operation operation german code nazi_germany world war invasion soviet_union began june operation driven adolf_hitler ideological desire conquer soviet territory outlined manifesto struggle years leading invasion countries signed political economic strategic purposes december hitler authorized invasion soviet_union planned start date actual invasion began june course operation million soldiers axis powers invaded soviet_union kilometer largest invasion force history warfare addition troops germans employed motor vehicles horses marked beginning rapid war geographically formation allied coalition operationally germans won victories occupied important economic areas soviet_union mainly ukraine inflicting sustaining heavy casualties despite successes german offensive stalled outskirts moscow subsequently pushed soviet red army repelled strongest blows forced germany war attrition unprepared germans mount simultaneous offensive entire strategic soviet axis failure operation drove hitler demand operations inside ussr increasingly limited scope eventually failed case blue operation citadel failure operation turning point fortunes importantly operation opened eastern forces committed theater war world history eastern site largest battles horrific atrocities highest casualties soviets germans alike influenced course world war subsequent history 20th century german forces captured millions soviet prisoners granted stipulated geneva conventions returned alive germany deliberately prisoners death hunger plan aimed reduce population eastern_europe ethnic germans million soviet jews murdered death squads holocaust background racial policies nazi_germany early adolf_hitler declared political manifesto autobiography invade soviet_union asserting german people needed secure living space ensure survival germany generations come february hitler told army commanders war purely war totally people war racial war november world war started hitler declared racial war broken war shall determine shall govern europe world racial policy nazi_germany viewed soviet_union eastern_europe populated non sub humans ruled jewish conspirators hitler claimed germany destiny turn east years ago accordingly stated nazi policy kill majority russian slavic populations land peoples germans belief ethnic superiority official german records articles german periodicals time covered topics deal alien populations older historiography tended emphasize notion clean historian notes fact military commanders caught ideological character conflict involved implementation willing participants invasion soviet_union german troops heavily anti anti semitic anti slavic ideology movies radio lectures books soviets forces khan hitler told croatian military leader race threatened europe following invasion officers told soldiers target people described jewish flood red beast nazi propaganda portrayed war soviet_union ideological war german national socialism jewish racial war germans jewish slavic german_army commanders cast jews major cause partisan struggle main policy german troops partisan jew jew partisan partisan jew german troops viewed war nazi terms regarded soviet enemies sub human war began nazis issued ban sexual relations germans foreign slave workers regulations enacted eastern workers included death penalty sexual relations german person secret memorandum reflections treatment peoples alien races east dated outlined future plans non german populations east believed process eastern_europe complete east men truly german blood nazi secret plan general plan east prepared confirmed called new order relations territories occupied nazi_germany eastern_europe plan envisaged ethnic executions overwhelming majority populations conquered counties small differing conquered nations undergoing expulsion depths russia net effect plan ensure conquered territories divided parts small plan covered actions taken war large plan covered actions undertaken war won implemented gradually period years evidence speech given general indicates disposition operation nazi racial plan informed 4th group war soviet_union essential german people struggle existence referring imminent battle old struggle germans stated struggle aim today russia waged imminent conflict old battle peoples defense european culture jewish adherents present russian system spared von told subordinates troops view war struggle different races act necessary severity racial motivations central nazi ideology played key role planning operation jews communists considered equivalent enemies nazi state nazi ambitions exercised moral consideration group ultimate struggle eyes nazis war soviet_union war german soviet relations august germany soviet_union signed non aggression pact moscow known pact shortly german invasion poland triggered outbreak world war europe secret protocol pact outlined agreement germany soviet_union division eastern european border states respective spheres influence soviet_union germany partition poland event invasion germany soviets allowed overrun baltic states finland august rest world learned pact nazis soviets unaware provisions partition poland conclusion pact followed soviet invasion poland led annexation eastern country pact stunned world parties earlier mutual hostility conflicting result pact germany soviet_union maintained reasonably strong diplomatic relations years fostered important economic relationship countries entered trade pact soviets received german military equipment trade goods exchange raw materials oil wheat help nazis british blockade germany despite parties ostensibly relations highly suspicious intentions germany entered axis pact japan italy began negotiations potential soviet entry pact days negotiations berlin november germany presented written proposal soviet entry axis november soviet_union offered written counter proposal join axis germany agree refrain interference soviet_union sphere influence germany respond sides began eastern_europe conflict appeared likely sign border commercial agreement addressing open issues january historian robert service soviet leader joseph convinced overall military strength ussr fear anticipated easy victory germany attack believed germans fighting british west hitler unlikely open war subsequently delayed reconstruction defensive fortifications border regions german soldiers swam bug river warn red army impending attack treated like enemy agents shot historians believe despite providing hitler wish remain allies germany intentions break germany proceed campaign germany followed rest europe german invasion plans reputation brutal dictator contributed nazis justification assault faith success competent experienced military officers killed great purge 1930s leaving red army relatively inexperienced leadership compared german counterparts nazis emphasized soviet regime brutality targeting propaganda claimed red army preparing attack germans invasion presented pre strike middle following rising tension soviet_union germany territories balkans eventual invasion soviet_union hitler solution concrete plans hitler told generals june victories western_europe finally freed hands important real task showdown successful end campaign france general assigned working group drawing initial invasion plans soviet_union battle plans entitled operation draft east colloquially known plan report advocated line operational objective invasion soviet_union goal extend northern city arctic sea port city mouth sea report concluded military border reduce threat germany attacks enemy bombers hitler warned general staff occupying western russia create drain relief germany economic situation anticipated benefits entire divisions relieve acute labor shortage german industry exploitation ukraine reliable immense source agricultural products use forced labor stimulate germany overall economy expansion territory improve germany efforts great_britain hitler convinced britain sue peace germans soviet_union december hitler received final military plans invasion german high command working july operation hitler dissatisfied plans december issued directive called new battle plan operation operation named medieval emperor frederick holy roman empire leader crusade 12th century invasion set delayed weeks favor time preparation war balkans according essay german historian invasion plans drawn german military elite coloured stemming rapid defeat france hands invincible ignorance tempered traditional german stereotypes russia primitive backward country red army soldiers considered brave tough officer corps held contempt leadership paid little attention politics culture considerable industrial capacity soviet_union favour narrow military view argued assumptions shared entire military elite hitler able push war waged fashion possible military leaders clear violation accepted norms warfare autumn high ranking german officials drafted memorandum dangers invasion soviet_union said ukraine baltic states end economic burden germany argued soviets current bureaucratic form harmless occupation benefit germany hitler disagreed risks told right hand man chief luftwaffe longer listen economic dangers war russia speculated passed general thomas produced reports predicted net economic drain germany event invasion soviet_union economy captured intact seized blow consequently revised future report fit hitler wishes red army winter war finland convinced hitler quick victory months long campaign lasting winter adequate preparations distribution warm clothing vehicles beginning march green laid details disposal soviet economy conquest hunger plan outlined entire urban population conquered territories death creating agricultural surplus feed germany urban space german upper class nazi policy aimed destroy soviet_union political entity accordance ideals benefit future generations master race nazi alfred later appointed minister occupied eastern territories suggested conquered soviet territory administered following german military planners researched napoleon failed invasion russia calculations concluded little danger large scale retreat red army russian interior afford baltic states ukraine moscow regions vital red army supply reasons defended hitler generals disagreed germany focus energy hitler discussions generals repeated order second moscow consistently emphasized destruction red army achievement specific terrain objectives hitler believed moscow great importance defeat soviet_union instead believed victory come destruction red army west capital especially west western rivers plan belief later led disputes hitler german senior officers including von believed decisive victory delivered moscow hitler grown military judgment result rapid successes western_europe german preparations germans begun troops near soviet border campaign balkans finished week february german soldiers gathered assembly areas romanian soviet border preparation attack hitler moved million german axis soldiers soviet border launched aerial surveillance missions soviet territory war east soviet high command alarmed belief unlikely attack years signing pact resulted slow soviet preparation april germans begun setting operation claims britain real target simulated preparations norway english channel coast included activities ship concentrations reconnaissance flights training exercises initially planned date actual invasion date june day delay occurred number reasons importantly balkans campaign required diversion troops resources hampered preparations unusually wet winter kept rivers flood late spring floods discouraged earlier attack unlikely happened end balkans campaign importance delay debated william argued hitler balkans campaign delayed commencement weeks cited deputy chief german general staff friedrich claimed campaign resulted delay weeks figure german naval war diary von names variety factors delayed including delay distributing motor transport problems fuel distribution difficulty establishing forward airfields luftwaffe germans deployed independent regiment separate training brigade divisions included infantry infantry divisions army groups security divisions operate conquered territories divisions finland divisions reserve direct control equipped tanks artillery pieces aircraft amounted percent luftwaffe motor vehicles horses finland slated divisions invasion romania offered divisions brigades course entire axis forces million personnel deployed extending arctic ocean southward black_sea controlled organized army norway army group north army group center army group south alongside air fleets air_force equivalent army groups supported army groups north center south army norway operate far northern scandinavia bordering soviet territories army group north march baltic states northern russia destroy city link finnish forces army group center army group equipped armour air power strike poland west central regions russia proper advance moscow army group south strike heavily populated agricultural ukraine taking continuing eastward southern ussr aim controlling oil rich army group south deployed sections separated mile gap northern section contained army group group southern poland right army group center southern section romania german forces rear units operate conquered territories counter partisan activity areas controlled execute captured soviet political jews june main security office chief thirty commanders policy eliminating jews soviet territories general terms assigned units provided supplies gasoline food controlled official plan assumed army groups able advance freely primary objectives simultaneously spreading thin won border battles destroyed red army forces border area soviet preparations prominent military theorist tank warfare interwar period later marshal soviet_union memo lobbied investment resources required mass production weapons pressing case aircraft tanks early 1930s modern operational doctrine red army developed field regulations form deep battle concept defense expenditure grew rapidly percent gross national product percent great purge late 1930s partially ongoing start war june officer corps red army replacements appointed political reasons lacked military soviet_union appointed survived purge army commanders corps commanders divisional commanders killed officers dismissed total red army personnel executed control role political divisional level oversee political loyalty army regime held position equal commander unit overseeing spite efforts ensure political armed forces wake red army poor performance poland winter war percent officers dismissed great purge reinstated january new divisions activated percent officers position year start german invasion short attributed purge rapid increase creation military units soviet_union speaking generals december mentioned hitler references attack soviet_union hitler belief red army need years ready declared ready earlier try delay war years early august british intelligence received hints german plans attack soviets week hitler informally approved plans warned soviet_union accordingly distrust british led ignore warnings belief trick designed bring soviet_union war ill founded confidence pact suspected british trying spread false rumours order trigger war germany ussr early intelligence services american intelligence gave regular repeated warnings impending german attack soviet spy richard gave exact german launch date previously given different invasion dates passed peacefully actual invasion acknowledged possibility attack general significant preparations decided run risk provoking hitler beginning july red army general staff developed war plans identified dangerous threat soviet_union case war germany main attack come region north marshes later proved correct disagreed october authorized development new plans assumed german attack focus region south marshes economically vital regions ukraine basis subsequent soviet war plans deployment armed forces preparation german invasion early authorized state defense plan plan called deployment divisions strategic military districts western soviet_union faced axis territories deployment divisions rivers second strategic control case german invasion tasked soviet remaining forces june contained divisions numbering million second strategic contained divisions seriously second german intelligence days invasion commenced cases german ground forces start invasion manpower soviet military force mobilized million increasing soviet reserve force million basic military training continued red army dispersed preparing invasion commenced units separated lacked adequate transportation soviet_union tanks service western military districts faced german invasion force hitler later declared generals known russian tank strength attacked maintenance readiness standards poor ammunition radios short supply armoured units lacked trucks supplies advanced soviet tank models superior current german tanks designs development summer available large numbers time invasion commenced furthermore autumn soviets disbanded corps partly dispersed tanks infantry divisions following observation german campaign france late began armored assets corps target strength tanks large armoured formations spread scattered garrisons subordinate divisions kilometres apart furthermore reorganization progress incomplete commenced soviet tank units rarely equipped lacked training logistical support units sent combat arrangements place ammunition resupply personnel replacement single engagement units destroyed rendered ineffective soviet numerical advantage heavy equipment thoroughly offset superior training organization soviet air_force held numerical advantage total approximately aircraft largest air_force world summer deployed western military districts additional naval control historians debated planning invasion german territory summer debate began late 1980s published journal article later book stated seen outbreak war western_europe opportunity spread communist revolutions continent soviet military deployed imminent attack time german invasion view advanced german generals following war thesis fully partially accepted historians including attracted public attention germany israel russia strongly rejected historians period generally considered anti soviet tract western countries david wrote books arguments historians believe seeking avoid war believed military ready fight german forces order battle invasion june soviet military districts border area alerted directive issued late night june called bring forces combat readiness avoid provocative actions kind took hours units subordinate fronts receive order directive majority receive invasion commenced june axis powers commenced invasion soviet_union bombing major cities soviet occupied poland artillery barrage red army defences entire heavy air raids reached far near ground troops crossed border accompanied lithuanian ukrainian fifth roughly million soldiers went action faced slightly fewer soviet troops border noon news invasion broadcast population soviet foreign minister declaration war german forces fell country attacked places red army nation wage victorious patriotic war beloved country honour liberty cause enemy beaten victory calling population devotion nation party struck patriotic chord helped stunned people absorb shattering news days invasion soviet high command red army extensively reorganized place necessary war address nation german invasion july called patriotic war entire soviet people germany morning june nazi propaganda minister joseph announced invasion waking nation radio broadcast moment march taking place extent compares greatest world seen decided today place fate future people hands soldiers god aid especially fight later morning hitler proclaimed colleagues months passed shall witness collapse russia like seen history phase initial momentum german ground air attack completely destroyed soviet organizational command control hours level command infantry platoon soviet high command moscow moscow failed grasp magnitude confronted soviet forces border area issued directive announced invasion soviet armed forces called attack axis forces violated borders launch air strikes border regions german territory issued directive signed marshal called general entire regards borders men hoped sweep enemy soviet territory order based realistic military situation hand resulted devastating casualties air war luftwaffe reconnaissance units worked plot soviet troop concentration supply airfields mark destruction contrast soviet artillery observers based border area instructions open fire german aircraft prior invasion luftwaffe reported destroyed aircraft day invasion days minister aviation commander chief luftwaffe reports ordered figure checked luftwaffe surveyed wreckage soviet airfields original figure proved conservative soviet aircraft estimated destroyed day invasion reality soviet losses likely higher soviet archival document recorded loss soviet aircraft days estimated loss german aircraft luftwaffe reported loss aircraft day combat document german federal archives puts luftwaffe loss aircraft day end week luftwaffe achieved air supremacy army groups unable effect air dominance vast western soviet_union according war diaries german high command luftwaffe july lost aircraft damaged leaving percent strength start invasion baltic states june army group north attacked soviet northwestern broke 8th 11th armies soviets immediately launched powerful counterattack german 4th group soviet 3rd 12th corps soviet attack defeated june 8th 11th armies ordered withdraw western river planned 21st corps 22nd 27th armies june von corps reached river secured northwestern forced abandon river defenses june ordered withdraw line approaches july army group north began attack line 4th group july captured devastating defenses line reaching 4th group advanced kilometres start invasion kilometres primary objective july began attack soviet defenses river ukraine northern section army group south faced southwestern largest concentration soviet forces southern section faced southern addition marshes mountains posed challenge army group northern southern sections respectively june northern section army group south attacked terrain assault giving soviet defenders ample time react german 1st group 6th army attacked broke soviet 5th army starting night june soviet 22nd 15th corps attacked flanks 1st group north south respectively intended soviet tank units sent poor coordination 22nd ran 1st army iii corps commander killed 1st group bypassed 15th corps engaged german 6th army infantry division defeated fire luftwaffe attacks june soviets launched counterattack 1st group north south simultaneously 9th 19th 8th corps altogether fielded tanks supported remnants 15th corps battle lasted days ending defeat soviet tank units june ordered remaining forces southwestern withdraw line defend approaches july southern section army group south romanian 3rd 4th armies alongside german 11th army invaded soviet defended southern 2nd corps 9th army defeated july axis advance stalled defenses soviet 18th army rivers opening hours invasion luftwaffe destroyed western air_force ground aid supporting anti communist fifth columns operating soviet rear paralyzed communication lines particularly cut soviet 4th army headquarters headquarters day 2nd group crossed bug river broke 4th army bypassed brest fortress pressed 3rd group bypassed 3rd army pressed simultaneously german 4th 9th armies engaged western forces order commander western 6th 11th corps 6th cavalry corps launched strong june hopes destroying 3rd group 3rd group moved forward units reaching evening june western armoured counterattack instead ran infantry fire army corps german 9th army supported luftwaffe air attacks night june soviet counterattack defeated commander 6th cavalry corps captured night ordered remnants western withdraw subsequent buy time withdrawal launched german forces failed june 2nd 3rd groups met near captured city day completing western pockets west germans destroyed soviet 3rd 10th armies inflicting losses 4th 11th 13th armies reported captured soviet troops tanks artillery pieces june relieved command july tried executed members staff charges criminal incompetence soviet directive issued june combat mass panic rampant civilians armed forces personnel order stipulated swift severe measures panic displaying worked military commanders possible withdrawal routes soldiers retreating military authorization field general courts established deal civilians spreading rumours military june hitler commander chief german_army von instructed commander army group center von halt advance infantry formations pockets catch commander 2nd group support von chief ignored instruction attacked eastward albeit reporting advance reconnaissance force personally conducted aerial inspection pocket june concluded group needed contain 3rd group involved pocket day infantry corps 9th 4th armies having sufficiently pocket resumed march eastward catch groups july von ordered groups resume offensive eastward morning july hitler instruction going opposed order insisted order stating irresponsible reverse orders issued groups resumed offensive july infantry formations sufficiently caught phase july days typical summers slowed progress army group center soviet defenses delays gave soviets time organize massive counterattack army group center army group ultimate objective commanded road moscow facing germans old soviet defensive line held armies july soviets attacked 3rd group tanks germans defeated counterattack overwhelming air superiority 2nd group crossed river closed south 3rd group defeating soviet counterattack closed north trapped soviet armies july groups came sixteen kilometres closing gap trap snap shut july groups finally closed gap red army soldiers captured red army soldiers escaped stand germans moscow weeks campaign germans realized soviet strength german troops initial supplies attaining expected strategic freedom movement operations slowed allow resupply delay adapt strategy new situation hitler lost faith battles large numbers soviet soldiers escaped believed defeat soviets economic damage industrial capacity continue war meant seizing industrial center oil fields south capture major center military production north von commander army group center german generals involved operation argued favor continuing drive moscow psychological importance capturing enemy capital generals pointed moscow major center arms production center soviet communications system important transportation hub significantly intelligence reports indicated bulk red army deployed near moscow defense capital hitler adamant issued direct order commander bypassing commanding officer von send army group center tanks north south temporarily halting drive moscow phase mid july germans advanced kilometers marshes 1st group went south 17th army struck east trapped soviet armies near germans eliminated pocket tanks turned north crossed 2nd group diverted army group center crossed river 2nd army right flank armies trapped soviet armies parts august quantity luftwaffe inventory steadily reduced combat demand air support increased luftwaffe found struggling maintain local air superiority lines onset bad weather october luftwaffe occasions forced halt nearly aerial operations faced weather difficulties clear advantage thanks experience cold weather flying techniques fact operating intact airports december matched luftwaffe pressing achieve air supremacy final attack 4th group reinforced tanks army group center august broke soviet defenses end august 4th group penetrated kilometers pushed southeast sides lake reach old finnish soviet frontier germans attacked august following black months residents city worked build city fortifications fighting continued joined ranks red army september german 20th division seized cutting land routes germans severed railroads moscow captured railroad finnish assistance start siege years stage hitler ordered final destruction prisoners taken september army group north began final push days advanced kilometers city push proved slow casualties mounted hitler patience ordered stormed submission deprived forces army group center remained static subjected numerous soviet particular offensive germans suffered major tactical defeat invasion began attacks prompted hitler concentrate attention army group center drive moscow germans ordered 3rd 4th armies break siege support army group center attack moscow begin operations needed finished half army group center swung south position army group south moved north soviet forces achieved september savage battle ensued soviets tanks artillery aerial bombardment days vicious fighting germans claimed soviet soldiers captured actual losses men artillery pieces mortars divisions 5th 21st 26th 37th soviet armies phase red army longer outnumbered germans trained reserves directly available defend moscow field men divisions divisions fully effective operation typhoon drive moscow began october army group center series elaborate defense lines centered second blow took soviets completely surprise 2nd group returning south took south soviet main defense line days later pushed 2nd army attacked west soviet 3rd 13th armies encircled north 3rd 4th armies attacked trapping 19th 20th 24th 32nd armies moscow line defense shattered pocket eventually yielded soviet prisoners bringing tally start invasion million soviets men tanks left defense moscow german government publicly predicted imminent capture moscow convinced foreign pending soviet collapse october 3rd group penetrated capital martial law declared moscow beginning operation typhoon weather worsened temperatures fell continued rainfall turned road network mud steadily slowed german advance moscow little day time supply situation germans rapidly deteriorated october german_army high command ordered halt operation typhoon armies reorganized pause gave soviets far better supply situation time consolidate positions organize formations newly activated little month soviets organized new armies included divisions troops freed soviet far_east soviet intelligence assured longer threat japanese tanks aircraft arrived forces november ground cold weather germans began attack moscow troops able advance delay allowed improve supply situation facing germans 5th 16th 30th 43rd 49th 50th soviet armies germans intended let 3rd 4th armies cross moscow canal moscow northeast 2nd group attack close moscow south soviets reacted flanks 4th army attack center weeks desperate fighting lacking sufficient fuel ammunition germans slowly moscow south 2nd group blocked november soviet units augmented 49th 50th soviet armies attacked 2nd group inflicted shocking defeat germans 4th group pushed soviet 16th army succeeded crossing moscow canal begin attempted moscow december infantry division advanced moscow begun reconnaissance battalion managed reach town away soviet capital captured bridge moscow canal railway station marked eastern advance german forces spite progress equipped winter warfare bitter cold caused severe problems guns equipment furthermore weather conditions grounded luftwaffe conducting large scale operations newly created soviet units near moscow numbered men december launched massive counterattack battle moscow pushed germans late december germans lost battle moscow invasion cost german_army casualties killed wounded captured missing action aftermath failure battle moscow german plans quick defeat soviet_union revised soviet december caused heavy casualties sides ultimately eliminated german threat moscow addition devastating setback germany soviet_union suffered heavily conflict losing huge tracts territory vast losses men material despite rapid relocation red army armaments installations east dramatic increase production especially armour new aircraft types artillery able mount large scale offensive july hitler having realized germany oil supply severely depleted aimed capture oil fields offensive case blue germans quickly overran great soviet territory failed achieve ultimate goals wake decisive defeat battle soviet armaments production fully operational increasingly german war economy red army steadily ambitious sophisticated able liberate areas previously occupied german invasion summer war ended total defeat occupation nazi_germany war crimes soviet_union signed geneva convention mean soldiers entirely protection afforded germany signed treaty offer soviet treatment according provisions generally allied article convention specified case time war party convention provisions shall remain force parties despite hitler called battle soviet_union struggle existence accordingly authorized crimes soviet prisoners war nazi memorandum july recorded martin quotes hitler saying giant occupied area naturally quickly possible happen best looks funny shot war hitler issued notorious order called soviet political taken prisoner shot immediately trial german soldiers willingly participated mass killings eve invasion german soldiers informed battle demands ruthless vigorous measures jews complete elimination active passive resistance collective punishment authorized partisan attacks quickly identified burning villages mass executions considered acceptable estimated million soviet prisoners war died starvation survival prisoners war hardly able walk end war percent soviet prisoners war died german captivity organized crimes civilians including women children carried huge scale german police military forces local collaborators command main security office killing squads conducted large scale jews communists conquered soviet territories holocaust historian puts number jews murdered mobile killing operations original instructions kill jews party state positions include male jews military age expanded male jews regardless age end july germans regularly killing women children december hitler discussed jewish question noted meeting result appointment book annihilated partisans according christopher represented nazi decision jews solving called jewish question cover killing partisans accordance nazi policies inferior asian peoples persecuted according post war report prince khan imprisoned concentration camps terrible conditions deemed features murdered daily targeted subjects lethal medical experiments murder institute burning houses suspected partisan meeting places poisoning water wells common practice soldiers german 9th army fourth largest city soviet_union food provided small number civilians worked germans rest designated slowly thousands soviets deported germany slave labor citizens subjected heavy bombardment siege days million people death approximately children age german finnish blockade cut access food fuel raw materials rations reached low non working population thin bread little soup day soviet civilians began eat domestic animals hair desperate citizens resorted soviet records list people arrested use human meat food siege winter planned seal population demolish city entirely historical significance operation largest military operation human history men tanks guns aircraft committed deployed single offensive total percent entire german military participated invasion opened eastern world war largest theater war conflict witnessed clashes unprecedented violence destruction years resulted deaths million people people died fighting eastern fighting globe world war notes printed online graham smith john european history operation encyclopedia retrieved subscription required day casualty reports theater war world war stats retrieved summary reports world war stats retrieved april army figures world war stats retrieved april nick producer hitler strikes east television documentary world war colour productions media retrieved march directors producer general television documentary hitler warriors retrieved march modern history pact university retrieved march christopher evidence implementation final solution electronic edition holocaust denial trial university nazi persecution soviet prisoners war holocaust encyclopedia united_states holocaust museum june retrieved march anna director writers producers operation television documentary soviet storm world war east star media retrieved march russian russian military library moscow retrieved march anna director writers producers siege television documentary soviet storm world war east star media retrieved andy dave james directors dave series producer dave andy james writers battle russia television documentary battlefield pbs retrieved march jones bill producer christopher andrew presenter producer fatal attraction adolf_hitler television documentary bbc retrieved march


capture capture engagement world war took place november battle elements new_zealand division scaled fortified walls french town captured defending german garrison beginning new_zealand rifle brigade advanced starting positions east town aiming surround link far late morning achieved elements new_zealand division moved west forest leaving rifle brigade capture town outlying outposts new moved town held machine gun fire late afternoon scouting party located section walls brigade 4th battalion managed climb town quickly seizing capture major engagement war new prelude german_army fought spring offensive allies sought initiative accordingly days offensive began august attack marked beginning series advances allies ultimately ended war late october new_zealand division commanded major general andrew russell british army advanced west town battle planned begin november phase allied advance battle consist series engagements mounted british fourth armies mile extending cut german line retreat french army corps new_zealand division 37th division surround garrison soldiers 37th division southern flank new_zealand division north 62nd division corps moved south new_zealand new_zealand division extend line forest positioned high ground rivers medieval town fought times previous centuries guarded natural approach plains north east fortress walls designed 17th century military engineer moat surrounded town fact distinct ditches foot high fortifications effectively outer separating town entered roads guarded gates population german hands august germans held railway line west strong presence area intersection railway lines immediately north west town plan attack november new_zealand division section line yards length running southwards level crossing railway line yards railway yards east line manned battalions new_zealand rifle brigade commanded brigadier general hart clearly frontal attack undesirable artillery town presence civilian population instead intended cover town north south new_zealand brigades involved hart rifle brigade tasked capture town 1st infantry brigade command brigadier general charles push forest division flanks held 62nd division 37th division left right respectively formations corresponding movements forward capture achieved series advances covered artillery battalions rifle brigade battalions 1st infantry brigade support beginning brigade existing positions advance involve 1st 2nd 4th rifle battalions moving forward line defining arc west including railway line designated blue line 1st battalion 1st infantry brigade push north east town 3rd rifle battalion went south east advance westwards establishment new line designated green line east manned battalions 1st brigade green line formed rifle brigade town battalions 1st brigade advance west forest battle covering artillery barrage commenced battalions rifle brigade moved objective railway line established continuous west captured reserve company moved railway line hold attacking battalions moved forward platoon reserve company deal germans retreating advance flanking 37th division quickly secured surrender battalions rifle brigade surrounded established new line mile east town 1st infantry brigade moved forest leaving rifle brigade complete planned town german garrison despite surrounded indications surrender 2nd rifle battalion north 3rd rifle battalion south east driving road led entry points german troops held bridge road force able new bay area north small party reached outer dividing moat stretch gunfire main soon drove lieutenant colonel commanding 2nd rifle battalion movements companies gradually moved forward mortar fire able brought bear main german machine guns meantime 4th rifle battalion commanded lieutenant colonel positioned distance west wall carried scouting expeditions explore defences gradually german posts fortifications fell attacking battalion northern town machine gun fire prevented advance party reached outer pinned gunfire hours midday situation settled temporary stalemate afternoon german prisoners war sent town invitation surrender approach rebuffed similar attempt earlier morning second lieutenant intelligence officer 4th rifle battalion continued investigate defences able locate route section appeared fire defenders ordered force approach benefit covering mortar fire platoon battalion reserve company managed cross moat found inner aid foot ladder supplied divisional engineers able ascend closely followed platoon commander revolver fired germans manning guard post forcing cover fire rest platoon joined shortly rest battalion ladder entered town time party 2nd rifle battalion seized gate guarding road began entering town north germans quickly surrendered aftermath germans taken prisoner division surrendered german casualties town killed men wounded german troops killed advance brigade inch inch guns field guns captured 1st new_zealand brigade new_zealand division operation november successful day western new died capture rifle brigade suffered killed men wounded units new_zealand division involved battle lost men killed wounded advance forest continued day 2nd infantry brigade capture major engagement war new_zealand division new began withdrawing rear area midnight november days capture town mayor presented rifle brigade commander hart french flag raised town day captured germans town retains links new_zealand streets named prominent new including cambridge monument commemorating liberation new_zealand division set wall near scaled


battle river battle river known battle second phase campaign western sector chinese pinyin decisive battle korean war took place november december river valley northwestern north_korea response successful chinese phase campaign united_nations forces general douglas launched home christmas offensive chinese forces korea end war anticipating reaction chinese people volunteer army commander planned dubbed second phase campaign advancing forces hoping repeat success earlier phase campaign chinese 13th army launched series surprise attacks river valley night november effectively destroying eighth united_states_army right flank allowing chinese forces rapidly rear areas subsequent battles period november december eighth army managed avoid surrounded chinese forces chinese 13th army able inflict heavy losses retreating forces lost aftermath battle eighth army heavy losses forced forces evacuate north_korea withdraw 38th parallel background fast maybe home christmas wake united_nations forces successful landing subsequent destruction korean people army kpa eighth united_states_army crossed 38th parallel advanced rapidly sino korean border alarmed development china chairman ordered chinese people volunteer army intervene korea launch phase campaign forces october november 13th army surprised defeated republic korea corps 1st cavalry division series battles destroying right flank eighth army forcing forces retreat river chinese forces able break line logistics difficulties forced chinese withdraw november despite success chinese phase campaign planners believed china intervened korea large scale chinese withdrawal face victory reinforced belief working assumption chinese troops remain hidden hills general douglas ordered bombing bridges river effort cut chinese reinforcements confident air_force detect disrupt troop movements river launched home christmas offensive november rout remaining chinese north korean forces end korean war unknown planners chinese troops stationed korea reinforcements border ordered maintain defensive posture north_korea soviet weapons arrive spring earlier successes convinced chinese leadership capable turning tide advance encouraged fact know true numbers commander outlined second phase campaign aimed pushing forces line half way river deception plan reinforce weak appearance chinese forces ordered units rapidly retreat north releasing way troops disposal heading reservoir authorized start second phase campaign november prelude location terrain weather battle fought line river tributaries located south sino korean border line stretched horizontally korean west_coast mountains central korea river crosses north line town west east series towns dot line connecting towns series road junctions located road runs south eventually later main retreat route forces stationed center line hilly northern bank river formed defensive barrier allowed chinese hide presence advancing forces battle fought korean winters years temperatures dropped low forces strategies acting instructions general walker eighth army started home christmas offensive november corps placed eighth army right flank advance led corps west corps center corps east corps advanced continuous line order prevent similar chinese phase campaign lack manpower stretched forces limit strong chinese corps eighth army met little opposition line occupied night november despite lack manpower eighth army half times firepower opposing chinese forces fifth air_force responsible air support little opposition lack anti aircraft weapons chinese boosted thanksgiving feast eve advance morale high ranks home christmas germany spring mind high morale caused degradation troop discipline soldiers discarded equipment ammunition supply battle rifle company corps example started advance helmets thrown away average grenade rounds ammunition carried man planners war dragged winter campaign elements eighth army started offensive shortage winter clothing eighth army advancing 13th army hiding mountains 50th corps west 39th 40th corps center 38th 42nd corps east anticipating advances chinese planned series catch eighth army guard hoping repeat success earlier phase campaign 38th 42nd corps attack corps destroy right flank cut lines time 39th 40th corps hold corps place preventing reinforcements corps 50th corps stay check advances corps 13th army nominal strength men actual strength battle low men corps example men division start battle opposed expected men division available chinese soldiers rest employed grenade throwers chinese guns left mortars artillery support available chinese average chinese soldier issued days worth rations ammunition resupply obtained battlefield compensate shortcomings chinese relied extensively night attacks order avoid firepower primitive logistics system allowed chinese maneuver rough hilly enabled pass defenses surround isolated positions chinese captured large numbers nationalist weapons chinese civil war chinese weapons composed small arms thompson gun rifle automatic rifle mortar battle eighth army stopped advance afternoon november 13th army commenced second phase campaign massive frontal attack launched entire line west 1st infantry division corps attacked corps center strong actions 39th 40th corps carried corps east 38th 42nd corps broke corps line home christmas offensive completely stalled morning november actions aftermath battle chinese recognized corps vulnerable unit eighth army lacking firepower counterpart corps held difficult terrain right flank november 7th infantry division corps left flank attacked north time 8th infantry division corps right flank advanced north defenses 38th 42nd corps soon ground korean advances halt continuous fighting days failed create gains advances chinese defenses managed create wedge center 7th infantry division forcing division commit reserves line 6th infantry division corps rear offer 2nd infantry regiment corps reserve earlier losses preparing defensive positions dusk november chinese corps decisive counterattack eighth army right flank 38th corps planned attack force 7th infantry division center right flank divisions 42nd corps started march hills order bypass 8th infantry division right flank given importance assault han deputies personally commanded 38th 42nd corps rest battle 38th corps landed blow corps november aided total surprise division 38th corps shattered 7th infantry division reconnaissance company division right flank creating gap 7th 8th infantry division simultaneously division 38th corps attacked center right 7th infantry division pushing 5th 8th infantry regiment process 7th infantry division center right complete chaos division 38th corps slipped past lines advanced battalion reserve check chinese divisions garrison 7th infantry division headquarters soon surrounded attacked chinese divisions november heavy pressures division 5th 8th infantry regiment tried fall chinese rear scattered afternoon november captured chinese 3rd infantry regiment 7th infantry division left flank drifted westward joined 2nd infantry division 7th infantry division annihilated 38th corps 8th infantry division routed 42nd corps division tying 10th 21st infantry regiment division tried infiltrate 8th infantry division rear marching hills east november 16th infantry regiment 8th infantry division rear spotted chinese divisions south surprised development 8th infantry division ordered 16th infantry regiment block chinese advance 10th 21st infantry regiment retreating order carried chinese struck learning trap discovered 10th 21st infantry regiment retreating early morning november division ambushed regiments forcing abandon heavy equipment hills following cold weather division overran battalion 16th infantry regiment attacked 8th infantry division command post entire division dispersed 8th infantry division headquarters 16th infantry regiment broke november retreated battlefield chaos battle major general hung corps receive news line midnight november hours chinese entered korean rear responding crisis hung committed 2nd infantry regiment 6th infantry division block chinese divisions 2nd infantry regiment marched morning november division intercepted regiment destroyed command post scattering corps entire reserve process corps units destroyed november right flank fallen chinese aerial reconnaissance observed november chinese forces right flank moving rapidly eighth army rear walker ordered rest eighth army continue offensive north convinced collapse corps merely small counterattack chinese walker ordered corps shift eastward order cover corps sector time corps suffered heavy losses chinese actions left 7th infantry division corps 2nd infantry division corps placed path major chinese supply line home christmas offensive 9th infantry regiment led division advance northward river 38th infantry regiment placed division right flank offensive started little resistance 2nd infantry division 9th infantry regiment stalled chinese defenses hill north november order renew offensive day 23rd infantry regiment 2nd infantry division moved rear 9th infantry regiment time 38th infantry regiment arrived town road aerial reconnaissance detected increase chinese activities 38th infantry regiment company sent patrol chinese territory ensure success chinese counterattack corps 40th corps assigned mission protecting 38th corps flank 2nd infantry division accomplish mission division 40th corps attack prevent americans reinforcing division fight way river tie bulk 2nd infantry division finally division flank americans west capture rear night chinese division accidentally 9th infantry regiment northern bank river surprise encounter sides soon left 9th infantry regiment rifle companies combat effective unaware 1st battalion 23rd infantry regiment pulled 61st field artillery battalion sharp sword companies regiment division proceeded cross river attacked artillery positions 61st battalion routed surprise 23rd infantry regiment quickly knocked chinese companies surviving chinese troops drifted eastward occupied hill named hat enabling chinese entire 23rd infantry regiment positions division commenced attack 2nd infantry division center division trying drive wedge series confusing battles division 38th infantry regiment patrolling company 38th infantry regiment chinese attacks adding confusion chinese reconnaissance teams resorted sweet dancing lure americans exposing positions resulting chinese counter fire caused loss company 38th infantry regiment center chinese penetrated 38th infantry regiment left flank blocking regiment retreat route process morning november chinese troops spotted 38th infantry regiment chinese promptly withdrew morning came november counterattack 38th infantry regiment later reopened road rear 3rd infantry regiment 7th infantry division suddenly appeared 38th infantry regiment sector colonel george 38th infantry regiment realized right flank 2nd infantry division entire eighth army collapsed orders major general commander 2nd infantry division colonel immediately took command 3rd infantry regiment trying refuse right flank time colonel paul freeman 23rd infantry regiment tried lead regiment capture hat success chinese immediately renewed attacks night november counterattack hat soon captured 23rd infantry regiment command post 23rd infantry regiment left 9th infantry regiment company overran attacking chinese forces forcing colonel charles withdraw remnants regiment river chinese rear rest 9th infantry regiment 2nd infantry division right commander 40th corps ordered division destroy 38th infantry regiment order protect chinese breakthrough right flank ferocious fighting soon forced 38th infantry regiment fight way order rejoin division walker cancel home christmas offensive november ordered division withdraw order complete november walker instructed major general john corps set new defensive line south 2nd infantry division scale retreat 2nd infantry division started night november chinese attacking americans division convoy tried south met machine gun mortar fire numerous chinese rear chinese teams knocked vehicles trying tanks grenades hatch losses 2nd infantry division broke division blockade arrived night november actions home christmas offensive 25th infantry division corps advanced left 2nd infantry division river northern tributaries river november 25th infantry division started offensive city south lead offensive companies infantry armor artillery drawn 25th infantry division form special task force named task force task force leading offensive eastern bank river 24th infantry regiment 25th infantry division placed division right maintain contact 2nd division 35th infantry regiment 25th infantry division western bank river advancing 27th infantry regiment 25th infantry division located division rear reserves earlier defeat battle 25th infantry division expected encounter heavy chinese resistance advance chinese screening forces withdrew american advance aside fire 25th infantry division encounter strong resistance way captured task force november american battle recovered town task force proceeded capture series hills north day chinese resistance started hill battles afternoon november eighth army ranger company task force suffered heavy losses chinese defenses task force stopped advance dusk 25th infantry division advancing opposing 39th corps waiting instructions high command chinese conducted series actions american positions night november chinese patrols soon destroyed rest ranger company numerous chinese reconnaissance teams disguised americans task force positions right task force mountainous scattered 24th infantry regiment blocking radio learning destruction ranger company major general william 25th infantry division sent 2nd battalion 27th infantry regiment reinforce task force sent assistant division commander brigadier general wilson command task force renaming task force task force wilson successful attack eighth army right flank high command gave ahead 39th corps attack 25th infantry division november division 39th corps immediately mobilized assault task force wilson 24th infantry regiment division moving attack cut american retreat route crushing attack soon left task force regiment division met company task force center sharp encounter company men missing action right flank division attacked task force company met waves chinese suicide bombers company reduced soldiers original chinese managed reach task force wilson command post resulting death task force executive officer entire task force line collapsing company sleeping task force rear pushed line tank fire company stopped chinese advance company reduced platoon battle chinese forces rear attacked task force artillery preventing fire support night aftermath night battle task force found surrounded chinese troops chanting directions americans wilson tried evacuate wounded chinese ambushed medical convoy south 2nd battalion perimeter 2nd battalion task force wilson remaining combat effective morning november wilson ordered task force withdraw heavy air cover 2nd battalion broke regiment reached afternoon 24th infantry regiment lost contact units regiment commander colonel john collect battalion regiment morning november november walker shifted corps eastward 25th infantry division corps ordering 25th infantry division withdraw river 35th infantry regiment rejoining 25th infantry division battle 25th infantry division withdrew south task force wilson dissolved november actions extensive refit aftermath battle 1st infantry division placed corps right flank november home christmas offensive 1st infantry division advance north capture town 35th infantry regiment 25th infantry division advancing north korean right flank time 24th infantry division corps advance 1st infantry division left flank morning november 1st infantry division advanced town 11th 12th infantry regiment point chinese traps mortar fire tried delay way 1st infantry division managed envelope town dusk november unknown 1st infantry division marching chinese assembly area resistance immediately increased result night november defending corps infantry cavalry charges chinese korean troops soon locked battle november battle dragged night november 11th infantry regiment division right disorganized brigadier general sun 1st infantry division soon brought 15th infantry regiment reserve relieve 11th infantry regiment receiving news chinese attack 25th division river directed division defend upcoming chinese morning came november chinese troops stop assault air strikes attacks 24th infantry division area noticing flank 24th infantry division 35th infantry regiment started retreat southward river november ordered corps destroy 1st infantry division retreat river evening november corps launched massive attack 1st infantry division 5th regimental combat team 24th infantry division 35th infantry regiment midnight chinese attacks broke korean lines captured resulting loss 11th 15th 35th infantry regiment command posts 11th 15th infantry regiment soon scattered retreating 35th infantry regiment blocked chinese forces attacking heavy pressure 35th infantry regiment fought way town rejoined 25th division afternoon november time rallied broken regiments recaptured 1st infantry division held town subsequent chinese attacks withdrew battle november actions village northern bank river river southern tributaries chinese grew strength eighth army center major corps retreat effort stabilize november walker ordered 2nd infantry division retreat set new defensive line importance noted chinese november instructed 38th corps cut corps retreat route division 38th corps capture marching westward road division follow parallel route hills north road 2nd infantry division engaged ordered turkish brigade corps reserve block chinese advance night november turks took defensive position east soon met regiment division ensuing battle chinese regiment brigade advance battalion continued november resulting turkish casualties dusk came november turkish brigade tried retreat west set stronger defensive positions regiment caught brigade attacked rear completely surrounding brigade communications cut brigade turkish headquarters regiment division fragmented brigade night battle trapped turks broke chinese morning november brigade attached 2nd infantry division turkish brigade crippled chinese delaying action allowed 2nd infantry division secure night november 23rd infantry regiment setting defensive positions north morning november 38th infantry regiment tried occupy hills northeast american soon found division occupied hills 38th infantry regiment forced occupy lower position away chinese time remnants turkish brigade joined 38th infantry regiment covering regiment right flank northern bank river afternoon november started recognize crisis growing korea start battle reservoir november gathered field commanders including walker conference tokyo conference learned situation eighth army right flank judged eighth army great danger instructed walker withdraw battle chinese surround eighth army conference november walker ordered eighth army units retreat new line south following walker orders eighth army major units promptly broke contact chinese withdrew 2nd infantry division forced stay order hold chinese forces eighth army right flank time 2nd infantry division tried withdraw night november chinese divisions attacked 38th infantry regiment division struck 38th infantry regiment left flank american defenses held firm forcing chinese defensive division attacked turkish brigade right flank 38th infantry regiment chinese turks attacking southern bank river crossed river rear areas noticing development brigadier general turkish brigade ordered withdrawal leaving right flank 38th infantry regiment completely uncovered dusk november chinese cut road 38th infantry regiment americans retreat chinese lines november 38th infantry regiment crossed river cover 23rd infantry regiment chinese control aftermath corps collapse november immediately ordered 38th corps cut road corps rear 42nd corps surround entire eighth army rushing south capture day walker shifted eighth army line eastward 1st cavalry division anglo australian 27th commonwealth infantry brigade corps 1st cavalry division contain chinese breakthrough 27th commonwealth brigade secured road new orders november 5th cavalry regiment 1st cavalry division left rejoin division northeast 5th cavalry regiment absent 8th cavalry regiment recovering earlier losses battle major general gay 1st cavalry division placed 7th cavalry regiment south remnants 6th infantry division lacking reinforcements 6th infantry division quickly routed 42nd corps night november chinese forces attacked 7th cavalry regiment cover fleeing korean soldiers refugees pouring american gay order 7th cavalry regiment withdrew southwest town morning november chinese resumed drive southward fierce battle division 7th cavalry regiment broke night november morning november 42nd corps advance halted 38th corps hand marching road virtually unopposed november division 38th corps occupied town placing right path 5th cavalry regiment road hour half later advance platoon 5th cavalry regiment ambushed destroyed advance blocked 5th cavalry regiment tried chinese garrison forced turn afternoon division occupied valley containing road night blocked retreat route 2nd infantry division receiving news november 1st battalion middlesex regiment 27th brigade tried clear valley south attack halted lack heavy weapons victims new chinese convoy turkish brigade ambushed night november military police patrol sent investigate members killed morning battle raging news chinese reached 2nd infantry division november sent reconnaissance company remnants 9th infantry regiment chinese held firm platoon tanks attacking battle ended night november division joined division grew depth 2nd infantry division know strength night november time 25th infantry division military police mistakenly reported alternative retreat route blocked chinese later ordered withdraw breaking 27th commonwealth brigade early morning november decision withdraw valley morning november 9th infantry regiment led withdrawal attacking tanks sent road chinese held fire encouraged development colonel ordered 9th infantry regiment press forward chinese machine gun mortar fire immediately stopped advance 3rd infantry regiment attached 2nd infantry division sent reinforce 9th infantry regiment routed friendly fire contacts american commands british units middlesex regiment advanced south end valley attacking believing short british attacking road ordered 2nd infantry division run blockade 2nd infantry division entered valley later known chinese machine guns delivered fire mortar shells saturated road length caught 2nd infantry division surprise road soon filled wrecked vehicles wounded dead soldiers tried cover ditches promptly left convoy rushing south unit instantly day air cover tried suppress chinese positions success air cover night chinese attack intensified finally chinese blocked road completely destroying 38th artillery battalion 2nd infantry division artillery pieces forced rest division abandon vehicles retreat hiking hills rear division colonel freeman attempted save 23rd infantry regiment retreating road acts battle 23rd infantry regiment fired stock artillery shells minutes massive barrage shocked chinese troops following regiment 2nd infantry division finally arrived december december eighth army completely lost contact chinese aftermath aftermath battle eighth army casualty number exceeded count large number documents including records 2nd infantry division 24th infantry regiment lost battle difficult historians analyze events detail assess exact battle damage losses incurred later 2nd infantry division suffered casualties artillery pieces percent signal equipment percent crew served weapons percent vehicles lost battle 2nd infantry division deemed crippled relieved command end battle unit reported significant losses 25th infantry division casualties turkish brigade reported casualties percent equipment percent vehicle percent artillery losses brigade rendered combat ineffective south korean casualties estimated complete absence south korean records half korean war according corps headquarters forced aftermath battle chinese losses estimated casualties end battle official chinese history attributed casualties combat rest attributed lack adequate winter clothing lack food role setting 2nd infantry division 38th corps awarded title thousand years corps december 2nd infantry division turkish brigade corps action eighth army reduced corps composed divisions brigades extended chinese logistics system left victorious 13th army half incapable offensive operations chaotic reconnaissance conducted determine state chinese forces result walker ordered eighth army abandon north_korea december surprise chinese commanders following withdrawal 38th parallel referred longest retreat military history aside extremely low morale battle entire eighth army bug fever retreat song called composed commemorate eighth army defeat walker died days christmas lieutenant general matthew assumed command eighth army hopes unified korea abandoned 38th parallel proposed china december having decisively won battle turned tide war favor communists battle river represented peak chinese military performance korea interpreted weakness china exploit advice senior military leaders ordered invade south_korea mission chinese military abilities breaking fragile chinese supply lines recognizing chinese difficulties led eighth army inflict severe losses chinese


battle atlanta battle atlanta battle atlanta campaign fought american_civil_war july southeast atlanta georgia continuing summer campaign seize important rail supply center atlanta union forces commanded william overwhelmed defeated confederate forces defending city john hood union james killed battle despite battle occurred midway campaign city fall september union siege attempts seize railroads supply lines leading atlanta taking city troops headed south southeastward state capital savannah march sea fall atlanta especially noteworthy political election union general george democrat ran president lincoln peace platform calling truce confederacy capture atlanta hood burning military facilities evacuated extensively covered northern newspapers significantly northern morale lincoln reelected large margin background atlanta campaign william commanded union forces western theater main union force battle army tennessee james grant favorite commanders quick aggressive army corps commanded john logan corps commanded dodge frank blair commanded corps months leading battle confederate joseph repeatedly retreated superior force railroad line tennessee georgia pattern played took defensive position marched confederate defenses retreated withdrawal following battle armies clashed battle mountain confederate senior leadership richmond unhappy perceived reluctance fight union_army little chance winning july preparing battle creek relieved command replaced john bell hood dismissal replacement controversial decisions civil war hood fond taking risks army creek attack failed thousand confederate casualties hood needed defend city atlanta important rail hub industrial center confederacy army small comparison armies commanded decided withdraw union troops come forward army closed georgia east atlanta opposing forces union forces confederate battle hood ordered william corps march union left flank joseph cavalry march near supply line benjamin corps attack union took longer expected men position time correctly possible threat left flank sent corps reserve help strengthen men met force battle began initial confederate attack repulsed union left flank began retreat time ridden observe battle shot killed confederate infantry near brig john command 2nd brigade 4th division corps attacked cavalry taken road column took flat road position fled town managed save ordnance supply trains corps failure assault position hold fell atlanta night later awarded medal honor actions main lines battle formed shape attack forming lower attack union vertical member hood intended attack union troops east west fighting centered hill east city known bald hill arrived days earlier began shell city proper killing civilians savage struggle hand hand developed hill lasting dark held hill retired point south miles north troops broken union lines georgia railroad response artillery pieces positioned near headquarters hill shelled logan corps repulsed southern troops union suffered casualties including confederate devastating loss reduced confederate army held city siege closure settled siege atlanta city sending raids west south city cut supply lines georgia cavalry raids defeated superior southern horsemen following failure break hold city began employ new strategy swung entire army broad flanking maneuver west finally august georgia army captured railroad track pushing station supply lines fully severed hood pulled troops atlanta day september destroying supply depots left prevent falling union hands set fire eighty loaded ammunition cars led watched hundreds september mayor james committee union leaning citizens including william edward met captain staff henry surrendered city asking protection non combatants private property time surrender sent telegram washington september reading atlanta fairly won established headquarters september stayed months november army departed east savannah known march sea aftermath fall atlanta success overall atlanta campaign extensively covered northern newspapers northern morale president lincoln political standing election union general george democrat abraham_lincoln ran conflicted campaign advocated continuing war defeat confederacy democratic platform included calls negotiations confederacy subject potential truce capture atlanta hood burning military facilities evacuated showed successful conclusion war sight weakening support truce lincoln reelected comfortable margin electoral votes james highest ranking union officers killed action civil war honored declared official report public enemies men directed fatal shot spoke wrote expressions marked respect commanded loved associate commander fail words adequate express opinion great worth feel assured patriot america hearing sad news feel sense personal loss country generally realize lost able military leader man survived qualified heal national strife raised designing ambitious men despite damage caused war atlanta recovered downfall relatively quickly observer noted early november new city legacy atlanta ranked largest cities united_states battlefield urban residential commercial land markers notable events battle including place death marker erected georgia historical commission commemorate anniversary battle new markers erected park neighborhood atlanta building built listed national_register_of_historic_places museum located grant park containing painting battle notable establishment destroyed union soldiers potter house built owned holder slaves war battle confederate union artillery inflicted heavy damage rebuilt slaves father henry later african american cadet graduate united_states military academy west_point years short centennial battle country music singer songwriter king louisiana released hit song burning atlanta memoirs primary sources william memoirs general 2nd reprinted library america isbn war department war rebellion compilation official records union confederate armies washington government printing office


battle battle serbian german der fought austria-hungary serbia november december serbian campaign world war commenced november austro hungarians command reached river invasion serbia year having captured strategic town forced serbian army undertake series serbs withdrew capital belgrade november quickly fell hands austro hungarians december serbian army launched surprise counterattack serbs december austro hungarians retreated belgrade 5th army commander von frank deemed austro hungarians abandoned city december retreated austria-hungary allowing serbs retake capital following day austro hungarians serbs suffered heavy casualties dead defeat austria-hungary hoped occupy serbia end december von frank relieved respective commands 5th 6th armies merged single 5th army men background june student assassinated ferdinand austria assassination precipitated july crisis led austria-hungary issue ultimatum serbia july suspicion assassination planned belgrade austro hungarian government ultimatum intentionally unacceptable serbia rejected austro hungarians declared war serbia july day serbs destroyed bridges danube rivers order prevent austro hungarians future invasion belgrade shelled following day marking beginning world war fighting eastern_europe began austro hungarian invasion serbia early august command number austro hungarian troops assigned invasion far smaller strong force intended war declared large portion austro hungarian 2nd army moved russian reducing number troops involved initial stages invasion approximately hand serbs muster men oppose austro hungarians main elements face austro hungarians 1st 2nd 3rd armies combined strength approximately men serbian army commanded crown prince alexander chief serbian general staff commanded forces balkan wars deputy facto military leader commanded 1st 2nd 3rd armies respectively balkan wars concluded serbia recovering serbian soldiers killed seriously wounded recruits gained newly acquired territories serbian army stretched need garrison insurgents threat bulgarian attack compound matters serbs dangerously short artillery begun ammunition stocks supply problems extended basic items soldiers lacked uniform standard issue traditional serbian cap known rifles critically short supply estimated serbian soldiers equipment austro hungarians hand possessed abundance modern rifles twice machine guns field guns serbs better stocks munitions better transport industrial infrastructure serbs slight advantage austro hungarians soldiers experienced veterans balkan wars better trained austro hungarian counterparts soldiers highly motivated compensated lack weaponry serbs beat austro hungarian invasion august battle marked allied victory central powers world war defeat determined resume assault serbs given permission september launch invasion serbia provided risk lead pressure russians launch offensive austro hungarian troops possible away eastern serbs invaded bosnia september help repulsed month fighting came known battle wounded battle replaced commander serbian 1st army prelude austro hungarian plans acknowledged undefeated serbia severed austria-hungary connection ottoman_empire prevented completion berlin baghdad railway realized austro hungarian army inability defeat serbia discourage neutral countries bulgaria romania greece joining central powers italy open austria-hungary hesitant authorize invasion serbia changed september austro hungarian troops discovered map abandoned titled new division europe originally printed russian newspaper map widely sold serbia depicted borders europe appear following war germany divided northern southern austria-hungary abolished eastern provinces given russia romania hungarians southern provinces divided serbia italy alarmed prospect austria-hungary emperor joseph personally authorized invasion serbia early october having repelled serbian bosnia austro hungarian army positioned final invasion winter set placed charge austro hungarian forces given command austro hungarian 6th army austro hungarian 5th army commanded von frank total austro hungarians troops disposal serbian army soldiers ready face austro hungarian advance mid october austro hungarians launched thrust northwestern serbia appeared confident soldiers 5th 6th armies said goal war nearly attained complete destruction enemy month campaign break enemy resistance onset winter serbs exhausted telegram dated october complained 2nd army shells resist austro hungarians effectively requested removed command denied request ordered units resist austro hungarian advance long possible retreating strategy worked favour summer months heavy rainfall september early october reduced serbia roads muddy movement troops guns wagons extremely difficult recognized serbian army difficult situation certain invasion bring decisive victory desperately wanted vienna austro hungarian officials began planning occupation serbia country plundered territory bribe neutral balkan states joining central powers getting region getting macedonia southeastern serbia austro hungarians intended annex west river cities northern albania serbs living west compact masses serbian element austro hungarians called expelled replaced austrian settlers change psychology region making serbia serbian outlook section chief austro hungarian finance ministry wrote october recommending west serbs strong hand soon serbia occupied planned launch attack northern western serbia 5th army capture envelope river north 6th army secure plateau serbian units south capture southeastern serbian city main objective serbia capital july crucial transportation hub military acted clearing house munitions produced arsenal nearby city capture effectively cut serbia serbian army austro hungarian invasion serbia valleys northwestern serbia constant rainfall mountains covered snow early october acknowledging opportunity conditions presented told closest advisors strategy consists placing serbian national mud enemy fighting line supplies october von frank 5th army pushed region rivers 6th army drove west plateau austria-hungary invasion serbia commenced november intense artillery fire series serbian border towns november austro hungarian 5th 6th armies attacked despite outnumbered desperate need ammunition serbian army offered fierce resistance forced strategic withdrawal 3rd army fell road river effort block austro hungarian advance 1st army retreated southward serbian interior army managed prevent austro hungarians crossing november austro hungarians attacked serbian 2nd army near mountain came kilometres serbian foot mountain 2nd army given orders hold austro hungarians long possible position retreat right bank river position block approach austro hungarians drove wedge 1st 3rd army forced serbian retreat later day serbian government held joint session serbian supreme command regard serbia military position stressed critical serbia hold towns vicinity suggested serbs separate peace austria-hungary proved impossible notion rejected prime minister serbia urged resistance austro hungarians threatened resignation government peace discussions began session ended serbian government supreme command agreeing fight serbian retreat reasoned austro hungarian supply lines forces pressed deeper serbia serbs continue hold serbian interior november ordered general retreat withdrew serbian 2nd army positioned 1st 3rd armies north west army took positions defend town took austro hungarians pressed serbs hoping capture railroad clashes ensued serbian army managed prevent austro hungarians taking railroad time quickly clear austro hungarians managed bring heavy artillery muddy serbian country roads established firing positions serbian began targeting serbian army suffered heavy casualties morale serbs significantly lack cold weather clothing ammunition exhausted long retreat serbian interior realized forces need provide effective resistance austro hungarians ordered abandoned serbian army positions retreat river long serbs forced destroy bridges telephone lines fall austro hungarian hands serbian army abandoned heavy equipment speed withdrawal seeing situation critical serbian forces lacking artillery ammunition supplies sought help triple sent telegram envoys abroad read urgent help required france provided serbs munitions supplies representatives russia united_kingdom expressed understanding countries failed deliver weapons munitions austro hungarians entered november prompting wild public celebrations vienna joseph praised seizing town cities empire honorary citizen named street capture led austro hungarians believe verge defeating serbia serbian army longer coherent fighting force earth tactics employed serbs withdrawal complicated austro hungarian advance austro hungarians right assuming serbian army exhausted defensive positions prepared months advance carefully timed ensured losses serbian army lighter stood fought pitched battles austro hungarians geography northwestern serbia favoured defensive operations approaches offer cover armies invading direction austria-hungary river surrounded mountainous terrain october serbs fortified mountain ranges anticipation austro hungarian attack gave advantage austro hungarians placed control roads leading serbs established series field fortifications blocking approach extensive series fortifications difficulty terrain faced left austro hungarians choice conduct operations serbian countryside lines communication battle november austro hungarians reached november launched assault serbian defensive positions following day serbs managed force austro hungarians course days armies fought series battles heavy rain snowfall sides suffered heavy casualties large number soldiers austro hungarian assault began strategically located town south belgrade capture given access railway line ability serbian forces holding road belgrade south austro hungarians attacked serbian 1st army assault mistake attacking stronger right flank met determined serbian resistance prevented gaining ground military historian david jordan notes austro hungarians attacked junction splitting 1st armies able split serbs centre gotten hold passage river serbian 1st army quick reinforce left flank realizing subsequent attack far easy repel night november austro hungarians moved position carry assault began following morning austro hungarians main goal break defenses serbian 2nd army concentrated primarily drive serbian 1st army town simultaneously assaulting serbian positions villages threatened austro hungarian flank austro hungarians gained evening november seized higher ground serbs south serbian 1st army forced retreat following day giving austro hungarians ability advance main routes leading believed possible trying lure austro hungarians deeper serbia purpose attacking flanks correctly assessed serbian army position carry attack austro hungarians renewed attack 1st army november forcing serbs series brutal engagements austro hungarians advanced mount aiming drive 1st serbian army positions serbs withdrew mountain days heavy fighting decided pursue retreating units allowing orderly withdrawal austro hungarians suffered heavy casualties intensity fighting caused lose advanced deeper serbia terrain increasingly difficult exhausted tired austro hungarian soldiers serbian 1st army withdrew 2nd 3rd armies fiercely resisted austro hungarian advance led reinforce positions aimed capture use pivot attack right flank pushed west valley austro hungarian advances convinced army upper hand envisaged forces pursue surviving soldiers serbian 2nd 3rd armies predicted serbian 1st armies forced manoeuvre belgrade encircled destroyed combat outskirts intensified result serbian army managed austro hungarian assault despite lack ammunition serbs quickly began run shells asked serbian supreme command artillery 2nd army rear felt failure contribute defense frustrated troops bad morale instructed artillery 2nd army told russians sent artillery shells guns skeptical russians sent supplies serbs kept artillery 2nd army line instructed november predicting serbia defeated matter days appointed country governor occupied austro hungarians gains november forcing serbian army intense artillery bombardment november attempted cross junction river managed initial attack serbs soon forced invaders inflicting percent casualties austro hungarians causing offensive grind halt november serbian army attacked succeeded forcing austro hungarians fall belgrade serbian army fierce resistance inflicted heavy casualties austro hungarians concerned lines extended began contemplating strategic withdrawal belgrade evacuated night november austro hungarian 6th army attacked pushed deeper serbian interior defending extended serbian supreme command decided abandon belgrade city evacuated november austro hungarians entered city december prompting celebrations vienna serbian people withdrew alongside army retreated news belgrade fall greeted expected beginning war german agent reported refugees arriving day despite people sent south certainly people germany responded capture belgrade delight sent telegram austro hungarian leadership austro hungarians war serbia soon began preparing country occupation december anniversary joseph year throne wrote laying town fortress belgrade majesty feet serbian counterattack increasingly clear austro hungarian supply lines extended december ordered austro hungarian 6th army stop wait 5th army secure supply lines east railway resulting short pause austro hungarian military operations exploited brief respite withdrawing serbian 1st army kilometres line ensured soldiers opportunity rest serbian army mount received long promised supplies allies railroad confidence ability army launch counterattack restored december ordered forces attack austro hungarians informed officers offensive specific purpose improving serbian morale determined play aging serbian king peter took rifle accompanied troops serbian offensive caught austro hungarians surprise time attack launched holding large military parade streets belgrade austro hungarians found defending extended begun strengthening left flank leaving line lightly held knew avoid reversal battlefield preventing serbian 1st army reaching watershed rivers serbs confident discovered austro hungarians failed adequately prepare serbian counterattack artillery positioned line meant austro hungarian defenders unable use heavy guns break serbian advance rested serbs pushed forward belgrade night december serbian 1st army pushed kilometres past austro hungarian lines taking large number prisoners inflicting heavy casualties austro hungarians 2nd 3rd armies captured number important positions high ground army met fierce resistance ultimately able push austro hungarians offensive initial success served greatly enhanced morale serbian troops wanted significantly weakened austro hungarians time recover offensive resumed following morning forced retreat end day december british ambassador serbia informed british government offensive progressing brilliantly day serbian army broken austro hungarians centre right flank austro hungarians forced retreat abandoning weapons equipment went austro hungarians attempted consolidate control belgrade december attacked right flank serbian army city outskirts december austro hungarians fell serbs anticipated opponents attempt block serbian army advance austro hungarians failed construct defensive networks position block serbian offensive austro hungarians ensured defenses fortified laid artillery plans town defense lack prior preparation meant hills surrounding town devoid significant defensive positions serbs exploited weakness hills austro hungarians suffering minimal casualties serbian 3rd army broke defenses 6th army mount stormed bulgarian ambassador serbia reported news sweet ear going morning wrote days serbian army captured austro hungarian general officers troops cannon huge quantities war december austro hungarian counter offensive belgrade lost momentum austro hungarians began retreat city centre austro hungarian soldier wrote imagined serbs heels recently victorious december serbian army captured lower reaches forcing majority surviving austro hungarian troops flee river stop crossed danube entered austro hungarian soldiers bosnia december von frank informed considered impossible austro hungarian forces remain belgrade longer result ordered austro hungarian forces city withdraw austro hungarians left belgrade december retreated austria-hungary cover river monitors danube serbian army entered belgrade december control city end following day aftermath battle ended decisive serbian victory directive issued serbian supreme command december reported recapture belgrade marks successful end great magnificent period operations enemy beaten dispersed defeated expelled territory von austro hungarian chief general staff attributed defeat serbian thunder bolt south battle achieve austria-hungary objectives failed knock serbia war failed induce bulgaria join central powers failed convince romania stay neutral austro hungarian historians concluded battle defeat serbia constituted dual monarchy prestige self confidence battle like battle drew considerable attention serbia foreigners came country late offer political humanitarian aid fight alongside serbian army german publicist wrote serbia risen grave field source river draw courage greatest battles century austro hungarians suffered casualties including killed wounded taken prisoner reported officers taken prisoner battle cannon heavy machine guns large quantity captured serbs suffered heavy casualties killed wounded missing captured western press appalled scale atrocities committed austro hungarian troops serbian civilians including women children william united press confirmed eyewitness eighteen towns fully abandoned northwestern serbia nearly promoted rank command battle hand relieved command december defeat decision reportedly replaced austria austro hungarians hoped restore forces glory days prince eugene von frank dismissed commander 5th army replaced von commanded 4th corps battle 5th 6th armies merged single 5th army consisting men novel time death revolves battle adapted stage play titled battle