Shock and Awe

In the winter of I942, Soviet forces mounted the Toropets-Kholm offensive south of Lake Ilmen. Soviet forces, although ill-equipped, were able to surprise two forward German regiments, as the regiments were spread to such a degree that they couldn ’t …

1942-02-01

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In the winter of I942, Soviet forces mounted the Toropets-Kholm offensive south of Lake Ilmen. Soviet forces, although ill-equipped, were able to surprise two forward German regiments, as the regiments were spread to such a degree that they couldn ’t protect each other. Capture of the German supply depot at Toropets allowed the Soviets to press further than expected, helping to create the northern border of the Rzhev salient, which would become key in forcing the withdrawal of German troops the next year. The Toropets-Kholm offensive also led to two simultaneous encirclements of German troops at Kholm and Demyansk.

Toropets, Russia

The Toropets–Kholm Offensive was a military operation conducted south of Lake Ilmen by the Red Army during World War II, from 9 January-6 February 1942. The operation contributed to the formation of the Kholm Pocket and the encirclement of the Wehrmacht's II Army Corps in the Demyansk Pocket.

Wikipedia: Toropets–Kholm Offensive

German

Russian