January 1945

Eastern Front

Warsaw is encircled by the 1st Polish, 61st and 47th Armies, trapping elements of the XLVI Panzer Corp. Army Group A orders the abandonment of the city just before the Soviet forces complete their encirclement. Farther south the 69th Army and 1st Guards Tank Army take Radom. The two armies then continue to push on toward Lodz.

Heavy fighting rages around Kielce as the XXIV Panzer Corps struggles against overwhelming odds. Realizing the futility of his stand, Nehring breaks out to the north during the night of January 16.

Elements of the 3rd Guards Tank, 5th Guards and 52nd Armies of the 1st Ukrainian Front reach Czestochowa, threatening to turn the northern wing of the beleaguered 17th Army.

Hitler confirms his intention to move the 6th SS Panzer Army from the Western Front to Hungary, despite the total collapse of the German forces in Poland. The deployment of the army here is designed to restore the German positions on the Danube and safeguard the oilfields around Nagykanitsa. Guderian argues strongly that the 6th SS should be moved immediately to Poland but Hitler will not be swayed. In a towering rage Hitler sacks Harpe as commander of Army Group A, appointing Schorner in his place. Luttwitz also loses his command of the 9th Army. Gen Rendulic takes over command of Army Group North.