Eastern FrontNORTHERN SECTORHeavy attacks are unleashed against the Demyansk salient. The 11th Army launches strong attacks aimed at nipping off the salient and isolating the Germans. Hitler has begun to lay down plans for the capture of Leningrad. Operation NORDLICHT will throw the 11th Army into a concerted attack into the city environs. It is planned for mid-September. CENTRAL SECTORThe Soviets commit the VI and VIII Tank Corps and the II Guards Cavalry Corps to support the 31st and 20th Armies attacks around Rzhev. Fierce tank battles erupt as the Germans commit their Armored reserves. SOUTHERN SECTORAfter a bitter battle around Armavir, the Germans smash the I Independent Rifle Corps, the town falling to the 1st Panzer Army, which then forces the Kuban River. Both the 18th and 12th Armies retreat before Group Kleist, falling back to cover the Maikop oilfields. Tikhoretsk falls to the 17th Army as Group Ruoff reaches the Chelbas. To prevent the loss of the Maikop-Tuapse line, Budenny deploys the 12th and 18th Armies, together with the XVII Cavalry Corps. Tyulenev start the fortification of defensive positions along the Terek. |
| [ August 5th - August 7th] |