battle san battle san engagement united_nations north korean forces early korean war september september vicinity san south_korea battle perimeter large engagements fought simultaneously battle ended victory united_nations large numbers united_states republic korea troops repelled strong north korean attack attempting capture great offensive north korean people army 1st 13th divisions advanced hill masses north city confronted army 1st cavalry division army 1st division north sought occupy number hill masses prominently hill known south san ancient fortress situated atop weeks fighting fortress north able gradually push forces san hills south forces held strongly north able quickly consolidate gains forces defended ground assigning battalion engineers fight lines eventually preventing north advancing long counterattack drove north area background perimeter outbreak korean war invasion south_korea north north korean people army enjoyed superiority manpower equipment republic korea army united_nations forces dispatched south_korea prevent collapsing north korean strategy aggressively pursue forces avenues approach south engage aggressively attacking initiating double flanks unit allowed north surround cut opposing force forced retreat disarray leaving equipment initial june offensive fights july early august north strategy effectively defeat force push south forces eighth united_states_army established perimeter august troops held continuous line peninsula north korean troops flank advantages numbers decreased daily superior logistical system brought troops supplies army north approached perimeter august attempted frontal assault technique main avenues approach perimeter august 6th division later 7th division engaged 25th infantry division battle initially battles battle mountain attacks stalled forces equipped plenty reserves repeatedly repelled north korean attacks north 4th division 24th infantry division area battle north korean division unable hold river large numbers reserve forces brought repel august 4th division forced river percent casualties region north korean divisions repulsed divisions attempts attack city battle particularly heavy fighting took place battle bowling alley 13th division completely destroyed attack east_coast north korean divisions repulsed south battle north korean troops defeats time war strategies working september push planning new offensive north korean command decided attempt flank force impossible thanks support navy instead opted use frontal attack breach perimeter collapse hope achieving success battle fed intelligence soviet_union north aware forces building perimeter conduct offensive soon win battle secondary objective surround destroy units city mission north korean units cut supply lines august north korean commands distributed operations orders subordinate units north called simultaneous attack lines attacks defenders allow north break lines place force forces battle ordered center attack called 3rd division 13th division 1st division break 1st cavalry division 1st division battle simultaneous attack san north korean units similarly short distance away battle sector major kim song 19th regiment 13th division defected troops september reported scale north korean attack begin dusk day 13th division said taken replacements weapons strength approximately men receiving intelligence 1st cavalry division commander major general gay alerted division line units prepared attack 1st division commander major general sun men attack north korean attack hard heels kim warning north korean attack strike night september attack hit force bowling alley area north attack caught 8th cavalry regiment unprepared division poorly deployed road town lacking reserve force counterattack effectively north struck 2nd battalion 8th cavalry night september hill west bowling alley miles north overran right company attack cut withdraw commanding officer 3rd battalion placed company blocking position north road north korean tanks north korean infantry struck september action company suffered casualties repelled attack overrun 2nd battalion withdrew 3rd battalion assembled hastily defensive position south day elements 1st division forced 8th cavalry platoon detachment south korean police walled city san crest hill miles east september command eighth united_states_army lost hill locally called san dominant mountain miles north north concentrated artillery north hill fire light sporadic cause minor damage field artillery positions sudden surge north southward concerned eighth army commander lieutenant general walker army ordered battalion replacement training center position rear 8th cavalry 1st cavalry division organized task force allen commanded assistant division commander brigadier general frank allen task force comprised provisional battalions formed division headquarters technical service troops division band replacement company miscellaneous troops combat emergency force north break edge counterattack san eighth army countered north korean advance road ordering 1st cavalry division recapture defend hill hill miles north gave observation way south eighth army positions city north korean hands general intelligence purposes direct artillery mortar fire hill far distant road dominate controlled main communication route shortage north korean artillery mortar ammunition reduced advantages peak held observation point north despite popularly known walled city walled city crest san san hill feet high mountain differs high peaks korea having oval shaped semi level area summit oval mile long ridge like crest varying yards yards width slopes peak metres approximately metres southeastern end sides ridge crest mountain slopes drop ancient times built feet stone wall crest converted summit fortress summit covered dense growth brush small pine trees small fields knew san sacred mountain near northern end crest stood buddhist temple 1st cavalry division august assumed responsibility old 1st division sector north sent patrol platoon san patrol found south korean national police discussion gay walker 1st cavalry division 1st division responsibility mountain gay maintained division miles extend eastward hills immediately adjacent road uncertainty final responsibility san ended afternoon september north seized mountain eighth army colonel holmes chief staff 1st cavalry division told 1st cavalry division responsibility walled city holmes replied send company engineers san holmes ordered lieutenant colonel william commanding officer 8th engineer combat battalion report colonel commanding 8th cavalry regiment afternoon command post road outlined commanding officers company 8th engineer combat battalion company 8th cavalry attack plan regain control san engineer company commanded lieutenant john kennedy lead attack company following force gained crest company established defensive positions engineer company come mountain men company veteran fought world war evening company loaded trucks traveled north assembly area heavy rain way met south korean police going south wounded police detachment platoon driven san afternoon waiting rain orders engineer company turned went camp engineer attack morning september company received orders immediately infantry force san company carried rations company 8th cavalry bring food water later engineer troops arrived assembly area near village miles east road set communications command post sniper fire came men moved trail base san steep slope word given company disorganized north korean troops san actually afternoon evening september 2nd battalion 2nd regiment 1st division occupied summit san engineer company started attack mountain noon september following trail southern spur 1st platoon lead single file followed 2nd 3rd considered mission important military intelligence officer captain accompanied engineers platoon sergeant james 2nd platoon company brief conversation went ahead way trail said thought attack suicide mission mile trail company came machine gun fire right flank inflicted casualties kennedy rejected request squad knock gun file got past line fire best automatic rifle fire 3rd platoon weapon farther trail north korean machine gun fired right trail held advance artillery fire file men left trail like road dead ended dropped left continued climb north korean mortar fire killed men wounded phase ascent time 2nd platoon leader collapsed kidney command passed led platoon head company came tunnel small ridge stone wall bowl shaped summit hill southern arm hill crest 2nd 3rd soon arrived order near received radio orders gay come mountain gay known accompanied attack defense san kennedy placed men company position facing arc west northeast 2nd platoon took left flank near stone wall 1st platoon took center position wooded 3rd platoon right flank edge woods reached second lieutenant thomas jones commanding 3rd platoon saw heard north korean mortars fire yards away grassy ridge east suggested kennedy artillery fire directed mortars kennedy act suggestion kennedy established command post inside tunnel 2nd platoon position company position entirely area enclosed stone wall nearly intact northeast near 3rd platoon position covered brush trees jones pointed platoon sergeant squad leaders wanted position edge woods facing north korean mortars seen grassy ridge remained minutes conversation kennedy minutes later jones joined 3rd squad men edge woods told platoon sergeant rest continued narrow grassy ridge squad members called jones edge woods pointed north korean soldiers carrying machine gun coming narrow ridge mortar position group security force mortars dropped ground way ridge jones decided bring squads form solid line expecting gone minutes left radio jones found squad gone farther visible studied terrain waited messenger sent bring squad north attacked main company position judging noise heard jones thought north moved force wooded bowl rest company jones got 3rd squad rest platoon dropped ridge left night jones men stayed crest radio communicate rest company thought destroyed driven hill day american fighter planes confirmed belief company men men advanced squad way lines north captured jones men near san september trying way north korean lines account 3rd platoon explains squad rejoined company evening action crest soon arrived unknown kennedy rest company time north hit hill minutes company reached hill estimated north korean battalion launched attack slope running south hill crest hill main attack hit 2nd platoon set loaded machine guns machine guns protection feet wall left enabled company turn attack left dead wounded 2nd platoon night north korean mortar small arms fire harassed company small north korean attacks having communication 3rd platoon kennedy sent patrol supposed position patrol reported find found platoon rocket launchers light machine guns dawn september north attacked engineers repulsed attack suffered casualties north korean fire destroyed radio forcing use runners communicate kennedy command post ammunition running low aircraft came area kennedy orange identification panels north similar panels planes finally dropped ammunition food north korean positions immediately fighter planes came attacked company north korean panels cargo fighter planes fighters dropped tanks company perimeter injured planes right 2nd platoon position caused casualties soon aerial attack north korean troops attacked positions gun fire wounded kennedy leg ankle advanced platoon company 8th cavalry regiment arrived hill came company perimeter engineers fired company men identified company platoon went position right kennedy turned command combined force company commander kennedy assembled wounded men started mountain party small arms fire way carrying party korean frame led american officer started mountain morning supplies north korean fire killing turned day company delayed following company hill soon engineer company started trail september company arrived command post base mountain north korean mortar fire falling trail time company commander said advance information designated company commander second officer soon wounded leg designated officer started mountain company evening north korean fire stopped company yards short crest dawn company 13th division cut launched attack evening september overran 2nd battalion north tired experience roundabout journey rejoin regiment company men suffering lowered morale shortly company platoon joined north attacked company brought mortars small arms situation took inch rocket fired north korean attackers causing break attack troops nearly ammunition instructed men gather weapons ammunition north korean dead reach manner obtained emergency use rifles guns hand grenades course gathering weapons passed dug position private class brown bar man 3rd squad brown wall extreme left platoon position point wall feet high wall brown position lay north korean dead earlier day kennedy visited brown seen north korean dead brown killed bar fire subsequently brown exhausted automatic rifle ammunition grenades finally tool knock north head tried climb wall brown slightly wounded shoulder early morning refused leave position evacuation san gay ordered 8th cavalry regiment withdraw men san gay believed insufficient forces secure hold north insufficient ammunition exploit possession observation point directing artillery mortar fire reach company 8th engineer combat battalion rain started falling heavy fog closed mountain severely reduced visibility north attacked 2nd platoon adjacent company engineers shot neck sent company command post man return report longer command post find seen north korean dead went officer command company platoon inform decided withdraw men began pulling mountain north korean fire falling platoon area nearly directions squad leaders started break weapons platoon time discovered brown dead told troops remove identification dead leaving means identification later platoon formation led hill trail ascended picking wounded men way base mountain afternoon saw company men come later men engineer company group thought survivors told confused conflicting stories remaining members company assembled found company suffered percent casualties men wounded missing action consolidation soldiers 1st division captured north korean near san september said north korean soldiers san battalions following north engineer company succeeded establishing perimeter briefly north korean held area evening september san north korean hands estimated battalions totaling soldiers mountain forward slope north korean carrying mortar shells rice reportedly reached san day 1st division captured days later south san september north ridge san observed plane san firmly possession 13th 1st divisions ready press downhill september day american troops driven san north korean force established miles units occupied hill miles southwest san overlooking road east morning tanks 16th reconnaissance company prepared lead attack north korean troops rice field west hills east road gay personally observed action tank attack disposed north rice field infantry spent hours clearing hills east road north korean artillery september shelled batteries 9th field artillery battalions forcing displacement batteries day air strikes artillery kept hills heavy attack 1st cavalry division fell nearly day walker ordered corps attack seize hill san directed 1st division 1st cavalry division select boundary maintain physical contact attack morning september lieutenant colonel johnson 3rd battalion 8th cavalry withdrawal night position tried drive north hill peaks mountain mass clouds making impossible support infantry attack air strikes artillery mortar fire johnson placed companies assault peaks reached objectives little opposition caught north korean soldiers asleep ground north korean regained second peak main north korean force hill highest peaks held firmly company attack company commander company executive officer killed estimated north korean soldiers hill miles north september walker decided continued pressure eastern flank 1st cavalry division sector immediate threat forces perimeter day september 1st cavalry division canceled planned continuation attack hill 3rd battalion 7th cavalry regiment north korean forces threatened hills south east threatened midst drive ammunition shortage critical forces situation united_nations commander general army douglas september sent messages urging ammunition ships route japan carrying rounds shells estimated arrival time september proceed maximum speed consistent safety vessels eighth army september reduced ammunition rounds day cases emergency ammunition critical short supply 17th field artillery battalion inch arrive korea engage battle lack ammunition 1st division began moving zone 1st division right flank 1st cavalry division 2nd regiment men advanced miles eastward vicinity hill feet high mountain san reached san daylight september little later new replacements charge positions repulsed charge killing wounding thirds attacking force 1st cavalry division combat units concentrated right flank north 3rd battalion 7th cavalry attached 8th cavalry regiment regiment hills road miles north rest 7th cavalry regiment 1st battalion rejoined regiment day valley river right rear north airfield situated miles northeast city 5th cavalry regiment disposed hills road miles northwest left entire 8th engineer combat battalion line infantry mission holding bridge river near river east fighting north september vicinity hills heavy confused time 1st cavalry division feared breakthrough blocking position battalion 7th cavalry rifle companies division low strength johnson stated later company 3rd battalion 8th cavalry men period assault company day hill 3rd battalion 8th cavalry attacked hill september north korean soldiers seized crest hill miles southeast closer actually hill masses adjacent lower slopes small arms range north drove 16th reconnaissance company hill 5th training battalion previously line supporting position prevented north gaining complete control terrain feature battalion held reverse slope hill 3rd battalion 8th cavalry scene attacks hill tried retake position battalion twice attacked reached crest hold dug lower southern slopes 3rd battalion 7th cavalry command post fight north september issued attack order prepared attack 8th cavalry lines hill attack 12th larger american counterattack 13th 1st divisions effort halt north 2nd battalion 7th cavalry relieved units hill east hill mission securing hill farther east 1st division mission attacking san san point nearest occupied north korean forces time hill 13th division valued possession concentrated soldiers north intended use hill making advance observation reached commanded lesser hills southward bowl hill actually southern metres hill mass lies close east hill separated hill mass deep southern point rises metres ridge line climbs northward series ridge line mile length sides hill mass steep lieutenant colonel james lynch 3rd battalion 7th cavalry eve attack hill numbered men rear battalion organized fort georgia 30th infantry regiment 3rd infantry division arrived korea end august action 7th cavalry hill begun days earlier action attacking hill second battalion attack plan time differed radically employed hill direct development failure key aspect hill attack plan mass possible narrow ridge line attacking companies abreast ridge opposed hill firepower platoon times squad brought bear north ammunition shortage artillery preparation hill air strike lynch battalion company left company right started attack lower slopes september north korean mortar fire falling battalion moved yards encountered sporadic small arms machine gun fire north korean rifle fire intense mortar fire came troops slowing advance left men company approximately north preparing counterattack air strike designated planes ground troops able counterattack combined artillery mortar small arms fire air strike came north slope ridge time north korean mortar fire caused casualties elements companies contrast action hill men continued attack largely officers casualties officers companies wounded refused evacuation simply continued attack minutes air strike 3rd battalion resumed attack crest neared north came positions violent counterattack engaged close quarters men gained crest north korean mortar machine gun fire drove reached second time hold air strike hit north time company commander led men men degree slope stretch closed north overran positions remaining men companies secured hill reorganized jointly fewer left company company lost officers gay caused special study action considered outstanding found battalion suffered battle casualties hours troops killed wounded remainder attached south battalion aid station reported treating casualties wounded treated 8th cavalry aid station men minor wounds ask medical attention battle ended cases combat shock contrast eighteen hill north korean mortar fire caused percent casualties battalion held hill days gathered large north korean equipment ammunition north korean soldiers hill wore american uniforms helmets combat boots rifles north korean dead hill estimated wounded missing war crimes committed north came light action hill september final action hill taking place troops discovered american officer bound gasoline poured burned days later members battalion found hill bodies american soldiers hands tied bodies bore evidence men shot bound final moves capture hill september situation north improved september 2nd battalion 8th cavalry attacked supported fire hill gained hill 19th regiment 13th division army boundary right 1st division continued attack northwest advanced edge san 11th regiment seized hill dark september small elements 15th regiment reached stone san area time north korean troops fought night 15th points high mountain backbone extends southeast san hills san prisoners taken estimated north high ridge 1st division later estimated approximately north inside san walled perimeter outside near crest time bulk 1st division gradually withdrawing san vicinity indications 13th division withdrawing northward aerial observers afternoon september reported estimated north korean troops moving north signs hopeful walker continued prepare final close defense fourteen battalions south korean police dug city fighting continued north 15th 2nd battalion 8th cavalry fought gain control hill east highway 2nd battalion 8th cavalry attacked hill north korean force penetrated gap 8th 5th cavalry regiments fighting hill particularly severe sides troops mountain night fell north korean withdrawal counterattack collapsed north korean line cut main supply reinforcement routes september discovered north abandoned perimeter night units began advancing defensive positions occupying north korean units began conducting delaying actions attempting army possible north_korea north withdrew area night september forces remainder north korean armies withdrew rapidly north units rapidly pursued north passing river positions longer strategic importance aftermath north korean 13th 1st divisions completely destroyed battles 1st division numbered men beginning offensive september 13th division numbered men 1st division able retreat north_korea october majority division troops killed captured deserted 13th division completely annihilated isolated pockets men known north_korea division officers including artillery commander division surgeon chief staff regimental commanders 19th regiment surrendered men original returned north_korea corps similar state north korean army exhausted perimeter cut brink defeat time 1st cavalry division suffered killed wounded captured time perimeter included casualties killed action suffered battle previous month american forces continually repulsed able prevent north breaking perimeter division numbered september excellent position attack despite casualties south korean casualties battle difficult predict thought heavy 1st division numbered men september


6th airborne division advance river 6th airborne division advance river occurred august later stages battle normandy following german_army defeat pocket second world war british 6th airborne division command major general richard nelson gale allied units arrive normandy day june successfully secured left flank invasion zone resisting efforts combined efforts infantry division month later ordered prepare advance objective mouth river miles away assist carrying mission division reinforced 1st 4th special service brigades 1st belgian infantry brigade royal netherlands infantry brigade increased artillery support reach division cross rivers flooded germans roads available 6th airborne division began advance august german_army started withdraw fighting small battles end month reached objective river division halted early september returned england prepare airborne operations later war background june 6th airborne division landed normandy mission secure left flank invasion zone occupying dominating high ground river river despite parachute troops widely scattered managed complete objectives days counter attacks german armour infantry division position secure end battle june suffered artillery months later august division warned prepare advance objective mouth river reinforce lightly armed equipped airborne division british 1st 4th special service brigades 1st belgian netherlands infantry brigades placed command additional artillery support provided field artillery regiments medium artillery battery heavy anti aircraft artillery regiment field artillery role operation 6th airborne division 7th armoured division 49th west riding infantry division 51st highland infantry division formed corps attached canadian army issuing orders lieutenant general john corps commander aware 6th airborne artillery vehicles engineer equipment expect advance quickly reach river division cross main rivers main lines advance route north running french coast route inland stage operation overlord german forces unknown quantity quality division confronted elements germany infantry division 15th army composed infantry regiments artillery supporting arms invasion german division considered line formation static division anti invasion duties units strength furthermore troops older normal line division foreigners poland russia static division hampered having transport available horse drawn breakout infantry formations british corps deployed 6th airborne division left nearest coast centre 49th division right 51st division corps advance began august 49th division captured followed day capture saint sur 51st division august 6th airborne division advanced 6th brigade belgian netherlands brigades command advance french coastal route lighter forces 3rd 5th parachute commando brigades use inland route clear german_army division pulling divisional unit follow 3rd parachute brigade occupied 8th 9th parachute battalions 1st canadian parachute battalion rest division started advancing time 4th special service brigade headed saint pair 1st special service brigade north 6th brigade started moving road northern sector 6th brigade dutch command contend german delaying tactics lead battalions advanced heavy mortar machine gun fire stopped strong defensive position 1st battalion royal rifles unable position ordered dig day battalion relieved moved brigade concentration point reached morning august 6th brigade advance continued 12th battalion regiment lead battalion unopposed afternoon casualties german mortar machine gun fire night approaching battalion dig prepared continue advance day august battalion started attack occupied later day liberated secured high ground north town august reconnaissance patrol 1st battalion royal rifles crossed river boat german resistance area heavy battalion cross instead moved intending cross sur intelligence reported railway embankment river held force germans attempts cross river hold 2nd battalion light infantry reached river major john howard company swam established battalion local french assistance collection small boats rest battalion able cross river entering august day liberated saint correspondence reached germans defending bridge high ground battalion assaulted captured bridge intact german resistance prevented proceeding august advance continued liberated circumstances divided 6th brigade forces advancing routes belgian dutch brigades coast battalions inland 6th brigade battalions headed sur meeting slight german opposition occupied area southern sector south 3rd parachute brigade started crossing river august delayed need build crossing replace bridge destroyed division operation nightfall 1st canadian parachute battalion engaging german rearguard 8th parachute battalion reached outskirts morning brigade advance continued came heavy artillery fire high ground attack gale decided restart advance night ordered 3rd parachute brigade secure start point canal railway line 5th parachute brigade assaulted artillery position 3rd parachute brigade moved forward capturing canal bridges intact prisoners regiment august outskirts targeted german artillery causing casualties time 5th parachute brigade crossed canal south 7th parachute battalion ordered secure area east 12th parachute battalion assaulted village route 7th parachute battalion came fire german machine guns observed line troops approaching initially thought 13th parachute battalion soon identified germans battalion ambushed distance yards causing severe casualties germans 13th parachute battalion advanced close hill carried bayonet charge summit arrived time battalion german reinforcements immediately counter attacked forcing battalion inflicting casualties follow attack germans withdrawing british stopped artillery barrage time 12th parachute battalion captured taking prisoners heavy weapons day august 3rd parachute brigade advanced river fighting german infantry armour position village eventually captured 8th parachute battalion heavy fighting brigade held firm 5th parachute brigade moved reached august 13th parachute battalion led brigade attack town objective cross branches town form northern bank time 12th parachute battalion cross secure railway embankment saint royal artillery laid smoke barrage cover advance 12th parachute battalion germans opened fire yards river men battalion succeeded crossing trapped far bank running low ammunition support eventually withdrew 13th parachute battalion fought way town branch river german resistance heavy eastern branch august patrol 13th parachute battalion succeeded crossing eastern branch river quickly reinforced rest battalion fought hours gain proper forced withdraw day patrols 7th parachute battalion discovered germans withdrawn night crossed river secured high ground north closely followed rest brigade august 1st special service brigade took lead formation headed german defences held advance 3rd parachute brigade 4th special service brigade carried left flanking attack capture village suffering heavy losses german mortar fire later day gale received orders 49th west riding infantry division convinced better position capture crossing river ordered netherlands infantry brigade join 5th parachute brigade taking town august men parachute brigade mounted tanks 6th airborne armoured reconnaissance regiment raced bridge east dutch headed west dutch brigade arrived minutes germans destroyed bridge slightly ahead 7th parachute battalion dutch brigade moved secure heights overlooking river 5th parachute brigade occupied town river having reached river division ordered hold firm prepare return england days fighting advanced miles despite divisional commander major general gale infantry units equipped rapid pursuit captured square miles km2 german held territory took german prisoners landing june division casualties killed wounded missing division withdrawn france embarked england beginning september

6th Airborne Division advance to the River Seine


yugoslav campaign croatia yugoslav campaign croatia series engagements yugoslav people army yugoslav navy yugoslav air_force croatian national_guard croatian army croatian war independence originally deployed order preserve yugoslavia initial plan campaign entailed military occupation croatia removal croatian leadership elected intervention culmination involvement weapons croatia territorial defence croatian revolt begun august time frequently deployed form zone insurgents croatian police effect zones secured territorial gains insurgents led increasingly hostile relationship croatia campaign plan amended shortly campaign include relief barracks besieged besieging subsequent capture facilities allowed croatia arm previously poorly equipped military equip new recruits campaign effectively started september relatively minor offensive actions undertaken end month suffered delays manpower shortages caused low turnout serbia early october original campaign objectives reduced serbian president allies gained greater control subsequently campaign objectives deny croatian government access parts croatia contained substantial populations protect croatian serbs campaign culminated late november early december battle siege limited croatian counterattack development led stalemate battlefield strategic situation permitted development plan supervised united_nations designed create conditions political settlement conflict croatia agreement implementation signed january bringing campaign end nonetheless took months withdraw croatia replaced conflict caused deaths internal displacement people persons remain missing result campaign background following electoral defeat government socialist republic croatia ethnic tensions increased yugoslav people army confiscated weapons croatia territorial defence minimize potential resistance august tensions escalated open revolt croatian serbs centred predominantly populated areas parts regions eastern croatia january serbia supported montenegro serbia provinces unsuccessful attempts obtain approval yugoslav presidency deploy croatian security forces skirmish insurgents croatian special police march supported serbia allies asked federal presidency grant wartime powers declare state emergency request denied march summer came control serbian president yugoslav federation started fall apart facto commander secured control federal presidency influence federal defence minister general chief staff preferring campaign aimed expanding serbia preserving yugoslavia publicly threatened replace serbian army declared longer recognized authority federal presidency threat caused gradually abandon plans preserve yugoslavia favour expansion serbia end month conflict escalated fatalities occurred stepped support insurgents prevent croatian police intervening early april leaders revolt croatia declared intention integrate area control serbia government croatia considered act beginning croatia regular army effort bolster defence doubled police numbers effective force strong special police deployed battalions adopted principles military organization addition organized reserve police set battalions independent companies units lacked weapons response deteriorating situation croatian government established croatian national_guard garde special police battalions guards brigades guards brigades initially comprised troops ministry defence headed retired general martin regional police expanded attached organized brigades independent battalions guards brigades units fully equipped small arms heavier weapons effective command control structure lacking time croatian weapon stocks consisted small arms purchased abroad addition previously owned police new strong special police established replace personnel transferred guards brigades croatian view role revolt gradually evolved january september initial plan croatian president win support croatia european community united_states dismissed advice seize barracks storage facilities country stance motivated belief croatia win war limited defensive role actions appeared coordinated croatian forces impression reinforced zones established armed conflicts croatian militia intervened lost ground leaving croatian serbs control territory furthermore provided weapons croatian serbs bulk weaponry provided serbia ministry internal affairs stocks start intervention late june began drafted replace serbia prelude intervened directly croatia time july driving croatian forces north city east city summer croatian military consolidated territory control captured july day croatian police stations near captured town attacks operation carried 7th division spearheaded special police led aftermath capture police station forces committed mass killing involving deaths captured policemen seventeen civilians successfully defended mid september august croatian serbs acting operational control clashed eastern fighting eastern led barracks cities limited fighting garrisons western croatian militia attempted advance held area south formed zone following fighting croatia denied use major transport routes northern initiated clashes coordinated advances croatian forces attacks culminated capture august bridge september capture bridge severed remaining road link rest croatia summer performance poor lacked manpower weapons exerted inadequate command control professional troops better trained opponents exception special police set serbian state security service september accepted proposed peace conference despite ultimatum demanding return barracks august yugoslav presidency accepted conference began september days later croatian member chair federal presidency ordered return barracks hours motivated impression conference continued lost ground order disputed members presidency gave croatia justification openly confront september croatian police blockaded cut utilities facilities access beginning battle barracks blockaded large garrisons croatia numerous smaller facilities including border posts weapons ammunition storage depots quickly captured isolated facilities depots major posts seized large quantities weapons including capture entire stocks 32nd corps nearly weapons confiscated croatia lost control brigades including armoured brigades artillery regiments additional forces fifth military district military maritime district remained besieged significance battle barracks reinforced introduction united_nations arms september september appointed chief general staff armed forces republic croatia order battle early september time reserve troops guards brigades time troops units fully equipped small arms lacked heavy weapons strong special police force established replace personnel transferred original special police units guards brigades september croatian small arms consisted purchased abroad addition previously owned police battle barracks resulted large increase weapon holdings allowing existing units raising additional brigades fielding total troops police end year captured tanks heavy artillery pieces small arms long tons short tons ammunition addition officers left joined supported croatian defence forces croatian militia raised croatian party rights party stated troops police estimated armed planned stage troops wave ups performed july meant croatia actual offensive launched allow timely deployment crucial units stage failed deter croatian forces second stage commenced september met large scale refusal personnel report designated units overall lack enthusiasm campaign resulted low troop availability forcing deploy fewer infantry units abandon operations response particularly poor central serbia called reported service nonetheless september discharged completed terms service reached planned troop levels problems troops commanders request general command general strengthen troop levels denied believe campaign needed feasible despite problems forces deployed support campaign consisted approximately troops tanks armoured vehicles artillery pieces supported yugoslav air_force navy timeline developed plan defeat croatia militarily overthrow government create conditions necessary continued existence yugoslavia plan amended september accommodate besieging garrisons incorporating lifting blockade campaign objectives plan entailed corps level campaigns designed impose air naval blockade croatia capture territory populated serbs relieve barracks siege axes attack specified split armoured forces tasked capture eastern advances west identified main effort campaign finally land blockade planned coupled advance west river support drive split plan proposed withdrawal populated areas croatia croatia objectives completed sources conflict issue september offensive eastern responded siege garrison september deployed troops relieve barracks independent effort main thrust campaign croatia initially planned start september southern operational group thrust spearheaded 1st guards division expected lift siege barracks reach days days group expected reach line advancing road belgrade motorway avoiding major population centres northern operational group 12th sad corps advance west operational groups assigned approximately troops supporting personnel 17th corps probably tasked crossing river marking border croatia join westward drive motorway crossing occurred campaign brought forward day september change schedule caused 1st guards division commit battle arrived eastern reconnaissance preparation resulting traffic jam road prevented units reaching river turn prevented 1st guards division crossing river confined area danube east units division receive brigade appears reaching croatian frontier 2nd guards brigade victim friendly fire bombardment area adjacent border units sad corps morale declined number friendly fire incidents corps tasked main axis advance western secondary drive task consistent line expected reached main thrust advancing east week corps deployed brigade near support advance started september reached mountains corps received brigades artillery brigade reinforcements advance problems morale experienced eastern present corps instance brigade sent reinforcement reduced strong battalion september stopped nova croatian militia units took positions north near support corps fully deployed started campaign northern southern september captured september sustained defeats days later near september attempted capture city defeat corps ceased attacks rest month days serbian guard lost positions city september corps captured troops assembling near southern tip croatia consisted elements corps advanced croatian soil end september problems bosnia captured september failed progress failure planned campaign limited consolidation positions held september yugoslav navy blockaded croatian adriatic ports split week reduced objectives september general staff reduced objectives campaign followed initial plan reduced objectives called offensive defensive actions inflicting decisive defeats croatian forces eastern strikes vital infrastructure croatia obtain agreement evacuation besieged facilities units ground started implement new orders day effect completely october october serbian representatives yugoslav presidency declared acting federal presidency assumed control days later requested presidency authorize general forces needed campaign refused october effort considered failure commanders formally accepted role forced limited strategic objectives croatia protection populated areas effort relieve barracks turned protracted siege delaying troops significant proportion armoured units slated thrust captured mid november victory proved completely disrupted overall campaign battle formally approved use paramilitary volunteers fill ranks included white eagles volunteer guard trained serbian ministry interior october federal presidency authorized enlist volunteers estimated people emigrated yugoslavia taken refuge friends relatives avoid draft capturing 12th corps advanced south west november west november croatian forces renamed croatian army month contained advances according general commander 1st military district time immediate objectives advances reached river captured entire southern bank areas september advances achieved attempted additional push october november attempts failed october initiated attack area pushing area days later october reached banks rivers intensity fighting died greatest hostilities area occurred november garrison based suburb broke siege battle reached held territory east city south captured november november eliminating pocket activity limited air raids peaking october october corps initiated attacks western major effort employing bulk corps days later advance established defensive positions outside nova captured october captured days later time campaign western lost momentum northern corps attacked october reaching outskirts lifting siege barracks day advance blocked truce agreed october days later followed agreement evacuate facilities including equipment stored south corps military maritime district forces advanced eastern bay pushed east west october placing besieging city end month supported montenegro area croatian troops defending city city held sustaining increasingly intensive artillery naval air bombardment agreed area december siege shaped international opinion croatian war independence major contributor shift international diplomatic economic isolation serbia yugoslavia resulted creation perception serbia yugoslavia state attacks supported yugoslav navy blockaded coast occasions october shipping croatia ferry lines islands gulf halted blockade lifted october final blockade restricting access split addition started november november yugoslav navy sustained losses unsuccessfully attacked split island yugoslav blockade northern adriatic ended november southern adriatic lifted december croatian counter offensive october croatia declared independence yugoslavia declaration preceded day yugoslav air_force attack presidential office croatian authorities considered war situation longer critical assessment followed order prepare plans counter offensive october orders commence offensive operations issued november plans involved containing south advancing river south road secure mountains advancing bridge road stopping advance north west significant results produced western croatian forces began pushing away october away nova november mid november push axis recaptured villages december recaptured croatian forces renamed december mountains north croatian militia supported brought croatian control period offensive recapture area operation commenced final days december area attacked directions nova effort progress west nova limited international pressure called offensive december second significant offensive operation launched river december tasked advancing operation failed shallow established days battles fought individual villages little progress captured villages south november december lines generally static aftermath campaign croatia ended stalemate leading sides accept internationally supervised late november longer position substantial advances refused pursue objectives longer considered september december captured weapons significantly increased capabilities mid january commanded troops tanks armoured vehicles artillery pieces disposal positions western brink military collapse struggled munitions depleted arms prevented quick resupply end conflict killed wounded internally displaced persons sources report killed include soldiers losses officially reported killed action figure considerably higher casualties consistently reported war counter offensive western created refugees fled area ordered croatian forces withdraw subsequently settled held early approximately croatian citizens missing held allies approximately imprisoned camps serbia montenegro bosnia croatian territory controlled camps set approximately prisoners died detained camps prisoners released august people missing result campaign sides committed numerous atrocities conflict significant committed croatian forces massacre atrocities committed forces far greater scale significant ones committed killing prisoners war aftermath battle bombardment war crimes subsequently prosecuted international criminal tribunal yugoslavia set terms security council resolution atrocities prompted germany grant croatia diplomatic recognition mid november overcame opposition united_kingdom france united_states late december formally recognized croatia december german decision followed recognition member states january croatian serbs turn declared establishment republic serbian december held areas comprising approximately croatian territory entirely dependent serbia economically financially battlefield stalemate allowed implementation plan outcome diplomatic mission yugoslavia special envoy secretary general united_nations cyrus aided united_states diplomat secretary general united_nations special political affairs aimed producing negotiated end hostilities croatia plan proposed protection civilians specific areas designated protected areas deployment croatia plan endorsed signed geneva accord effect geneva switzerland november accord provided end croatian blockade barracks withdrawal personnel equipment croatia implementation delivery humanitarian aid parties accord agreed deployment mission croatia mission subsequently authorised united_nations security council resolution november following formal request deployment submitted yugoslav government previous day implementation agreement ensuring required deployment signed croatian defence minister deputy commander 5th military district general bosnia january generally held took effect january area remained positions town july naval blockade lifted consequence organizational problems agreement deployment start march plan considered saved croatian serbs defeat


bombing tan son air base bombing tan son air base occurred april days fall bombing operation carried vietnam people air_force squadron captured republic vietnam air_force aircraft flown pilots led bombed presidential palace month earlier time paris peace accord concluded south vietnam possessed fourth largest air_force world despite size south vietnamese air_force operations severely curtailed military aid furthermore south vietnamese air_force prevented undertaking reconnaissance ground support missions threat posed formidable anti aircraft weapons deployed north vietnam north vietnamese military renewed offensive early south vietnamese air_force virtually handicapped aircraft lost captured formations vietnam people army swept central highlands south vietnam april morale south vietnamese air_force sunk low personnel simply defected communist known incident south vietnamese pilot fighter bomber attack presidential palace instead north vietnamese troops shortly joined communist forces ordered train group north vietnamese pilots operate fighter bomber order support campaign afternoon april led flight fighter bombers tan son air base temporarily stopped south vietnamese evacuation efforts background strategic situation paris peace supposed end war vietnam fighting continued south vietnam north vietnam despite pledge support president richard_nixon military aid south vietnam sharply reduced end fourth largest air_force world aircraft personnel operations severely affected military aid flying hours reduced bomb loads fighter aircraft pieces ordnance north vietnam continued build combat units south vietnam threat removed north vietnamese military moved anti aircraft units south vietnam deployed sophisticated air defence network included long range surface air missile system radar guided anti aircraft guns shoulder launched missile strong presence north vietnamese anti aircraft units covered northern provinces south vietnam forced reconnaissance fighter aircraft fly higher altitudes avoid hit surface air missiles consequently north vietnam went offensive severely handicapped campaign campaign commenced march mid march army republic vietnam withdrawn central highlands 6th air_force division given hours evacuate aircraft personnel air base leaving aircraft intact including aircraft storage attempt aircraft commission march south vietnamese forces corps facing imminent defeat brigadier general commander 1st air_force division ordered evacuate aircraft march north vietnamese forces closed subjected air base heavy artillery bombardment adverse conditions able fly aircraft city abandon aircraft including chaos confusion poor discipline breakdown airfield security march north vietnamese captured followed april april air base remnants continued battle north vietnamese troops days ground units given fight elements airborne division committed fight overwhelmed north vietnamese captured april attack presidential palace april formation tiger fighter bombers lined air base armed pound bombs attack north vietnamese positions province second aircraft took lieutenant piloted reported aircraft experiencing problems second aircraft departed took flew instead joining formation presidential palace dropped bombs bomb landed palace grounds caused damage second bomb failed explode climbed meters making second pass time bombs exploded causing minor structural damage casualties attack flew landed petroleum storage facility outskirts city removed ammunition cannon shortly took flew long province occupied provisional revolutionary government north vietnamese troops captured earlier year warmly received north vietnamese soldiers north vietnamese claimed agent served fighter squadron 3rd air_force division later revealed originally province region father served district secretary people revolutionary party father killed body mutilated south vietnamese police angered death father vowed revenge south vietnamese government secretly joined accepted battle preparation mission prior bombing presidential palace north vietnamese general field commanders discussing possibility deploying units vietnam people air_force attack high value south vietnamese targets support north vietnamese ground troops use soviet fighter considered north vietnamese pilots significant combat experience type moving bases north vietnam problematic south vietnamese defenses falling faster anticipated simply little time deploy support north vietnamese units north vietnamese captured large number aircraft air bases decided use captured aircraft instead decision use captured aircraft presented challenge lacked experience flying aircraft furthermore pilots proficient english language trained soviet equipment russian language receiving news actions april general decided provide conversion training group north vietnamese pilots able fly type selected upcoming operation sent air base joined van van fighter pilots captured march tasked translating english vietnamese language translating instructions board vietnamese april command ordered prepare operation south vietnam group pilots 4th squadron fighter regiment selected undertake conversion training form new squadron operation selected group led upper captain van han van pilots group form determined win squadron april pilots arrived air base began training aircraft restored flying condition support captured south vietnamese technicians days pilots able independently fly support pilots pilots completing final phases conversion training command chose attack tan son air base afternoon april pilots flown air base province major general van tri commander upcoming operation tri instructed pilots ensure bombs hit civilian areas original group selected attack instructed test fly captured bombers squadron morning april squadron operational squadron commander transferred air base attack submitted squadron plan attack command lead formation aircraft familiar skies positioned second aircraft followed fourth pilot aircraft formation april bombers squadron armed pound bombs took aircraft flew meters meters apart save fuel kilometers distance aircraft formation fly height meters navigation point formation turn tan son squadron flew air base sighted conducting bombing sorties near area allowed engage shortly formation able approach tan son air base wearing south vietnamese code numbers meters target target bombs released forced pull aircraft line able drop entire bomb load target target experienced problems weapons release system bombs dropped aircraft piloted successfully hit targets aircraft ground gunfire pass bombs released stage south vietnamese responded firing anti aircraft guns ordered squadron withdraw final attempt dropping load emergency mode pursue attackers escaped damage return trip led formation followed flown bombing attempt trailing rest group flew fly lower altitude avoid mistakenly hit north vietnamese anti aircraft weapons formation came kilometers granted permission land imp gal gal fuel left squadron commander land followed led attack mission aircraft arrive base april pilots squadron landed completing north vietnam successful air attack entire vietnam war aftermath attack tan son temporarily closed airport soon returned operation true extent damage unknown north vietnamese claimed aircraft destroyed south vietnamese personnel killed sources state destroyed mention casualties night april north vietnamese artillery rockets hitting tan son dawn april began depart tan son air base departed thailand helicopters took search evacuation fleet task force aircraft stay continue fight advancing north vietnamese spent night april dropping firing approaching north vietnamese dawn april began patrolling perimeter tan son feet shot presumably firing north vietnamese formations east tan son hit fell flames ground deteriorating situation tan son fixed wing evacuation cancelled operation frequent wind commenced


argentine chilean naval arms race late nineteenth early twentieth centuries south american nations argentina chile engaged expensive naval arms race ensure gain supremacy southern cone argentine chilean navies possessed insignificant naval forces 1860s zero warships respectively argentina concern strong brazilian navy chilean war spain caused add capable warships fleets 1870s time diplomatic relations argentina chile conflicting boundary claims particularly beginning 1880s war pacific chilean government possessed possibly strongest navy americas planned add appropriation battleship protected cruisers torpedo argentina responded year later order battleships naval arms race years country buying ordering vessels slightly better previous ship eventually pulled ahead acquisition multiple class cruisers race ended british contained binding naval limiting agreement governments sold canceled ships ordered major warships disarmed balance fleets proved answer argentine chilean disputes countries enjoyed period warm relations brazilian government attempt rebuild naval forces sparked naval arms race involving countries orders revolutionary new dreadnoughts powerful battleships capabilities far older vessels world navies background conflicting argentine chilean claims southernmost region south_america causing tension countries 1840s countries incapable enforcing claims force small vessels argentine navy ships attitudes quickly changed circumstances chile joined peru spain islands war blockaded bombarded leading chilean government strengthen navy argentine government president domingo decided build navy 1870s counter brazilian naval acquisitions large monitors los ordered brothers british company delivered tensions heightened chilean warships seized merchant ships licensed operate disputed area argentine government argentine warship chilean licensed american ship action nearly led war november dispatched squadron warships santa river chilean navy responded kind war avoided hastily signed treaty countries incapable enforcing claims force years occupied internal military operations indigenous population involved war pacific del peru warships ordered nations commissioned central battery ironclad brown protected cruiser respectively ordered protected cruiser bolster fleet centered central battery ironclads ships chilean navy emerged war pacific navy americas surpassing navy united_states fallen steep decline american_civil_war chilean government utilized advantage deployed panama block attempting annex region arms race chilean government moved begin naval arms race ordered modern ironclad battleship protected cruisers torpedo boats france united_kingdom bought appropriation budget ships upset balance naval power latin_america vessels larger warships far experienced crewmen purchase worse argentine perspective large order rifles field guns arm strong army argentine government responded battleships individually smaller chilean counterpart protected cruisers purchased stocks new build design purchases funded largely export related chile argentina grain cattle chilean civil war naval ambitions chile escalated conflict chilean navy played significant role congressional president army resulting victory congressional subsequent presidency admiral led large increase prestige consequent funding navy argentine naval units assisted failed revolts argentina continuing naval acquisitions chile meant little effect chilean government purchased protected cruiser stocks purchased buenos_aires built british late sold oldest protected cruiser late finance order armored cruiser new torpedo boats brazilian protected cruiser purchased construction august purchased italian armored cruiser stocks july april chile ordered armored cruiser torpedo boats naval historian robert states argentina replied month san near sister ship construction italy notes small time lapse orders makes difficult impossible know opposite true historian grant writes moved secure definite momentarily advantage chilean navy chilean government found planning acquiring class cruisers tensions extremely high war seemingly imminent countries agreed submit boundary disputes british led boundary case argentina chile signed led resolution dispute arbitration took time naval arms race time eased tension came agreements continued acquire additional armored cruisers named general powerful previous counter chilean government ordered new battleships gold reserve pay battleships fast speed suitable opposing new argentine armored cruisers purchased protected cruiser built speculation stocks late responded inquiry possibly order new long ton battleship design mount main battery capable steaming knots mph increased tensions near state war argentina chile caused british intervene economic interests region included export british goods import latin american raw materials disrupted talks held chilean capital british ambassador chile argentine ambassador chile chilean foreign minister president led ended dispute limited naval armaments countries argentina chile barred acquiring warships years gave eighteen months advance notice warships construction sold united_kingdom chile battleships class japan argentina armored cruisers class planned argentine battleships ordered chile disarmed exception main batteries argentine navy crane capable removing armored cruiser gun turrets aftermath argentine chilean naval arms race extremely expensive countries argentine government able purchase worth ships large foreign loans given despite country role crisis government total foreign debt reached million gold chile forced million pound loan order purchase krupp weaponry combined loans led banking industry suspend loans chile diplomatic crisis argentina solved argentine president american ambassador argentina william lord ascribed ending arms race diminished credit argentina chile measures success argentina chile enjoyed period tensions leaving near state war ended expensive naval major country south_america brazil brought crashing halt congress passed large naval construction plan culminated brazilian order dreadnoughts new form warship advanced armament propulsion capabilities far older vessels world navies laid immediately follow argentine chilean governments quickly moved cancel remaining months naval limiting eventually responded orders dreadnoughts


action november action november significant engagement month cruise french frigate squadron indian_ocean napoleonic wars french commander commodore raided bay squadron achieved local superiority capturing numerous merchant ships minor warships november ships squadron encountered convoy india bound east mainly carrying recruits indian army administered honourable east india company despite spirited resistance largest british merchant ship failure support leader size power french ships forced british withdraw ships subsequently captured larger faster french warships month later raiding campaign disaster winter hurricane voyage france wrecked flagship survived operation british prisoners aboard brought ship safely port captured successfully brought france storm nearly destroyed scattered squadron prizes allowing patrolling british frigate recapture miles french island background late autumn french_navy large frigates east indies ships stationed france ordered attack disrupt british trade routes far_east particular british india disruption intended negative financial effect british economy force royal_navy send ships indian_ocean valuable resources commander french force commodore highly skilled officer ordered frigates disperse bay hunt british east large armed merchant ships carried millions pounds worth goods britain empire year late spring active french frigates caroline intercepted convoy east action brief determined resistance larger vessels east able escape captured brought spring royal_navy region represented admiral cape good hope active gathered squadron available ships ordered blockade french indian_ocean islands probe weaknesses assist future invasion attempts force led commodore hms mainly consisted frigates roughly equivalent numbers french force significant operation successful raid saint paul september cruise july departed france bay accompanied corvette frigate frigates armed cannon corvette ships complement experienced sailors drawn pool unemployed men stranded france british blockade force followed month later similarly sized frigate early cruises successful operating initially islands captured armed ship orient july targets despite capture number small merchant vessels forced squadron east south find british shipping attack october raided small trading port sumatra captured british population razed town november sailing season end finally encountered sizable target cruising accompanied sighted chased northwards bound convoy east ships united_kingdom command captain john stewart stewart ships departed britain months earlier destined calcutta receive britain main cargo voyage passengers primarily soldiers enlisted army vessels weighed approximately tons carried cannon warships crews trained military standards guns powerful typically carried military vessels addition large proportion crew considered reliable combat stewart warned presence sloop hms week earlier gunnery case meet french squadron ship ship east french frigates faster stronger powerful better armed manned convoy british formidable target years earlier battle convoy east defeated pursued powerful french squadron admiral similar waters engagement french squadron initial pursuit british captain jean guy falling substantially flagship seeing stewart realised best hope convoy survival unite attack combined batteries east deployed hopefully inflicting damage drive away discourage attacking signalling intentions captains united_kingdom stewart turned bore realising threat scattered squadron faced signalled ships join wind obvious reach clear despite vessels speed stewart plan going fail captains united_kingdom attempted join advance deliberately checking advance french falling far stewart faced overwhelming odds option continue attack ship close attempt flee french frigate captain guy opened fire shot repeatedly striking approached stewart return fire instead waiting ship closer gunnery unable reach french ship directly stewart absorbed french fire close able guns results disappointing entire broadside sea far short french ship approached close range ships fired hour stewart companions fire occasional ineffective shot extreme range guy pulled away battered opponent order join flagship sent slow united_kingdom chase stewart break action effect rudimentary repairs battered ship agreement officers determined abandon ships escape corvette rapidly overhauled captured united_kingdom captains charles william making attempt resist escape embroiled lengthy chase stewart threw essential stores overboard effort ship lighter faster days led pursuit bay november finally closed british ship forced surrender return france captain guy victor sailing independently squadron successful cruise capturing small british warship hms victor november gun portuguese frigate november northern bay sailing france south guy reunited prizes december determined return france cyclone season ship indian_ocean risk destruction sudden tropical cyclone fast approaching dangerous time sea year seven large east sunk thousand lives major hurricanes year flagship sir thomas hms disappeared trace similar circumstances december winter storm struck french squadron heavy waves high winds separated convoy remaining ships continuing southwards journey french prize crew able regain control ship continued france struck larger hurricane december lost gale french crew panicked storm began refused attend sails close result vessel founded huge amounts water poured ship desperation called captain stewart cabin requested men save ship demanded stewart word men attempt escape seize frigate stewart refused guarantee agreed help repair damage bring ship safety securing weapons aboard agreed stewart men cut away wrecked masts pumped water hold repairing ship able continue journey fear december battered docked stewart men opportunity seize freedom marched port louis witnessed arrival accompanied united_kingdom january services stewart fellow prisoners later released allowed sail cape good hope discovered failed arrive france prize crew retained control ship following storm sighted chased seized sight france december newly arrived british frigate hms captain curtis prizes arrived port louis january having slipped past blockade period calm weather aftermath casualties battle minimal british losing killed wounded french recorded casualties significance action lies ease french frigates operating france able attack capture vital trade convoys facing opposition action november second occasion british east india convoy destroyed lost action july following year losses exceptionally heavy especially combined east wrecked eventually provoke massive buildup british forces late despite french success able operate independently manner needed operate strong british frigate squadrons returned spring harass cruisers prepare planned invasions france soldiers stationed rodriguez french commodore ultimately unable prevent operations eventually captured action september personal engagement hms


clash clash known croatia battle croatian skirmish took place croatian town march clash result deteriorating ethnic tensions croatia breakup yugoslavia violence croatian war independence clash began rebel serbs seized town police station municipal building harassed croatian government officials croatian government carried rebels sending interior ministry special police establish control fighting broke sides despite attempted intervention yugoslav national army croatian government control town agreement pull special police reached restoring town conditions attempt seize control police background following electoral defeat government socialist republic croatia croatian democratic union croatian ethnic tensions serbs worsened yugoslav people army confiscated croatia territorial defence weapons minimize resistance august tensions escalated open revolt croatian serbs centred predominantly populated areas parts eastern croatia croatian serbs established serbian national council july coordinate opposition croatian president policy pursuing independence milan southern town elected president police chief milan established paramilitary militias men eventually political military leaders republic self declared state incorporating inhabited areas croatia beginning croatia regular army bolster defence croatia doubled police personnel effective force strong special police deployed battalions adopting military organisation organised reserve police organized battalions companies lacked weapons according croatian census serbs largest ethnic group municipality followed democratic_party politician political leader croatian serbs western held view serbs croatia february municipal council controlled voted join serbian autonomous later renamed subordinate police station ministry internal affairs vote constitutional court croatia february timeline february directed town police station municipal buildings march disarmed town croatian policemen subjected local croatian officials campaign intimidation police commanded sided response president ordered croatian interior ministry restore government authority town march strong croatian police force entered company special police unit dispatched approached village number croatian civilians followed force outside cleared resistance croatian police secured town police station unopposed hours later shots fired police station nearby hill force commanded soon second croatian special police unit anti terrorist unit arrived retreated east villages mountain special police commanded arrested ethnic rebels including ethnic policemen sustaining deaths injuries replaced police chief croatian action prompted intervention federal yugoslav government serbian representative collective presidency yugoslavia supported request yugoslav defence minister send scene tanks arrived late evening march took positions parts town stationed near town hospital afternoon additional unit led colonel milan arrived taking positions close croatian special police acting orders major general commander 32nd corps authorised deployment companies armoured battalion brigade based arrival tanks came late stop croatian special police town prompted remaining rebels begin shooting town surrounding hills shots fired police vehicle patrol policemen shot men retreating position shot police vehicle return shooting ended talks croatian member federal presidency colonel produced agreement croatian police allowed retain control town planned retake control special police force attack cancelled croatian authorities agreed withdraw special police evening march withdrew following decision yugoslav presidency abandoning northern approaches town march pulling completely seven days later aftermath agreement withdraw special police largely restored status quo arrested policemen returned service march charges eventually filed including incident lasting significance skirmish croatian war independence scale war croatia rebel population supported serbia serbian government clash strengthen nationalist propaganda claims croatia committing genocide population deaths clash reported serbian media outlets indication confused highly inaccurate nature reporting belgrade daily newspaper reported page town orthodox priest killed second page wounded page printed statement yugoslav presidency finally issued statement killed serbia ruling socialist party serbia led condemned croatian police action brutal attack croatian government population violent fascist methods statement carried prominently state controlled radio television belgrade urged serbs attend protest meetings violent behaviour croatian government clash demand authorised forcibly croatia request specifically demanding granting wartime powers introduction state emergency presidency session request refused declared longer recognised authority federal presidency police intervention prompted political leaders urge local population erect town pre intervention stating police forces moving guarded armed civilians approximately protesters gathered municipal council building demand removal flag croatia


operation operation airborne forces operation conducted british_army june normandy landings world war mission objective infantry 6th brigade divisional troops reinforce british 6th airborne division left flank british invasion beaches landing zones west canal east river airborne operation involving units division day operation captured known bridges operation followed dropping division parachute brigades near east proved successful towed aircraft group raf group arriving safely landing zones landings included tanks delivered combat air background plans normandy invasion included assault landings sea supported airborne landings flanks british american airborne divisions action 6th airborne division chosen land left flank british landing zone primary objective day capture intact bridges canal river division secondary objective destruction gun battery engage ships landing nearby sword beach prevent german reinforcements approaching invasion area east 6th airborne destroy bridges crossing river dig hold left flank advance bridges captured operation infantry assault reinforced company 2nd battalion light infantry operation division secondary objectives involved parachute brigades 5th parachute brigade provided defence depth captured bridges deploying east west canal river 3rd parachute brigade destroyed gun battery bridges crossing fell form defensive line east 5th parachute brigade strength airborne division formation 6th brigade parachute brigades constant shortage transport aircraft meant brigade transported normandy time rest division brigade infantry battalions consisted men rifle companies support company consisting anti tank armed pounder guns mortar inch mortars vickers machine gun fixed plan troops arriving operation depend preceding units 6th airborne division landing sword beach day gone plan cross waterways expand divisions position south planes returning missions repaired required ready tow evening included piloted men pilot regiment wingspan feet length feet maximum load capacity pounds space pilots maximum troops artillery gun trailer division heavier equipment carried thirty general aircraft carry light tanks crews belonging 6th airborne armoured reconnaissance regiment carried trailers carrying fuel supplies crews transported universal carriers crews carried universal carriers converted accommodate inch mortar universal carrier equipped slave battery sixteen german forces coastal area guarded infantry division comprising infantry battalions deployed defend miles atlantic wall poorly equipped mixture foreign weapons unit manned poland russia france german officer senior non commissioned officers second division 21st moved area battalions positioned east west canal bridge 21st division new formation based africa unit destroyed north_africa equipped assortment older tanks armoured vehicles division officers veterans men old division filled ranks 12th division division day march area response initial airborne naval landings noon june 21st division received permission attack commanders informed general army corps don succeed throwing british sea shall lost war east river regiment headed captured bridges column quickly spotted engaged hours allied artillery aircraft causing heavy losses west canal 1st battalion regiment 100th regiment successfully reached coast british sword canadian beaches linked infantry regiment defending lion sur german units gathered strength beaches waited orders divisional commander england operation carrying remaining men equipment 6th airborne division took squadrons fighter aircraft deployed raf escort aircraft force crossed english channel arrived normandy daylight previous navigation problems affected earlier operations absent approached landing areas met anti aircraft fire german defenders ground headed landing areas landing zone east saint landing zone north remaining troops 2nd battalion light infantry company 12th battalion regiment landed given limited availability aircraft lifts provide capacity transport battalion rest arrived sea june 6th brigade headquarters 1st battalion royal rifles 6th airborne armoured reconnaissance regiment landed equipped light tank time tank flown battle air watching arriving major general richard nelson gale later wrote impossible relief watched reinforcement arrive german reaction second airborne landings involved mortar small arms fire casualties 21st division watched descending believing arriving force threaten lines communication ordered elements division reached beaches withdraw north arrival inadvertently stopped german armoured attack day moving 1st battalion royal rifles headed south capture villages battery 53rd worcester light regiment royal artillery arrived equipped pack engaging german targets thirty minutes landing 2nd battalion light infantry away crossed canal river bridges captured hours earlier company headed midnight 6th airborne division allied formation seized day objectives aftermath reinforcement 6th brigade strengthened 6th airborne division weak position parachute battalions scattered parachute drops strength june 2nd battalion light infantry occupied miles south 1st battalion royal rifles occupied miles south west unopposed ordered advance mile battalion caught open german artillery mistake guns hms unable proceed battalion remained control 12th battalion regiment arrived evening june took defence day cost 6th airborne division dead wounded missing division remained holding taking patrols small scale local attacks august crossed river august division reached sur halted remained beginning september withdrawn england


battle battle took place egyptian army israeli defense forces stages war october south city west bank suez_canal egypt battle took place larger launched operation attempt seize logistical supply lines egypt second field army suez_canal breaking newly established west canal northern end great bitter lake launched offensive combined force egyptian fought delaying battle falling defensive positions north increasing pressure infantry armor october occupying line defense including positions canal outnumbered repulsed final israeli effort capture city united_nations imposed bringing battle end registered tactical strategic victory defense stopping large forces east bank suez_canal ensuring supply lines remained open background october egypt launched operation started war succeeded crossing suez_canal establishing east bank israeli occupied counter attacks launched israeli reserves unsuccessful october fighting come egyptian president soon ordered offensive seize strategic mountain passes despite protests objections senior commanders offensive hoped divert israeli pressure october offensive ill planned ill executed culminated heavy egyptian losses achieving objectives failed egyptian offensive gave initiative immediately launched operation aiming cross canal egyptian armies order egyptian forces east banks cut supply lines planned operation began smoothly quickly ran problems faced difficulties establishing corridor canal unexpectedly determined resistance egyptian defenses known battle chinese farm days heavy fighting able secure roads canal october bridges laid northern end great bitter lake day israeli armored divisions canal advanced south city armored division major general advanced north seize hoping supply lines egyptian divisions second field army canal prelude west bank canal lined series meters high referred strong points opening days war allow egyptian forces directly fire east bank strong points great bitter lake canal north south pumping station village area largely agricultural irrigation ditches present significant obstacles villages numerous farms especially orange trees density foliage terrain unsuitable vehicles called jungle vietnam west suez_canal running parallel canal distributed freshwater inhabitants canal zone cities branched canal running east river near cairo lake bridges canal bridge bridges railroad located village western outskirts west upper bridge called engineers wired bridges demolition charges destruction fall second army reserve included 10th infantry brigades occupying series fortified defenses northern bank canal brigade comprising battalions composed companies command colonel assigned responsibility defending area south israeli offensive arrived bulk brigade midnight october brigadier general commander second army identified west bank strong points objectives secure provide fire support egyptian forces east bank hold bridges canal battalion commanded lieutenant colonel involved recent counter attack despite breaking certain areas seizing supporting armor greatly outnumbered counter attack failed battalion suffered dead missing wounded dawn october pulled military base egyptian forces area battalion lightning group engaged heavy fighting nearby military base sultan late october battalion companies ordered withdraw vicinity northward defend october division canal included brigade colonel matt armored brigade colonel wanting expand israeli northward received permission cross unit armored brigade colonel west bank october armor holding israeli october facing little resistance brigade involved heavy fighting chinese farm relieved israeli reinforcements battle day morning october israeli began push northward ordered attack received permission launch offensive direction israeli battalion moved spearheaded company mounted half tracks village occupied company battalion defenders received platoon reinforcements compensate losses began receiving fire approached town battalion commander decided push ahead entered village encountered heavy resistance lead half track cut fourteen men including company commander captain managed cover houses took position covering approaches ammunition passed held position hours engaging ranges meters meters hitting positions law anti tank weapon armor managed reach unit retrieve withdrew egyptian pressure suffered killed wounded attack awarded medal performance day battalion company occupying positions north sultan despite receiving order retreat night october heavily outnumbered intensity fighting prevented withdrawing positions consequently ordered artillery area including company position inadvertently leading friendly fire casualties soon firing subsided israeli attacked morning severe fighting including hand hand combat ensued sides suffered heavy losses held position night companies retreated battalion sustained casualties including officers fighting october subsequently withdrawn morning moved south objectives reaching relative ease battalion occupied strong points pumping station commander mistake separating forces equally strong points concentrating forces southernmost strong points pumping station clearly israeli bridge corrected artillery fire directed bridge second army artillery forces continued fire following day scoring hits bridge egyptian artillery fire bridges inflict heavy casualties end war accuracy egyptian artillery strikes alerted attacked strong point pumping station armor seized instead concentrating forces counter attack battalion commander forces originally assigned strong point counter attack regain inevitably failed forces battalion reached established defenses mainly position south railway station hill called point battalions positioned division canal afternoon day egyptian chief staff arrived second army headquarters president request sought assess situation work plan counter israeli advance agreed withdraw 15th armored brigade east bank north reserve force egyptian forces east bank attack southward narrow israeli corridor canal brigade continue defending area south canal additional units committed solved major problem concerning anti tank weaponry brigade completely lacking anti tank weapons stripped anti tank guided missile battalion equipped sent east bank support initial offensive battalion second belonging infantry brigade withdrawn east bank october brought units carried orders relative secrecy direct orders minister war withdraw units east bank measures decided implemented second day armored brigade completed crossing morning joined division received actual approval begin offensive meantime battalion completed base returned placed command group retreated north informed group new area operations objective defending upper bridge crucial cairo desert road incorporated bridge ordered matt push northward battalion occupying defenses attack failed sent matt left flank battalion thirty tanks infantry superior flank egyptian position heavy close quarter fighting trenches extra units brought position reported defenses penetrated afternoon later withdrew bridges canal captured egyptian positions area discovered hill contained major egyptian radio intercept station capture caused collapse egyptian defenses area pulled village ain kilometres north ordered battalion withdraw adjacent strong point abandoning occupied fire egyptian positions canal hastily organised defenses new line defenses kilometres south egyptian general headquarters cairo sent group battalions given objective eliminating israeli forces area destroying israeli bridges suez_canal team attached end group armor heavy weaponry transports large military trucks include second army command planning fact notified second army operation morning october group begun moving cairo alarmed second army command ordered military police stop group vehicles commander colonel arrive headquarters arrived evening met men shocked learned objectives imaginary impossible achieve indication state confusion time canceled entire operation placed unit second army command instead turn notified new orders midnight headquarters informed reply proceed original mission fourth days starting sunrise october israeli air_force launched aerial attacks duration day targeting nearby army base close air support provided advancing ground forces israeli aircraft employed ordnance fitted time egyptian troops left evening returning cairo presented grim evaluation military situation recommendation withdraw armored forces counter israeli threat west bank created command crisis ultimately withdrawal took place renewed division attack day moving north brigade matt right center left advance spanned entire area suez_canal east canal west dawn ain attack battalion concentrated forces strong point hard pressed superior israeli armored forces reported situation second army headquarters requested permission detonate nearby bridge canal flood area advancing issued strict orders canal crucial source drinking water civilians way city situation deteriorating soon bridge destroyed broke sections nearby irrigation canals flooding entire area israeli tanks hulls muddy water led matt brigade advance center instead armored brigades forced infantry push ahead foot position remained heavy air artillery attack midday surrounded losses death injury left battalion able fight battalion able hold ain afternoon retreated battalion ordered occupy battalion commander col found reconnaissance surrounded large israeli forces heavy fire limited battalion defenses occupying battalion main forces including companies placing single company group having mission confirmed began moving southward sunset battalions advanced columns pushing company ahead vanguard col sent patrols ahead returned rest considered missing group moved south encountered groups egyptian battalions retreating northward israeli pressure unit neared ain ambushed israeli force intense took place vanguard engaged transports hit soldiers disembarked vehicles took cover nearby farms vehicles transports turned great difficulty entire group soon began retreat position south village roughly kilometres south called artillery support interfering radio net communicated arabic led israeli artillery fire falling forces instead suffered casualties density trees hit radius artillery rounds provided cover retreat canal able contact asked arrive headquarters change orders arrived midnight managed lengthy drawn conversation convince cancel operation place group command assist instead sacrificing elite force mission finally tasked occupying defending reorganized force occupied villages battalion dawn october despite near commitment battalion actually reinforced egyptian defenses helped defeat israeli attack battle continued south lake saw fashion raging forth nightfall october progress egyptian firmly control according time israeli artillery fire main cairo road lost contact battalion night intensity israeli bombardment morning october attacked managed attack falling dusk battalion abandoned strong point managed retreat northward battalions pulled stadium attacked dawn day armor infantry air artillery support captured position noon company pulled north joined rest battalion defensive position occupied brigade position suez_canal israeli command conflict time major generals bar heads israeli southern command superiors continued press send forces east bank widen corridor israeli ignored commands repeatedly claiming attacks unnecessary finally issued order transfer troops east bank conduct scale attack widen corridor sent tanks reinforcement armored brigade east bank tasked launching attack consequently suffered heavy losses assault repulsed bar joined lieutenant general david ordered renew attack time transferring brigade opposed argued succeeded mission egyptian second army collapse eliminating egyptian threat israeli corridor claim southern command encircled superiors remained adamant bypassed chain command contacted minister defense called attacks east bank result able concentrate attention efforts brigades final push capture fifth day egyptian preparations egyptian forces occupying final line defense focused preventing israeli crossing canal end concentrated large firepower artillery units following israeli crossing brigadier general commander second army artillery managed artillery battalions fire bases north canal incorporated divisional artillery egyptian units east bank suez_canal additional battalions disposal battalions available single barrage incorporating total artillery guns organized anti tank defenses launchers easternmost upper bridge launchers infantry brigade assigned positions occupying bridges canal defend city nearby army base battalion directly ordered hold bullet man critical importance dominance overlooking main approaches city addition second army supporting artillery brigade mortar battalion eighteen mortars attached significantly increasing firepower group battalions occupied company battalion kept reserve preparing defenses confronted huge numbers civilians mainly farmers fleeing northward belongings livestock possible blocking roads final israeli attack night october large artillery forces concentrated began identified command posts tank concentration areas attack especially ain likely routes attack continued provide fire support israeli attack morning israeli aircraft attacked egyptian positions concentrating base noon destroyed bridge time company sized units armor infantry advanced upper bridge bridges repelled missiles renewed attack moving engaged intense fighting position able repel attack late afternoon concentrated artillery mortar fire positions noon advance israeli elements engaged reconnaissance unit lost tanks half track israeli company attacked scouting ahead ambushed annihilated attack ended suffered casualties lost tanks time tank companies infantry attacked supported close air support egyptian commando battalion charge managed repel attack prolonged heavy fighting closed short distances lost tanks half tracks large number men lost including officers wounded including officers mentions counterattack took place afternoon pushed troops canal israeli attack thoroughly routed aftermath nightfall imposed united_nations security council resolution came effect ending battle large number israeli wounded battlefield requested helicopters evacuate wounded bar replied negative dark risky land helicopters near battlefield worked extract wounded battlefield rescue operations took hours wounded finally evacuated sunrise arrived israeli egyptian found meters separating positions held combined egyptian commando force managed achieve tactical strategic victory time egypt general situation battlefield deteriorating state confusion advance halted second army logistical lines remained secure according remained kilometers south wrecked city attribute successful defense city staunch resistance remain adamant war failed capture southern command interference member political opposition israel insisted political issues played advance frequently encourage men telling secretary party decision detonate bridge canal october order stall israeli attack violation direct orders led relieved command october days captain awarded israel highest military decoration actions october later returned medal protest government defense policy post cease fire reconciliation israeli journalist account war writes despite involved intense fighting days egyptian israeli soldiers sector survived battle reconcile broken south fighting resumed morning october israeli company captain deploying near canal saw egyptian probably unit engaged night orchard meters away wishing ensure killing sector instructed men cover taking soldier spoke arabic went shouting cease fire peace surprise held fire presented soon summoned company commander identified major ali men agreed avoid shooting avoid getting hurt ali surprised predicting wanted peace israel cease fire coming days soldiers sides come clearing positions shooting erupted nearby sectors return respective positions initially fire nighttime held fire soon stopped firing soon meet daily drinking coffee playing soccer getting personally know occasionally holding sheep presenting food parcels sent home example set soon emulated sectors came local armistice taken place point officers came ali meet said hoped relations egypt israel come match relations ali men writes egyptian israeli respective armies motivated fighters left chose opportunity lay aside weapons break bread battlefield said war wrought