Eastern FrontCENTRAL SECTORAccompanied by a massive arty barrage the 3rd Belorussian Front opens its offensive against the German forces in East Prussia. Bad weather prevents complete air support and leads to some inaccuracy during the barrage. As leading units begin to advance, they encounter exceptionally strong German defensive fire. Fierce fighting develops around Kattenau. The gains made by the 1st Ukrainian Front are consolidated today as its spearheads begin to encounter increasingly strong German resistance. Elements of the 59th Army push toward Krakow but the XXIV Panzer Corps, striking with more than 200 panzers and assault guns around Chmelnik, engage the main attack force of the 1st Ukrainian Front. The 4th Tank Army is brought to a halt amid heavy fighting, but after a brutal counterattack, smashes the German aside. Nehring's corps is left in tatters, reeling west as the 4th Tank Army pushes forward. Additional attacks by the 3rd Guards Tank, 52nd and 5th Guards Armies also succeed in breaking through to the west, the XLVIII Panzer Corps having been smashed under the weight of these latest attacks. SOUTHERN SECTORHeavy fighting rages in Pest as Soviet troops complete the capture of Varosliget Park. |
| [ January 12th - January 14th] |