April 1942

Eastern Front

Hitler has made the decision to concentrate the German effort during 1942 on the southern sector of the front. Directive 41 calls for rapid advances into the Caucasus and the capture of the Soviet oil refineries and production centers near Maikop and Grozny. Without thest supplies secured, Hitler maintains that Germany will not be able to prosecute the war past the end of 1943. As the planning continues, the armies at the front push on with their relief attacks.

The 40th Army, with 5 rifle divisions, is allocated to Gen Filipp Golikov's Bryansk Front.