May 1942

Eastern Front

Lead units of the XXXIX Panzer Corps are in sight of Kholm and, after a furious battle with the 3rd Shock Army, break through to relieve Group Scherer. The 103-day siege has been broken, but the struggle has cost Group Scherer dear, over 1,500 men killed and 2,200 wounded. Barely 1,200 men of the original force ramin fit for action. The siege has also cost the Luftwaffe significant losses. Some 252 Ju-52 planes have been lost, but 65,000 tons of supplies were flown into the pocket together with 30,000 men. 35,000 wounded were also flown out of the battle.

The Bryansk Front reports to the Stavka that it is unable to attack toward Orel as scheduled. Golikov requests a postponement until May 16 at the earliest, to which Stalin reluctantly agrees. The Stavka, however, maintains that the attack must begin by th 16th, as the Southwest Front offensive will be launched as planned on the 12th.