February 1942

Eastern Front

The Germans begin the Demyansk airlift, just as Soviet forces surrounding the 16th Army begin their artillery bombardment and launch probing attacks upon the perimeter of the pocket. Bitter fighting ensues, but the Germans hold their positions in the majority of sectors.

The 4th Shock Army keeps Group Sinzinger pinned down in Velizh with repeated infantry and tank assaults. The relief attacks toward the town continue but make slow progress in the deep snow and amid concerted Soviet counterattacks. Farther east, the 9th Army is involved in heavy fighting around Rzhev and Olenino as the German and Soviet forces launch repeated attacks. The Germans pound the 29th and 39th Armies, while the Kalinin Front attempts to smash those German units in the exposes Olenino salient.