Definitions.

This is coolbert:

In my previous blog entry, I described the German/Romanian sea-borne evacuation from the Crimea as a "delaying action"!

It is useful, it is helpful, to refresh our memories regarding the types of operations and movements to the rear, as defined by the American Department of Defense [DoD]?

The reverse amphibious operation from the Crimea was obviously "a movement to the rear" - - a retrograde movement! NOT called a retreat.

"retrograde movement. Any movement of a command to the rear, or away from the enemy. It may be forced by the enemy or may be made voluntarily. Such movements may be classified as [retrogrades consisting of] withdrawal, retirement, or delaying action."

During the Crimea evacuation, the German and Romanian forces had to fight their way out, under constant bombardment by Soviet air force units. A fighting retrograde is referred to as a delaying action.

"delaying action." [delaying operation].

"An [delaying] operation [action] in which a force under pressure trades space for time by slowing down the enemy's momentum and inflicting maximum damage on the enemy without, in principle, becoming decisively engaged."

You have to FIGHT YOUR WAY OUT OF DANGER! Constantly in contact and mortal combat with the enemy.

At some point, the evacuation becoming a withdrawal.

"withdrawal operation. A planned operation in which a force in contact disengages from an enemy force."

You are in contact with the enemy and finally are able to "disengage"! NO longer under fire and having to fight your way out.

When no longer under attack and having broken contact, a retrograde becoming a "retirement". Pressure from the enemy no longer present!

"retirement. An operation in which a force out of contact moves away from the enemy."

NEVER a retreat. That is a word used by confused and addled journalists and unknowing authors/bloggers.

NOW you know!!

coolbert.