1941

by Luka Bilić Rzhev salient was created during Soviet winter Moscow counter offensive and was a direct result of resilience of German 9th Army and its new commander general Walter Model. While on his flanks 2nd and 3rd Panzer Armies were falling back in dissaray, Model’s command managed to mostly hold its positions deeply jutting into Soviet held territory toward Moscow. This outstanding defensive success helped stabilize front of entire AGC, anchor its defenses and deny Soviets access to vital communication lines and centers at Sychevka and especially Vyazma. Without proper lines for mass transport, modern war offensives (especially Red Army from that period of war) were running on borrowed time and had very limited reach. After front completely stabilized by late spring 1942 salient not only became of defensive importance but provided very valuable ground for potential new German try aimed at Moscow. Zhukov insisted for salient to be eliminated. First try was in summer with two...

On January 10th 1942 there was sense of emergency and alarm in German 9th Army at Rzhev as Soviet 29th and 39th armies were pushing uncontrollingly into their rear from north and north west. Same day Japanese declared war on Dutch East Indies while in Germany invitations, dispatched by Heidrich for Wannsee conference on which implementation of Final Solution was to be organized were received by their attendants. American and Filipino troops were fighting for their lives on Bataan.. Yet by far the most important events were talking place in mansion near Kirov gates in Moscow where STAVKA (headquarters of the Main Command of the Armed Forces of the USSR) was located. It was STAVKA’s job to operationally and strategically direct war effort and simultaneously to provide guidance and preside over the evolution of the Red Army considering matters of doctrines, tactics, organization, logistics and so on. On January 10th General Zhukov issued STAVKA directive No 03. This directive set some ...