February 1943

Eastern Front

The 40th and 69th Armies throw themselves into a direct assault upon Kharkov, becoming embroiled in the German outer defenses. Elements of the 40th Army attempt to envelop Kharkov from the west, while other units of the army push toward Oboyan, Grayvoron and Bogodukhov. The Germans are forced back upon Borisovka, Zolochev and Olshany.

Units of the Soviet 6th Army reach the river opposite Zmiyev. Heavy fighting ensues as the Germans attempt to prevent their crossing but some succeed in crossing ant Andreyevka. Exploiting the 6th Army success, 3rd Tank Army begins an assault crossing of the Donets near Chuguyev. Pechenegi and Chuguyev falls as the SS Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler is force back. Other units of the 3rd Tan seize Merefa. German defenses at Rogan prove too strong for the moment.

The XLVIII Panzer Corps also comes under fierce attack as it withdraws from the Donets to the area north of Stalino.

In the Kuban the Soviet advance along the Black Sea coast succeeds in linking upo with those assault force already at Novorossiysk, threatening the southern flank of the German 17th Army.

The Stavka renames 21st Army the 6th Guards Army. Many of the armies that fought at Stalingrad are renamed in the early part of 1943. Chuikov's 62nd Army becomes 8th Guards.