August 1942

Eastern Front

With supporting artillery fire, the XLVIII Panzer Corps launches its attack southwest of Stalingrad. Shumilov's 64th Army is surprised by the new attack and breaks, Hoth's panzers advancing 20 miles to Gavrilovka at the end of the day. The IV Corps attempts to pin the 64th Army frontally, but Shumilov extricates his army, withdrawing toward Stalingrad to avoid isolation south of the city.

As the battle on the approaches intensifies, Zhukov arrives to coordinate the attacks of the armies on the Don-Volga land bridge. After consultation with the Stalingrad Front command, Zhukov informs Stalin that the 66th, 1st Guards and 24th Armies will be unable to counterattack until September 6. Stalin orders Zhukov to begin the offensive as soon as possible but accepts September 6.