January 1942

Eastern Front

The 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.

Heavy 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.