January 1942

Eastern Front

The Volkhov Front begins a series of probing attacks along the line of the Volkhov, testing German defenses. Within the next few days the front will unleash a new offensive to smash the right flank of the 18th Army.

Belev falls to the 10th Army.

As the Soviet attacks begin to bog down, Timoshenko launches a new thrust toward Belgorod with the 38th Army. The attack is aimed at dislodging the Germans north of Kharkov and bringing about the collapse of Army Group South. The Germans, however, are aware of the Soviet intentions around Belgorod and launch strong counterattacks against the 21st Army.

In the Crimea, Soviet forces launch new landings at Sudak and Evpatoriya but the now alert German units repel them.

Buoyed by the successes of the offensive in the center, Stalin calls a meeting of the Stavka to plan the next phase of operations. He aims to expand attacks along the entire front, but Zhukov wants to push the offensive against Army Group Center. Stalin overrules him and proceeds with a larger offensive.