Battle of the Atlantic
Eastern FrontIn the central sector the Russians extend their salient between the II and IV Panzergruppe southwest of Kaluga, capturing Kirov. The Russians are now in complete control of the railway from Maloyaroslavets south to Kaluga. They also recapture Kirov, southeast of Smolensk, and Dorokhovo, near Mozhaisk. NORTHERN SECTORThe Leningrad and Volkhov Fronts renew their offensive. Near Lake Ladoga, the 54th Army attacks towad Pogoste and Tosno. Alongside the 54th Army, however, the 4th Army is hit by German attacks and is forced onto the defensive. Elements of the 2nd Shock and 52nd Armies strike the XXXVIII Corps near Gruzino establishing minor bridgeheads across the Volkhov. Heavy fighting rages at Mostki, Spasskaya-Polist and Zemititsky as the Soviets encounter strong German defensive positions. On either flank, the 59th and the remainder of the 52nd Armies meet with little success, failing to push forward from their start lines. South of Lake Ilmen, the 11th Army continues to fight around Staraya Russa, while the 3rd and 4th Shock Armies slash at the 16th Army, striking the X and II Corps hard, Despite a spirited defense, the German line begins to crack. CENTRAL SECTORHeavy fighting rages around Rzhev as the 29th and 39th Armies press deeper into the positions of the 9th Army, while the 20th and 1st Shock Armies, with the II Guards Cavarly Corps in support, overcome the German defenses around Volokolamsk, Furious fighting ensues as the Soviet units press into and through the town, pushing the 4th Panzer Army back. The 4th Panzer loses contact with the 4t Army to its south, the 33rd Army cutting its lateral communications as it advances upon Vyazma. [ | ]MalayaGen Wavell visits the front again. The withdrawal of the Indian III Corps into Johore state is almost complete. A convoy carrying war materials including 50 Hurricanes, many anti-aircraft guns and reinforcements, part of the British 18th Div, arrives in Singapore. The Japanese capture Port Swettenham. [ | ]PhilippinesJapanese attacks on Bataan continue, however, after a powerfull artillery preparation, the Americans counterattack and reduce the Japanese salient south of the Calaguiman River. On the central front the Japanese force the Filipino 51st Div to fall back to the Balantay River. [ | ]United States, PoliticsDonald M. Nelson, an executive with Sears, is appointed to head up the War Production Board. [ | ] |
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[January 12th - January 14th] |