January 1942

Eastern Front

Leeb is dismissed as commander of Army Group North, mainly due to his disagreement with Hitler over the withdrawal of the 16th Army. Kuchler is appointed to command the army group and Lindemann takes over 18th Army.

Amid heavy fighting, the 16th Army falls back from its positions north of Lake Selinger. The collapse of the front endangers the entire German position as the rear of Army Group Center is exposed to envelopment.

Kurochkin suggests that the 11th Army be reinforced and moved from Staraya Russa to Kholm to seal off the German troops at Demyansk. The Stavka accepts this in principle, but maintains that the main task of the 11th Army is to push to Soltsy with the I and II Guards Rifle Corps and into the German rear at Pskov.

Model assumes command of the 9th Army, Strauss having reported sick a few days earlier. Army Group Center attempts to rebuild its left flank following the collapse of the 16th Army, withdrawing the 3rd Panzer Army from the Rzhev salient to new positions between the 16th and 9th Armies. The success of Soviet attacks in this area increases the need for a speedy redeployment, the Germans having nothing with which to plug the gap torn in their line. In due course the LIX Corps will go into action after is completes its long journey from France.

Feodosia falls to the 11th Army, 10,000 Soviet prisoners being taken. With additional casualties of 7,000 killed, the 44th Army is in tatters. The fall of Feodosia partially restored the German position on the Kerch peninsula, prompting Hitler to order the immediate dismissal and arrest of Gen von Sponek. His withdrawal from Kerch in late December resulted in a charge of cowardice in the face of the enemy, from which he is lucky to escape with his life. Army Group South also loses its commander as Field Marshal von Reichenau dies unexpectedly of a heart attack.