impossible losses owing german air supremacy opposed air superiority water supplies damaged cut gas electricity supplies cut canals drained supply ammunition food left total remaining area covered military civilians alike numbered million people circumstances deemed resistance useless evening requested armistice churchill sent message day clear thought request belgian embassy assumes king decision remain regards war lost separate peace order constitutional belgian government foreign soil present belgian army lay arms military age france greater resources belgium fight present decision king dividing nation delivering hitler protection convey considerations king impress disastrous consequences allies belgium present choice royal_navy evacuated general headquarters east night iii mother queen mother stayed belgium endure years self imposed captivity response advice government set government exile said decided stay cause allies lost belgian surrender came effect british french claiming betrayed alliance paris french premier paul denounced surrender belgian premier informed people taken action unanimous advice government result king longer position govern belgian government exile located paris later moved london following fall france continue struggle chief complaint given prior warning situation claims largely allies known admitted privately contact verge collapse churchill british response officially restrained strong defence belgian defensive campaign presented cabinet sir roger french belgian ministers referred actions unaware true events signed agreement hitler order form collaborative government surrender commander chief belgian armed forces casualties casualty reports include total losses point campaign figures battle belgium known certainty belgian belgian casualties stood killed action belgian prisoners died captivity missing captured wounded aircraft destroyed french numbers battle belgium unknown french suffered following losses entire western campaign june killed action wounded prisoners war total french losses aircraft numbered june british numbers battle belgium unknown british suffered following losses entire campaign june killed action wounded captured vehicles destroyed abandoned guns destroyed abandoned raf losses entire campaign june amounted aircraft casualties casualties unknown total british losses air numbered june german consolidated report der operations west june german des der die reports killed action officers soldiers missing officers soldiers wounded officers soldiers losses luftwaffe june aircraft losses kriegsmarine


operation storm operation storm croatian major battle croatian war independence major factor outcome war decisive victory croatian army attacked kilometre republic serbian strategic victory army republic bosnia supported croatian special police advancing mountain located pocket army republic rear battle launched restore croatian control square kilometres square miles territory representing territory claimed control western bosnia largest european land battle second world war operation storm commenced dawn august declared complete evening august despite significant operations pockets resistance lasting august operation storm strategic victory war effectively ending siege placing croatian defence council position change military balance power bosnia subsequent operation operation built advances operation summer strategic positions allowing rapid capture capital gained continued training beginning croatian war independence created log revolution yugoslav people army intervention operation followed unsuccessful united_nations mission diplomatic efforts settle conflict strategic success result series improvements armies crucial positions subsequently exploited attack immediately successful points seizing key positions led collapse command structure overall defensive capability capture operation storm special police advance nearly impossible defend guard brigades quickly cut held area lacked tactical depth mobile reserve forces pockets resistance positioning mobile force decisive northward thrust corps area responsibility pushing defeat tough defence defeated corps reserve pinned relied yugoslav strategic reserve intervene battle special police suffered killed missing soldiers killed killed captured prisoners war number civilian deaths disputed croatia claims killed serbian sources cite civilians killed missing offensive serbs nearly entire population area held fled variety crimes committed remaining civilians international criminal tribunal yugoslavia later tried croatian generals charged war crimes joint criminal enterprise designed force population croatia ultimately acquitted tribunal refuted charges criminal enterprise serbia sued croatia international court justice claiming offensive example genocide court ruled affirmed population fled direct result offensive crimes civilians committed croatian forces november croatian judiciary convicted persons crimes committed operation storm background following electoral defeat government socialist republic croatia ethnic tensions serbs worsened serbian president actions advantage portraying croatian leader croatian democratic union fascist movement ruled croatia world war august known log revolution took place croatia centred predominantly populated areas city parts regions settlements eastern croatia significant populations areas subsequently named republic serbian declaring intention integrate serbia government croatia declared rebellion conflict escalated march resulting croatian war independence june croatia declared independence yugoslavia month croatia followed decision came effect october initiated campaign ethnic civilians non serbs expelled early november ethnic remained united_nations protected area known sector south remained sector north yugoslav people army increasingly supported croatian police unable cope situation croatian national_guard formed renamed croatian army november establishment military croatia hampered arms introduced september final months saw fighting war culminating battle barracks siege battle january agreement implement plan designed stop fighting representatives croatia ending series unsuccessful united_nations protection force deployed croatia supervise maintain agreement stalemate developed conflict evolved static trench warfare soon retreated croatia bosnia new conflict anticipated serbia continued support series advances restored small areas croatian control siege ended operation resulted minor tactical gains response successes army republic intermittently attacked number towns villages artillery missiles croatia personnel prepared set new army serbs declared serbian republic bosnia january ahead february march referendum independence bosnia referendum later cited pretext war serbs set capital march day fatalities war recorded final days march army started april attacked end year army renamed army state proclaimed controlled bosnia proportion change significantly years war originally pitted serbs non serbs country evolved sided conflict end year war started supported limited extent launched occasional air raids bombarded cities croatia prelude november siege battle war entered critical stage came close capturing town army republic bosnia strategic area june united_nations safe areas established bosnia administration felt capture forces intensify war lead humanitarian disaster greater conflict point united_states france united_kingdom division existed protect area called french british opposed citing safety concerns desire maintain neutrality french british troops deployed bosnia turn unwilling commit ground troops hand europeans recognized free propose military confrontation serbs relying european powers block french president discouraged military intervention greatly aiding war effort french stance reversed elected president france british adopt aggressive approach denying serbs strategically important croatia general chief croatian general staff considered potential fall represent end croatia war effort march washington agreement signed ending war providing croatia military advisors military professional resources incorporated involvement reflected new military strategy endorsed bill_clinton february arms place hired ostensibly prepare participation nato partnership peace programme trained officers personnel weeks january april speculated sources including article new_york_times wayne serbian media reports provided advice scenario planning government satellite intelligence croatia american croatian officials denied claims november united_states ended arms bosnia effect allowing supply arms shipments flowed croatia washington agreement resulted series meetings croatian government military officials washington november croatian representatives proposed attack held territory bosnia order draw away force besieging prevent town capture serbs officials gave response proposal croatian general staff ordered operation winter day carried croatian defence council main military force addition contributing defence attack shifted line contact closer supply routes united_states russia european_union sought replace plan brought formulated plan giving majority areas croatia substantial autonomy numerous frequently changes proposed plan including leaking draft elements press october plan presented january croatia liked plan croatia concerned accept realised ultimately decision accept plan fear set precedent political settlement allowing croatia accept plan little possibility implemented refused receive let accept plan december croatia economic agreement restore road rail links water gas supplies use oil pipeline agreement implemented section belgrade motorway passing territory near pipeline opened following deadly incident occurred late april recently opened motorway croatia reclaimed territory western operation flash taking control territory days battle began response attacked missiles cluster munitions subsequently sent senior yugoslav army officer command arms field officers thousands serbs born area forcibly july started fresh effort capture expanding gains operation spider provided chance extend territorial gains operation winter advancing valley july president signed split agreement mutual defence permitting large scale deployment bosnia responded quickly operation summer croatian capturing july attack drew units away expected excellent position isolated yugoslavia late july early august attempts plan economic agreement talks proposed july ignored ditch talks held geneva august quickly broke croatia rejected compromise proposed special representative secretary general essentially calling negotiations later date addition dismissed set croatian demands including failed endorse plan talks croatia prepare diplomatic ground imminent operation storm planning completed islands meeting military commanders july started large scale late july soon general new chief general staff july order battle operational plan set separate parts designated allocated corps based individual areas responsibility plan scheduled days forces allocated attack organised army corps split corps sixth zone assigned croatian special police inside split corps near boundary corps split corps located far south theatre operations commanded lieutenant general assigned plan primary component operation storm split corps issued orders battle instead unusual practice strong split corps opposed strong 7th north corps headquartered commanded major general strong special police deployed mountain left flank split corps directly general staff commanded lieutenant general strong corps assigned component operation left special police zone commanded brigadier opposed 15th corps headquartered commanded major general corps consisting troops corps pocket rear forming wide shallow area 5th corps deployed troops zone corps assigned kilometre section tasked cutting half linking tasked pinning forces contact pocket corps commanded major general left flank corps covered area extending including executed plan corps composed troops tasked pinning forces area protect flanks corps forward command post opposed 21st corps headquartered consisting troops brigades facing corps initially 21st corps commanded colonel replaced colonel evening august addition bulk special units corps present area commanded major general special units corps strong largely facing pocket onset operation storm armour artillery outnumbered corps assigned plan initially commanded major general left flank corps deployed main axes attack opposed 39th corps headquartered commanded major general corps tasked bypassing artillery missiles potentially targeting croatian cities making secondary thrust secondary mission compromised battalion special police guards battalion planned advance deployed forcing modifications plan corps composed troops facing troops pocket rear start operation storm troops contact corps left flank corps covering area river forward command post corps commanded major general opposite corps corps corps included attack august issued separate operations plan divided forces area north corps general staff grouping rest operational group commanded lieutenant colonel general mile division corresponded north south sectors protected areas estimates total number troops deployed vary considerably croatian forces estimated sources figure troops troop strength sectors north south estimated prior operation storm approximately detailed estimates manpower individual corps indicated soldiers sources quote troops usually reflected literature estimate troops deployed approximately troops positions near late led autonomous province western bosnia land northwest ally pocket commanded soldiers deployed south force operation timeline august operation storm started august coordinated attacks executed reconnaissance sabotage detachments concert croatian air_force air strikes aimed disrupting command control communications known united_nations confidence restoration operation notified hours advance attack chief staff commander french army general bernard addition corps notified sector path attack requesting written information relayed information confirming warnings received yugoslav army general staff previous day sector south split corps 7th guards brigade advanced south high ground ahead period artillery preparation moving 3rd consisting elements north corps police 7th guards achieved objectives day allowed 4th guards brigade attack operational group left flank brigades joined attack home guard regiment captured gaining control area overlooking road brigade 6th home guard regiment pushed forces units faced 75th brigade 2nd infantry brigade north corps 15th home guard regiments minor progress area infantry brigade slightly greater advance left flank area home guard regiment 2nd battalion failed advance 7th home guard regiment brigade gained little ground 3rd infantry brigades 2nd battalion 9th guards brigade reinforced company 7th home guard regiment 2nd battalion home guard regiment met stiff resistance advanced sufficiently secure use road decision evacuate population northern areas president milan according major general ordered evacuation hoping international community help nonetheless evacuation extended sectors north south region evening general staff moved kilometres miles northwest croatian special police advanced pass encountering strong resistance corps 4th light brigade elements 9th brigade pass captured village captured special police advanced meeting resistance 9th brigade withdrew forced positions morning special police captured corps home guard regiment 1st battalion 1st guards brigade began eastward attack area morning meeting heavy resistance infantry brigade rest 1st guards joined midnight home guard regiment attacked east attempting 50th infantry brigade elements infantry brigade movement regiment advanced failed achieve objective day regiment right flank brigade advanced 3rd battalion 8th home guard regiment cut road rest 9th guards brigade bulk home guard regiment infantry brigade advanced east coming strong resistance 18th infantry brigade result setbacks corps ended day short objectives given sector north area corps brigade reinforced home guard regiment company moved force stopped turned disarray home guard regiment advanced encountering minefields strong resistance elements connected 14th home guard regiment advancing near city home guard regiment deployed reconnaissance groups midnight august followed artillery preparation crossing river advance fiercely resisted 13th infantry brigade stable end day home guard regiment reinforced company home guard regiment advanced east road leading south met heavy resistance suffered casualties unit preventing advance addition attached company home guard regiment brigade failed secure regiment flanks brigade tried cross river failed fell starting position time shifted established home guard regiment company brigade attached home guard regiment operations day strong removed brigade corps directly corps area moved river points near 20th home guard regiment brigade crossings established bulk units forced retreat counter attacked battalion brigade elements 20th home guard regiment held ground crossings prompted general staff order 2nd armoured brigade special units corps advance threatened vital road 2nd guards brigade 12th home guard regiment tasked quick capture 31st brigade movement original plan involving seven kilometres miles south amended direct assault city right flank regiment soon stopped minefields forced retreat bulk 2nd guards brigade advanced following loss company commander soldiers rest 2nd guards brigade reinforced 2nd battalion elements 12th home guard regiment 5th artillery battalion 31st engineers battalion formed tactical group operating left flank attack advanced short distance stopped 2nd battalion commander soldiers killed 31st brigade panicked managed stabilize defences received reinforcements 57th brigade advanced south intent reaching road ran minefield brigade commander killed brigade rear suffered heavy artillery fire casualties area 17th home guard regiment company brigade unsuccessfully attacked 26th infantry brigade later day separate attack rest brigade failed brigade advanced railroad retreat heavy fire corps failed meet objective day attributed inadequate manpower result corps requested brigade 1st 21st home guard regiments 2nd guards brigade reinforced 1st battalion brigade previously held reserve corps battalions home guard regiment crossed river near secured trailing units advanced battalions followed additional company regiment battalion 52nd home guard regiment reconnaissance company finally 24th home guard regiment reconnaissance platoon 52nd home guard regiment crossed river established infantry companies subsequently demolished road returning croatian soil corps units reached outskirts nightfall night town abandoned troops civilian population fled south river bosnia august sector south advance night august general staff ordered battalion 75th brigade stage north north corps increasingly 4th guards brigade advanced south protecting right flank 7th guards brigade met little resistance entered town lieutenant general appointed commander newly established corps completed objectives capturing meeting little resistance 1st light brigade retreating later units advanced brigade 15th home guard regiment captured home guard regiment 75th brigade retreated 3rd infantry brigades leaving units little opposition 7th home guard regiment captured brigade entered elements 9th guards brigade reached home guard regiment 1st guards brigade advanced pressing attack 2nd battalion brigade reaching area evening reinforced home guard regiment battalion brigade enabling regiment achieve objectives previous day partially force home guard regiment mobilized deployed area 9th guards brigade 2nd battalion advanced air base forces started evacuate brigade home guard regiment small advances linking lines sector north home guard regiment advanced capturing evening 14th home guard regiment captured kilometres miles northwest 13th infantry brigade company 19th infantry brigade counter attacked causing bulk home guard regiment panic flee river single platoon regiment remained troops exploit opportunity destroy morning regiment reinforced strong drawn brigade including tank platoon multiple rocket launchers company brigade corps operational reserve regiment managed extend road home guard regiment attacked south repelled prepared defences night corps decided elements home guard regiment brigade 13th infantry brigade retreated right bank area extending kilometres miles north corps little progress day battle 2nd guards brigade ordered drive 20th home guards regiment making modest advance brigade abandoned area advanced gradually pushed areas counter attack results reversed significant cost renewed push 2nd guards brigade corps commander replaced lieutenant general orders president reassigned brigade drive 57th brigade reinforced 2nd battalion brigade brigade moved area 17th home guard regiment brigade minor advances held area corps captured 52nd 24th home guard regiments advancing east home guard regiment approaching north home guard regiment garrisoned town 52nd home guard regiment moved northwest expected corps positions corps delays prevented link 24th home guard regiment advanced kilometres miles stopped troops response corps called battalion reconnaissance platoon home guard regiment nova aid push town mountain brigades advanced north engaged 33rd infantry brigade reserve unit corps august august conducted operations areas president visited securing objectives near special police deployed foot lines hinder movement troops capturing strategic intersections villages midnight elements mountain brigades advanced west skeleton force corps left beginning battle moved kilometres miles croatian territory lakes captured radar communications facility mountain proceeded stopped units 1st guards brigade reached linked bosnia 5th corps area supported brigade battalion home guard regiment deployed areas afternoon link ceremony held media home guard regiment completely encircled captured end day 8th home guard regiments reinforced battalion brigade brigade entered 9th guards brigade continued home guard regiment advanced connected 1st guards brigade regiment continued accompanied elements 1st guards brigade 14th home guard regiment capturing town advance 14th home guard regiment supported brigade guarding flanks 13th infantry brigade retreated civilian population moving north attack home guard regiment elements units reinforcing extended connected 14th home guard regiment kilometres miles north rest brigade 1st battalion reassigned corps corps reinforce home guard regiment agreement reached civilian authorities securing evacuation civilians area mountain brigade moved north flanking capital west capturing town end day advanced heavy artillery preparation 12th home guard regiment entered city west subsequently assigned garrison surrounding area loss bulk corps started retreat 57th brigade advanced light resistance took control road night august 20th home guard regiment supported croatian police elements brigade captured despite strong resistance brigade took positions allowed advance continue village coordination 2nd guards brigade drove south conducting operations home guard regiment flanked 2nd guards brigade northern slope 57th brigade captured brigades 17th home guard regiment advanced addition battalion brigade arrive afternoon noon brigade connected corps units road assigned secure roads area capturing trapped bulk corps evacuating civilians area prompting commander request protection 1st guards brigade approaching received orders engage corps orders cancelled midnight chief general staff instead corps instructed prepare brigade strength unit escort unarmed persons officers non commissioned officers arms allow cross bosnia based information obtained troops believed forces surrender battalion home guard regiment entered 24th home guard regiment secured national border 52nd home guard regiment connected corps turned south town reaching evening capture marked corps objectives august 1st croatian guards brigade arrived area connect elements 4th 7th 9th guards brigades tasked northward advance day split corps command moved croatian special police proceeded arriving completing boundary split corps croatian special police contact 4th guards brigade corps units battalion special police reached border near securing area morning 9th guards brigade 2nd battalion captured connected home guard regiment approaching opposite croatian field end day operation storm objectives assigned corps completed forward command post general staff moved assumed direct command 1st guards brigade 14th home guard regiment brigade 14th home guard regiment secured area deployed left bank connect advancing special police elements regiment brigade secured national border area 1st guards brigade advanced corps main axis attack home guard regiment elements brigade reached largely deserted early afternoon followed 1st guards brigade home guard brigade home guard regiment units joined evening 2nd guards brigade advanced stopped approximately kilometres miles short units protecting withdrawal civilians town elements brigade performed operations area 33rd infantry brigade held road bridge connected river brigade overwhelmed 5th corps retreated south 13th infantry brigade civilians reaching elements 17th home guard regiment brigades reached came contact 13th infantry brigade elements 24th infantry 2nd armoured brigades retreated expected surrender corps ordered despite major pockets resistance croatia defence minister declared major operations hours battle started august august 4th 7th guards brigades 2nd battalion 9th guards brigade 1st advanced north border bosnia eliminating major pocket resistance area achieving split corps objectives operation storm capture bulk corps units tasked operations elements 2nd guards brigade reached croatian border southwest fighting control town progress connected 5th corps ordered cessation military operations afternoon corps accepted surrender negotiations terms surrender held day ukrainian troops command post surrender document signed croatia represented lieutenant general represented commander corps interior minister terms surrender specified weapons officers arms following day evacuation persons belgrade motorway serbia protected croatian military civilian police august special police surrendered positions covering kilometres miles foot days 1st guards brigade followed units entered home guard regiments conducted operations home guard regiment conducted operations area 14th home guard regiment areas secured late evening shortly civilians finished evacuating numerous home guard units later tasked operations august 57th brigade reached croatian border south elements 2nd guards brigade reached 12th home guard regiment captured south croatian border corps reported entire national border secured operation storm objectives achieved operations lasted august special police units joined operations mountains air_force operations august disposal attack transport helicopters transport reconnaissance aircraft day operation thirteen destroy disable targets corps cost severely slightly damaged jets day medical evacuation navy patrol operation deny flight fired surface air missile sam sites sam radars locked jets sources claim deployed troops came fire subsequent security council report notes deployment result deterioration military situation resulting low security area august air_force brigade based deployed helicopters croatian special police mountain targets area virtually effect august air_force began evacuating near completing day time deployed strike communications facility storage site military positions day deployed attack armour units near transport casualties troops cargo sustained light damage process day jets struck command post bridge targets near deployed area attack tanks transported wounded personnel supplies additional pair deployed patrol intercept fighter jets failed fog area low level flight aircraft subsequently managed strike chemical plant august air_force jets attacked village nova area north river international border area bombed command post storage facility tanks near jets struck column refugees near killing people including children august performed combat sorties operation striking tanks armoured vehicles damaged day military observers deployed croatian airfields claimed attacked military targets civilians area refugee columns mixed transporting heavy weapons large quantities ammunition overall performed close air support attack helicopter seven reconnaissance combat air patrol transport helicopter sorties operation storm coordinated operations order protect areas croatia away sectors north south conducted defensive operations started limited offensive north pin forces exploit situation gain positions advance august 2nd 3rd guards brigades attacked positions north achieving small advances secure favourable positions future attacks tying 2nd corps consequence overall battlefield situation limited counter attacks short reserves significant counter attack launched 2nd corps night august broke brigade consisting reserve infantry reaching outskirts beaten battalion drawn 4th guards 7th guards brigade supported 6th home guard regiments operation phoenix eastern corps tasked preventing yugoslav army forces advancing west region counter attacking held area corps mission operation phoenix croatian corps commanded 3rd guards 5th guards brigades brigades seven home guard regiments additional reinforcements provided form specialized corps level units directly general staff including squadron artillery rounds small arms fire traded 11th corps region major attack occurred significant coordinated effort occurred august exchange compounded air raids infantry tank assault targeting northeast operation storm led yugoslav army deploy considerable artillery tanks infantry border area near eastern took battle operation south croatia deployed protect area corps yugoslav army situated bay plan operation entailed deployment brigades home guard regiments 1st home guard battalion 16th artillery battalion 39th engineers battalion mobile coastal artillery battery area reinforced august brigade unit completed objectives operation storm moved committed based split operation croatian navy supported operation deploying marine detachments missile boats anti submarine warfare ships coastal artillery period attacked area intermittently artillery assessment battle operation storm largest european land battle second world war encompassing kilometre decisive victory croatia restoring control square kilometres square miles territory representing country losses sustained special police cited killed wounded government report prepared weeks battle specified killed missing wounded captured troops august croatian authorities recovered buried troops killed battle captured prisoners war armoured vehicles aircraft hundreds artillery pieces infantry weapons killed result actions result activities injured destroyed observation posts success result series improvements crucial positions subsequently exploited attack immediately successful seizing key positions led collapse command structure overall defensive capability capture operation storm special police advance nearly impossible defend guards brigades rapidly cut held area lacking tactical depth mobile reserve forces pockets resistance placing 1st guards brigade position allowed north corps pushing forces defeat heavy fighting defeated corps reserve force capable containing substantially holding assaults regular brigades home guard attacks guards brigades special police proved decisive colonel andrew commanding area assessed operation storm textbook operation scored plus nato standards provided aid certainly defeated corps albeit greater cost lack reserves key weakness exploited static defence cope fast paced attacks military unable check manoeuvres special units corps failed mobile reserve holding 1st guards brigade south single day traditionally counted yugoslav military strategic reserve situation bosnia reserves yugoslavia intervene militarily order wished intervene speed battle allowed limited time yugoslavia deploy appropriate reinforcements support aftermath defeat led serbs realise settlement bosnia negotiated soon possible reversed tide war serbs giving diplomacy strong boost success operation storm represented strategic victory war lifted siege allowed croatian leadership plan scale military intervention held area aimed creating new balance power bosnia zone croatian border contributing resolution war intervention operation september combined nato air campaign bosnia led start peace talks result agreement months later development led restoration remaining held areas eastern croatian control agreement ending croatian war independence november ease achieved victory surprised observers western intelligence services predicted croatian defeat international reactions operation storm quickly evolved arguments supportive battle assessing situation ground officials international media criticised croatia working yugoslavia publicly condemned croatia special representative urged secretary general personal representative request nato strikes german foreign minister expressed regret added years aggression tried croatia patience response mixed secretary defense william perry reflected favourably military development ambassador croatia peter declared disapproval august security council issued resolution demanding croatia halt military operations condemning targeting calling resumption talks calling withdrawal august diplomats robert team tasked war believed operation storm lent diplomatic mission chance succeed reflecting opinion president bill_clinton serbs negotiate seriously sustained major military defeats serbia condemned croatian attack influenced press denounced leadership incompetent extreme politicians including demanded retaliation croatia leader yugoslav army help accusing treason croatia units returning bases given heroes numerous cities commemorative medal created issued troops took operation august croatia organised freedom train railroad tour taking bulk croatia government officials public personalities journalists diplomatic corps croatia split gave speech stops declared serbs didn time collect dirty money dirty underwear day croatia stopped bearing historical cross liberation land creation foundation free independent croatia centuries come final rally split drew crowd vowed liberate serbs hold opposing views operation croatia august day captured chosen victory homeland thanksgiving day day croatian defenders croatian public holiday operation storm officially celebrated serbia day marked mourning serbs killed fled operation refugee crisis evacuation following mass exodus serbs led significant humanitarian crisis august estimated serbs remained sector north remained northern sector south fled yugoslavia arrived area number refugees reported international media international organizations refugees fled croatia operation storm ordered expulsion area refugees fled croatia end august envoy accused croatia efficient ethnic carried yugoslav wars view supported western analysts historians marie biographer adam professor paul rejected ambassador approximately refugees trapped surrendered corps evacuated yugoslavia belgrade motorway bulk refugees followed route arriving corridors held territory bosnia left advanced points retreat created consequence delay northward advance split corps capture decision use entire 2nd guards brigade southward advance retreating transporting large quantities weaponry ammunition artillery tanks evacuating fleeing civilians roads use escaping columns reportedly intermittently attacked jets trading fire located close civilian columns refugees targeted troops jets run special units corps retreating tanks august refugee convoy evacuating sector north terms corps surrender agreement attacked croatian civilians attack caused civilian death injuries damage large number vehicles croatian police intervened incident civilian police monitors pressured day ambassador joined column protect croatian police presence planned route increased refugees moving forced pay extra fuel services local disgrace local population aiming reduce evidence political failure yugoslav authorities sought disperse refugees parts serbia prevent concentration capital belgrade government encouraged refugees settle predominantly hungarian areas largely populated leading increased instability regions planned settled moved region august serbian authorities started refugees military age declaring illegal immigrants turned eastern croatia conscription publicly beaten abandoning areas ethnic evicted homes refugees claim new accommodations similarly refugees moving forced homes return refugees beginning croatian war independence non population forcibly removed held territories croatia established wake operation storm refugees refugees bosnia settled substantial number housing units area held presenting obstacle return refugees september serbs fled croatia entire war registered having returned believed reside permanently country interested returning croatia approximately refugees croatia remained serbia return refugees hampered obstacles include property ownership accommodation refugees settled vacated homes croatian war time legislation stripped refugees living government owned housing rights legislation abolished following war alternative accommodation offered housing units allocated november obstacle difficulty refugees obtain residency status croatian citizenship applicable legislation relaxed november croatia allowed identity documents issued croatia declared general amnesty refugees fear legal prosecution amnesty war crimes final obstacle return refugees lack opportunities poor economic situation croatia war crimes international criminal tribunal yugoslavia set based security council resolution indicted war crimes specifically roles operation storm citing participation joint criminal enterprise aimed permanent removal serbs held croatia charges specified participants dead relevant indictment issued indicted died year later trial trial began leading convictions years later acquitted appeal november ruling refuted charges generals croatia political leaders 1990s concluded operation storm aimed ethnic persecution february croatia serbia genocide case international court justice dismissed serbian lawsuit claim operation storm constituted genocide ruling croatia specific intent country minority reaffirmed crimes civilians taken place judgment stated disputed substantial population fled region direct consequence military actions croatian authorities aware operation provoke mass exodus extent military planning exodus considered probable desirable left accessible escape routes civilians fleeing civilians people remaining united_nations protected areas subject forms harassment including military assaults acts croatian civilians august refugee column shelled number civilian casualties operation storm disputed state attorney office republic croatia claims civilians killed instances war crimes victims murder battle immediate aftermath croatian committee disputes claim reports civilians killed period report rejected submitted evidence statements double entries contained report serbian sources quote civilians dead missing prosecutors set number civilian deaths difficult determine number properties destroyed operation storm large number houses sustained degree damage beginning war human rights watch estimated houses destroyed area battle serbian orthodox churches area destroyed damaged damage churches occurred prior retreat reported vast majority abuses committed croatian forces abuses continued large scale months operation storm included summary executions elderly serbs remained wholesale burning destruction serbian villages property months following august offensive civilians executed persons forcibly disappeared example crimes massacre elderly villagers killed november croatian authorities received reports crimes committed area operation storm convicted persons looting arson murders war crimes illegal acts date trials war crimes related operation storm progress serbian authorities investigating cases war crimes committed operation storm military operation allowed croatian authorities access areas march total mass individual graves discovered total croatian civilians military personnel buried