December 1942

Eastern Front

The German counterattack against the 41st Army continue, their pincers drawing closer to Belyi as the escape corridor of the VI Rifle and I Mechanized Corps becomes narrower. By the end of the day the German forces are just a mile apart.

The 6th Army is heavily attack but manages to repel the Soviet probes. Kirchner's LVII Panzer Corps has still not completed its concentration, onl the 6th and 23rd Panzer Divisions being in situ. The 17th Panzer has been waylaid by Hitler en route from Orel. It is unlikely that Operation WINTER-STORM will begin before December 12.

After regrouping during the night, the 11th Panzer Division attacks the Soviets to the rear of the 336th Infantry Division. The assault strikes the Soviets just as they are about to attack and after a bloddy battle they are virtually wiped out.

As the Soviets prepare to launch Operation SATURN a new 1st Guards Army is raised, the original 1st Guards being redesignated 3rd Guards Army Lelyushenko commands the 3rd while the new 1st is given to V. I. Kuznetsov.