January 1945

Eastern Front

After a long and bloody battle Memel falls to the elements of the 43rd Army. On the main combat line the 3rd Belorussian Front throws a ring of steel around Konigsberg, trapping a panzer, 2 Volksgrenadier and an infantry division inside the city.

The 4th Army unfolds during the day. Aiming to link up with the 2nd Army fighting on the west bank of the Vistula at Marienberg, Muller strikes the 48th Army around Wormditt with 2 infantry, 1 panzer grenadier and 2 panzer divisions while 2 infantry divisions attack at Mehlsack and another 2 at Braunsberg. Initial progress is promising as the Germans slice through the surprised Soviet army. However, the 2nd Belorussian Front reacts quickly and moves elements of the 2nd Shock Army from the Vistula to support the hard pressed 48th. Furthermore, the complete superiority of the Soviet air armies considerably hinder the German efforts, inflicting severe casualties.

The 19th Army, recently committed to the battle, supports the attack of the 70th Army on Thorn. In Silesia the 1st Ukrainian Front has drawn up to the Oder around Breslau and prepares to encircle the German units inside the city. Elements of the 59th and 60th Armies are involved in fierce fighting at Rybnik as they attempt to close the trap upon the 17th Army. Fighting firecely the 17th begins to abandon the Kattowitz pocket. Schorner authorizes the withdrawal of the army at the eleventh hour, consigning the Silesian region over to the Russians. Army Group Vistula takes the 9th Army under its command.

The German 6th Army maintains the pressure on the 3rd Ukrainian Front between Lakes Balaton and Velencei, retaking Szekesfehervar after a bitter struggle. However, Gille's IV SS Panzer Corps has become totally bogged down and is under intense pressure from the 3rd Ukrainian as it counterattacked.