September 1942

Eastern Front

The 11th Army begins its counterattack at Gaitolovo. Soviet forces in the salient are attacked on both flanks, XXVI and XXX Corps slicing through to isolate virtually the entire force. The constricted forces inside the pocket are subjected to ferocious artillery and air attack, suffering terrible casualties.

The 6th Army fends off more attacks by the 1st Guards, 24th and 66th Armies, keeping the German forces north of Stalingrad fully occupied.

Inside the city, the battle for the Nail Factory continues. The Soviet battalion is cut in two as hand-to-hand fighting rages through the ruined machinery and buildings. Under fierce attack, the Soviets abandon the factory. Elements fight to the end in the Univermaag store, while others fall back to the Volga, establishing strong positions on the corner of Krasnopiterskaya and Komsomolskaya Streets. The fighting here rages for five bloody days. Further heavy fighting also rages on the slopes of the Mamayev Kurgan and in the grain elevator.

After protracted fighting, the XLVIII Panzer Corps clears the bed of the Tsaritsyn stream, isolating the 92nd and 42nd Rifle Brigades on the southern wing of the 62nd Army. The 14th and 24th Panzer, 29th Motorized and 94th Infantry Divisions are attacking the Soviet brigades.