Wikipedia:WikiProject Military history

(this page is about a project on historic battles, not about disagreements and edit wars on Wikiprojects)

First, an important note for everyone to remember:

A few Wikipedians have gotten together to make some suggestions about how we might organize data in articles about Battles. These are only suggestions, things to give you focus and to get you going, and you shouldn't feel obligated in the least to follow them. But if you don't know what to write or where to begin, following the below guidelines may be helpful. Mainly, we just want you to write articles!

---

Title

WikiProject Battles

Scope

This WikiProject aims primarily to provide a standardized format to describe battles.

Parentage

The parents of this WikiProject are the WikiProject History and the WikiProject Military.

Descendant Wikiprojects

• Wikipedia:Wikiproject Polish Army

Similar Wikiprojects

The similar WikiProjects are WikiProject Wars and WikiProject Timelines.

Participants

• szopen created list of battles
• ktsquare and Eclecticology suggested a wikiproject battles.
• TeunSpaans
• Jniemenmaa
• Adam Bishop
• Gsl
• Wurkwurk
• mav (mostly helping to organize things - I wish I had time for more)
• Gentgeen (primarily North America, adding battleboxes to anything I find)
• Neutrality (talk) 03:40, 10 Sep 2004 (UTC) (Battle Boxes, American battles)
• Halibutt (mostly 20th century battles in Poland and Central Europe)
• brian0918™ (American Civil War: Battleboxes, Categories, etc.)
• Kirill Lokshin (15th - 18th century Europe, general organization)

Article title

Articles should be called something like Battle of Gettysburg. "Battle" is a neutral term and is preferred to "attack", "slaughter", "massacre", "raid", etc. But other names can be used if they are the most common ways to refer to the battle. So Attack on Pearl Harbor and Doolittle Raid are acceptable.

If disambiguation is needed, add the year in parentheses, for example Battle of Salamis in Cyprus (306 BC). Two battles at the same place in the same year should be called "First", "Second", etc, for example First Battle of Zurich, Second Battle of Zurich. But if the two battles are very close in time they are probably best described in a single article, for example the article Battle of Algeciras describes two battles sometimes called the "First" and "Second" Battles of Algeciras.

Try not to name the article after an operational codename: the codename doesn't give any indication of when or where the battle took place, sometimes doesn't correspond very well to what actually happened, and it represents only one side's planning, so it may lead the article to focus on that side's point of view to the detriment of the other. It is better to give a geographical name, and either redirect from the operation, or write a short article about the operation that links to the main article about the battle. This can be ignored for the most well-known operations, for example Operation Barbarossa, but note that even Operation Overlord redirects to Battle of Normandy.

Structure and format

The opening paragraph should concisely convey:

1. The name of the battle
2. Its date
3. Its location (if not obvious from its name)
4. Which war it belongs to
5. Who were the combatants
6. Something about its outcome or significance

The article should be structured along these lines:

1. The background. Why did it take place? Which campaign did it belong to? What happened previously?
2. The prelude. What forces were involved? How did they arrive at the battleground? Was there a plan?
3. A description of the battle. What tactics were used?
4. The aftermath. Who won, if anyone? What were the casualties? Was there a pursuit or followup? What happened next? How did the battle affect the course of the war?

Unless the article is long, there is no need to make separate sections. See Battle of the Downs for a short article using this structure and Battle of Zama for a longer one.

For major battles you may also wish to add a "battlebox" presenting information about the battle in table format. See below.

Categories

The sub-categories of Category:Battles should contain all of Wikipedia's articles about battles. The sub-lists of List of battles should contain all major battles in history, whether there is an article in Wikipedia or not.

In the simplest case, an isolated battle belongs to Category:Battles directly. In this case, you'll need to add other relevant categories such as war or history categories to the article about the battle.

Category:Battles    Category:English wars
        |                    |
        `---------+----------'
                  |
             Battle of Hastings

(But Category:English wars didn't exist, then Category:Military history of England would be the best place; and if that didn't exist either, Category:History of England would be best.)

A wars with several battles should have a sub-category for its battles. The category should be named "Battles of X" or "Battles of the X" where X is the name of the war (ideally, X should also be the name of the article describing the war). In this case the sub-category belongs to the history categories. This avoid clutter in the history and battle categories.

Category:Battles    Category:English wars    Category:French wars
       |                       |                          |
       `-----------------------+--------------------------'
                               |
                 Category:Battles of the Hundred Years' War
                               |
                      Battle of Agincourt

Significant wars should have their own category (articles other than battles go directly into the category for the war). In this case the sub-category for the war belongs to the history categories. For example:

Category:Battles    Category:Napoleonic wars
       |                      |     |
       `----------+-----------'     `--------------------.
                  |                                      |
    Category:Battles of the Napoleonic Wars      Napoleon I of France
                  |
            Battle of Waterloo

Sieges and naval battles should be categorized by type, for example:

                   Category:Battles            Category:American Civil War
                     |      |                               |
       .-------------'      `----------------+--------------'
       |                                     |
Category:Sieges           Category:Battles of the American Civil War
       |                                     |
       `------------------+------------------'
                          |
                  Siege of Petersburg

The largest wars should be categorized by theatre or campaign and (for naval battles) by type:

                    Category:Battles          Category:World War II
                        |      |                      |
          .-------------'      `--------+-------------'
          |                             |
Category:Naval battles      Category:World War II operations and battles
          |                         |       |
          `-----------+-------------'       `---------.
                      |                               |
Category:Naval battles of World War II    Category:World War II operations and battles of the Pacific Campaign
                      |                                  |
                      `------------------+---------------'
                                         |
                                  Battle of Midway

(Note that some of the World War II categories have names that don't fit the scheme.)

See Wikipedia:WikiProject Wars and Wikipedia:WikiProject History for further advice about categorization.

Discussion forums

• Talk
• /General
• /List of encyclopedia battles

Templates

Battle articles can use a Wikipedia:Infobox (known as a battlebox in this WikiProject) to summarise pertinent information about the battle. A battlebox is not compulsory. The preferred battlebox template is Template:Battlebox (described below).

Usage

Battle of Lützen
Part of the Thirty Years' War
The Battle of Lützen by Carl Wahlbom shows the death of King Gustavus Adolphus on 16 November 1632.
Date 6 November (O.S.) or 16 November (N.S.), 1632 Location Near Lützen, southwest of Leipzig (present-day Germany) 51°15′N 12°08′E Result Protestant victory (see Aftermath section)
Belligerents
Sweden Protestant Union	Holy Roman Empire Catholic League
Commanders and leaders
Gustavus Adolphus † Dodo von Knyphausen Bernhard of Saxe-Weimar Robert Munro, 18th Baron of Foulis	Albrecht von Wallenstein Heinrich Holk Count Gottfried zu Pappenheim (DOW)
Strength
12,800 infantry 6,200 cavalry 60 guns	10,000 infantry 7,000 cavalry, plus 3,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry on arrival 24 guns
Casualties and losses
3,400 dead and 1,600 wounded or missing	Probably about the same as Swedish casualties

A military conflict infobox (sometimes referred to as a warbox) may be used to summarize information about a particular military conflict (a battle, campaign, war, or group of related wars) in a standard manner.

Information summarized in an infobox should follow the general guidance for writing a lead section. It should not "make claims" or present material not covered by the article. As with a lead section, there is some discretion in citing information in an infobox. The same guidance should be applied to an infobox as given for citations in a lead section. Information in an infobox must conform with verifiability, point-of-view and other policies.

Information in the infobox should not be "controversial". Refer the reader to an appropriate section in the article or leave the parameter blank rather than make an unsubstantiated or doubtful claim.

The infobox should be added using the {{infobox military conflict}} template, as shown below:

{{Infobox military conflict
| conflict    = 
| width       = 
| partof      = 
| image       = 
| image_size  =
| alt         =
| caption     = 
| date        = 
| place       = 
| coordinates = <!--Use the {{coord}} template -->
| map_type    = 
| map_relief  = 
| map_size    = 
| map_marksize = 
| map_caption = 
| map_label   = 
| territory   = 
| result      = 
| status      = 
| combatants_header = 
| combatant1  = 
| combatant2  = 
| combatant3  = 
| commander1  = 
| commander2  = 
| commander3  = 
| units1      = 
| units2      = 
| units3      = 
| strength1   = 
| strength2   = 
| strength3   = 
| casualties1 = 
| casualties2 = 
| casualties3 = 
| notes       = 
| campaignbox = 
}}

Note: When using parameters, avoid the ambiguous abbreviation "N/A", and instead use "unknown" or "none". All subjective or qualitative judgements and numerical quantities or statistics must be cited to a reliable source (see WP:MILMOS#CITE).

Parameters

• conflict – the name of the conflict being described (e.g. "Battle of Lützen" or "World War I").
• width – optional – the width of the infobox, e.g. "400px"; defaults to: "315px".
• partof – optional – the larger conflict containing the event described in the article. For battles or campaigns, this should be the war during which the event takes place; for particularly large wars, this may include a theatre (e.g. "the Eastern Front of World War II"). For wars, the parameter may be used to link to a larger group of wars (e.g. the Italian War of 1521–26 to the Italian Wars). It may be necessary to insert "the" before the name of the war for proper grammar.
• image – optional – an image for the warbox. Given in the form Example.jpg
• image_size – optional – a size for the image
• alt – optional – Alternative text for image that is accessible to screen readers to help the visually impaired
• caption – optional – the text to be placed below the image.
• date – optional – the date of the conflict described. Convention is to give the actual date for battles and the years for wars, but this does not always apply.
• place – the location of the conflict. For conflicts covering a wide area, a general description (e.g. "France", or "Europe", or "Worldwide") may be used.
• coordinates – optional – the location of the structure, given as a coordinate pair by using {{coord}} with display=inline,title. Used to display the geographic location of the conflict and the location on a map added with the map_type parameter.
• map_type – optional – the base map to be used for the location map, e.g. "Scotland"; see {{location map}} for more details.
• map_relief – optional – "yes" if the location map is a relief map; see {{location map}} for more details.
• map_size – optional – width of the location map in pixels (px), e.g. "150"; defaults to: "220".
• map_mark – optional – the name of a file to use as the location map marker, e.g. Green_pog.svg; defaults to: "Red_pog.svg".
• map_marksize – optional – width of the location map marker in pixels (px), e.g. "10"; defaults to: "8".
• map_caption – optional – caption displayed below the location map; defaults to "Location within {{{map_type}}}", e.g. "Location within Scotland".
• map_label – optional – the label placed next to the marker on the location map.
• territory – optional – any changes in territorial control as a result of the conflict; this should not be used for overly lengthy descriptions of the peace settlement.
• action – optional – In case of Coup d'État, short description of modus operandi, e.g. "...marched over the city...", "...dissolving the Congress of the Republic...", "...take the government hostage ...", "...put the country under military control ...", etc.
• result – optional – this parameter may use one of two standard terms: "X victory" or "Inconclusive". The term used is for the "immediate" outcome of the "subject" conflict and should reflect what the sources say. In cases where the standard terms do not accurately describe the outcome, a link or note should be made to the section of the article where the result is discussed in detail (such as "See the Aftermath section"). Such a note can also be used in conjunction with the standard terms but should not be used to conceal an ambiguity in the "immediate" result. Do not introduce non-standard terms like "decisive", "marginal" or "tactical", or contradictory statements like "decisive tactical victory but strategic defeat". Omit this parameter altogether rather than engage in speculation about which side won or by how much.
• status – optional – for ongoing conflicts, the current status of the conflict. This should not be used if a final result (above) is provided.
• combatants_header – optional – sets the header text for the combatants section. Default is "Belligerents". In case of Coup d'État, use "Government-Insurgents   "
• combatant1/combatant2/combatant3 – optional – the parties participating in the conflict. This is most commonly the countries whose forces took part in the conflict; however, larger groups (such as alliances or international organizations) or smaller ones (such as particular units, formations, or groups) may be indicated if doing so improves reader understanding. When there is a large number of participants, it may be better to list only the three or four major groups on each side of the conflict, and to describe the rest in the body of the article. The combatant3 field may be used if a conflict has three distinct "sides", and should be left blank on other articles. Combatants should be listed in order of importance to the conflict, be it in terms of military contribution, political clout, or a recognized chain of command. If differing metrics can support alternative lists, then ordering is left to the editors of the particular article. The practice of writing in a "Supported by" subheading is deprecated (see discussion).
  • combatant1a/combatant2a/combatant3a – optional – in cases where the parties significantly changed over the course of the conflict, these subsidiary fields may be used to provide additional rows for the combatantN fields (above).
  • combatant1b/combatant2b/combatant3b – optional – additional row, as above.
  • combatant1c/combatant2c/combatant3c – optional – additional row, as above.
  • combatant1d/combatant2d/combatant3d – optional – additional row, as above.
  • combatant1e/combatant2e/combatant3e – optional – additional row, as above.
• commander1/commander2/commander3 – optional – the commanders of the military forces involved. For battles, this should include military commanders (and other officers as necessary). For wars, only prominent or notable leaders should be listed, with an upper limit of about seven per combatant column recommended. Ranks and position titles should be omitted. The {{KIA}} and {{POW}} templates may be included immediately after the names of commanders who were killed in action or surrendered and were taken prisoner, respectively. The commander3 field can only be used if the combatant3 field is set.
  • commander1a/commander2a/commander3a – optional – in cases where the commanders significantly changed over the course of the conflict, these subsidiary fields may be used to provide additional rows for the commanderN fields (above).
  • commander1b/commander2b/commander3b – optional – additional row, as above.
  • commander1c/commander2c/commander3c – optional – additional row, as above.
  • commander1d/commander2d/commander3d – optional – additional row, as above.
  • commander1e/commander2e/commander3e – optional – additional row, as above.
• units1/units2/units3 – optional – the units or formations involved. If a large number of distinct formations is present, it may be better to reference an order of battle in the body of the article than to include the entire list in this field. The units3 field can only be used if the combatant3 field is set.
• strength1/strength2 – optional – the numerical strength of the units involved.

• polstrength1/polstrength2 – optional – In case of Coup d'Etat, political organizations that supported the government (1) respective the insurgents (2).
• milstrength1/milstrength2 – optional – In case of Coup d'Etat, military units that supported the government (1) respective the insurgents (2).

• strength3 – optional – if combatant3 is set, this is a third strength field identical to the two above; if it is not set, this is an alternate combined field for use where only the total participation in a conflict is known.
• casualties1/casualties2 – optional – casualties suffered (including: dead, wounded, missing, captured and civilian deaths) and equipment losses. Note that this section of the infobox is headed "Casualties and losses". Terms such as "dead" (or "killed"), "wounded", or "captured" should be used in place of abbreviations such as "KIA" or "POW". Where equipment losses are reported, this should be confined to major or significant types of equipment broadly categorized such as: tanks, guns (artillery pieces), aircraft, destroyers etc.
• casualties3 – optional – if combatant3 is set, this is a third casualty field identical to the two above; if it is not set, this is an alternate combined field for use where only the total casualties of a conflict are known, or where civilian casualties cannot be directly attributed to either side.
• notes – optional – optional field for further notes; this should only be used in exceptional circumstances.
• campaignbox – optional – optional field for appending a campaignbox template to the bottom of the infobox, which allows both boxes to float as a single element (useful if there are subsequent left floating images, which would otherwise not be able to float above the campaign box); the template must be specified in the format {{Campaignbox XYZ}}.

Campaignboxes

One common type of navigational template in articles concerning conflicts, wars and related topics is the campaignbox template, intended to provide context and convenient navigation among articles on the battles in a campaign, front, theater or war (or, more rarely, among several campaigns or wars).

If the article includes an infobox, the campaignbox/es are usually placed immediately after it (i.e. just below it). If available, as with infoboxes such as {{Infobox military conflict}}, use the infobox's |campaignbox= parameter:

{{Infobox military conflict
...
}}
{{Campaignbox XXXX}}

or

{{Infobox military conflict
...
| campaignbox = {{campaignbox XXXX}}
}}

Articles may include multiple campaignboxes; typically, these are stacked under the infobox. The most common scenario occurs when two levels of campaignboxes are present – for example, an article about a battle can include both a campaignbox listing the battle itself and an "enclosing" campaignbox listing the campaign, theater or war during which the battle took place. Similarly, an article about a war can include both a campaignbox listing the war (among a series of wars) and a campaignbox for the war itself, listing the battles that took place during it.

Creating campaignboxes

Existing campaignboxes may be viewed through the Campaignbox template category to which campaignboxes are added automatically. If a new campaignbox becomes necessary, it should be named Template:Campaignbox XXXX (where XXXX is the (shortened) name of the campaign) and should use {{Campaignbox}} thus:

{{Campaignbox
| name = 
| title = 
| battles = 
| notes = 
}}

Parameters

name

The name by which Wikipedia refers to the template, i.e. "Template:Campaignbox XXXX". This can be produced by using {{subst:PAGENAME}}.

title

The name of the campaign or war, which, if an article about the campaign or war exists, should link to it. Dates should not be indicated unless needed for clarity. Note that long links may cause alignment problems; see the troubleshooting guide for more information.

battles

A chronological list of battles and operations in the campaign, linked as [[Battle of YYYY|YYYY]]. A convenient and accessible way to separate the items in the list is to add | listclass = hlist and then use the standard * (asterisk)-based listing format.

notes

(optional) Any explanatory notes needed to clarify the list. This option should be used sparingly.

(raw_name)

(optional; deprecated) This parameter overrides the use of the title in determining the template name and exists for the sake of backward compatibility. When creating a new campaignbox, both title and name should be specified as above and this parameter omitted.

The following optional parameters are passed on to the templates {{Military navigation}} or {{Navbox}} used to create campaignboxes and so can affect their styling. See these two templates' documentation pages for further details.

state

To set whether the campaignbox appears fully visible or collapsed (to titlebar only) when it is first presented by a page.

bodyclass

CSS styling to affect the whole template.

listclass

CSS styling to affect the list of battles, operations, etc. (e.g. to affect |battles=).

The use of special formatting (such as bolding or changes in font size) in the list of battles – particularly to mark battles as "important" – is generally discouraged; while there are a few cases where such approaches may be both helpful to the reader and sufficiently well-sourced that they do not constitute original research, they are usually both unnecessary and potentially confusing. Similarly, dividing the list of battles into multiple blocks by inserting heading-like separations should be exceptional; if such a division is felt to be needed, a better solution may be to split the one campaignbox into two or more.

This infobox may be used to describe a particular planned or executed military operation or attack. For operations that resulted in combat, it can be used as an auxiliary template to the {{infobox military conflict}}, if necessary; for other types of operations, including those that were planned but never executed, it may be used alone. In the case of conflicts that consisted of multiple independent operations, multiple copies of the box may be used on a single article.

Usage

{{{title}}}
Part of {{{conflict}}}
[[File:{{{image}}}|{{{image_size}}}|alt={{{alt}}}|upright={{{image_upright}}}]] {{{caption}}}
Operational scope	{{{scope}}}
Location	{{{location}}} 0°N 0°E / 0; 0
Planned	{{{planned}}}
Planned by	{{{planned_by}}}
Commanded by	{{{commanded_by}}}
Target	{{{target}}}
Date	{{{date}}} {{{time}}} {{{time-begin}}} – {{{time-end}}} ({{{timezone}}})
Executed by	{{{executed_by}}}
Outcome	{{{outcome}}}
Casualties	{{{casualties}}}
{{{map_label}}} {{{map_caption}}}

{{Infobox military operation
 |name          = 
 |partof        = 
 |subtitle      = 
 |image         = 
 |image_upright = 
 |alt           = 
 |caption       = 
 |scope         = 
 |type          = 
 |location      = 
 |location2     = <!-- 2 through 10 for more locations -->
 |coordinates   = 
 |coordinates2  = <!-- 2 through 10 for more locations -->
 |map_type      = 
 |map_size      = 
 |map_caption   = 
 |map_label     = 
 |map_label2    = <!-- 2 through 10 for more locations -->
 |planned       = 
 |planned_by    = 
 |commanded_by  = 
 |objective     = 
 |target        = 
 |date          = <!-- {{start date|YYYY|MM|DD|df=y}} --> 
 |time          = 
 |time-begin    = 
 |time-end      = 
 |timezone      = 
 |executed_by   = 
 |outcome       = 
 |casualties    = 
 |fatalities    = 
 |injuries      = 
}}

Example

Case Blue
Operational scope	Strategic offensive
Planned by	Wehrmacht
Objective	Capture of Caucasus oil fields
Date	Began 28 June 1942 (1942-06-28)
Executed by	Army Group South

{{Infobox military operation
 |name        = Case Blue
 |scope       = Strategic offensive
 |planned_by  = ''[[Wehrmacht]]''
 |objective   = Capture of [[Caucasus]] oil fields
 |executed    = Began {{start date|1942|06|28|df=y}}
 |executed_by = [[Army Group South]]
}}

Parameters

Note: When using parameters, avoid the ambiguous abbreviation "N/A", and instead use "unknown" or "none". All subjective or qualitative judgements and numerical quantities or statistics must be cited to a reliable source (see WP:MILMOS#CITE).

• name – the name of the operational plan; names in multiple languages may be provided.
• subtitle – alternative name of the conflict being described.
• partof – optional – the larger conflict containing the event described in the article.
• image – optional – an image for the warbox. Given in the form File:Example.jpg
• image_upright – optional – image upright scaling factor.
• alt – optional – Alternative text for image that is accessible to screen readers to help the visually impaired
• caption – optional – the text to be placed below the image.
• location – optional – the location of the operation.
• coordinates – optional – the coordinates for the location above, given as {{coord}} with |display=inline,title. Used to display the geographic location of the conflict and the location on a map added with the map_type parameter. If coordinates for several locations are given, consider if hany shall have the title display.
• map_type – optional – the base map to be used for the location map, e.g. "Scotland"; see {{location map}} for more details.
• map_size – optional – width of the location map in pixels (px), e.g. "150"; defaults to: "220".
• map_caption – optional – caption displayed below the location map; defaults to "Location within {{{map_type}}}", e.g. "Location within Scotland".
• map_label – optional – the label placed next to the marker on the location map.
• scope – optional – the scope of the operation, such as "Strategic", "Operational", or "Tactical".
• type – optional – as an alternative to the scope field above, the type of operation, such as "Suicide attack" or "Ambush".
• planned – optional – the date(s) on which the plan was developed.
• planned_by – optional – the person or group responsible for developing the plan.
• commanded_by – optional – the person commanding the operation.
• objective – optional – the objective(s) of the operation.
• target – optional – as an alternative to the objective field above, the target(s) of the operation.
• date – optional – the date(s), if any, on which the operation was executed. use {{Start date}} (and {{End date}} if required)
• time – optional – the time, if any, at which the operation was executed.
• time-begin and time-end – optional – as an alternative to the time field above, the start and end times, respectively.
• timezone – optional – the timezone of the location of the operation; UTC+X, UTC-X, or UTC (i.e. offset from UTC) is preferred.
• executed_by – optional – the people, groups, units, or formations responsible for executing the operation.
• outcome – optional – the outcome of the operation from the perspective of the planners with a very brief summary of defence if appropriate.
• casualties – optional – any casualties occurring during the execution of the operation.
• fatalities – optional – as an alternative to the casualties field above, the number of fatalities occurring during the execution of the operation.
• injuries – optional – as an alternative to the casualties field above, the number of injuries occurring during the execution of the operation.

Microformat

The HTML mark-up produced by this template includes an hCalendar microformat that makes event details readily parsable by computer programs. This aids tasks such as the cataloguing of articles and maintenance of databases. For more information about the use of microformats on Wikipedia, please visit the Microformat WikiProject.

Classes used

The HTML classes of this microformat include:

• attendee
• contact
• description
• dtend
• dtstart
• location
• organiser
• summary
• url
• vevent

Please do not rename or remove these classes
nor collapse nested elements which use them.

TemplateData

TemplateData for this template used by TemplateWizard, VisualEditor and other tools

See a monthly parameter usage report for Template:WikiProject Military history in articles based on its TemplateData. TemplateData for WikiProject Military history This infobox may be used to describe a particular planned or executed military operation or attack. Template parameters This template has custom formatting. Parameter Description Type Status Name name The name of the military operation String suggested

See also

• {{Infobox civil conflict}}
• {{Infobox civilian attack}}
• {{Infobox military conflict}}

Microformat

The HTML markup produced by this template includes an hCalendar microformat, which makes the event details parsable by computers, either acting automatically to catalogue article across Wikipedia, or via a browser tool operated by a person, to (for example) add the subject to a calendar or diary application. Within the hCalendar is a Geo microformat, which additionally makes the coordinates (latitude & longitude) parsable, so that they can be, say, looked up on a map, or downloaded to a GPS unit. For more information about the use of microformats on Wikipedia, please see the microformat project.

Dates will only be included if you use {{Start date}} or {{End date}} (use the former for single dates, but do not use any of these if the date is before 1583 CE). {{End date}} requires that a time be specified, but display of this time may be suppressed by adding |nodate=yes to the end.

To include a URL, use {{URL}}.

hCalendar uses HTML classes including:

• attendee
• dtend
• dtstart
• location
• summary
• url
• vevent

Geo is produced by calling {{coord}}, and uses HTML classes:

• geo
• latitude
• longitude

Please do not rename or remove these classes nor collapse nested elements which use them.
Also, when giving coordinates, please don't be overly precise.

TemplateData

This is the TemplateData for this template used by TemplateWizard, VisualEditor and other tools. See a monthly parameter usage report for Template:WikiProject Military history in articles based on its TemplateData.

TemplateData for WikiProject Military history

TemplateData

Summarize information about a particular military conflict (a battle, campaign, war, or group of related wars). Template parameters This template has custom formatting. Parameter Description Type Status Conflict conflict The name of the conflict being described. Line required Width width Width of the infobox. Default 315px String optional Part of partof The larger conflict containing the event described in the article. Page name optional Image image An image for the warbox given in the form Example.jpg. File optional Image size image_size The size of the image String optional Alt alt Alternative textual description of the image String optional Caption caption The text to be placed below the image. String optional Date date The date of the conflict described. Convention is to give the actual date for battles and the years for wars, but this does not always apply. String optional Place place The location of the conflict. String required Coordinates coordinates The location of the structure, given as a coordinate pair by using {{coord}} with display=inline,title. String optional Map Type map_type The base map to be used for the location map, e.g. "Scotland"; see {{location map}} for more details. String optional Map Relief map_relief "yes" if the location map is a relief map. String optional Map Size map_size Width of the location map in pixels (px). Default 220 Number optional Map Marker map_mark File to use as the location map marker. Default red_pog.svg String optional Map Marker Size map_marksize Width of the location map marker in pixels (px). Default 8 Number optional Map Caption map_caption Caption displayed below the location map. Default Location within {{{map_type}}} String optional Map Label map_label The label placed next to the marker on the location map. Line optional Territory territory Any changes in territorial control as a result of the conflict; this should not be used for overly lengthy descriptions of the peace settlement. String optional Result result This parameter may use one of two standard terms: "X victory" or "Inconclusive". The term used is for the "immediate" outcome of the "subject" conflict and should reflect what the sources say. In cases where the standard terms do not accurately describe the outcome, a link or note should be made to the section of the article where the result is discussed in detail (such as "See the Aftermath section"). Such a note can also be used in conjunction with the standard terms but should not be used to conceal an ambiguity in the "immediate" result. Do not introduce non-standard terms like "decisive", "marginal" or "tactical", or contradictory statements like "decisive tactical victory but strategic defeat". Omit this parameter altogether rather than engage in speculation about which side won or by how much. String optional Status status For ongoing conflicts, the current status of the conflict. Line optional "Combatants" Header Text combatants_header Sets the header text for the combatants section. Default Belligerents Line optional Combatant 1 combatant1 A party participating in the conflict. String optional Combatant 2 combatant2 A party participating in the conflict. String optional Combatant 3 combatant3 A party participating in the conflict. (only if the conflict has three distinct "sides") String optional Combatant 1a combatant1a In cases where the parties significantly changed over the course of the conflict, this field may be used to provide additional rows for the Combatant 1 field. String optional Combatant 2a combatant2a In cases where the parties significantly changed over the course of the conflict, this field may be used to provide additional rows for the Combatant 2 field. String optional Combatant 3a combatant3a In cases where the parties significantly changed over the course of the conflict, this field may be used to provide additional rows for the Combatant 3 field. String optional Combatant 1b combatant1b In cases where the parties significantly changed over the course of the conflict, this field may be used to provide additional rows for the Combatant 1 field. String optional Combatant 2b combatant2b In cases where the parties significantly changed over the course of the conflict, this field may be used to provide additional rows for the Combatant 2 field. String optional Combatant 3b combatant3b In cases where the parties significantly changed over the course of the conflict, this field may be used to provide additional rows for the Combatant 3 field. String optional Combatant 1c combatant1c In cases where the parties significantly changed over the course of the conflict, this field may be used to provide additional rows for the Combatant 1 field. String optional Combatant 2c combatant2c In cases where the parties significantly changed over the course of the conflict, this field may be used to provide additional rows for the Combatant 2 field. String optional Combatant 3c combatant3c In cases where the parties significantly changed over the course of the conflict, this field may be used to provide additional rows for the Combatant 3 field. String optional Combatant 1d combatant1d In cases where the parties significantly changed over the course of the conflict, this field may be used to provide additional rows for the Combatant 1 field. String optional Combatant 2d combatant2d In cases where the parties significantly changed over the course of the conflict, this field may be used to provide additional rows for the Combatant 2 field. String optional Combatant 3d combatant3d In cases where the parties significantly changed over the course of the conflict, this field may be used to provide additional rows for the Combatant 3 field. String optional Commander of Combatant 1 commander1 The commanders of the military forces of Combatant (1) involved. String optional Commander of Combatant 2 commander2 The commanders of the military forces of Combatant 2 involved. String optional Commander of Combatant 3 commander3 The commanders of the military forces of Combatant 3 involved. String optional Units of Combatant 1 units1 The units or formations of Combatant 1 involved. If a large number of distinct formations is present, it may be better to reference an order of battle in the body of the article than to include the entire list in this field. String optional Units of Combatant 2 units2 The units or formations of Combatant 2 involved. If a large number of distinct formations is present, it may be better to reference an order of battle in the body of the article than to include the entire list in this field. String optional Units of Combatant 3 units3 The units or formations of Combatant 3 involved. If a large number of distinct formations is present, it may be better to reference an order of battle in the body of the article than to include the entire list in this field. String optional Strength of Combatant 1 strength1 The numerical strength of Combatant 1. String optional Strength of Combatant 2 strength2 The numerical strength of Combatant 2. String optional Strength of Combatant 3 strength3 If Combatant 3 is set, this field is for the numerical strength of Combatant 3. If Combatant 3 is not set, this is an alternate combined field for use where only the total participation in a conflict is known. String optional Casualties of Combatant 1 casualties1 Casualties suffered by Combatant 1 (including: dead, wounded, missing, captured and civilian deaths) and equipment losses. Terms such as "dead" (or "killed"), "wounded", or "captured" should be used in place of abbreviations such as "KIA" or "POW". Where equipment losses are reported, this should be confined to major or significant types of equipment broadly categorized such as: tanks, guns (artillery pieces), aircraft, destroyers etc. String optional Casualties of Combatant 2 casualties2 Casualties suffered by Combatant 2 (including: dead, wounded, missing, captured and civilian deaths) and equipment losses. Terms such as "dead" (or "killed"), "wounded", or "captured" should be used in place of abbreviations such as "KIA" or "POW". Where equipment losses are reported, this should be confined to major or significant types of equipment broadly categorized such as: tanks, guns (artillery pieces), aircraft, destroyers etc. String optional Casualties of Combatant 3 casualties3 If Combatant 3 is set, this field is for the casualties suffered by Combatant 3, (including: dead, wounded, missing, captured and civilian deaths) and equipment losses. Terms such as "dead" (or "killed"), "wounded", or "captured" should be used in place of abbreviations such as "KIA" or "POW". Where equipment losses are reported, this should be confined to major or significant types of equipment broadly categorized such as: tanks, guns (artillery pieces), aircraft, destroyers etc. If combatant3 is not set, this is an alternate combined field for use where only the total casualties of a conflict are known, or where civilian casualties cannot be directly attributed to either side. String optional Notes notes Optional field for further notes; this should only be used in exceptional circumstances. String optional Campaignbox campaignbox Optional field for appending a campaignbox template to the bottom of the infobox, which allows both boxes to float as a single element (useful if there are subsequent left floating images, which would otherwise not be able to float above the campaign box); the template must be specified in the format {{Campaignbox XYZ}}. String optional

See also

• {{Infobox military operation}}
• {{Infobox civil conflict}}
• {{Infobox civilian attack}}

Usage

Battle of Lützen
Part of the Thirty Years' War
The Battle of Lützen by Carl Wahlbom shows the death of King Gustavus Adolphus on 16 November 1632.
Date 6 November (O.S.) or 16 November (N.S.), 1632 Location Near Lützen, southwest of Leipzig (present-day Germany) 51°15′N 12°08′E Result Protestant victory (see Aftermath section)
Belligerents
Sweden Protestant Union	Holy Roman Empire Catholic League
Commanders and leaders
Gustavus Adolphus † Dodo von Knyphausen Bernhard of Saxe-Weimar Robert Munro, 18th Baron of Foulis	Albrecht von Wallenstein Heinrich Holk Count Gottfried zu Pappenheim (DOW)
Strength
12,800 infantry 6,200 cavalry 60 guns	10,000 infantry 7,000 cavalry, plus 3,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry on arrival 24 guns
Casualties and losses
3,400 dead and 1,600 wounded or missing	Probably about the same as Swedish casualties

A military conflict infobox (sometimes referred to as a warbox) may be used to summarize information about a particular military conflict (a battle, campaign, war, or group of related wars) in a standard manner.

Information summarized in an infobox should follow the general guidance for writing a lead section. It should not "make claims" or present material not covered by the article. As with a lead section, there is some discretion in citing information in an infobox. The same guidance should be applied to an infobox as given for citations in a lead section. Information in an infobox must conform with verifiability, point-of-view and other policies.

Information in the infobox should not be "controversial". Refer the reader to an appropriate section in the article or leave the parameter blank rather than make an unsubstantiated or doubtful claim.

The infobox should be added using the {{infobox military conflict}} template, as shown below:

{{Infobox military conflict
| conflict    = 
| width       = 
| partof      = 
| image       = 
| image_size  =
| alt         =
| caption     = 
| date        = 
| place       = 
| coordinates = <!--Use the {{coord}} template -->
| map_type    = 
| map_relief  = 
| map_size    = 
| map_marksize = 
| map_caption = 
| map_label   = 
| territory   = 
| result      = 
| status      = 
| combatants_header = 
| combatant1  = 
| combatant2  = 
| combatant3  = 
| commander1  = 
| commander2  = 
| commander3  = 
| units1      = 
| units2      = 
| units3      = 
| strength1   = 
| strength2   = 
| strength3   = 
| casualties1 = 
| casualties2 = 
| casualties3 = 
| notes       = 
| campaignbox = 
}}

Note: When using parameters, avoid the ambiguous abbreviation "N/A", and instead use "unknown" or "none". All subjective or qualitative judgements and numerical quantities or statistics must be cited to a reliable source (see WP:MILMOS#CITE).

Parameters

• conflict – the name of the conflict being described (e.g. "Battle of Lützen" or "World War I").
• width – optional – the width of the infobox, e.g. "400px"; defaults to: "315px".
• partof – optional – the larger conflict containing the event described in the article. For battles or campaigns, this should be the war during which the event takes place; for particularly large wars, this may include a theatre (e.g. "the Eastern Front of World War II"). For wars, the parameter may be used to link to a larger group of wars (e.g. the Italian War of 1521–26 to the Italian Wars). It may be necessary to insert "the" before the name of the war for proper grammar.
• image – optional – an image for the warbox. Given in the form Example.jpg
• image_size – optional – a size for the image
• alt – optional – Alternative text for image that is accessible to screen readers to help the visually impaired
• caption – optional – the text to be placed below the image.
• date – optional – the date of the conflict described. Convention is to give the actual date for battles and the years for wars, but this does not always apply.
• place – the location of the conflict. For conflicts covering a wide area, a general description (e.g. "France", or "Europe", or "Worldwide") may be used.
• coordinates – optional – the location of the structure, given as a coordinate pair by using {{coord}} with display=inline,title. Used to display the geographic location of the conflict and the location on a map added with the map_type parameter.
• map_type – optional – the base map to be used for the location map, e.g. "Scotland"; see {{location map}} for more details.
• map_relief – optional – "yes" if the location map is a relief map; see {{location map}} for more details.
• map_size – optional – width of the location map in pixels (px), e.g. "150"; defaults to: "220".
• map_mark – optional – the name of a file to use as the location map marker, e.g. Green_pog.svg; defaults to: "Red_pog.svg".
• map_marksize – optional – width of the location map marker in pixels (px), e.g. "10"; defaults to: "8".
• map_caption – optional – caption displayed below the location map; defaults to "Location within {{{map_type}}}", e.g. "Location within Scotland".
• map_label – optional – the label placed next to the marker on the location map.
• territory – optional – any changes in territorial control as a result of the conflict; this should not be used for overly lengthy descriptions of the peace settlement.
• action – optional – In case of Coup d'État, short description of modus operandi, e.g. "...marched over the city...", "...dissolving the Congress of the Republic...", "...take the government hostage ...", "...put the country under military control ...", etc.
• result – optional – this parameter may use one of two standard terms: "X victory" or "Inconclusive". The term used is for the "immediate" outcome of the "subject" conflict and should reflect what the sources say. In cases where the standard terms do not accurately describe the outcome, a link or note should be made to the section of the article where the result is discussed in detail (such as "See the Aftermath section"). Such a note can also be used in conjunction with the standard terms but should not be used to conceal an ambiguity in the "immediate" result. Do not introduce non-standard terms like "decisive", "marginal" or "tactical", or contradictory statements like "decisive tactical victory but strategic defeat". Omit this parameter altogether rather than engage in speculation about which side won or by how much.
• status – optional – for ongoing conflicts, the current status of the conflict. This should not be used if a final result (above) is provided.
• combatants_header – optional – sets the header text for the combatants section. Default is "Belligerents". In case of Coup d'État, use "Government-Insurgents   "
• combatant1/combatant2/combatant3 – optional – the parties participating in the conflict. This is most commonly the countries whose forces took part in the conflict; however, larger groups (such as alliances or international organizations) or smaller ones (such as particular units, formations, or groups) may be indicated if doing so improves reader understanding. When there is a large number of participants, it may be better to list only the three or four major groups on each side of the conflict, and to describe the rest in the body of the article. The combatant3 field may be used if a conflict has three distinct "sides", and should be left blank on other articles. Combatants should be listed in order of importance to the conflict, be it in terms of military contribution, political clout, or a recognized chain of command. If differing metrics can support alternative lists, then ordering is left to the editors of the particular article. The practice of writing in a "Supported by" subheading is deprecated (see discussion).
  • combatant1a/combatant2a/combatant3a – optional – in cases where the parties significantly changed over the course of the conflict, these subsidiary fields may be used to provide additional rows for the combatantN fields (above).
  • combatant1b/combatant2b/combatant3b – optional – additional row, as above.
  • combatant1c/combatant2c/combatant3c – optional – additional row, as above.
  • combatant1d/combatant2d/combatant3d – optional – additional row, as above.
  • combatant1e/combatant2e/combatant3e – optional – additional row, as above.
• commander1/commander2/commander3 – optional – the commanders of the military forces involved. For battles, this should include military commanders (and other officers as necessary). For wars, only prominent or notable leaders should be listed, with an upper limit of about seven per combatant column recommended. Ranks and position titles should be omitted. The {{KIA}} and {{POW}} templates may be included immediately after the names of commanders who were killed in action or surrendered and were taken prisoner, respectively. The commander3 field can only be used if the combatant3 field is set.
  • commander1a/commander2a/commander3a – optional – in cases where the commanders significantly changed over the course of the conflict, these subsidiary fields may be used to provide additional rows for the commanderN fields (above).
  • commander1b/commander2b/commander3b – optional – additional row, as above.
  • commander1c/commander2c/commander3c – optional – additional row, as above.
  • commander1d/commander2d/commander3d – optional – additional row, as above.
  • commander1e/commander2e/commander3e – optional – additional row, as above.
• units1/units2/units3 – optional – the units or formations involved. If a large number of distinct formations is present, it may be better to reference an order of battle in the body of the article than to include the entire list in this field. The units3 field can only be used if the combatant3 field is set.
• strength1/strength2 – optional – the numerical strength of the units involved.

• polstrength1/polstrength2 – optional – In case of Coup d'Etat, political organizations that supported the government (1) respective the insurgents (2).
• milstrength1/milstrength2 – optional – In case of Coup d'Etat, military units that supported the government (1) respective the insurgents (2).

• strength3 – optional – if combatant3 is set, this is a third strength field identical to the two above; if it is not set, this is an alternate combined field for use where only the total participation in a conflict is known.
• casualties1/casualties2 – optional – casualties suffered (including: dead, wounded, missing, captured and civilian deaths) and equipment losses. Note that this section of the infobox is headed "Casualties and losses". Terms such as "dead" (or "killed"), "wounded", or "captured" should be used in place of abbreviations such as "KIA" or "POW". Where equipment losses are reported, this should be confined to major or significant types of equipment broadly categorized such as: tanks, guns (artillery pieces), aircraft, destroyers etc.
• casualties3 – optional – if combatant3 is set, this is a third casualty field identical to the two above; if it is not set, this is an alternate combined field for use where only the total casualties of a conflict are known, or where civilian casualties cannot be directly attributed to either side.
• notes – optional – optional field for further notes; this should only be used in exceptional circumstances.
• campaignbox – optional – optional field for appending a campaignbox template to the bottom of the infobox, which allows both boxes to float as a single element (useful if there are subsequent left floating images, which would otherwise not be able to float above the campaign box); the template must be specified in the format {{Campaignbox XYZ}}.

Campaignboxes

One common type of navigational template in articles concerning conflicts, wars and related topics is the campaignbox template, intended to provide context and convenient navigation among articles on the battles in a campaign, front, theater or war (or, more rarely, among several campaigns or wars).

If the article includes an infobox, the campaignbox/es are usually placed immediately after it (i.e. just below it). If available, as with infoboxes such as {{Infobox military conflict}}, use the infobox's |campaignbox= parameter:

{{Infobox military conflict
...
}}
{{Campaignbox XXXX}}

or

{{Infobox military conflict
...
| campaignbox = {{campaignbox XXXX}}
}}

Articles may include multiple campaignboxes; typically, these are stacked under the infobox. The most common scenario occurs when two levels of campaignboxes are present – for example, an article about a battle can include both a campaignbox listing the battle itself and an "enclosing" campaignbox listing the campaign, theater or war during which the battle took place. Similarly, an article about a war can include both a campaignbox listing the war (among a series of wars) and a campaignbox for the war itself, listing the battles that took place during it.

Creating campaignboxes

Existing campaignboxes may be viewed through the Campaignbox template category to which campaignboxes are added automatically. If a new campaignbox becomes necessary, it should be named Template:Campaignbox XXXX (where XXXX is the (shortened) name of the campaign) and should use {{Campaignbox}} thus:

{{Campaignbox
| name = 
| title = 
| battles = 
| notes = 
}}

Parameters

name

The name by which Wikipedia refers to the template, i.e. "Template:Campaignbox XXXX". This can be produced by using {{subst:PAGENAME}}.

title

The name of the campaign or war, which, if an article about the campaign or war exists, should link to it. Dates should not be indicated unless needed for clarity. Note that long links may cause alignment problems; see the troubleshooting guide for more information.

battles

A chronological list of battles and operations in the campaign, linked as [[Battle of YYYY|YYYY]]. A convenient and accessible way to separate the items in the list is to add | listclass = hlist and then use the standard * (asterisk)-based listing format.

notes

(optional) Any explanatory notes needed to clarify the list. This option should be used sparingly.

(raw_name)

(optional; deprecated) This parameter overrides the use of the title in determining the template name and exists for the sake of backward compatibility. When creating a new campaignbox, both title and name should be specified as above and this parameter omitted.

The following optional parameters are passed on to the templates {{Military navigation}} or {{Navbox}} used to create campaignboxes and so can affect their styling. See these two templates' documentation pages for further details.

state

To set whether the campaignbox appears fully visible or collapsed (to titlebar only) when it is first presented by a page.

bodyclass

CSS styling to affect the whole template.

listclass

CSS styling to affect the list of battles, operations, etc. (e.g. to affect |battles=).

The use of special formatting (such as bolding or changes in font size) in the list of battles – particularly to mark battles as "important" – is generally discouraged; while there are a few cases where such approaches may be both helpful to the reader and sufficiently well-sourced that they do not constitute original research, they are usually both unnecessary and potentially confusing. Similarly, dividing the list of battles into multiple blocks by inserting heading-like separations should be exceptional; if such a division is felt to be needed, a better solution may be to split the one campaignbox into two or more.

This infobox may be used to describe a particular planned or executed military operation or attack. For operations that resulted in combat, it can be used as an auxiliary template to the {{infobox military conflict}}, if necessary; for other types of operations, including those that were planned but never executed, it may be used alone. In the case of conflicts that consisted of multiple independent operations, multiple copies of the box may be used on a single article.

Usage

{{{title}}}
Part of {{{conflict}}}
[[File:{{{image}}}|{{{image_size}}}|alt={{{alt}}}|upright={{{image_upright}}}]] {{{caption}}}
Operational scope	{{{scope}}}
Location	{{{location}}} 0°N 0°E / 0; 0
Planned	{{{planned}}}
Planned by	{{{planned_by}}}
Commanded by	{{{commanded_by}}}
Target	{{{target}}}
Date	{{{date}}} {{{time}}} {{{time-begin}}} – {{{time-end}}} ({{{timezone}}})
Executed by	{{{executed_by}}}
Outcome	{{{outcome}}}
Casualties	{{{casualties}}}
{{{map_label}}} {{{map_caption}}}

{{Infobox military operation
 |name          = 
 |partof        = 
 |subtitle      = 
 |image         = 
 |image_upright = 
 |alt           = 
 |caption       = 
 |scope         = 
 |type          = 
 |location      = 
 |location2     = <!-- 2 through 10 for more locations -->
 |coordinates   = 
 |coordinates2  = <!-- 2 through 10 for more locations -->
 |map_type      = 
 |map_size      = 
 |map_caption   = 
 |map_label     = 
 |map_label2    = <!-- 2 through 10 for more locations -->
 |planned       = 
 |planned_by    = 
 |commanded_by  = 
 |objective     = 
 |target        = 
 |date          = <!-- {{start date|YYYY|MM|DD|df=y}} --> 
 |time          = 
 |time-begin    = 
 |time-end      = 
 |timezone      = 
 |executed_by   = 
 |outcome       = 
 |casualties    = 
 |fatalities    = 
 |injuries      = 
}}

Example

Case Blue
Operational scope	Strategic offensive
Planned by	Wehrmacht
Objective	Capture of Caucasus oil fields
Date	Began 28 June 1942 (1942-06-28)
Executed by	Army Group South

{{Infobox military operation
 |name        = Case Blue
 |scope       = Strategic offensive
 |planned_by  = ''[[Wehrmacht]]''
 |objective   = Capture of [[Caucasus]] oil fields
 |executed    = Began {{start date|1942|06|28|df=y}}
 |executed_by = [[Army Group South]]
}}

Parameters

Note: When using parameters, avoid the ambiguous abbreviation "N/A", and instead use "unknown" or "none". All subjective or qualitative judgements and numerical quantities or statistics must be cited to a reliable source (see WP:MILMOS#CITE).

• name – the name of the operational plan; names in multiple languages may be provided.
• subtitle – alternative name of the conflict being described.
• partof – optional – the larger conflict containing the event described in the article.
• image – optional – an image for the warbox. Given in the form File:Example.jpg
• image_upright – optional – image upright scaling factor.
• alt – optional – Alternative text for image that is accessible to screen readers to help the visually impaired
• caption – optional – the text to be placed below the image.
• location – optional – the location of the operation.
• coordinates – optional – the coordinates for the location above, given as {{coord}} with |display=inline,title. Used to display the geographic location of the conflict and the location on a map added with the map_type parameter. If coordinates for several locations are given, consider if hany shall have the title display.
• map_type – optional – the base map to be used for the location map, e.g. "Scotland"; see {{location map}} for more details.
• map_size – optional – width of the location map in pixels (px), e.g. "150"; defaults to: "220".
• map_caption – optional – caption displayed below the location map; defaults to "Location within {{{map_type}}}", e.g. "Location within Scotland".
• map_label – optional – the label placed next to the marker on the location map.
• scope – optional – the scope of the operation, such as "Strategic", "Operational", or "Tactical".
• type – optional – as an alternative to the scope field above, the type of operation, such as "Suicide attack" or "Ambush".
• planned – optional – the date(s) on which the plan was developed.
• planned_by – optional – the person or group responsible for developing the plan.
• commanded_by – optional – the person commanding the operation.
• objective – optional – the objective(s) of the operation.
• target – optional – as an alternative to the objective field above, the target(s) of the operation.
• date – optional – the date(s), if any, on which the operation was executed. use {{Start date}} (and {{End date}} if required)
• time – optional – the time, if any, at which the operation was executed.
• time-begin and time-end – optional – as an alternative to the time field above, the start and end times, respectively.
• timezone – optional – the timezone of the location of the operation; UTC+X, UTC-X, or UTC (i.e. offset from UTC) is preferred.
• executed_by – optional – the people, groups, units, or formations responsible for executing the operation.
• outcome – optional – the outcome of the operation from the perspective of the planners with a very brief summary of defence if appropriate.
• casualties – optional – any casualties occurring during the execution of the operation.
• fatalities – optional – as an alternative to the casualties field above, the number of fatalities occurring during the execution of the operation.
• injuries – optional – as an alternative to the casualties field above, the number of injuries occurring during the execution of the operation.

Microformat

The HTML mark-up produced by this template includes an hCalendar microformat that makes event details readily parsable by computer programs. This aids tasks such as the cataloguing of articles and maintenance of databases. For more information about the use of microformats on Wikipedia, please visit the Microformat WikiProject.

Classes used

The HTML classes of this microformat include:

• attendee
• contact
• description
• dtend
• dtstart
• location
• organiser
• summary
• url
• vevent

Please do not rename or remove these classes
nor collapse nested elements which use them.

TemplateData

TemplateData for this template used by TemplateWizard, VisualEditor and other tools

See a monthly parameter usage report for Template:WikiProject Military history in articles based on its TemplateData. TemplateData for WikiProject Military history This infobox may be used to describe a particular planned or executed military operation or attack. Template parameters This template has custom formatting. Parameter Description Type Status Name name The name of the military operation String suggested

See also

• {{Infobox civil conflict}}
• {{Infobox civilian attack}}
• {{Infobox military conflict}}

Microformat

The HTML markup produced by this template includes an hCalendar microformat, which makes the event details parsable by computers, either acting automatically to catalogue article across Wikipedia, or via a browser tool operated by a person, to (for example) add the subject to a calendar or diary application. Within the hCalendar is a Geo microformat, which additionally makes the coordinates (latitude & longitude) parsable, so that they can be, say, looked up on a map, or downloaded to a GPS unit. For more information about the use of microformats on Wikipedia, please see the microformat project.

Dates will only be included if you use {{Start date}} or {{End date}} (use the former for single dates, but do not use any of these if the date is before 1583 CE). {{End date}} requires that a time be specified, but display of this time may be suppressed by adding |nodate=yes to the end.

To include a URL, use {{URL}}.

hCalendar uses HTML classes including:

• attendee
• dtend
• dtstart
• location
• summary
• url
• vevent

Geo is produced by calling {{coord}}, and uses HTML classes:

• geo
• latitude
• longitude

Please do not rename or remove these classes nor collapse nested elements which use them.
Also, when giving coordinates, please don't be overly precise.

TemplateData

This is the TemplateData for this template used by TemplateWizard, VisualEditor and other tools. See a monthly parameter usage report for Template:WikiProject Military history in articles based on its TemplateData.

TemplateData for WikiProject Military history

TemplateData

Summarize information about a particular military conflict (a battle, campaign, war, or group of related wars). Template parameters This template has custom formatting. Parameter Description Type Status Conflict conflict The name of the conflict being described. Line required Width width Width of the infobox. Default 315px String optional Part of partof The larger conflict containing the event described in the article. Page name optional Image image An image for the warbox given in the form Example.jpg. File optional Image size image_size The size of the image String optional Alt alt Alternative textual description of the image String optional Caption caption The text to be placed below the image. String optional Date date The date of the conflict described. Convention is to give the actual date for battles and the years for wars, but this does not always apply. String optional Place place The location of the conflict. String required Coordinates coordinates The location of the structure, given as a coordinate pair by using {{coord}} with display=inline,title. String optional Map Type map_type The base map to be used for the location map, e.g. "Scotland"; see {{location map}} for more details. String optional Map Relief map_relief "yes" if the location map is a relief map. String optional Map Size map_size Width of the location map in pixels (px). Default 220 Number optional Map Marker map_mark File to use as the location map marker. Default red_pog.svg String optional Map Marker Size map_marksize Width of the location map marker in pixels (px). Default 8 Number optional Map Caption map_caption Caption displayed below the location map. Default Location within {{{map_type}}} String optional Map Label map_label The label placed next to the marker on the location map. Line optional Territory territory Any changes in territorial control as a result of the conflict; this should not be used for overly lengthy descriptions of the peace settlement. String optional Result result This parameter may use one of two standard terms: "X victory" or "Inconclusive". The term used is for the "immediate" outcome of the "subject" conflict and should reflect what the sources say. In cases where the standard terms do not accurately describe the outcome, a link or note should be made to the section of the article where the result is discussed in detail (such as "See the Aftermath section"). Such a note can also be used in conjunction with the standard terms but should not be used to conceal an ambiguity in the "immediate" result. Do not introduce non-standard terms like "decisive", "marginal" or "tactical", or contradictory statements like "decisive tactical victory but strategic defeat". Omit this parameter altogether rather than engage in speculation about which side won or by how much. String optional Status status For ongoing conflicts, the current status of the conflict. Line optional "Combatants" Header Text combatants_header Sets the header text for the combatants section. Default Belligerents Line optional Combatant 1 combatant1 A party participating in the conflict. String optional Combatant 2 combatant2 A party participating in the conflict. String optional Combatant 3 combatant3 A party participating in the conflict. (only if the conflict has three distinct "sides") String optional Combatant 1a combatant1a In cases where the parties significantly changed over the course of the conflict, this field may be used to provide additional rows for the Combatant 1 field. String optional Combatant 2a combatant2a In cases where the parties significantly changed over the course of the conflict, this field may be used to provide additional rows for the Combatant 2 field. String optional Combatant 3a combatant3a In cases where the parties significantly changed over the course of the conflict, this field may be used to provide additional rows for the Combatant 3 field. String optional Combatant 1b combatant1b In cases where the parties significantly changed over the course of the conflict, this field may be used to provide additional rows for the Combatant 1 field. String optional Combatant 2b combatant2b In cases where the parties significantly changed over the course of the conflict, this field may be used to provide additional rows for the Combatant 2 field. String optional Combatant 3b combatant3b In cases where the parties significantly changed over the course of the conflict, this field may be used to provide additional rows for the Combatant 3 field. String optional Combatant 1c combatant1c In cases where the parties significantly changed over the course of the conflict, this field may be used to provide additional rows for the Combatant 1 field. String optional Combatant 2c combatant2c In cases where the parties significantly changed over the course of the conflict, this field may be used to provide additional rows for the Combatant 2 field. String optional Combatant 3c combatant3c In cases where the parties significantly changed over the course of the conflict, this field may be used to provide additional rows for the Combatant 3 field. String optional Combatant 1d combatant1d In cases where the parties significantly changed over the course of the conflict, this field may be used to provide additional rows for the Combatant 1 field. String optional Combatant 2d combatant2d In cases where the parties significantly changed over the course of the conflict, this field may be used to provide additional rows for the Combatant 2 field. String optional Combatant 3d combatant3d In cases where the parties significantly changed over the course of the conflict, this field may be used to provide additional rows for the Combatant 3 field. String optional Commander of Combatant 1 commander1 The commanders of the military forces of Combatant (1) involved. String optional Commander of Combatant 2 commander2 The commanders of the military forces of Combatant 2 involved. String optional Commander of Combatant 3 commander3 The commanders of the military forces of Combatant 3 involved. String optional Units of Combatant 1 units1 The units or formations of Combatant 1 involved. If a large number of distinct formations is present, it may be better to reference an order of battle in the body of the article than to include the entire list in this field. String optional Units of Combatant 2 units2 The units or formations of Combatant 2 involved. If a large number of distinct formations is present, it may be better to reference an order of battle in the body of the article than to include the entire list in this field. String optional Units of Combatant 3 units3 The units or formations of Combatant 3 involved. If a large number of distinct formations is present, it may be better to reference an order of battle in the body of the article than to include the entire list in this field. String optional Strength of Combatant 1 strength1 The numerical strength of Combatant 1. String optional Strength of Combatant 2 strength2 The numerical strength of Combatant 2. String optional Strength of Combatant 3 strength3 If Combatant 3 is set, this field is for the numerical strength of Combatant 3. If Combatant 3 is not set, this is an alternate combined field for use where only the total participation in a conflict is known. String optional Casualties of Combatant 1 casualties1 Casualties suffered by Combatant 1 (including: dead, wounded, missing, captured and civilian deaths) and equipment losses. Terms such as "dead" (or "killed"), "wounded", or "captured" should be used in place of abbreviations such as "KIA" or "POW". Where equipment losses are reported, this should be confined to major or significant types of equipment broadly categorized such as: tanks, guns (artillery pieces), aircraft, destroyers etc. String optional Casualties of Combatant 2 casualties2 Casualties suffered by Combatant 2 (including: dead, wounded, missing, captured and civilian deaths) and equipment losses. Terms such as "dead" (or "killed"), "wounded", or "captured" should be used in place of abbreviations such as "KIA" or "POW". Where equipment losses are reported, this should be confined to major or significant types of equipment broadly categorized such as: tanks, guns (artillery pieces), aircraft, destroyers etc. String optional Casualties of Combatant 3 casualties3 If Combatant 3 is set, this field is for the casualties suffered by Combatant 3, (including: dead, wounded, missing, captured and civilian deaths) and equipment losses. Terms such as "dead" (or "killed"), "wounded", or "captured" should be used in place of abbreviations such as "KIA" or "POW". Where equipment losses are reported, this should be confined to major or significant types of equipment broadly categorized such as: tanks, guns (artillery pieces), aircraft, destroyers etc. If combatant3 is not set, this is an alternate combined field for use where only the total casualties of a conflict are known, or where civilian casualties cannot be directly attributed to either side. String optional Notes notes Optional field for further notes; this should only be used in exceptional circumstances. String optional Campaignbox campaignbox Optional field for appending a campaignbox template to the bottom of the infobox, which allows both boxes to float as a single element (useful if there are subsequent left floating images, which would otherwise not be able to float above the campaign box); the template must be specified in the format {{Campaignbox XYZ}}. String optional

See also

• {{Infobox military operation}}
• {{Infobox civil conflict}}
• {{Infobox civilian attack}}

Color scheme

For the "colour_scheme" parameter in {{Battlebox}}, use the value from the appropriate "Colour" cell in the following table.

Colour scheme for battleboxes

Land Battles (black text)
Colour	Locality	Example
background:#ffcccc	North America	Battle of New Orleans
background:#ccffcc	South America	Battle of Goose Green
background:#ffff99	Asia¹	Battle of Ager Sanguinis
background:#cccccc	Europe¹	Battle of Lützen (1632)
background:#eeddbb	Africa	Battle of Romani
background:#ffccaa	Oceania²	Battle of Iwo Jima
background:#ffccff	Fictitious³	Nirnaeth Arnoediad
empty	Other/Unknown	none
Naval Battles (blue text)
Colour	Locality	Example
background:#ffcccc;color:#2222cc	North America	Battle of Lake Erie
background:#ccffcc;color:#2222cc	South America	Battle of the River Plate
background:#ffff99;color:#2222cc	Asia¹	Battle of Syllaeum
background:#cccccc;color:#2222cc	Europe¹	Battle of Naupactus (429 BC)
background:#eeddbb;color:#2222cc	Africa	Battle of the Nile
background:#ffccaa;color:#2222cc	Oceania²	Battle of Midway
background:#ffccff;color:#2222cc	Fictitious³	the Sacrifice of Thunder Child
background:#ccccff;color:#2222cc	Open ocean⁴	The Glorious First of June
Notes: The official border between the Asian and European continents is the Ural Mountains, Black Sea, Bosphorus, Sea of Marmara and Dardanelles. Oceania covers Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and Antarctica. "Fictitious" includes mythological, literary, movie, science fiction, fantasy battles. A fictitious battle in Europe remains fictitious. "Open ocean" can mean outside of the 12 nautical mile territorial limit of any nation on a continent, or the 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone of continental nations.

Progress

See also: Wikipedia:New articles (Battles)

Most wanted

Of the 50 largest battles of the 20th century, we still have articles on fewer than half. In rough order of size, the most wanted articles are these:

Eastern Front (WWII)

• Battle of Belorussia (1941) maybe better known as Battle of Bialystok-Minsk
• Battle of West Ukraine (1941) sometimes grouped with Battle of Uman and Battle of Kiev (1941) as Battle of Ukraine (1941)
• Battle of the Caucasus (1942)
• Battle of West Ukraine (1944)
• Battle of the Lower Dnieper (1943)
• Battle of Königsberg (1945)
• Battle of Budapest (1945)
• Battle of Ukraine (1943) aka Battle of Chernikov-Poltava
• Battle of Smolensk (1943)
• Battle of the Baltic (1941)
• Battle of Belgorod (1943)
• Lvov-Sandomir Offensive (1944) or "Sandomierz"; aka Battle of Brody-Lvov
• Battle of the Baltic (1944) aka Battle of Courland
• Battle of Voronezh (1943)
• Fourth Battle of Kharkov (1943)
• Battle of the Crimea (1944)
• Battle of the Seelow Heights (1945)

World War I

• Battle of the Frontiers (1914)
• Second Battle of the Aisne (1917)
• Second Battle of the Somme (1918)
• Third Battle of the Aisne (1918)
• Second Battle of Artois (1915)
• Second Battle of Champagne (1915)
• Eleventh Battle of the Isonzo (1917)

Other C20

• Battle of Basra (1985–1988)
• Battle of Hsuchow (1927)