December 1941

Eastern Front

Elements of the 29th and 31st Armies, advancing around Kalinin, cut the German line of retreat from the town. The mobile groups of the 16th and 5th Armies push forward near Istra, the 5th Army group moving toward Ruza. Exploiting the cracks in the German line, the II Guards Cavalry Corps pushes forward, closely followed by a tank brigade.

To the south, the 2nd Panzer Army falls back to the Plava but is threatened on both flanks as the Soviets press theier attacks home. On the northern wing, the XLIII Corps becomes separated from the XXIV Panzer Corps by more than 25 miles. Guderian's flanks are uncovered.