Jack the Ripper Tour - London, England

 

London, England

 

Housesteads Roman Fort

Operation Desert Storm - The Battle of Kuwait International Airport

 The Battle of Kuwait International Airport occurred on February 27, 1991 during the 1st Gulf War.

It was a tank battle between the United States (as part of the Coalition of the Gulf War) and Iraq. Despite being a very large battle it is often overlooked compared to the other battles which took place during the war. No less than elements of 18 divisions total participated in this battle. U.S. Army Special Forces units and multiple Iraqi Commando units were also in theatre. In reality the battle took place over a span of three days despite the primary battle at Kuwait International Airport lasting only one day.

Much of the combat actually took place en route to the airport.

 

The battle featured the "Reveille Engagement" which went on to become the biggest and fastest tank battle in United States Marine Corps' entire history

Operation Desert Storm - 27 Feb 1991

 

27 February 1991 – Persian Gulf War – Operation Desert Storm 

Task Force Papa Bear (1^st Marine Regiment) Operations Report 

06:00   TF Shepherd cleared the Kuwait International Airport. 

08:00   Organized resistance had ceased in Papa Bear’s zone.  From Papa Bear’s perspective, the war was over. 

During the three day period of combat operations against Iraqi forces, Task Force Papa ear advanced over 100 kilometers from its assembly area in Saudi Arabia to the outskirts of Kuwait International Airport.  Highlights of this rapid attack were:

• The assault breach of two Iraqi obstacle belts
• The repulse of a major counterattack at the Al Burgan Oil Field
• The 40 kilometer mechanized attack to isolate and control Kuwait International Airport

The repulse of the Iraqi counterattack was the largest combat engagement fought by any Marine Corps’ unit during the war. 

Task Force Papa Bear is credited with the destruction of 102 tanks, 41 APCs, and 62 other vehicles.

Over 1,600 Iraqi soldiers were captured by the task force, while many others were bypassed or disarmed and left to follow-on forces to process. 

Fourteen task force Marines received wounds from combat with Iraqi forces. 

Lance Corporal James Waldron of A Company, 7^th Engineer Support Battalion was the only task force Marine to be killed in the combat.  His death on the evening of 26 February, in the last major skirmish with Iraqi forces at Kuwait International Airport was a tragic loss deeply felt by his fellow Marines. 

The rapid advance and tactical successes enjoyed by Task Force Papa Bear would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of every Marine and Sailor in the task force.  The professionalism and courage displayed by each member of Task Force Papa Bear was exemplary and in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Operation Desert Storm - 26 Feb 1991

 26 February 1991 – Persian Gulf War – Operation Desert Storm 

Task Force Papa Bear (1^st Marine Regiment) Operations Report 

08:00   Task Force Papa Bear moved north toward Kuwait City.  Numerous EPWs were disarmed and directed south during the fast-paced movement north. 

11:00   The task force reached PL RED. 

13:00   Papa Bear had reached PL DIANNE.  The soot from burning oil wells darkened both Marines and vehicles as they moved past abandoned Iraqi tanks, armored vehicles, and anti-tank guns. 

13:15   The task force commander met the commanding general to finalize plans for the final assault on Kuwait International Airport.  The plan called for Papa Bear to isolate the airport from the south and west. 

16:30   The lead elements of the task force began the final assault.  The movement toward the airport was slowed by scattered enemy resistance, oil field pipelines and the blackened skies which rained an oily mist from the burning oil wells.  When 3/9 crossed PL MARGARET, two substantial wire obstacle were encountered and breached while sporadic automatic weapons fire was received.  The task force continued to push through toward the airport.  Several fire fights ensued as fleeing Iraqis tried to escape to the north and west. 

22:00   By this time, the lead elements of the task force had reached their blocking positions.  Throughout the night, the remainder of the task force moved to within 1 kilometer of the airport.