10 Famous -- and Infamous -- Retreats

On January 14, 1943, the Japanese Navy began their operation to successfully evacuate the remaining Japanese land forces from the Island of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands of the Pacific Ocean.  Called Operation Ke, the withdrawal of the Japanese forces is used to start us off on our list of 10 Famous or Infamous Withdrawals or Retreats.  The military calls such operations “retrograde operations,” the opposite of an attack or an advance.  Comedians refer to these actions as “attacking in a different direction.”  Far from being funny, retrograde operations, especially while still in contact with the enemy are possibly the most difficult of all military operations.  The success or failure of such operations can lead to the success or failure of a large battle or campaign, or even the success or failure of the entire war.  Our list is not necessarily the “greatest” such operation, just 10 we think you will find interesting, including a notable failure to retreat at all  .  Feel free to nominate your own choices for inclusion on the list.  (Note: The order listed does not indicate the order of importance or fame.)