Certain elevations have played such key roles in important battles in history that they’re etched into the popular consciousness. Others may be less well-known in the mainstream, but might be familiar only to those who follow military history.
Where the heights of the Tokmak offensive will land remains to be seen.
Bunker Hill, for example, needs no introduction, at least for an American audience. Located in Charlestown, just north of Boston, this was the hill where militia forces that would go on to form the Continental Army caused heavy casualties to British forces. Throwing back two assaults by the Brits before being forced to retreat when they ran out of ammunition, the Continentals showed that they could deal horrific losses when challenged.
Bunker Hill is just 34m (110 ft) high. Numerous other hills might seem surprisingly small to many. Consider Napoleon’s famous victory at Austerlitz, which was sealed by the capture of the Pratzen Heights, which rise just 10-12 meters above their surroundings.
The Union Army’s defense of Little Round Top on the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg turned out to be a key moment that helped turn the tide of the Civil War. The peak of Little Round Top looms less than 49 meters above the surrounding topography.
Eight Allied and German divisions furiously fought over Hill 70 outside of Lens, France, during WWI in 1917. Hill 70 was just 70 meters tall.
Some 1600 Marines died capturing Sugar Loaf Hill during the Battle of Okinawa. The hill loomed just over 15 meters above its surroundings.
It’s conceptually easy to understand how an army positioned on a literal mountain would be a formidable foe. Iwo Jima’s Mt. Suribachi—167 meters high—was turned into a giant underground fortress, with interconnected tunnels, hidden machine gun pits, and camouflaged artillery emplacements.
By contrast, how could Sugar Loaf Hill pose any threat? The U.S. Marines who advanced on the position on May 12, 1945 felt no differently, assuming it would be little more than a virtual bump on the road.
To their horror, the Marines realized that from their elevated positions, Japanese defenders could see and obtain line of sight on virtually any unit that was approached. Furthermore, two other similarly small hills (called Horseshoe Hill and Half Moon Hill by the Americans) had also been turned into formidable defensive positions. Together, the three hills allowed the Japanese defenders to cover weaknesses and create interlocking fields of fire that devastated the advancing Marines.
It would take eight days, numerous failed assaults, and 3000 U.S. Marine casualties, including those 1600 who gave their lives to capture “that goddamn little hill.”
To understand how even small hills confer tactical advantages, it help to think of the height of hills in terms of buildings, rather than comparing them to mountains. A 9- or 10-meter hill might sound tiny—but it’s essentially the same height as a three-story buillding.
If a soldier attempts to use bumps in the ground as cover to approach a target, being higher up than an opponent is a major advantage. Cover is rendered less effective on the ground, while the height advantage conceals more of the person firing down.
A similar effect happens with armored vehicle. It is easier for an armored vehicle shooting down to secure a line of sight on targets than the opposite.
Even small advantages in elevation can have outsized effects.
But why does all this matter? In the Battle of Tokmak, Ukraine has been fighting literally uphill for virtually the entire battle.
Tokmak is arguably the heaviest-defended city in Russian-occupied Ukraine.
RELATED STORY: Quick Explainer: Why Tokmak is as important as Izium, Lyman or Kupiansk
Russia has established a string of defense lines to impede the Ukrainian advance. Advancing from the north, Ukraine has been forced to overcome defensive line after defensive line, with multiple lines still to go.
![TokmakDefenses.png](data:image/svg+xml,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="550" height="362"><rect fill-opacity="0"/></svg> "TokmakDefenses.png")
Ukraine’s powerful Bradley fighting vehicles of the 47th Brigade have led the way, supported by Leopard 2 tanks from the 33rd brigade.
Bradleys appear to have played a particularly central role in the combat in this sector. The 47th brigade began the counteroffensive with 90 Bradleys at the beginning of June.
Bradleys are one of the most powerful infantry fighting vehicles, known as IFVs for short, in the world, with powerful armor, a digital fire-controlled, high-powered 25 mm auto-cannon that can shred the armor of almost any Russian armored vehicle—short of a main battle tank. Its TOW-3 antitank missies can take out Russian tanks from over 3000 meters, making the Bradley one of the few “tank killer” IFVs capable of dominating older Soviet model tanks while also threatening even the most advanced Russian tanks.
The 47th has helped spearhead Ukrainian attacks that have now managed to punch through three separate layers of Russian defenses.
Aided by the 47th, Ukraine’s 65th and 116th brigades have managed to liberate the northern third of Robotyne. The full liberation of Robotyne would represent securing a highway through the first major line of Russian defenses—and major progress.
Yet to help bring Ukraine to this point, it appears the 47th has paid a heavy price. Oryx has documented the loss of 50 Bradleys; 24 destroyed, 26 damaged. This is the absolute baseline of losses the 47th could have suffered, as Oryx counts only visually confirmed losses.
However, the hardware Ukraine has lost with regards to Bradleys has been quickly replenished. Since the start of the offensive, the U.S. has sent 93 additional Bradley units. This has likely made good on the 47th’s hardware losses. Bradleys are renowned for the survivability they offer troops, so in many cases of Bradleys that were immobilized but not destroyed, the crews were able to simply retreat.
But for all the heavy armor and high survivability, Ukraine is still losing troops, including in damaged Bradleys. It has likely lost some combat strength from the first day of the counteroffensive, but thanks to plentiful replacements for the lost Bradleys, Ukraine likely is still fielding a powerful force.
Ukraine has steadfastly preserved some of its most powerful and decorated units, such as the 82nd, 1st Tank, and 92nd Mechanized brigades. It chose this moment to commit one of its most powerful fresh brigades: the 82nd Air Assault, with western tanks (Challenger 2) and IFVs (Marders and Strykers).
With this new combination of the 82nd and 47th, Ukraine is now attempting to break through Russia’s defense line between Novoprokopivka and Verbove. It is here that Ukraine has an opportunity to finally fight past all of Russia’s counter offensive defenses on higher ground, and start fighting downhill for a change.
Ukraine’s goal appears to be the tallest hill that the Russians hold in this area. It’s a 166-meter tall hill I personally have taken to calling “Hill 166.” This is not an official name, but rather one I personally use for ease of distinguishing various localities.
Every position west of Hill 166 lies at a lower elevation, giving Ukraine the advantage of artillery fire support that not only flanks, but controls a dominant height over enemies to the west. Once Ukraine gets past Hill 166, the rest of the way to Tokmak only goes downhill—in the good way.
The 47th and 82nd brigades’ push up Hill 166 represents the last elevated obstacle that Ukraine must advance past.
Those who are dismissive of Ukraine’s chances of significant strategic gain suggest that Ukraine has only broken through a few small defensive lines, and there are too many more to overcome to make significant progress.
However, it seems to me that Ukraine has just one last truly daunting peak of hills to overcome. Till now, Ukraine had always been fighting fortified enemy positions that were uphill.
Once Ukraine is able to wrest that height advantage away from the Russians, it could be Ukraine that advances downhill upon enemy positions—perhaps in a battle that might make “hill” history.
Was this story worth reading?
Recommending stories helps us decide which stories are mostimportant to show our readers.
Keyboard navigation:
- ( L ) Recommend
- ( r ) Reply
- ( p ) Parent
- ( o ) Open/Close
- ( j ) Next
- ( k ) Prev
- ( 1 ) First Comment
- ( 2 ) Last Comment
- ( J ) Next Unread
- ( K ) Prev Unread
- ( esc ) Unfocus Text Field
- ( P ) Edit/Preview
- ( S ) Submit
- ( c ) Cancel
![avatar](data:image/svg+xml,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="55" height="55"><rect fill-opacity="0"/></svg>)
![avatar](data:image/svg+xml,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="115" height="115"><rect fill-opacity="0"/></svg>)
Excellent observation, as usual, thanks. Though my mind has indulged surreal thoughts reading:
“Its TOW-3 antitank missies can take out Russian tanks”
The Mata Hari brigade?
I have stated this before and will state it again Bradley’s eat tanks for breakfast lunch and diner. The only Russian tanks I’m not sure about is the T-90 and the new T-14, everything else’s the armor spalds when taking around from the Bushmaster (the main gun). This means the inside armor breaks away and explodes into the tank, this is the same thing that happens when a pellet gun hits a window. During the first Gulf war the Bardley’s killed more tanks than the M1, between the Bushmaster and back then the TOW not the TOW 2B the difference is the TOW 2B is a top armor attack.
I know enough Bradly gunners that took part in that and all of them, to the man had multiple tank kills and AFVs. Turret tossing was common sport among them, see how far they could get it to pop. Now mind you the Bushmaster isn’t go for that you need to TOW to get a turret to pop. Crazy buddy of mine stood on the outside of the Bradly because the back top hatch was broken on their track to load the TOW. Lot of stupid shit like that happened, it worked because they were throwing some much lead down ranger that he didn’t have to worry about it.
personally I think the T14 wont be an issue :-)
Wow. I’ve read *numerous* articles about the Ukrainian counter-offensive, but none have ever mentioned elevation! A rather important consideration, I’d think.
Thank you, RO37! As usual, your insight is enlightening, and eye-opening.
Kos doesn’t leave his house unless he has control of the heights…….;-)
And well-established lines of logistical support with 8 butlers for each member of the party!
don’t know about the butlers…..
he’s been all over high-ground advantages for about a year now.
Totally agree, Intolerant!!! I’ll bet that between this military action and the Ukraine incursions across the Dnipro River, the RU military and Putin must be shitting bricks. No wonder we’re (again) hearing about nuclear retaliation. Unexpectedly good news!! Drive on AF Ukraine!!!
The issue has been discussed in many various writings here for well over a year. I suspect you may not have noticed them because they were mentioned in passing, not entirely devoted to it.
Right after I hit “Submit Comment” I realized that I should’ve more precisely said:
“...but none that I recall, outside of discussions about the battle for Bakhmut, and the earlier battle(s) around Lysychansk and Sievierodonetsk, that were not generally considered to be part of the current counter-offensive.”
In my humble opinion, it seems to me that elevation is a critical consideration that woulda/shoulda/coulda been mentioned more than just “in passing.”
The right bank of the Dnipro’s elevation advantage over the Russian controlled left bank in Kherson Oblast was mentioned more than in passing in discussions of what next.
This is an incredibly shallow slope yowards Tokmak... It's not a 166 m hill over surrounding terrain, but A very broad 30 meter hill over the terrain on the way to Tokmak. It may have had commanding LOS over its north, but it could not see tokmak over the "spur" to its south, even if there weren't treelines along every field.
The attack will most likely follow the road and teeelines, like normal.
If you follow Reporting from Ukraine, you’ll hear “if we look at the topographic map...” in your sleep.
Hopefully, for Russian viewers that phrase is giving them nightmares.
…...as well as “Unfortunately for the Russians…..…...”
8-)
Two phrases I always look forward to hearing, in RfU!
Also the daily YouTube article summaries Euromaidan posts will uses the topographic map to illustrate movement — think RO37’s maps above with real time updates.
Euromaidan: transcripts (with screenshots) of daily Reporting from Ukraine videos.
The article summary videos posts first on the Euromaidan site, sometimes by 24 hours. They also have other coverage on Ukraine in addition to the frontline reports.
Actually I thought it was the other way around: video first, then Euromaidan six to eight hour later. (Or maybe I misunderstood you, mj.)
As of right now (5pm PT) the most recent RfU video is dated Aug 18, time-stamped “19 hours ago”. (Subject: RU tanks in Klishchiyivka, etc.) The most recent Euromaidan article is the “transcript” of that video, with screenshots, and is dated Aug. 19.
TL/DR — oops, you’re right. Communication mistake.
I believe we are talking about 2 different things. The original comment mentioned ‘video’ and I was thinking about when they post the video summary on the website vs when it posts to YouTube.
I wasn’t thinking about when the video summary posts vs the article write up.
I think that you and I are on the same page: the videos, for me are on my “must see list” — sometimes even before checking Daily Kos, which is saying a lot. But I do check the Euromaidan “print” version almost every day, too: sometimes go there first, if I’m short of time. Like most people (including RO37, apparently!) I can read faster than I can listen! Both video and print versions are exceptionally well-presented.
Yes we are — same across the board. I also follow Denys Davydov youtube.com/... who does a nice daily summary. He’s a Ukrainian commercial pilot with some good information sources. My only complaint — he tends to be a bit alarmist and overly critical about any setback (as in investigate the commanders, it’s old Soviet thinking trapping the military, etc). Knowing that bias you can filter it out because he’s another good source.
I wasn’t aware of Euromaiden Press till I read this. A great supplement to the fine articles here, thank you.
www.dailykos.com/… A 3D Look at Nova Kakhovka (Flood Effect) by Jari
posted prior to the destruction of the dam. Jari has posted several excellent diaries on thr topography of the battlefields, all use an exaggerated elevation to help amateurs like me identify the critical high ground. Worth a read.
High ground is life, take it hold it and use it to rule the surrounding area. Cavalry scouts live and breath terrain, high the better where we can dig in and look out in secret where no one knows were are at.
where no one knows were are at.
EASY - you're up there! ;)
Us Brits remember of course Spion Kop, but this was rather different — our boys grabbed the hill in the dark and dug a trench on the top. However when dawn broke, it transpired that the trench was in the wrong place with a view of nothing, and that the Boers had a great view of this trench from the surrounding heights on which they also had cannons.
Extremely informative!
Thank you, RO37!
Breed’s Hill, defending the reputation of Bunker Hill since 1775.
RO37 must not be New England raised.
Not from NE but live here now. Wasn’t the Bunker Hill combat actually conducted on an adjacent hill??? Was that this Breed’s Hill???
Yes, i forgot. In my defense, I had an unexpected blowup of urgent work happen on Thursday and Friday, and I only got to this drafting this article at 2:30AM in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday—with a 9AM deadline.
So as I quickly went over famous hills, I didn’t go back and reread the battles, and it totally slipped my mind that the famous battle of bunker hill didn’t take place… on bunker hill.
An oversight on my part, admittedly.
I grew up mostly in the Midwest.
The conflation of Breed’s Hill and Bunker Hill is a useful sidebar to the discussion of the advantage of seizing the high ground. Breed’s has the lower elevation, but there were other factors that made it more valuable as a fortification.
The campaign for control of Boston was concluded 9 months after the Battle of Bunker Hill, when Colonial artillery was placed on Dorchester Heights (Nook’s Hill, also lower than Bunker Hill) which put the British naval anchorage under fire. British forces withdrew from the city.
I was taking one of Boston’s Duck Tours and we saw the Bunker Hill Monument, and the history was explained by the tour guide. A British member of our tour commented, “So you built a monument to a battle you lost on the wrong hill?”
The monument is on the right hill (Breeds Hill, the one where the battle was actually fought). The battle is called the “The battle of Bunker Hill” because bunker hill was the larger of the two hills and therefore the most important, and the ultimate objective of the British. The American strategy was to first defend on the smaller hill in front, breeds hill, then retreat up to the higher bunker hill, when they could no longer hold the lowers hill. However, surprisingly to both sides, the British were unable to displace them from the lower hill until the Americans ran out of ammunition. At which time they were forced to retreat, and since without ammunition they couldn’t defend bunker hill either, they retreated off the Charlestown peninsula entirely. It was a tactical victory for the British, but a strategic victory for the Americans because the of the disparity in casualties (over 1000 for the British, less than half of that for the Americans), and because it demonstrated that the Americans could successfully face British regulars in a pitched battle.
It was just sour grapes, cause battles are important to war historians and who won the war is important to history.
Ukraine forces have made it through the mines on the way to Tokmak.
Ukraine making progress in counteroffensive, U.S. officials say
A U.S. official told CBS News on Thursday that Ukrainian forces have made it through a Russian minefield north of Tokmak and are now engaging with the first line of Russian defenses holding the city.
This could be the Gettysburg battle of this war.
Thanks for this encouraging report. Let’s hope the Ukrainians reap rich returns from their grueling investments of the last several months.
Reports suggest that due to the rainy season starting in 6 to eight weeks the Ukrainian counter-offensive will wind down until spring?
What happens to heavy equipment on these advancing frontlines? Will they need to be withdrawn to fortified cities? Where would these be?
Rain won’t have a major effect on small-unit infantry advances.
Will make it harder to capitalize on any breakthroughs they do make though.
I think the further south they are, the less mud will be a problem.
By my understanding, rasputitsa is less severe and comes later in the south than in the north. Like, last year's Kherson counteroffensive was still going as late as November. Though, weather is impossible fully predict. We'll see how long the ground can support armoured assaults.
The further south the Ukrainians get the milder the winter and the less the fields turn into quagmires, according to many articles I’ve seen. So the Ukrainians may not be stopped by weather in the southern battles.
I’ve been given to understand that rain doesn’t play such a big role in the south; also that mud season in the fall is generally less impressive compared to spring.
If Russian generals realize the importance of high ground then Yes Russia will commit everything to holding the high ground.
But given the past record of Russian generals during this war I assume that Vlad a man without military training is actually calling the shots.
Think Trump running US health policy during Covid.
I think the Moskal generals are well-aware of heights — they have a fear of them, which is why they don’t stand near windows.
I’m thinking it will be good if they try to hold it if the hill is somewhat small.
Imagine a constant barrage of artillery and cluster munitions raining down on a small area that’s densely packed with Russian troops.
While I’ve very happy to hear this, I wish “US Officials” would STFU and let the ZSU mange OPSEC.
Is there some reason they engaging the line and not trying to go around the city or did I misunderstand?
Once they gain the heights, they control the city for the most part. They can go around and starve out the Muscovites that stick around.
Ukraine forces have made it through the mines on the way to Tokmak.
Just remember that mines removed one day can be launched back into place the next day.
Not in the same place they won’t. RU will launch them as they retreat to slow down the UA advance.
Nice target or Ukraine to hit before the Russian troops activate it… boom and no mines.
Came here to post this. Well done.
Ukraine: Don't try it, I have the high ground!
Russia: [Launches an counterattack]
Russia: Dies
Don’t try it.
Darth Vader to Luke, on the catwalk: “I see your master has taught you well.”
Methinks russian regional elections begin in September…...icbw…….often am.
Yes, and if the Russian lunar lander did fail and India gets there first it will be another humiliation. It is all of a piece and the fall of Russia is being solidified even in its population.
thank you…I read these things…...then I forget.
“On a related note, I am a fan of XKCD.”
Honestly, with your crude drawing used to illustrate the height point, the very first thing I thought of was XKCD. Great minds… or at least people that like nerdy comics. heh…
Thanks as usual RO37. Glad Kos found you and you found Kos.
My first thought was “pipe cleaner men”.
I don’t believe that anyone on this site can safely say they’ve never identified with this XKCD moment:
Yeah, there’s years of them. Not of them are classic, but that one is. There’s also the one that floats around circles that I am rather familiar with.
I have that one framed over my desk at home. A gift from my equally nerdy son.
RO37--thanks again for the detailed explanations and sharing your tremendous knowledge of warfare history and tactics!
RO37 is a find.
Hill Yes
Hamburger Hill during the Vietnam War. It’s unclear to me, an amateur, how large a part elevation played in the difficulties encountered by the US forces. The technological disparity between the militaries may have nullified the height advantage. (or not)
Mostly because physics doesn’t care about technology. Sure up to a point, there are ways to make it easier, but being able to strike you from above while you only get to strike back at part of me is a decisive advantage.
It’s why it’s so perplexing Russia is continually counter-attacking
Most excellent... Mountains become mole hills…
As usual, well done.
My stepdad’s cousin was killed trying to take Hill 593 (Calvary Hill) at Monte Cassino in World War II. Eventually, the Allies defeated the defending German troops from all the hills there, but they took an estimated 50,000 casualties to the Germans’ estimated 20,000, according to various sources.
Monte Casino…….google it.
An abbey fortress
reduced to rubble and then became a nightmare to take…..
all the hiding places….
what is done is done.
Montecassino (yes, no space) seems to be the preferred Italian form and MB's form is the one I've known since starting to read histories of it 50 years ago (lost a lot of countrymen there).
I've never before seen it with only one "s".
Over 1,000 Polish soldiers also died storming the Abbey. Many of them had been fighting the Nazis since the 1939 invasion of Poland.
My father was allegedly there or near or was after with the Canadian army. I feel like I recall he had a photo of it but I can’t check now as other relatives have those albums.
Thank you, RO37.
Being totally ignorant of strategy and tactics, I have wondered why Ukraine has not rolled up the defensive lines. To the east, they converge at the northern end of Verbove and then come back west to “Hill 166.” One would think they would have to clear the trenches to the east anyway, and then would have a better approach to that objective. Any thoughts?
Russian mining operations have made any armored operation around their fortifications a very dangerous option. By denying ammo and other supplies to the russians, UKR will force them to retreat from their positions and allow de-mining operations to be done.
As I understand it, these particular fortifications are simply trenches. This satellite map is a two months old, but also does not seem to show anything more than that. While the trenches do not appear to be continuous, there aren’t large gaps. So, if one took a trench, one would just about have to roll down it so as to not have bunkmates with ill intent.
I would doubt they would place anti-tank mines near the trenches, since a nearby shell could detonate the mine; anti-personnel mines would be more likely to kill defenders who need to take a leak.
On paper I can only agree with you, it would make more sense to take Verbove and then roll up the crest. And yeah, if Ukraine took “Hill 166” right now, that would be a salient between two villages and hard to supply.
But if Ukraine is really going for that height then it might be the opposite in practice: without taking that hill, attacks on Verbove (and Robotyne) are too exposed. Which in turn would mean that drones are not everything and the recce’ still has good days ahead.
Two paragraphs to say “I have no idea”.
There’ not a particularly good reason to do so? Such an operation would take a lot of combat power and time, much of which would be accomplished by capturing Tokmak then merely threatening a move northwest will force a withdrawal.
Advacning along the highway to Tokmak secure the lines of supply anyways, so the Advance doesn’ tneed to be broadened more than necessary
I have called the Ukrainian offensive as sedulous. The word holds true. It is now pretty clear Russia is not going to crack anytime soon, but exhaustion is almost as good.
Fortunate for me now……
I live in North Carolina and not in Ukraine.
I’m not as convinced they won’t crack anytime soon. To be fair, I don’t know if they will or won’t, but rather I’m thinking of the phenomenon that goes with catastrophic failures- the growth comes exponentially and on first blush appears to come out of nowhere, going from “looks ok” to “hmm, are those cracks” to “run for your lives” real fast. Russia’s Kharkiv collapse last year is a good example. Hopefully Ukraine is ready to capitalize when a localized collapse occurs and can drive it to the hilt.
Terrific again, RO. I had no idea. Thanks
Thanks for doing the work, I hate reading topographical maps >_<
Quick historical note. The battle know as ‘Bunker Hill’ actually took place on Breed’s Hill. Bunker Hill lies behind Breed’s Hill. This actually makes the point about topography even more stark as Breed’s Hill is of elevation 62 ft (19 metres) as opposed to Bunker Hill’s 110 ft (34 metres).
Once Breed’s Hill was taken, Bunker Hill itself was quickly cleared. The highest American casualties apparently were suffered in the retreat across Bunker Hill itself.
Thank you for another great post.
godspeed Ukraine.
Here’s a view of Tokmak from Ukrainian-held territory.
Here’s another view, from GoogleEarth. Robotyne bottom-centre, Tokmak at top (south).
Hill166, I think is at the convergence of two gulleys to the left of Novoprokopivka.
Note fortifications. Roads yellow, rail green.
Yes and, for reference, Robotyne is at 136m above sea level and Tokmak at 43m.
Helps to have such datums to work from, otherwise we might too-causally assume that Hill 166 is 166m above its near surroundings.
Can anyone here see the Russian fortifications around
Tokmak in this photo? If so, please point them out; I don’t see them.
Open in a new tab, then enlarge to 300-400 %. They’re there.
Red triangles encircling Tokmak.
Maybe clearer in this screenshot? Looking south from Tokmak to Melitopol.
RF fortifications in red, roads yellow, rail green.
Notice how fortifications are significantly thinner on the east (left) side, starting south of Robotyne, but especially once south of Tokmak. Note distance scale: about 21km from Robotyne to rail line.
