Liveblogging World War II: November 17, 1942

Operation Hubertus:

November 17, 1942: Freezing rain and blowing snow allowed only perhaps 50m of ground to be gained by the Germans in the sector of 79./305. Infanterie divisions. This resulted mainly from the very small scale of the actions against 95th Rifle Division. Even this division was finally at the end of its power. The Soviets started to retreat as no reinforcements were forth coming. When the news of such “retreats” reached Tschuikov, he became concerned about the morale of his troops, more so than he was the days and weeks before. He wondered if his soldiers’ morale will finally collapse…. Hitler demanded that at least the gun factory and “Lazur” should be taken. This was the direct order for von Seydlitz-Kurzbach that his planned “Operation Schwerin I” must be executed….

After some necessary regrouping, both battle groups, Scheele and Seydel were put into readiness. The troops were ready, the planes loaded, but at 1900 hours LI Armeekorps was informed, by the commanding officer von Schwerin, that due to fog and strong snow falls, the attack could not be started. Von Seydlitz-Kurzbach postponed it for the next day.

Otherwise the day stayed quiet for both sides.