February 1942

Eastern Front

The 4th Shock Army launches strong attacks against Velizh, almost succeeding in breaking into the center, but Group Sinzinger repels the attack after close quarters fighting. The Germans are hampered by the extreme cold, lack of food and warm clothing, and scarcity of ammunition, Sinzinger's men becoming weaker with each day. Army Group Center decides that the situation must be restored as quickly as possible and both Demidov and Velizh relieved. The heavy fighting in the Rzhev and Vyazma sectors continue without pause as the Germans pile pressure on the encircled Soviet units.

The 3rd and 4th Shock Armies have lost 10,400 killed and missing and 18,810 wounded during the month long Toropets-Kholm Offensive Operation.