battle battle engagement larger battle perimeter united_nations north korean forces early korean war august september vicinity county south_korea engagement ended victory united_nations large numbers united_states republic korea troops repelled strong north korean attack town operating defense battle army 24th infantry regiment stretched long line ridge west town north korean people army 6th division attacked town troops fought repel advance battle 24th infantry performed poorly reinforcements brought assist fighting attack battle remained long force counterattack forcing north korean army retreat background outbreak war following june outbreak korean war invasion republic korea south_korea democratic people republic korea north_korea united_nations voted commit troops conflict support south_korea united_states member committed ground forces korean peninsula goals north korean invasion preventing south_korea collapsing forces far_east steadily decreasing end world war years earlier time closest forces 24th infantry division headquartered japan division equipment reductions military spending regardless 24th ordered south_korea faced numerous forces poorly equipped battalions companies infantry opposed regulation headquarters company supporting platoon elements smaller regulation stated making substantially effective soldiers division combat experience life occupied japan officers task force combat experience world war enlisted soldiers combat experience volunteered join task force soldiers equipped rounds ammunition days rations 24th infantry division unit sent korea mission initial shock north korean advances delaying larger north korean units weeks buy time allow reinforcements arrive 1st cavalry 7th 25th infantry divisions advance elements 24th infantry badly defeated battle july encounter american north korean forces month defeat task force smith 24th infantry repeatedly defeated forced south superior north korean numbers equipment regiments 24th infantry systematically pushed south engagements final stand battle completely destroyed resistance kept north advancing july time number eighth army line combat troops roughly equal number north korean forces attacking region new units arriving day north korean advance captured north korean forces began surrounding perimeter sides attempt 4th 6th north korean infantry divisions advanced south wide flanking maneuver divisions attempted penetrate left flank highly dispersed process advanced positions armor superior numbers repeatedly pushing south korean forces american forces repeatedly defeated finally halting north korean advance series engagements southern section country forces 3rd battalion 29th infantry regiment newly arrived country wiped coordinated ambush north korean forces july opening pass perimeter soon north korean forces took west pushing 19th infantry regiment leaving routes perimeter open north korean attacks formations subsequently able defeat push north flank battle notch august suffering mounting losses kpa force west withdrew days receive reinforcements granted sides prepare attack perimeter attack eighth army commander lieutenant general walker ordered 25th infantry division major general william defensive positions perimeter southern flank west august 25th infantry division moved positions rough terrain west limited choice positions mountain group west readily ground east pass foot mountain ridges san dominated area protected road means north south communication west north highway river easily positions best high ground near controlled important road junction connecting road river essential 25th infantry division right flank connect left flank 24th infantry division confluence rivers 25th infantry division moved protect road intersection road met highway 6th division ordered await reinforcements continuing attack division 13th 15th 14th regiments stretched north south replacements arrived august approximately unarmed south seoul area joined division august 6th division issued grenades told recruits pick weapons killed wounded soldiers battlefield group south joined 6th division august bringing division strength approximately men week august week september recruits southwest korea joined division 6th division recruits labor details later employed combat troops north korean build south 7th division arrived near men 7th division occupied key ports protect 6th division possible amphibious landings rear august 25th division held miles beginning north bridge river extending west hills south river confluence bent southwest south san mountain mass tapered northern river line turned south rising ground san crossed saddle south face passed railroad highway continued southward battle mountain line dropped spur ridge lines southern coastal road near 35th infantry regiment held northern yards division line bridge highway regiment responsible highway regiment weakest vulnerable point mile gap river company west 1st platoon east platoon guarded steel bridge division extreme right boundary 2nd infantry division river south highway 24th infantry regiment held high ground west including battle mountain colonel john 5th infantry regimental combat team held southern spur san coastal road marine_corps units continued line southern coast 25th division command post 35th infantry command post east road 24th infantry command post colonel command post august division suffering manpower shortages limited number english speaking korean troops brought ranks battle southern sector 25th infantry division held line corps planned strong attack coordinating attack 2nd infantry division north north korean 6th 7th divisions received attack orders august north korean operations order called corps assault line august 6th division south right flank attack capture west river delta miles september division zone attack south highway 7th division line north 6th division attack north highway wheel left wait 6th division right 9th division left join 7th division concentrated area west river plan pitted 6th division 24th infantry regiment 7th division 35th infantry regiment plan 6th division engaging 24th infantry battle mountain weeks prior gains aware pending offensive 24th infantry ability began report regiment performance determine improve capabilities north korean attack left center 25th division line lieutenant colonel paul roberts 2nd battalion 24th infantry held crest second ridge west mile town north korean territory secondary road led shoulders low hills rice ground running east mile south main road came colonel roberts 2nd battalion position pass mile west late afternoon august observers company 24th infantry noticed activity mile positions called air strikes hit area dusk artillery sent large concentration fire area effect fire known units line alerted possible north korean attack night north launched coordinated offensive entire force 6th division advanced hitting company north pass road troops pass left positions fell company south pass north captured rifle pass turned american tanks knocking overran section mortars east end pass south pass dawn lieutenant houston found men assigned platoon remained mix troops north attacked position dawn came abandoned opening barbed wire perimeter throwing grenades area gun fire north quickly overran position numerous officers non commissioned officers attempted men line follow orders instance south korean troops killed company commander tried stop escaping line farther south north korean tank fire hit company midnight lieutenant charles company commander attempted rally men fire retreating orders night company ran hill men company men fled field set killed north korean fire pinned men dawn september group tried escape north korean machine gun fire killed remaining men stayed hill days attacks time able withdraw south mountain 3rd battalion position withdrawal discovering man injured earlier explosion entered field rescue 24th infantry collapses shortly north korean attack started 2nd battalion 24th infantry fled positions company time battalion struck strong attacks exception dozen men company formation quickly troops running orders officers north passed lines quickly overran 2nd battalion command post killing men destroying battalion equipment 2nd battalion broken open direct north korean attack north encircled lieutenant colonel paul roberts 2nd battalion commander ordered officer remnants battalion establish south edge town officer directed large group men accompany 2nd battalion longer effective fighting force pockets soldiers remained place fought fiercely majority fled attack north able uneven resistance surrounded 2nd battalion disarray regimental commander colonel arthur moved 24th regiment command post miles northeast narrow logistics road regimental engineers constructed improve supply movement called engineer road time north korean group attacked battery field artillery battalion mile tanks tank battalion helped defend battery pack escape eastward engineer road troops 27th infantry regiment 35th infantry regiment alerted begin reform lines compensate 2nd battalion 24th infantry collapse time commanders blamed african american troops sub par soldiers officers later contended poor organization defensive positions extension weakened battalion reliance unreliable south korean troops plug numerous gaps line primary factors quick defeats 2nd battalion 24th infantry assault strike southern line held lieutenant colonel john 3rd battalion 24th infantry 5th infantry line receive artillery mortar fire light attacks september men outpost right flank battalion watched estimated north korean soldiers file past distance yards going direction viewed night high ground 3rd battalion flames dawn men battalion saw estimated north korean troops enter town north korean attack broke 2nd battalion ordered 1st battalion miles south road counterattack restore line roberts assembled men find disorganized 2nd battalion join counterattack got way contact enemy 1st battalion broke fled rear shortly daylight scattered disorganized men 1st 2nd battalions 24th infantry fled high ground miles east better regiments 6th division poured gap holding town north korean breakthrough saw north korean breakthrough threat division line dawn september requested permission walker commit entire 27th infantry regiment arrived previous evening held eighth army reserve walker denied request release battalion regiment control immediately dispatched lieutenant colonel gilbert check 1st battalion 27th infantry assembly area near attached 24th infantry arrival regimental command post 1st platoon 27th regiment heavy mortar company platoon company tank battalion battery 8th field artillery battalion reinforced check battalion check battalion arrived 24th infantry command post miles east scene chaotic large numbers vehicles loaded soldiers moving road rear soldiers foot road tried repeatedly vain men stop turn north korean mortar shells falling occasionally vicinity damage cause troops 24th infantry south panic increase speed rear road retreating troops check delay counterattack hours waited point check observed retreating troops 1st 2nd battalions 24th infantry assembled units military police tried vain troops refused gunpoint 2nd battalion 24th infantry assembling rear 27th infantry muster men north meantime suffering logistics problems prevented supplying troops effectively ammunition food medical care time elements division including thousands people forcibly south_korea increasingly hard place division having difficulty strengthening position counterattack september ordered immediate counterattack restore 24th infantry positions minutes air_force aircraft including shooting stars struck north korean positions bombs rockets machine gun fire attacked north korean held ridges town minutes concentrated artillery fire followed fires spread check infantry attacked west reinforced platoon tanks company tank battalion tanks mounting infantry spearheaded attack capturing city easily north korean troops abandoned north force held ridge west town machine gun fire swept approach north korean fire destroyed tank attacking infantry suffered heavy casualties check battalion pressed attack seized long ridge yards west secured half old battle position higher ridge mile west yards short crest remainder ridge infantry dug night recaptured pushing 24th old positions day september air strikes harassed north prevented consolidating gains coordinated attack planes came carriers uss valley forge uss philippine sea miles away yellow sea steaming battlefield eighth army 27th infantry alerted possible north 2nd infantry division sector west north troops faced night battle north kept position rear areas north korean mortar fire 24th regiment command post caused farther rear morning cover heavy ground fog north struck check battalion counterattack began heavy fight lasted morning air strikes north korean troops helped infantry gain ridge 1st battalion 27th infantry secured positions 2nd battalion 24th infantry took unit abandoned nights september air_force flew sorties 25th infantry division sector reportedly destroying north korean units tanks artillery pieces villages containing ammunition early morning september north heavily attacked check men effort regain ridge artillery mortar tank fire air strike directed battalion command post met attack battalion turn fight rear attack repulsed hundreds north korean lay dead battalion position prisoner estimated september north korean battalions fighting check battalion lost men check battalion held ridge dark september 1st battalion company 2nd battalion 24th infantry reorganized rear relieved 1st battalion 27th infantry moved secondary defensive position miles east moved command post placing base hill metres west center town dawn september north korean force companies moved force approached hill western edge company posted security 24th regimental command post situated base company men left post firing shot abandoning new machine guns north captured guns opened fire regimental command post small group north yards command post members intelligence reconnaissance platoon drove grenade battle north korean soldiers approached close 1st battalion 24th infantry command post west throw grenades fire soldiers battalion command group south korean recruits position time north driven dawn major eugene battalion executive officer discovered position men wounded looking hill saw approximately men rice tank position men reported regiment driven hill tanks near command post helped clear town north time white officer african american soldiers left position south fled rear reached check 1st battalion 27th infantry command post miles away officer said north overrun position near including 24th regiment command post check reported story sent platoon tanks platoon infantry find happened officers stopped soldiers streaming rear check ordered men follow tank infantry patrol threatened shot tank led column entered unopposed found 24th regiment command post intact quiet day september sniper severely wounded line positions west evacuated immediately commanding officer 3rd battalion succeeded command regiment instituted sweeping changes leadership regiment hoping improve combat performance able cut degree strict threats court martial negative effect regiment morale began unit newspaper eventually called eagle forward moved allow discourse soldiers leaders unit shown improve morale degree wanting build sense pride unit sought emphasize battles regiment seen played victory battle poor performances north korean september repelled north korean attack ground halt north logistical manpower shortages focused heavily attacks 24th infantry positions battle mountain 35th infantry positions river 24th infantry troops encountered attacks september north korean withdrawal counterattack collapsed north korean line forced fronts september 25th infantry division fighting north korean forces lines north korean strong points existed heights battle mountain san felt division advance roads mountainous center division clear believed key advance 25th division lay center north held heights kept 24th infantry regiment daily attack 27th infantry left 35th infantry right roads held positions advance situation 24th infantry improved september discovered north abandoned battle mountain night 1st battalion 24th infantry moved occupied right 35th infantry began moving forward light resistance reached high ground hidden north korean soldiers spider holes shot 1st battalion soldiers rear day 1st battalion captured 2nd battalion captured long ridge line running northwest river north held strongly division left 27th infantry heavy fighting trying forward north withdrew area night september 7th division withdrew south river 6th division elements cover entire covered 6th division 7th crossed north river morning september 6th division withdrawn positions san units rapidly pursued north passing battle mountain positions longer strategic importance aftermath 24th infantry suffered killed wounded captured missing time perimeter wounded killed battle mountain 8th field artillery battalion supporting 24th infantry suffered killed wounded tank battalion support suffered killed wounded north korean troops suffered heavily fight casualties attack mid september 7th division reduced men loss committed perimeter 6th division returned north_korea loss percent strength troops captured attempted return north_korea attacking force reduced end fights nearly impossible lost individual engagement problem 24th infantry 25th infantry division 24th infantry august compared 27th infantry 35th infantry late august began investigating unit behavior including poor performance battle weeks earlier found performance affecting units division 24th performance battles battle mountain suggested walker regiment disbanded troops replacements units field virtually officers enlisted men regiment supportive idea walker declined feeling afford lose regiment units reinforced feel extended cover entire line note


december yugoslav border ambush december yugoslav army ambushed group liberation army attempting weapons supplies base albania federal republic yugoslavia hour battle ensued ending deaths capture dozens fled albania abandoning large quantities weapons supplies subsequently seized yugoslav authorities ambush war related incident truce took effect months came heels increasing tensions province inter ethnic violence escalating steadily early hours suspected gunmen attacked owned café killing unarmed youths western diplomats suspected attack carried retaliation ambush denied responsibility days yugoslav authorities handed bodies fallen following international committee red_cross given heroes rebel held area ceremony attended thousands ethnic including fighters january abducted personnel later exchanged captured ambush background belgrade abolished self rule serbia autonomous provinces province inhabited predominantly ethnic great historical cultural significance serbs prior mid-19th century formed majority province represented percent population alarmed numbers province serbs began fear ethnic tensions early 1980s soon 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 group nationalists calling liberation army began attacking yugoslav army croatian serbian ministry internal affairs croatian goal separate province rest yugoslavia following croatia macedonia bosnia federation consisting serbia montenegro carried hit run attacks january february group quickly gained popularity young favoured aggressive approach rejected idea non violent resistance advocated politician 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 group popularity attacked compound leader march killing closest associates family attack motivated thousands young join ranks uprising eventually erupted spring timeline prelude conflict escalated summer increasingly took smuggling weapons supplies albania border september yugoslav officials stated killed attempting illegally cross border january year yugoslav defense ministry reported rifles light machine guns mortars mines hand grenades rounds ammunition confiscated yugoslav border guards period october envoy richard reached agreement temporarily end fighting yugoslavia troops police personnel stationed agreement came convinced consider negotiations belgrade making clear failing find peaceful solution conflict lead nato bombing campaign serbia agreement stipulated yugoslavia let mission observers enter ensure commitment withdraw thousands soldier police officers province small scale clashes continued december people killed displaced fighting clashes morning monday december tried illegally cross yugoslav border outposts kilometres west coming base inside albania training subsequent ambush occurred near village west trying illegally weapons ammunition supplies fighters member told reporters encountered yugoslav post attacked guards killed instantly column started retreating albania turned ambushed killed bodies soon discovered far site ambush raising casualty figure fighting border guards continued hours gunfire explosions reportedly heard nearby villages total killed wounded captured killed captured managed flee albania hiding border according monitor reported suffered casualties stated large quantities modern weapons ammunition supplies seized allowed team observers view bodies photograph record names prisoners organization security cooperation europe observers escorted site reported seeing bodies camouflage uniforms insignia identified woman dead stated woman captured monitor told reporters initial feelings normal military operation set reported figure dead ambush single deadliest war related incident truce took effect months earlier fighters killed near site ambush days prior aftermath according journalists villages near site ambush remained sealed yugoslav forces remainder day hours ambush vowed revenge evening suspected gunmen entered owned café opened fire patrons killing youths western diplomats suspected attack carried retribution ambush denied responsibility journalist tim suggests attack carried rogue unit shooting appalled foreign meeting following day condemned act terrorism described situation grave issued separate statement accusing international community failing prevent attacks civilians stating terrorist gangs ceased attacking army police inhabitants continued pursuing remnants rebel group december foreign reporters noted near site ambush day international committee red_cross yugoslav authorities handed bodies burial given heroes rebel held village field dubbed tomb heroes kilometres northwest attended thousand including captured ambush initially taken jail later transported military prison january ambushed convoy carrying rations personnel stationed taking yugoslav soldiers hostage officials negotiated soldiers release days later return january yugoslav authorities freed captured ambush simultaneously released elderly civilians taken hostage days earlier yugoslav officials insisted events linked earlier taking civilian hostages drawn condemnation western diplomats including head william walker told reporters think thing kidnap civilians released alleged beaten custody vowed avenge deaths fellow fighters

December 14, 1998 Albanian–Yugoslav border ambush


battle battle naval battle fought july french republican calendar squadron british_royal_navy ships line smaller french_navy squadron anchor fortified spanish port gibraltar british outnumbered opponents french position protected spanish gun batteries complicated obscured entrance bay french squadron admiral charles stopped route major spanish naval base form combined french spanish fleet operations britain allies french revolutionary wars british rear admiral sir james sought eliminate french squadron reach form force powerful launch attacks british forces mediterranean_sea sailing directly blockade station squadron consisted ships line twice number command discovering french anchor morning july launched immediate attack anchorage complicated bay initial attack caused severe damage french ships light winds shallow water led british ship hms grounding heavy fire french vessels driven shore prevent capture intentions frustrated ordered squadron withdraw ships bay batted remained trapped isolated unable manoeuvre captain solomon endured enemy fire half hour surrendering ship sides suffered severe damage casualties aware battle inevitably rejoined aftermath british defeat activity gibraltar british french squadrons conducted hasty repairs french spanish fleet prepared rescue mission heavy squadron arriving july squadron departed squadron attacked squadron second battle caught night faster ships resulted british inflicting heavy losses spanish rearguard failing destroy french squadron second time background august french mediterranean_fleet completely destroyed battle bay egypt result british_royal_navy dominant mediterranean_sea imposed french spanish ports region including important naval bases toulon british planning large scale operation invade recapture egypt french consul napoleon plans restore mediterranean_fleet reinforce garrison invasion took place end squadron egypt french atlantic ports agreement reached spanish navy supply french_navy ships line reserve squadron reached egypt toulon british pressure separating vessels making vain attempt egypt later year remainder left toulon june squadron ships line detached egyptian squadron departed toulon command admiral charles squadron orders instructed join french spanish fleet possession promised vessels combined fleet bolstered french soldiers general ships launch major operations british forces allies attacks egypt lisbon suggested firm plan drawn able leave toulon resistance absence british blockade squadron passed spanish mediterranean coast interception passing fortified british port gibraltar july informed captain lord captured brig hms july powerful squadron seven british ships line stationed rear admiral sir james hearing news postponed plan reach spanish naval base instead anchored fortified coastal town bay sight gibraltar gibraltar ship harbour small sloop war hms captain george sighting french squadron immediately sent word message arrived july delivered lieutenant richard small boat admiral veteran battle immediately gathered ships sailed eastwards investigate ships line hms superb captain richard detached duty mouth river brig hms sent messages frigate hms thames recalling followed sight admiral ship horizon dawn july hearing inaccurate report american merchant ship sailed reasoned french turned eastwards toulon late catch resolved return station observing spanish retaining thames sailed eastwards wind strong defences augmented meet drew ships line battle harbour flagship formidable northern edge followed south ships yards apart frigate stationed shallower water south french position strengthened presence large spanish northern harbour overlooked fortifications san southern approach harbour covered batteries fort santa shore fortified island mounted seven heavy cannon lay support offered distant forts land shells anchorage importantly geography bay scattered complicated rocks navigation difficult unfamiliar sailors battle attack delayed july contrary winds squadron reach july british admiral deciding immediately descend french squadron issuing orders ships launch small boats readiness act required thousands spectators lined spanish shoreline anticipation battle come orders given hms captain samuel hood lead attack officer experience waters vessel enter bay point bay wind dropped hood left result shots engagement fired battery point hms captain charles entered bay followed closely hms captain sighting british squadron gave orders french ships warp shallower waters shoreline sailors soldiers aboard assist spanish gun batteries bay french ships joined fire came range ships line attacking approaching british vessels remainder british squadron nautical miles leading ships pressed ahead attack passing close engaging french ships turn formidable opening fire close range suffered light winds bay able enter action firing formidable contrary orders anchored long range french spanish responded heavy anchored ships engagement lasting half hour formidable temporarily ceased firing began slowly warp suddenly caught fresh current swung ship bow facing formidable broadside distance allowing french british ship respond handful forward cannon assistance provided took small vessel engage spanish batteries firing british squadron attacked close range frigate powerful drive smaller opponent rear british squadron began arrive led flagship hms anchored ahead opening fire hms captain solomon joined action ahead left hms captain henry left south came heavy fire batteries towers firing shells hot shot designed start fires ship captain suggested negotiated spanish permit seize french ships exchange cessation action dismissed idea premature formidable pulling shallower waters away attacking british ships sent orders captain instructing manoeuvre ship closer attack formidable effectively specifically told french admiral began sailing slowly northwards light winds pull ahead combat formidable manoeuvre initially successful passed grounded position able direct broadside formidable rest spanish shore defences ship left vulnerable fire shore isolated northern end british line heavy fire formidable spanish shore batteries unable manoeuvre effectively respond attempted ship position signal torn away shot assistance organised rest squadron ordered provide ship boats attempt tow attempt failed sinking process struck ultimately left stranded disappeared preventing british ships coming assistance light land breeze northwest initially favoured outnumbered battered french squadron immediately ordering ships anchor cables use breeze manoeuvre slowly stronger defensive positions closer flagship formidable successfully completed manoeuvre brought control time grounded directly northeast bow facing sea responded cutting cables wearing past taking station vulnerable bows repeatedly stranded ship followed flagship taking new station opening fire directly exposed heavy fire batteries bay manned french sailors evacuated grounded ships line bow ship field fire took considerable time effort ship boats affect turn needed engage french ship ordered join attack unable intended positions absence wind losing french shot hood attempted wear ship masts rigging badly torn stage battle hood longer able effectively manoeuvre breeze eventually pull ship range withdrawal north engagement trapped heavy fire anchored formidable array spanish batteries ships taking severe damage able effectively reply main faced away enemy situation hopeless casualties mounted main masts shot away ship remained firmly grounded slightly better position sterling rigging masts held ship afloat totally stage colours shot away leading french claims ship surrendered quickly replaced longer able contribute battle rigging torn casualties ordered remainder squadron send remaining boats tow danger boats coming heavy fire number sunk diversion boats prevented launching planned amphibious assault squadron marines breeze beginning drift dangerously close island grounded share fate directly island batteries observing failure planned attack french squadron raised signal ships withdraw gibraltar way thanks boats able cut remaining anchors bay assistance sudden land breeze carried rapidly reach french spanish guns joined left battered squadron retiring gibraltar leaving hulk grounded harbour men killed captain ordered survivors decks escape worst fire combined guns french spanish forces turned remaining target starting fires seeing continued resistance futile ordered colours struck ensign came french spanish soldiers stormed ship surgeon later reported number wounded men death boarding parties sought fires established followed misunderstanding aboard deliberate ploy french ensign upside recognised international signal distress captain watched entire battle gibraltar believed seeing flag meant holding requesting support salvage battered ship evacuated surrendering boats sent gibraltar effect repairs took hms bay provide assistance coming heavy fire withdrawing error realised boats seized french crews boarded aftermath sides suffered heavy casualties damage british losing killed wounded missing missing thought drowned boats sunk loss heavily damaged suffered relatively lightly battle casualties heavy squadron suffering men killed wounded rest prisoner casualties ships french suffered higher casualties killed including captains wounded including french ships line damaged believed french ships following battle soon proven incorrect particularly damaged frigate remained shallow water harbour undamaged spanish reportedly men killed unspecified number wounded casualties occurring battered forts destroyed battle british crews found engagement gunnery affected lack wind shot flying french ships town considerably damaged spanish authorities later accused deliberately targeting town frustration unable capture french squadron july sent captain flag truce negotiations held view returning captain officers british control terms parole brief correspondence agreed officers wounded men officers taken hms sent gibraltar august officers britain court martial standard practice case ship lost enemy held rear admiral john presided court found conduct battle acquitted blame loss ship returning sword remarked feel assured occasion gallantry displayed defending majesty ship immediate reaction gibraltar devoted repairing damaged warships assumed involved continuation action merely postponed concluded gibraltar decided temporarily abandon crews ensuring rest squadron ready battle decision disputed captain working continuously days crew successfully ship time sail necessary repairing squadron captured sea jury masts sent word urging vice admiral send reinforcements ready attack urged french admiral occupation promised ships line ordered vice admiral juan sail formidable force arrived bay july franco spanish squadron superb joined gibraltar spanish squadron intended collect convoy battered squadron ships line including massive gun rate ships escorts proved damaged journey anchored harbour remainder french spanish squadrons sailed july caught night repaired squadron second battle spanish rearguard overwhelmed gun ships sunk lives ship captured force succeeded reaching following morning later removed french commissioned france victory cause celebration declaring combat covers french arms glory shows capable proclaimed national hero presented sabre napoleon french victory significantly stronger british force unusual event war royal_navy dominated sea publicly represented battle victory declaring sic succeeded enemy ships private acknowledged defeat historian richard commented trained led french fought hard combination weather luck shore support given victory superior force captured significant rare british setback occurred close difficulties implied


operation undertaking operation german given second world war luftwaffe offensive operation destroy remaining units air french air_force battle france german armed forces began invasion western_europe june british_army withdrawn continent operation netherlands belgium surrendered formations french army disbanded destroyed complete defeat france germans undertook second phase operation fall case red conquer remaining regions order air supremacy required luftwaffe ordered destroy french air forces providing support german_army operation germans committed air corps attack comprising aircraft operation launched june british intelligence warned french impending attack ensuing operation failed achieve strategic results desired der luftwaffe high command air_force fortunately luftwaffe plight french ground air forces stage meant failure operation defeat france background declaration war nazi_germany united_kingdom france aftermath german invasion poland months stalemate took place western named war military action french army offensive terminated controversial circumstances polish campaign october planners der luftwaffe luftwaffe high command der supreme command armed forces turned western_europe western allies surrendered initiative germans offensive plans german general staff general chief staff army presented plan fall case yellow october plan german code fall deployment instruction case yellow operation limited operation low countries conquered order provide base operations france later date amounted ambitious run infamous plan failed world war rejected adolf_hitler turn year chief staff von secured hitler attention modified version ambitious thrust suggested von main attack use majority tank divisions divisions drive english channel diversion operation belgium netherlands thrust lure allied armies including british expeditionary force trap launched revised version operation yellow known plan succeeded unfortunately germans british_army escaped battle belgian army dutch army elite french forces destroyed left second rate french units combat entire german_army luftwaffe played integral disrupting allied operations early phase luftwaffe participation particularly crucial battle enabled german_army carry operation yellow early june siege june germans began preparations conquest rest france fall case red successful air superiority required operation yellow luftwaffe plans hugo long planned attacks paris ordered air corps air corps bomber wing general colonel iii bomber wing bomb paris bad weather prevented operation determined continue plans ordered von von group commander iii plan operation named following day objectives operation broad scope elimination french airfields aircraft factories paris von words bombing achieve desirable influence morale capital german reconnaissance aircraft reported aircraft airfields paris including single engine aircraft force french air power destroyed aviation factories area french anti aircraft artillery aaa defences mapped tactical operational level intelligence french ground defences good operation carried bad weather prevented operation compromised poor staff work excessive confidence machine british intelligence ultra reading german codes french ultra intercepted message sent discussing arrangements making corps adding leak units involved received incomplete orders assault wing commander given incomplete orders target complained asked headquarters viii told paris responded request removing order battle british intercepted request viii passed french french intercepted similar messages response doubled aircraft strength fighters forces involved german units air fleet available operation bomber wings fighter wings aircraft escorted fighter aircraft carry attack command command iii served command command viii lent operation stab moved assault operated iii operate stab operated iii operated respectively iii based units based unknown french bases june units based likely units moved bases near attack iii based likely units moved captured french airfields june possible based took raid wing probably located northern france june originally based fighter units based following airfields guise bombers raid committed bombers altogether luftwaffe fielded bombers fighters total units french tasked defence greater paris area zone northern zone air operations polish armed fighters based based les deployed sur airfield located iii based fighter units operating listed order battle sur iii units located line iii units supported night fighter units night hunting group equipped groups totalled aircraft fighters available counter german attacks battle june french units warned hour german bombers took owing equally poor staff work french squadrons heard scramble signal tower caught ground end took intercept incoming german formations german progress monitored shot germans copy tactic united_states_army air_force heavy bombers defence campaign french aaa defences fighters shot german aircraft including bombers machines piloted wounded action taken prisoner war released french surrender replaced commander killed months later leading battle britain inadvertently saving life fighter flying leader von shot replaced release german forces june german formations attacked railways yard centres damage inflicted light action hours german bombers passed altitude advantage french fighters trying gain height intercept skirmishes far french units suffered heavy losses attack germans new flame bomb cleared use hours earlier bomb damage parked aircraft aftermath germans believed struck mortal blow german post operation analysis indicated success suggested long list wrecked french factories destroyed aircraft ground air germans claimed destroyed french aircraft air ground perceived success luftwaffe concentrated ports northern french coast damage inflicted luftwaffe far germans thought french aircraft fighters destroyed ground fighters shot aerial combat loss rate percent suggesting german claiming air ground airfields hit reported damage factories reported slight damage french casualties ground heavy french casualties included dead injured french shot german aircraft including bombers claimed suggesting mutual claiming vehicles destroyed french airfields operation hours later operation failed achieve goals phase german invasion operation yellow stripped french army finest formations french forces holding line reserve divisions poorer quality heavy artillery tanks infantry failure german air operation prevent german_army defeating french june luftwaffe gaining air supremacy beginning fall main reason german superiority air poor state french air units operational readiness luftwaffe smaller margin numerical superiority start fall french aviation industry starting reach potential production french aircraft available despite loss aircraft fighters bombers reconnaissance aircraft french machines available june day fall unfortunately component production match production slow poor result aircraft fighters bombers rate percent opening offensive luftwaffe ran riot french air space superiority luftwaffe point units sent home germany refit french collapsed altogether days later june france


expedition caribbean expedition caribbean naval operation french force commodore napoleonic wars french squadron departed february attempt reach resupply island colony martinique caribbean_sea invasion british expeditionary force force arrived late affect outcome successful invasion took shelter british squadron des blockaded british invasion fleet led vice admiral sir alexander weeks french ships arrived british troops invaded captured constructing mortar batteries bombard french squadron position commodore decided break attempting escape cover darkness april french squadron spotted number small british ships stationed close ships raised alarm main british squadron followed pursuit french ship line closely followed small brig hms recruit succeeded delaying long main british squadron able attack running battle lasted days ended coast puerto_rico british suffered casualties french nearly remainder french squadron escaped surviving ships line sailing directly france eventually reaching french expedition frigates partially armed detached action took shelter harbour guadeloupe june heavily laden trade goods attempted escape europe pursued elements british blockade force overrun days manoeuvre submitting powerful british frigate hms fight able escape immediate pursuit subsequently discovered july smaller british ship hms fierce engagement days later small british ship able defeat capture french vessel later commissioned royal_navy background napoleonic wars french_navy suffered series defeats hands british_royal_navy culminating destruction mediterranean_fleet battle unable compete sea french increasingly confined principal naval bases especially brest coast toulon mediterranean british squadrons patrolling entrances ports french found difficult conduct regular overseas trade supply reinforce overseas colonies result colonies faced financial collapse constant threat attack british forces especially caribbean island colonies martinique guadeloupe surrounded british held islands blockaded strong british fleet vice admiral sir alexander summer messages arrived france martinique outlining desperate situation supplies morale economy determined reinforcements food supplies sent frigate november days captured action november subsequent operations mixed success frigate reached martinique number smaller ships intercepted defeated europe west_indies desperation major operation planned intended transport substantial supplies sufficient troops resist inevitable british invasion martinique end commodore provided ships line frigates armed carrying bulk supplies february large french fleet admiral jean attempted escape brest chased blockade squadron driven shelter shortly french frigates attempted break challenged destroyed action february operations battle roads april provided cover required force escape british engaged travelling rapidly atlantic french encountered british warships able seize number lone british merchant ships learned invasion martinique underway expedition preparing preparing operation martinique following interception despatches warning island low morale summer expeditionary force ships men bay barbados began invasion january troops rapidly overran french defences despite stiff resistance central highlands february remaining point french hands fort held magazine breached february point governor louis thomas surrendered des wary arrival leeward_islands march refusing approach martinique instead near des situation islands established contact nearby guadeloupe discovered patrolling british warships warning sent flagship hms neptune martinique hours neptune cruising joined ships line hms hms york hms hms captain hms number smaller warships operate closer blockading difficult task french channels escape effectively blocked forces disposal addition force attacked directly width channels making impossible british ships attack strength weeks british french squadrons watched british unable attack french unable escape effort break sent martinique body men major general frederick force launched surprise invasion islands april amphibious operation commanded captain philip beaver hms executed successfully minor casualties parties seamen went ashore wake soldiers working rapidly establish battery inch russell guns began firing afternoon given orders squadron sail western channel night efforts monitor french squadron divided neptune ships reach squadron passed channel ship placed fight larger french force taken surprise alerted french escape brig hms hazard captain hugh cameron shortly closest french captain william charles managed fire ship squadron pulled away neptune small brig hms recruit took chase fast recruit annoying french persistent minor attacks neptune came close fired losing man killed wounded french escape necessitated british battery actually frigates remained hidden night april main combat continuing west slipped away guadeloupe chased vain hms captain lake french batteries drove british pursuit frigates anchored harbour stores successfully battle night april contact maintained french squadron recruit captain charles john firing ship coming fire french stern guns situated rear ship fire shortly came range began fire bow chase continuing westwards caribbean_sea frustrated inability escape recruit eventually turned fired broadside causing severe damage failing dissuade immediately counter attacked manoeuvre caused lose ground day squadrons exchanged shots causing significant damage french driven deeper british held waters unable drive opponents ordered steer northwest took southwest effort divide pursuit recruit kept neptune accompanied brig hms hawk continued follow main force night neptune morning april ordered available ships converge lone french ship line finally forced damaged recruit retire neptune southeast newly arrived frigates hms captain hugh hms captain william roberts northeast spanish coast puerto_rico directly north day chase continued neptune falling remaining sight frigates gaining puerto_rico appeared horizon french forced follow coastline westwards night british confused overcast sky helped partially obscure lights shore april closed range opened fire exchanging larger french ship minutes slowing sufficiently come range sailing french ship closed yards opened fire broadside minutes attempted escape pulling forward engaging damage sails rigging hindered manoeuvre pulled stern threatening defeat inevitable french captain surrendered neptune york captain hazard hawk recruit hms hms coming sight dawn broke joining aftermath fought hard engagement badly damaged suffering casualties badly damaged losing killed wounded including wounded casualties suffered killed wounded neptune killed wounded recruit wounded total british losses killed wounded ordered newly captured french ship port promoting command ship line service recruit york captain hunt remaining squadron despite efforts evaded pursuit eventually reached addition promotions awards taken royal_navy hms decades later battle actions recognised attached naval general service medal awarded application british participants living frigates remained guadeloupe taking stores preparing eventual return journey france large frigates largely disarmed france create space cargo provided cannon including crew fewer defences carrying cannon men watching ships small british blockade force led hugh invasion fleet having dispersed june cover darkness french frigates set sail laden colonial merchandise sale france immediately spotted leaving blockade squadron brig hms managed fire shots pulled away captain thomas tudor tucker able maintain contact june chase continued frigates separated led away disappearing atlantic unable escape june overrun larger opponent captain surrendered immediately old worn ship deemed worthy purchase royal_navy instead sold haiti control commissioned rebels captain quickly attacked captured action february escaped pursuit cross atlantic passing eastern united_states commander lieutenant louis raided british merchant shipping consequently delayed july gun sloop hms captain william passage halifax nova_scotia quebec spotted southwest taking possession british merchant ship approached abandoned merchant ship sailed northwards giving chase trailing nautical miles day darkness fell disappeared ahead pursuing hope opponent night july british spotted french ship distance chase began proving faster french ship wind strengthened clear escape opponent instead turned meet opening fire minutes later came range replied immediately ships exchanging fire close range nearly seven hours smaller successfully turning times vary prevent guns exchange british ship fired managed lost cannon caused intense heat generated repeated firing ammunition spent swung board capture point ship battered surrendered small size high speed suffered minimal casualties man killed wounded ship badly damaged french losses far severe killed seriously wounded including captain lightly wounded built gun frigate proven unable match speed agility smaller ship result reduced armament proven inadequate faced determined opposition july temporary repairs complete ships began long slow journey halifax nova_scotia following day masts collapsed forced tow ships constant danger days tow arrived halifax officers widely praised success given command repaired newly purchased hms months later reward lieutenant promoted crew award prize money april engagement capture actions recognised attached naval general service medal subsequent operations failure squadron escape british pursuit highlights dominance royal_navy atlantic martinique gone french san domingo falling year guadeloupe remaining french possession west_indies despite supplies carried ships situation desperate food shortages financial crisis causing collapse island morale effort resupply island defeated december french losing frigates inhabitants alternative wait inevitable british invasion january ordered amphibious landing guadeloupe rapidly overwhelmed weakened defenders eliminated remaining french colony caribbean_sea


operation deception plan operation follow major military deception operation run british second world war formed operation bodyguard cover plan invasion normandy intended german intelligence allied invasion plans mediterranean theatre year operation planned force implemented means visual deception executed phases february july story stage developed invasion threats greece albania croatia turkey bulgaria france portions operation received referred threat southern france close day whilst final stage overland threat greece bulgaria unclear impact german response region aims deception achieved tying german defensive forces mediterranean day post war analysis german intelligence documents indicated allied forces way intended german high command come expect major invasion balkans background preparation invasion normandy allied nations conducted complex series bodyguard large strategic plan aim misleading german high command allied intentions whilst main focus bodyguard invasion western france additional plans supported operations mediterranean scandinavia force cairo based department responsible deception operations north_africa begun operation cascade number troops region creating fictional divisions use formations proved useful deception operations practice formed basis key parts bodyguard allies invaded italy september end year occupied south country thirty divisions deployed mediterranean theatre italy north_africa mediterranean portion bodyguard given follow called initial overall aims tie german defensive forces region suggesting great threat southern france allies decided conduct landings planning operation begun force january deception required increase fictional troops operation cascade created operation succeeded cascade february aim allied troops thirty percent operation constituent plans focused tying german resources southern france balkans aim early distract attention potential allied invasion southern france operation creating fictional threat crete croatia intended tie troops eastern mediterranean deployed france allied campaign story british twelfth army preparing amphibious landing north_africa balkans supported russian overland invasion albania polish forces staged italy means double agents relayed messages troop movements dummy formations radio traffic created searches conducted local guides maps preparation real invasion nearly messages sent agents extensively considerable risk exposure dummy formations created italy libya colonel victor jones began depicting armoured airborne divisions near stage operation stage commenced february threats greece crete provisional date supposed invasion set march advantage moon march operation moved second stage fictional operation delayed april join supposed russian invasion bulgaria stage communicated sub plan called involving double agents england story passed germans radio messages inform friendly leaders yugoslavia intended invasion dates delays stage involved delay basis russians asked invasion plans ran april major revision plans stage introduced twelfth army polish forces land albania croatia bypassing greece mutiny allied greek forces africa invasion set june major invasion southern france added allies decided mount invasion southern france occurred august story agreed week deception work started aim german forces southern france days following normandy landings plan threatened landing near chosen distance landing site seventh army consisting fictional divisions french units supported diplomatic deception operation royal flush requested support spanish government allow injured soldiers evacuated following invasion stores ports allied troops given maps supposed landing zones naval exercise involving ships run june included embarking thousands men vehicles infantry division june borders closed natural precursor invasion deception maintained long british carriers victorious formed key naval deception left indian_ocean left deploy italy june allies began wind story german forces remaining south france moving normandy invasion delayed final phase story overland invasion greece british troops turkey soviet_union bulgaria planned force michael cairo deception efforts focused syria ports tripoli allies hoped indicate attack island rhodes main attack finished june officially came close july communicated visual syria armed forces raf flew reconnaissance flights supposed targets whilst navy set major facilities syrian coastal ports anti aircraft guns search lights efforts hide major activity turkish border british ninth army small force protecting syria 31st indian armoured division 20th armoured division fictional division dummy tanks jones 24th armoured brigade readiness political deception royal flush hint heavily allied actions region impact allies considered achieved main objective tying german forces region invasion normandy appear convince german high command major allied landings occur mediterranean instead helped allies achieve objective convincing germans threat small invasions stopping removing defensive forces according jacob field operation successfully detained divisions defensive positions region operation affect german analysis allied troop strength early allies divisions region german battle plan identified directly related german forces remained mediterranean available reinforce normandy june allies deception coupled political spain operation royal flush created german intelligence called wealth reports assessed nature probably volume mid june german command decided allies troops north_africa effect invasion lacked landing craft actually undertake operation despite reports held credibility late early june eve normandy landings german divisions deploying defensive positions southern coast troops begin moving north june july impact turkey reports early june discussion country political military spheres june german ambassador turkey reported government concerned possibility allies country staging ground ambassador report included details allied military build area treated german high command unable verify information german intelligence apparatus issued warnings probable allied operations region requested exceptional forces stationed


operation operation croatian serbian offensive undertaken forces croatian region opposing republic croatia positions held croatian police region july croatian war independence primarily aimed police stations police held positions string villages town addition heavy fighting took place village north croatian forces employed human shield consisting civilians taken homes nearby village croatian rebels captured police station stopped yugoslav people army arrived create zone according assist croatian police evacuate july non civilian population left villages south police station evacuated fighting resulted bulk region transferred croatian control aftermath fighting number croatian troops threatened regional commander blaming deaths members unit fighting killed civilians undergoing treatment medical centre croatian authorities filed war crime charges specifically leading attack resulted civilian deaths injuring killing prisoners war arrested australia january awaiting croatia background ethnic tensions serbs worsened electoral defeat government socialist republic croatia croatian democratic union croatian yugoslav people army serbian latin confiscated croatia territorial defence croatian weapons minimize resistance august tensions escalated open revolt croatian serbs centred predominantly populated areas approximately kilometres miles north east split parts eastern croatia january serbia supported montenegro serbia provinces unsuccessfully tried obtain yugoslav presidency approval operation croatian security forces request denied skirmish insurgents croatian special police march prompted ask federal presidency wartime authority declare state emergency request backed serbia allies request refused march serbian president preferring campaign expand serbia preserve yugoslavia croatia federal unit publicly threatened replace serbian army declared longer recognized authority federal presidency threat caused abandon plans preserve yugoslavia favour expansion serbia came control end march conflict escalated fatalities early april leaders revolt croatia declared intention areas control serbia viewed government croatia regions beginning croatia regular army bolster defence croatia doubled police numbers effective croatian police force strong special police comprising battalions organised military lines organised reserve police battalions companies lacked weapons response deteriorating situation croatian government established croatian national_guard croatian garde expanding special police battalions professional guards brigades ministry defence control commanded retired general martin guards brigades comprised approximately troops reserve police expanded attached reorganised brigades independent battalions guards brigades units fully equipped small arms lack heavier weapons poor command control structure brigade level shortage heavy weapons severe resorted world war weapons taken museums film studios time croatian weapon consisted small arms purchased abroad previously owned police replace personnel lost guards brigades new strong special police established prelude june conflict escalated region declared serbian autonomous time municipalities region predominantly populations inhabited substantial number non serbs june police administration set new police station village river valley road manned police troops drawn company 2nd guards brigade new station drew strong reaction authorities issued ultimatum day police station set demanded removal threatened remove force croatia complied ultimatum night june forces took control police station attacked police station rebels managed capture police station hour pushed anti terrorist unit police reinforcements deployed croatian police casualties amounted killed wounded attack leave control police station croatian policemen captured held hostage prisoners taken camp detention facility response fighting deployed troops towns new fighting erupted day near final days june civilians especially fled area safety june women children elderly remained town shops closed streets patrolled armoured vehicles fighting positioned troops police station croatian rebels controlled rest town mid july deployed croatian capital coordinate rebel forces july work commended local commanders days later regional command croatian forces announced meeting attended milan prominent leaders july day regional command established rebels adopted military plan presented aimed removing croatian forces july mortar rounds fired police station injured attack aftermath authorities requested august harvest timeline offensive operation serbian latin primarily aimed populated villages police station town forces offensive elements 7th division spearheaded special police deployed commanded operation commenced july hour long mortar bombardment set headquarters area situated ground offensive commenced single soldier tasked firing armoured vehicle area close police station attempted false flag attack designed vehicle crew believe fired croatian police inducing fire police station original shooter observed police shot station turn fired colonel scene threatened use force rebels left scene following forces moved shot number civilian buildings including school church turning approach police station different direction assault supported mortar fire continued following day police station captured july according military reports croatian military police personnel killed fighting croatian sources reported deaths policemen wounding deaths civilians including german journalist killed sniper fire killed journalist scotland reporter leaving fellow reporter clearly marked car fatally wounded source indicates remaining croatian police officers managed pull river valley advance held villages preceded hour long mortar bombardment area rounds fired commencing july infantry ordered advance attacking force consisted special forces troops drawn policemen estimated croatian police personnel deployed area plan saw battalion led advancing north village approach village maintain position advance gradually possible additional forces meant pin croatian defending force platoon special forces led reinforced platoon tasked bypassing traffic road village preventing access direction special forces platoon led tasked seizing villages advancing second battalion attached attacking force led engaged croatian troops near battalion entered village rebels moved house homes forcing civilians found main road approximately civilians captured village forced walk armed vehicle forming human shield units advance achieved initial objectives platoon commanded attack defending force engaged force knowledge happened human shield force reached defending troops reluctant fire consequence croatian policemen deployed house surrounded subsequently surrendered captors stripped ordered run killed unsure deal situation croatian forces withdrew southern village unit protected human shield moved slowly took hours centre armed vehicle soldiers following human shield ambushed centre single policeman civilian threw hand grenade ran vehicle carrying hand grenades waist hand grenades exploded gunfire erupted allowing civilians held human shields run away policeman civilian carried ambush killed sources identify reserve policeman mile traffic policeman shortly croatian forces causing bulk troops flee remaining soldiers retreated troops killed wounded fighting battalion led lost percent personnel prompted heavy shooting commanding officer units headquarters requested intervene informed unit dispatched allowing break fighting croatian police send reinforcements reinforcements request tanks reached establish zone croatian forces offered leave village provided armoured personnel carrier escorted complied request fighting croatian policemen killed civilians aftermath fighting continued besieged rebels july day heavy fighting erupted near soldiers platoon arrived regional military headquarters threatening commanding officer holding responsible losses platoon suffered fighting group demanded authorities turn prisoners demand refused finally went medical centre forced wounded civilians policemen building beat conflicting reports killed unspecified number female patients killed july remaining croatian civilian population accepted offer evacuate column evacuating civilians reached population village joined followed police troops stationed left control bulk combat fighting region august new clashes artillery bombardment august policemen captured attack police station june released prisoner exchange croatian troops positions held inspected croatian president august croatian position region deteriorated september besieged days later forces captured hill commanded town croatian forces started breakout september captured forces heavy attacks supported artillery tanks forced approximately croatian troops retreat surrender capture town followed killings looting buildings town surrounding villages total croatian troops captured town shipped jail arrived forces captured day september september captured forces denying croatia important south right bank river town capture came approximately month announced plans control end month rebels controlled nearly southern bank river lines control region largely january implemented plan rebels unsuccessful attempts push croatian forces region attacks comprised autumn campaign undertaken area october area november period launched unsuccessful offensive operation recapture december remained area faced persecution culminating massacre october rounding expulsion remainder november charges war crimes according australian court documents january county court ordered warrant issued arrest offences listed alleged war crimes prisoners war alleged war crime civilian population related role attack caused civilian deaths injuries arrested australia australian national appealed croatia claiming fair trial appeal granted federal court released high_court australia overturned decision arrested day search police subsequently appealed citing grounds approved minister home affairs jason november appealed decision december federal court upheld decision croatian authorities tried policeman charges war crimes committed convicted sentenced years prison surrendered croatian police border crossing months custody released left country returned croatia february arrested identical charges month later released witnesses questioned failed link war crimes accused war reporting legacy scotland travelled region investigate disappearance fellow journalist thought detained croatian forces assist death line duty seeking help fellow reporter significant impact german media german public opinion scotland death reinforced image conflict real war rules spurred death munich based journalists established journalists help journalists german association help reporters way scotland intended killed scotland death provided impetus establish german section reporters borders


operation operation croatian military offensive conducted croatian army army western bosnia september war operation entailed crossing rivers establish opposite allow subsequent advance operation planned matter hours following meeting croatian president diplomat richard urged seize threaten capture short actually seizing city believed development force leaders negotiating table inadequate planning preparation combined flawed military intelligence defending force disregard high water level rivers led high number casualties little success offensive called day launched evacuated ultimately blamed major general failure authorized offensive instead chief general staff general operation unsuccessful operation series commenced november controversial croatian media generally brushed aside series successes croatian authorities launched investigation alleged war crimes committed soldiers operation civilians killed background yugoslav people army withdrew croatia following acceptance start implementation plan officers soldiers born bosnia transferred new army later renamed army organisation followed declaration serbian republic bosnia january ahead referendum independence bosnia took place february march declaration later cited serbs pretext war serbs began capital areas march following day fatalities war recorded final days march forces bombarded artillery resulting cross border operation croatian army brigade april artillery began examples directly supported capture early april provided artillery support serbia firing river time attempted situation arrange negotiations country bosnia faced army republic bosnia croatian defence council reporting dominated central government leadership respectively occasionally supported operations late april able deploy troops hundreds tanks armoured personnel carriers artillery pieces croatian defence forces field approximately soldiers handful heavy weapons largely unprepared nearly troops small arms half number virtually heavy weapons forces hampered united_nations arms introduced september mid units transferred withdrew bosnia newly declared federal republic yugoslavia controlled approximately percent bosnia extent control extended percent country end year prelude developed better organised forces employing large numbers artillery pieces good defensive fortifications capable penetrating defences forces employed sound military tactics instance battle june recapture bulk republic croatian controlled areas croatia operation storm august shifted focus western bosnia shift motivated desire create security zone croatian border establish croatia regional power gain west forcing end war government bosnia welcomed contributed goal gaining control western bosnia city largest city held territory nato launched operation deliberate force series generally targeted western bosnia remained relatively calm following operation storm exception attacks launched near time planning joint offensive region component offensive operation launched september aim capturing towns september nato ceased neared completion objectives 5th corps launched operation pushing southeast kilometres miles widening held north september diplomat richard ambassador croatia peter met croatian president directed united_states urge stop offensive operations western bosnia thought instructions saw opportunity defeat establish new military balance country considered changing situation ground allowed ignore instructions urged capture quickly asked stop short capturing considered justice served lost decided encouraging fearing refugees city croatia willing relinquish control later hoping moderate leadership found city urban area order battle based outcome meeting assessment general staff 2nd corps completely destroyed decision deploy area virtually preparation planning assessment general staff based gains western bosnia previous days order attack drawn september signed major general behalf chief general staff general attack operation commence crossings river river followed seizing mount allow advances operation intended coordinated 5th corps continue rapid advance orders gave approximately hours prepare elements deployed vicinity planned committed attack drawn corps corps crossings considered primary objectives assigned elements 1st guards 2nd guards brigades supported 17th home guard regiment guards brigades combined troops reserve infantry home guard available crossing corps approximately home guard reserve infantry disposal distributed consisting elements 52nd home guard regiments support troops including battalion millimetre guns 16th artillery rocket brigade elements 18th artillery battalion platoon millimetre millimetre guns corps force commanded major general corps units committed operation led major general garrison battalions area generally manned aged belonging 1st infantry brigade 11th infantry brigade deployed river faced corps remaining 1st light infantry brigade deployed river opposite corps defenders overall control 1st corps commanded lieutenant colonel general deployed prepared fortifications protected minefields strong artillery fire support estimated units deployed river supported company tanks battery millimetre guns millimetre millimetre guns timeline september crossings hampered high level rivers flooding strong currents floating debris shortage boats means river crossing equipment provided 33rd engineer battalion including amphibious vehicle late arriving reach combat zone noon september kilometre course rivers offensive place began artillery bombardment noon crossings followed hours home guard regiment attempted crossing near village failed encountering strong small arms mortar fire 52nd home guard regiment attempt cross downstream likewise failed strong mortar fire corps units managed establish small designated landing zones pinned artillery machine gun fire suffered dead hours combat sent inspect situation appalled poor organization assault night september artillery continued shell positions rivers fired towns nova drive established came halt september encountered previously troops area supported troops arrived serbia september ordered halt operation shortly midnight september corps failed cancel new crossing attempts ordered following morning attacks went ahead albeit 52nd home guard regiments trying cross river different locations despite strengthening river currents continued artillery fire small reconnaissance elements managed cross river forced hour later force comprising elements home guard regiments reconnaissance sabotage company managed cross river confluence crossing force soldiers encountered minefield artillery fire small arms fire near river bank extraction force began leading exchange heavy artillery fire bank home guard regiments withdrawal required river crossings available boats resulted losses situation complicated number incidents factors included damaged amphibious vehicle caught fire faulty insufficient fire support river boat crews provided 34th engineer battalion refused cross river fire replaced 33rd engineer battalion despite use aerial vehicles locate guns targets counter battery fire artillery exchange continued late night september 52nd home guard regiment crossed river support extraction established elements home guard regiments crossing involved soldiers advanced metres feet destroyed defensive positions withdrawing september corps tried reinforce river suffer casualties corps committed home guard regiment reinforcement breach defences day corps approached commanding officer brigade based requesting permission deploy troops support corps attack referred request end day met protest manner operation launched fact informed advance day general staff called operation aftermath war general estimated losses killed wounded according official records soldiers killed operation casualties corps accounted dead wounded according sources sustained killed wounded captured addition police officers killed wounded sources hold civilian casualties killed wounded captured days offensive danish deployed united_nations confidence restoration operation croatia killed croatian authorities began investigating allegations war crimes committed operation specifically killing civilians area troops 1st battalion 2nd guards brigade september submitted report operation responsibility blaming defence minister blame subsequently placed ultimately ending military career expected succeed chief general staff passed favour general retired offensive unsuccessful operation undertaken operation winter november brushed aside croatia remained subject controversy croatian media according croatian historian operation primarily politically motivated hastily launched response remarks september nonetheless claims attack based incorrect intelligence leading defenses addition capacity execute difficult operation neglected condition rivers intended cross attempted repeat crossing instead choosing threaten different direction early october operation southern