February 1942

Eastern Front

Soviet forces smash through the base of the Demyansk salient and penetrate into the rear of the 16th Army. Elements of the 3rd Shock Army, 11th and 34th Armies draw closer together, and the encirclement of the II Corps and part of the X Corps becomes imminent.

The LIX Corps attempts to relieve the encircled battle groups at Velizh and Demidov, elements of the 4th Shock Army fighting fiercely near Dukhovschina. The 3rd Panzer Army is unable to support the LIX Corps. Further bitter fighting rages around Rzhev as the Soviets try to overrun the town. The 9th Army beats off each attempt, inflicting heavy casualties upon Koniev's tired armies.

Minister Todt, in charge of war production and munitions, is killed in a flying accident. Albert Speer is appointed his successor. Formerly Hitler's personal architect, Speer overhauls the German war industry and increases production substantially, particularly in the latter years of the war. It is under his auspices that German industry is placed on a war footing, leading to total war.