February 1942

Eastern Front

In a bold attempt to bring about a decisive decision in the Demyansk pocket, the Soviets drop paratroopers behind the German line. The Germans, however, bring heavy fire to bear, inflicting terrible casualties. Virtually the entire force is lost and the few who do survive the landing are captured.

Soviet forces on the Moscow axis have been substantially reinforced during the first half of February. The Kalinin Front receives 7 new rifle divisions, a guards rifle corps and 4 air regiments, while the West Front takes over 60,000 men into its ranks, 3 rifle divisions, 1 guards rifle corps and 2 parachute brigades. In line with the developing offensive, Zhukov issues a new set of directives to the forces of Glavkom West. The Kalinin Front is to capture the Olenino region with the 22nd, 30th and 39th Armies, destroying the German 9th Army. The West Front is to attack with its 43rd, 49th and 50th Armies, taking Yukhnow, and 16th and 61st Armies are to capture Bryansk. At the same time, the IV Airborne Corps is to complete its drop in the Yukhnow area to threaten the rear of the German 4th Army. The 50th Army is to support the airborne forces, attacking toward Yukhnow.

At the front, Group Sinzinger comes under fierce attack while new Soviet attacks push toward Surazh.