World Battlefronts: BATTLE OF GERMANY (East): Thunder & Silence

West of Shavh, a rail-junction town in northern Lithuania, Red Army guns thundered. By the Berlin radio's account, the Russians "launched a new offensive with armored and battle formations after subjecting the main German defense line to a drumfire barrage of heaviest caliber." Berlin added that the penetrations achieved were "temporary."

Berlin was mistaken. Moscow kept mum for four days, then broke the news with a victory salute from 224 guns: the Red armies had jammed through for gains up to 60 miles on a 175-mile front. This week they had sent the Germans reeling back to within twelve miles of...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!