August 1942

Eastern Front

Following a quiet period, the Leningrad sector erupts into life as the Soviets begin a new offensive aimed at relieving the Siege. Meretskov's Volkhov Front leads the assault with the reformed 2nd Shock Army, smashing the 18th Army near Gaitolovo with ease and advancing rapidly into the German rear. The 2nd Shock aims to link up with the Neva Operational Group inside Leningrad, breaking the year-long siege. The arrival on the Volkhov of what was left of the German 11th Army, however, alters the situation. Manstein, originally tasked with the reduction of Leningrad, is immediately ordered to halt the Soviet attack and destroy the revitalized Volkhov Front.

North of Stalingrad the 16th Panzer Division is in danger of annihilation as it runs low on ammunition. The division is exhausted and cannot hold out much longer. The 6th Army continues its slow advance toward the Volga, while Hoth's 4th Panzer Army redeploys around Abganerovo.

As the situation at Stalingrad deteriorates, with the 62nd Army falling back toward the city, the Stavka begins to concentrate the 24th, 1st Guards and 66th Armies along the Don-Volga land bridge to bring pressure to bear upon the over-extended XIV Panzer Corps. The attack is to begin on September 2, but all 3 armies need to redeploy into their new sectors.