December 1941

Eastern Front

On the northern flank, the Soviets launch a new attack with the 39th Army. The attack falls around Rzhev and aims to break the center of the 9th Army. Farther south, despite repulsing and encircling Group Popov, the hardpressed forces of the 2nd Panzer Army relinquishes control of Kaluga to the 50th Army.

Manstein launches more attacks upon Sevastopol but fails to break the Soviet positions. Later in the day, the Soviets begin the Kerch-Feodosia operation. Elements of the 51st Army land north of Kerch, while a smaller component of the 44th Army goes ashore at Cape Opuk, near Feodosia. Both units are able to gain a firm foothold despite the horrendous conditions, and proceeds to attack the XLII Corps' single infantry division. Sponek requests permission to withdraw to the Ak-Monai narrows but is instead ordered to launch an immediate counterattack and drive the Soviet forces into the sea.