December 1943

Eastern Front

The XLVIII Panzer Corps rushes to counterattack at Kazatin to halt the 1st Tank Army. Progress is limited as the exhausted unit is halted in its tracks. With his northern wing broken, Manstein begins to make an unauthorized movement of his armies. Moving the 1st Panzer Army from the Dniepr bend to the right of the 4th Panzer Army will shorten the sector held by the 4th Panzer Army and also provide stability to the south. However, to move an army headquarters and a number of its units at the height of an enemy offensive is risky venture and it is a credit to the Ostheer and Manstein's exceptional leadership that the maneuver is carried out successfully. During the move, the 1st Panzer hands over control of its sectors to the 6th and 8th Armies, the movement beginning on January 1. Upon its arrival on the northern flank of the army group, the 1st Panzer is to assume control of the XXIV Panzer Corps and VII Corps southeast of Berdichev while the III Panzer Corps, en route, will assemble on the left wing at the junction with the 4th Panzer Army. The 4th Panzer is also to receive the XLVI Panzer Corps as reinforcement.