The Battle of Norfolk was a tank battle fought on February 27, 1991, during the Persian Gulf War, between armored forces of the United States and United Kingdom, and those of the Iraqi Republican Guard in the Muthanna Province of southern Iraq. The primary participants were the U.S. 2nd Armored Division (Forward), 1st Infantry Division (Mechanized), and the Iraqi 18th Mechanized and 9th Armoured Brigades of the Republican Guard Tawakalna Mechanized Infantry Division along with elements from eleven other Iraqi divisions. The 2nd Armored Division (Forward) was assigned to the American 1st Infantry Division as its 3rd maneuver brigade because one of its brigades was not deployed. The 2nd Armored Division (Forward)'s Task Force 1-41 Infantry was the spearhead of VII Corps. No fewer than 13 divisions participated in the Battle of Norfolk along with multiple heavy armored brigades and elements of a regiment. American and British forces destroyed approximately 850 Iraqi tanks and hundreds of other types of combat vehicles.

Participants

thumb|Soldiers of 2nd Platoon, Company C, 1st Battalion, [[41st Infantry Regiment (United States)|41st Infantry Regiment, Task Force 1-41 Infantry pose with a captured Iraqi tank during the 1st Gulf War, February 1991.]]

The U.S. Army's VII Corps was a formidable fighting force. In its inventory were 1,487 tanks, 1,384 infantry fighting vehicles (IFV), 568 artillery pieces, 132 multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS), 8 missile launchers, and 242 attack helicopters. It had a total troop strength of 146,321 troops. The primary forces involved in the battle were the American 1st Infantry Division, the 3rd Brigade of the 2nd Armored Division (Fwd) ('Hell on Wheels') and the Iraqi 18th Mechanized and 9th Armoured Brigades of the Republican Guard Tawakalna Mechanized Infantry Division along with elements from eleven other Iraqi divisions including the Iraqi 26th, 48th, 31st, and 25th Infantry Divisions. Task Force 1-41 Infantry of the U.S. 2nd Armored Division (Fwd) would spearhead the U.S. 1st Infantry Division and the rest of VII Corps throughout the war.

The Iraqi 52nd Armored Division was also a primary participant. The Iraqi 10th and 12th Armored Divisions were also present. The Iraqi 10th Armored Division was considered the best regular division in the Iraqi Army. It had more modern equipment than the other regular Iraqi units. Overall the primary tank of the Iraqi forces was the T-55 tank. The Iraqis fielded them in great numbers. The Tawakalna Republican Guard Division was Iraq's most powerful division which included approximately 14,000 soldiers, 220 T-72 tanks, 284 infantry fighting vehicles, 126 artillery pieces, and 18 MLRS.

Counter reconnaissance

Task Force 1-41 Infantry was the first coalition force to breach the Saudi Arabian border on 15 February 1991 and conduct ground combat operations in Iraq engaging in direct and indirect fire fights with the enemy on 17 February 1991. Task Force 1-41 Infantry was a heavy battalion task force from the 2nd Armored Division (Forward). It consisted primarily of the 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 3rd Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, and the 4th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment. Shortly after arrival in theater Task Force 1-41 Infantry received a counter-reconnaissance mission along with the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment. This joint effort became known as Task Force Iron. Counter-reconnaissance generally includes destroying or repelling the enemy's reconnaissance elements and denying their commander any observation of friendly forces. On 15 February 1991 4th Battalion of the 3rd Field Artillery Regiment fired on a trailer and a few trucks in the Iraqi sector that were observing American forces. On 16 February 1991 several groups of Iraqi vehicles appeared to be performing reconnaissance on the Task Force and were driven away by fire from 4-3 FA. Another enemy platoon, including six vehicles, was reported as being to the northeast of the Task Force. They were engaged with artillery fire from 4-3 FA. Later that evening another group of Iraqi vehicles was spotted moving towards the center of the Task Force. They appeared to be Iraqi Soviet-made BTRs and tanks. For the next hour the Task Force fought several small battles with Iraqi reconnaissance units. TF 1-41 IN fired TOW missiles at the Iraqi formation destroying one tank. The rest of the formation was destroyed or driven away by artillery fire from 4-3 FA. Later that evening the Task Force received enemy artillery fire but suffered no casualties. On 18 February Iraqi mortar positions continued to conduct fire missions against the Task Force. The Task Force returned fire on the Iraqi positions with artillery fire from 4-3 FA Battalion and 1st Infantry Division Artillery. During the Iraqi mortar attacks two American soldiers were wounded. Iraqi reconnaissance elements continued to patrol the area between the Task Force and the 1st Cavalry Division.

thumb|left|Iraqi tanks destroyed by Task Force 1-41 Infantry during the 1st Gulf War, February 1991.

Breach

The breach was preceded by a heavy artillery barrage, led by VII Corps artillery units to soften up Iraqi VII Corps defenses. Around 300 guns from multiple nations participated in the barrage. Over 14,000 rounds of artillery and over 4,900 M270 MLRS rockets were fired at Iraqi VII Corps forces during these raids. The group's commander stated his unit lost 83 of its 100 guns to the artillery preparation. 1st Infantry Division Apache helicopters and B-52 bombers conducted raids against Iraq's 110th Infantry Brigade. The 1st Engineer Battalion and 9th Engineer Battalion marked and proofed assault lanes under direct and indirect enemy fire to secure a foothold in enemy territory and pass the 1st Infantry Division and the British 1st Armoured Division forward. 1st Infantry Division Artillery made a significant contribution to the battle. They would fire 11,752 rounds of the 45,641 rounds fired during all artillery missions during the conflict. 1-5 FA would contribute 5,313 rounds. 4-5 FA contributed 4,100 rounds and 4-3 FA would fire 2,339 rounds during all artillery missions during the Gulf War. These three battalions would be the most active of all 28 of the 155mm battalions present in theatre. On 23 February 1991 4-3 FA along with 1-17 FA, 1-142 FA, 2-142 FA, and 1-27 FA participated in another successful artillery raid. This raid led to the destruction of additional Iraqi artillery assets, maneuver, command, and logistics targets. B-52 bombers conducted missions against the Iraqi 48th Infantry Division.

thumb|right|[[Task Force 1-41 Infantry destroyed multiple Iraqi tanks in defensive entrenchments.]]

On 24 February 1991 the 1st Cavalry Division conducted a couple artillery missions against Iraqi artillery units. One artillery mission struck a series of Iraqi bunkers, reinforced by Iraqi T-55 tanks, in the sector of the Iraqi 25th Infantry Division. The two divisions also began capturing prisoners.

thumb|left|Elements of Battery C, 4th Battalion of the [[3rd Field Artillery Regiment (United States)|3rd Field Artillery Regiment's Reconnaissance Team drive past a burning Iraqi tank. Vehicles from 4-3 FA follow closely behind during the Battle of Norfolk during the 1st Gulf War, February 1991.]]

Task Force 1-41 Infantry was given the task of breaching Iraq's initial defensive positions along the Iraq-Saudi Arabia border. Task Force 1-41 Infantry elements dismounted and prepared to engage the enemy soldiers which occupied these well-prepared and heavily fortified bunkers. In the process of clearing the bunkers Task Force 1-41 captured two brigade command posts and the command post of the Iraqi 26th Infantry Division. The Task Force also captured a brigade commander, several battalion commanders, company commanders, and staff officers.

thumb|An Iraqi tank destroyed by [[Task Force 1-41 Infantry during a night combat operation during the Gulf war, February 1991.]]

The 1st Infantry Division's Task Force 2-16 Infantry cleared four lanes simultaneously through an enemy fortified trench system while inflicting heavy casualties.

Early morning on 23 February the 1st Cavalry Division also conducted artillery raids and reconnaissance operations along the border berm.

On 23 February the 1st Infantry Division conducted Apache helicopter raids against the Iraqi 110th Infantry Brigade.

On 24 February 1991 Task Force 1-41 Infantry was engaged by Iraqi infantry units armed with RPGs. The Iraqi soldiers were either killed or captured. The Iraqis engaged Task Force 1–41 with artillery and mortar fire with little success.

Later on 24 February 1991 Task Force 1-41 would have a hand in the destruction of the Iraqi 110th and 434th Infantry Brigades of the Iraqi 26th Infantry Division.

thumb|right|An Iraqi [[Republican Guard (Iraq)|Republican Guard T-55 tank destroyed by Task Force 1-41 Infantry during the 1st Gulf War, February 1991.]]

On 25 February 1991 Task Force 1-41 Infantry engaged and destroyed the Iraqi Jihad Corps, which consisted of the 10th and 12th Armored Divisions, in direct combat.

The Battle of Norfolk was in a sense a continuation of the fighting that began with the Battle of 73 Easting. It took place under rainy and foggy weather conditions. It began at 0030 on 27 February 1991. During the early stages 1st Infantry Division Artillery, including 4-3 FA battalion, was decisive during combat operations performing multiple raids and fire missions. These combat operations resulted in the destruction of 50 enemy tanks, 139 APCs, 30 air defense systems, 152 artillery pieces, 27 missile launchers, 108 mortars, and 548 wheeled vehicles, 61 trench lines and bunker positions, 92 dug in and open infantry targets, and 34 logistical sites. Two American Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles were destroyed by the Iraqi Republican Guard 18th Mechanized Brigade while conducting forward reconnaissance. American artillery and MLRS units continued to conduct fire missions against Iraqi targets a dozen miles to the east. With air support from the 2nd Battalion, 1st Aviation's attack helicopters and fire support from both the 4th Battalion of the 3rd Field Artillery Regiment and the rest of 1st Infantry Division artillery preventing Iraqi artillery from interfering, the U.S. 1st Infantry Division conducted a passage of the 2nd ACR's lines.

The two attacking brigades of the U.S. 1st Infantry Division, including the 3rd Brigade of the 2nd Armored Division (Fwd), were positioned along the 75 Easting, 2,000 meters east of 73 Easting. The Brigades clashed with the Iraqi Tawakalna Division of the Republican Guard, including the 37th Brigade of the 12th Iraqi Armored Division. Elements of the Iraqi 12th Armored Division were destroyed during this engagement by Task Force 1-41 Infantry. This was a slow moving division that was significantly outmatched by U.S. and British forces.

On 27 February 1991 Task Force 1-41 Infantry destroyed an Iraqi T-55 tank battalion that ambushed the Task Force. The Iraqi tank unit managed to destroy a Bradley Fighting Vehicle and killed three soldiers belonging to the Task Force. That same day Task Force 1-41 destroyed an Iraqi RPG team, machine gun nest, and a bunker. The 2nd Armored Division (Forward) destroyed 60 Iraqi tanks and 35 AFVs along the Iraq Pipeline to Saudi Arabia (IPSA). Task Force 1-41 and other 2nd Armored Division(Fwd) units successfully secured the Iraq Pipeline to Saudi Arabia and capture a massive Iraqi logistics installation in the process. The Task Force and the 1st Infantry Division also cleared an extensive bunker complex which housed RPG equipped Iraqi infantry.

thumb|A [[M109 howitzer|M109A2 self-propelled howitzer, belonging to 4-3 FA Battalion, prepares to move into position to engage Iraqi forces, February 1991. 4-3 FA Battalion conducted numerous fire missions and artillery raids during the 1st Gulf War.]]

In the thick of the fog of war, U.S. units became mixed with Iraqi units dispersed throughout the desert. This confusion led to some friendly fire incidents. Task Force 1-41 Infantry was involved in the worst US "friendly fire" incident of the Gulf War on 27 February 1991.

The 2nd Armored Division(Fwd) continued to fight a series of short, sharp battles with Iraqi tank platoons as it moved across the Wadi al-Batin into Kuwait. On 27 February 1991 an Iraqi tank unit attacked 4-3 FA.

The 1st Engineer Battalion was a key participant in the subsequent destruction of one and the rout of two Iraqi Republican Guard Divisions. With a 120mm rifled main gun, thermal optics, and state of the art Chobham armor, its only rival in-theatre was the American M1A1 Abrams tank. British infantry rode into battle on the Warrior tracked armoured vehicle. It had reasonable armour protection and a 30mm gun. Modified versions of the vehicle included mortar carriers, MILAN antitank systems, and command and control vehicles; and the British possessed a variety of excellent light armoured vehicles built on their FV101 Scorpion chassis. British artillery was primarily American made M109 howitzers (155mm), M110 howitzers (203mm), and M270 MLRS which were compatible with American systems. Their air support consisted of Gazelle helicopters, used for reconnaissance, and the Lynx helicopter which was comparable to the American AH-1 Cobra. The British had their full contingent of engineer, logistics, and medical units.

thumb|Challenger 1 of the [[Royal Scots Dragoon Guards near Kuwait City during the Gulf War.]]

On 25 February 1991 the 1st Armoured Division broke into the western flank of the Iraqi 48th Infantry Division which was commanded by Brigadier General Saheb Mohammed Alaw. That night the 48th Infantry Division was destroyed and General Alaw was captured by the British. That same night the British cleared two lines of enemy positions during close combat engagements. The British also destroyed several Iraqi companies of T-55 tanks.

After 48 hours of combat the British 1st Armoured Division destroyed or isolated four Iraqi infantry divisions (the 26th, 48th, 31st, and 25th) and overran the Iraqi 52nd Armored Division in several sharp engagements. The Iraqi 80th Armored Brigade would also fall victim to the British 1st Armoured Division.

A Challenger 1 from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards destroyed an Iraqi tank at a range of . This was the longest recorded tank to tank kill in the history of armored warfare.

The British 7th Brigade cleared Objective Platinum destroying at least six additional T-55 tanks in dug in positions and a bunker using Milan missiles.

British forces destroyed a communications site and two artillery positions en route to Objective Bronze. British forces also destroyed 12 Iraqi tanks, 11 guns, and 20 light armor and thin skin vehicles while clearing Objective Bronze.

The British 4th Brigade destroyed an entire tank battle group which included 25 main battle tanks at Objective Copper South. The 4th Brigade also cleared Copper South of Iraqi soldiers, IFVs, artillery, logistics support vehicles, and captured two division commanders. This included the destruction of 48 tanks, APCs, and 25 MT-LBs all hidden in fighting positions.

While taking Objective Platinum 2 the British destroyed an Iraqi tank company in the process.

thumb|A British Challenger 1 tank during the 1st Gulf War. The British Challenger tank was the most efficient tank of the Gulf war suffering no losses while destroying approximately 300 Iraqi tanks during combat operations.

Later in the day the 1st Battalion, Staffordshire Regiment, 7th Brigade engaged Iraqi forces at Objective Lead. The 1st Battalion, Staffordshire Regiment destroyed over 40 Iraqi tanks and numerous other combat systems.

The British also took Objective Waterloo.

thumb|left|Iraqi [[Type 69 tanks after an attack by the British 1st Armoured Division during Operation Desert Storm.]]

The British 1st Armoured Division had traveled 217 miles in 97 hours. The British 1st Armored Division had captured or destroyed about 300 tanks and other combat vehicles and a very large number of armored personnel carriers, trucks, reconnaissance vehicles, etc. The Iraqi Tawakalna Republican Guard division had a significant presence at Objective Dorset. An Iraqi artillery position was also destroyed. The Iraqis also had the support of a dozen field artillery batteries directly behind the rear of the Tawakalna Republican Guard Division. On 27 February 3rd Armored Division Artillery conducted 42 fire missions, and fired 827 rounds at Iraqi targets. In total 3rd Armored Division Artillery fired 2,854 rounds and its MLRS units fired 555 rockets during combat operations.

By late 27 February the U.S. 3rd Armored Division cleared Objective Dorset after meeting stiff resistance and destroying more than 300 enemy vehicles.

VII Corps suffered 62 killed and 235 wounded. It also suffered 18 M1A1 tanks destroyed or damaged,

Historical significance

Current sources consider it the largest tank battle of the Gulf War. Some sources list the Battle of Norfolk as the second largest tank battle in American history behind the Battle of the Bulge.

See also

  • Battle of Medina Ridge
  • History of the M1 Abrams

Notes

References

  • [https://web.archive.org/web/20161221005030/http://www.2cr.army.mil/info/history/2SCR%20history%2020%20Jan%202011.pdf ]
  • Desert Rats:The British 4 and 7 Armoured Brigades, WW2 to Today by Hans Halberstadt
  • Challenger Squadron by Simon Dunstan
  • The First Infantry Division and the U.S. Army Transformed: Road to Victory in Desert Storm, 1970-1991 by Gregory Fontenot
  • Desert Redleg: Artillery Warfare in the First Gulf War by Col. L. Scott Lingamfelter
  • Burton, James G. The Pentagon Wars: Reformers Challenge the Old Guard, Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press, 1993. .

Bibliography

  • Crusade: The Untold Story of the Persian Gulf War, by Rick Atkinson, Houghton Mifflin, 1993.