April 1942

Eastern Front

There is renewed fighting near Vyazma as the 50th Army launches a strong attack to free the encircled 33rd Army and Group Belov. Initial progress is good; by afternoon leading elements of the 50th Army are only 3 miles from Group Belof, having taken the Zaitsevo heights by storm. The Luftwaffe then enters the battle, launching a crushing attack upon the advancing units. Repeated assaults inflict crippling casualties, forcing the 50th Army to fall back.