China

The Chinese recapture Ichang, east of Chungking.

Eastern Front

There is fierce fighting along the entire front. The Russians announce the evacuation of Orel. The Battle Vyazma begins. It will continue until October 14th. Panzers break throught the 'Vyazma Defense Line'. Six Russian armies are encircled.

As LVI Panzer Corps advancing from the north links up with XL and XLVI Panzer Corps moving from the south near Vyazma, the German create another pocket, inside which are trapped the Soviet 16th, 19th, 20th, 24th and part of the 32nd Armies. And the 2nd Army links up with the 18th Panzer Div (XLVII Panzer Corps) east of Bryans, isolating the Soviet 3rd, 13th and 50th Armies. The Luftwaffe flies 800 bomber sorties against the pocket.

German tank spearheads are closing the Vyazma pocket. On the left a Panzer IV.

German Tank Spearheads Are Closing the Vyazma Pocket

Nazi Troops Enter Vyasma, 7 October 1941

Germans Heading for Moscow

With the German 11th Army and 1st Panzer Group having surrounded much of the Southern Front, the Red Army units try to fight their way out of the pocket suffering heavy casualties in the process.[MORE]

Finland

Finland refuses to end its war with Russia: 'Finland wages her defensive war free from all political obligations, but grateful that she need not fight alone this time.'

Soviet Union, Home Front

Zhukov is given command of the Soviet capital. In a desperate attempt to boost morale, Stalin lifts the ban on religion throughout the USSR.