The Fascists by all accounts have given up any attempt to take Moscow by storm. Their attacks by three identified tank corps continue south of the Oka gaining roughly the same amount of terrain as in the previous week. Although I am not one to believe in miracles, this comes as close to one as could be possibly imagined. My only conclusion is the enemy figured on a difficult envelopment that might not provide a firm grip on their objective. Whatever the reason, we must now have as our winter aim the ejection of German forces from the outskirts of Moscow. Light to moderate snow is falling on much of the front and temperatures are now regularly below freezing. Our enemy must surely know that conditions will certainly deteriorate drastically over the next few weeks. In any case if they do not withdraw from the vicinity of Moscow, we will force the issue. Comrade Stalin takes a keen interest in every detail for offensive preparations, as the nightly operations briefings regularly run into the early morning hours at the Kremlin.
The Volkhov Front under General-Leytenant Artemev is formed. Consists of 48th, 55th and 61st Armies and is positioned between Leningrad and Northwest Fronts.
Lengthy conversation with Kirponos. His rife divisions were replenished with largely conscript forces over the last weeks. Consequently he believes his forces will be hard pressed to achieve significant gains in his sector under adverse weather conditions once our winter campaign is launched. I reply he has the second most amount of manpower of any Soviet Front with 540,00 men, 400 AFVs and almost 500 aircraft. His weaker army commanders have been relieved and replaced. We will also be releasing STAVKA 60th Army under Pliev to reinforce his right flank and Transcaucasus Front will send 44th Army with initially four mountain divisions to help with his left. Those divisions of the 44th will be doubled in January. He will also be supported by 1-2 cavalry armies and 1-2 Shock Armies containing select tank brigades as the campaign unfolds. Therefore he will be expected to accomplish all of his objectives, without fail. Any commander regardless of rank who does not press forward the attack will find himself in a penal battalion very quickly. To think that a month ago we faced the prospect of a desperate defense. Now all of our detailed planning is focused on offensive action.
Our ground forces have risen to 5.58 million men against 3.66 million German. Artillery tubes 49,500 to their 36,200. Tanks 7,500 to their 5,150. Aircraft 7,800 against their 3,300. By all indications we are gaining force ratios in all categories.
Air losses reported to date. Air combat 1,850 vs 550 Axis. Flak 430 vs 150 Axis. Operational 1,750 vs 550 Axis. Total 5,632 vs. 1,267. Discounting losses on the ground in the first week of war, losses adjust to 4,393 vs 1,267 a ratio of 3.47 to 1.
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