Blizzard conditions greatly reduced this week and only impact elements of Army Group North in the Lake Peipus-Lake Ilmen area. Despite this, freight tonnage to the ground troops only rises modestly this week, to 18,885 tons, an increase of 1,424 tons.
The Russians only launch three ground attacks in the Tula sector. Despite our local units llosing some ground, Soviet casualties are estimated at 7,500 compared to 1,500 of our own. This five-to-one advantage in losses reflects the fact that the Russians have a long ways to go in terms of conducting modern, effective warfare.
Elements of 11th Army are now on the move by rail to Kursk (11th Corps) and Dnepropetrovsk (49th Mountain and 54th Corps) that will reinforce threatened areas in the coming weeks. Genl. Model elects to retain 30th Corps at Nikolaev.
With the moderating weather conditions and the Red Army seemingly content to sit on their behinds, the Fuhrer is once again talking up the idea of resuming the offensive towards Leningrad and Rostov. With such limited actions, supply in his mind is something we must certainly be able to manage. It was necessary to point out to him that much of the Luftwaffe has been moved to winter quarters, so any substantial ground support has little prospect of materializing. The weather conditions also are not expected to remain favorable for any length of time. We also have reason to believe that the Russians are releasing substantial manpower reserves and are bringing them forward.
A query put forth to the two relevant ground commanders, Leeb and Rundstedt find no enthusiasm for any new advances until Spring. On that basis, a postponement of any further discussions along these lines will give us at least a week’s respite.
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