Eastern FrontSOUTHERN SECTORAt dawn the 1st Ukrainian front unleashes a storm of arty fire upon the XIII and VII Corps opposite the Lyutezh bridgehead, more than 2,000 arty pieces firing upon the 4th Panzer Army. The 38th and 60th Armies lead the Soviet attack while the 2nd Air Army provides support and interdiction. In all the 1st Ukrainian Front commits 671,000 ment to this next phase of attacks, Not realizing that the 1st Ukrainian has switched its strength to Lyutezh, the 4th Panzer is caught by surprise. The 38th Army smashes into 3 infantry divisions, inflicting crippling casualties. In a vain attempt to quell the Soviet tide, Hoth moves the 20th Panzer Grenadier and 8th Panzer Divisions up to counterattack. The 7th Panzer Division also move later and counterattacks, all to no avail. On the southern flank the XLIV Corps successfully evacuates its forces to the west bank of the Dniepr at Kherson. The 13th Panzer is then detached from the corps and ordered up to Krivoi Rog. On the Kerch peninsula the 56th Army establishes a secure bridgehead. |
[ November 2nd - November 4th] |