Operation Winter Storm
Background
Operation Winter Storm (German: Unternehmen Wintergewitter) was a German offensive in World War II in which the German 4th Panzer Army unsuccessfully attempted to break the Soviet encirclement of the German 6th Army during the Battle of Stalingrad.
Prelude to the Operation
In late November 1942, the Red Army completed Operation Uranus, encircling some 300,000 Axis soldiers in and around the city of Stalingrad. German forces within the Stalingrad pocket and directly outside were reorganized under Army Group Don, under the command of Field Marshal Erich von Manstein.
The Plan
Manstein's plan was to launch a two-pronged attack to break the encirclement from the outside, using the 4th Panzer Army and a newly formed Army Detachment Hollidt. Inside the pocket, the 6th Army would remain on the defensive, to conserve its strength. The operation was to commence in late November.
Execution of the Operation
The operation began on 12 December, with an attack on the Soviet 51st Army by the 57th Panzer Corps. The following day, the 6th Panzer Division attacked the Soviet 2nd Guards Army, and managed to break through to the Aksai River, where they were stopped by the Soviet 8th Guards Rifle Division.
Outcome
Despite initial successes, the German offensive was unable to break through the Soviet encirclement. The 4th Panzer Army was forced to retreat on 23 December, and by early February 1943, the 6th Army had surrendered. The failure of Operation Winter Storm was a significant setback for the Wehrmacht, and marked a turning point in the Eastern Front.
Aftermath
The failure of Operation Winter Storm led to the surrender of the 6th Army in February 1943. This marked the first major defeat of the Wehrmacht on the Eastern Front, and was a significant turning point in the war. The defeat also led to a shift in German strategy, with Hitler deciding to go on the defensive for the remainder of the war.