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BACKGROUND:
In late November 1942, the Russians launched Operation Uranus, an offensive that left the German 6th Army encircled at Stalingrad. The desperate soldiers within the encirclement were convinced that they would be rescued, a belief reinforced once they heard the distant sound of artillery from the German counter-offensive. Though Hitler had authorised Manstein to reach the Pocket, it was not to relieve it or allow the trapped army to escape, rather it was to get supplies into the city so that the struggle for Stalingrad could continue.

On 12th December 1942, Manstein began his offensive 'Operation winter Storm', his 4th Panzer Army under Hoth made good progress, advancing 30 miles and crossing the River Aksay. The Russian commander Yeremenko, who had not expected the Germans to launch their counter-stroke so quickly, immediately moved 4th Mech Corps and 13th Tank Corps into the line to support 57th Army.

Trying to recover the initiative, Stalin agreed to a plan in which Hoth was to be blocked at the River Myshkova while an offensive would be launched further along the Don Front to unhinge 4th Panzer army and force Hoth to abandon his attack.

On 13th December 6th Panzer Division reached the village of Verkhne-Kumsky. Three days of heavy fighting followed amongst the nearby high ground. While Hoth was delayed here, Russian forces gathered further along the Don Front against the sector held by the Italian 8th Army. On 16th December, the Soviets attacked and broke through the Italian positions. Without any immediate reserves to counter the penetrations, the Russians freely exploited the gap. One Soviet column managed to advance 150 miles, overrunning the airfield that had been supplying the Stalingrad pocket by air. Manstein had little choice, on 23rd December he ordered Hoth to break off his attack and withdraw - the fate of 6th Army had been determined.