October 1942

Friday, October 17th


Eastern Front

SOUTHERN SECTOR

Chuikov ferries the rest of Lyudnikov's 138th Division into Stalingrad during the previous night as German attacks continue.

German attacks south from the Tractor factory along the bank of the Volga drives the 138th Rifle Division back. The 84th Tank Brigade also attempts to hold back the Germans. New attacks also break into the southern part of Spartakovka. An attack on Red October is repulsed, but an assault along the railway lines and upon the Barrikady penetrate the junction of the 138th and 308th Rifle Divisions. The Germans then enter the northwest corner of the Barrikady complex, where fierce battles erupt. Heavy fighting also sees the fall of the Tractor factory, the remnants of the 37th Guards being destroyed.

With losses among his command staff mounting, Chuikov moves his headquarters back to the south, near the Mamayev Kurgan.


[ October 16th - October 18th]