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BATTLE // February 10, 1943

Battle of Krasny Bor

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Source · Wikipedia

Significance

The Battle of Krasny Bor was the western arm of the Soviet pincer offensive Operation Polyarnaya Zvezda, designed to build on the momentum of Operation Iskra and fully lift the siege of Leningrad by encircling a substantial portion of the German 18th Army. Despite initial gains on the first day, the offensive stalled within days. The determined resistance of the Spanish Blue Division and the German SS Polizei Division bought time for German forces to reinforce their positions, and by February 13 Soviet operations in this sector had ceased. The failure of the western pincer meant the broader encirclement plan collapsed, leaving the siege of Leningrad unbroken at this stage of the campaign. Soviet casualties of over 13,500 against a defending force of roughly 4,900 underscored the cost of the failed breakthrough attempt.

Tactics

The Soviet offensive employed a pincer attack structure near Krasny Bor, with this engagement constituting the western arm aimed at German 18th Army forces near Leningrad. The attacking force of approximately 33,000 Soviet troops struck on February 10, achieving initial gains, but the defensive stands by the Spanish Blue and the German SS Polizei Division halted the advance and allowed German reinforcements to consolidate their positions, producing a rapid stalemate.

Forces & casualties

Troop strength

  • Germany4,900
    medium
  • Soviet Union33,000
    medium

Soviet Union fielded a 6.7 : 1 numerical advantage

Casualties

  • Germany3,645
    medium74% loss rate
  • Soviet Union13,563
    medium41% loss rate
Order of battle →Casualties in detail →

Commanders (5)

Germany

Soviet Union

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Last verified June 2026
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