#Rolls

The threat overhanging Tula was removed. On 8 December, Hitler had signed his directive No.39, ordering the Wehrmacht to assume a defensive stance on the whole front. German troops were unable to organize a solid defense at their present locations and were forced to pull back to consolidate their lines. Last stands loom large in history, as the heroism and sacrifice of the defenders exerts a large pull on the public’s imagination. [Read More]