August 1942

Eastern Front

The Soviets open fierce attacks at the neck of the Demyansk salient, pounding the weakened German units.

With the 62nd Army under heavy attack along its positions west of Stalingrad, at 0515 hours Stalin orders Lopatin and the 64th Army back to the final defense line. Later in the day Stalin changes his mind and orders the 64th and 62nd Armies to counterattack at Vertyachi. The Soviets duly attack and are repulsed.

The 71st Infantry Division smashes its way out of the Kalach bridgehead, pushing toward Karpovka. Soviet resistance continues to be fierce, with the 71st taking the next 7 days to push the Soviets back 20 miles.

The 4th Panzer Army breaks off its attacks at Tundutovo after a complete lack of success. Hoth begins to redeploy his forces west of Abganerovo to skirt around the flank of the 64th Army and rolls it up upon Stalingrad. The 64th Army is unaware of the German plan.

To the south, Group Kleist is involved in heavy fighting along the Terek, 9th Army resisting fiercely at Mozdok. After a bitter battle, the town falls to the Germans. In an effort to halt the German advance the Soviets begin to move the 58th Army up from Makhachkala to the Terek.