On the Eastern Front… Operation Uranus. After weeks of planning and preparation, General Zhukov's offensive begins. The intention is to extend a pincer movement with armies from the Southwest Front (Army Group) lead by Vatutin and the Don Front, lead by Rokossovsky, attacking southward from the Don concentrating between Kletskaya and Kotovskiy. The Stalingrad Front (Army Group) under the command of Yeremenko, is to attack westward from the south of the city. The Soviets have assembled more than half a million men, 900 new T34 tanks, masses of artillery and over 1,000 planes. The northern arm of the pincer strikes first. The 5th Tank Army, 21st Army and part of the 1st Guards Army breakthrough near Kletskaya held by seven divisions of the Romanian 3rd Army. The attacks is intense and rapid and the Romanians have no chances of withstanding the onslaught. Meanwhile in the Caucasus, the Soviet win an important battle near Ozdzhonikidze. Bad weather in the area ends most major operations, but Soviet small gains continue.

In Tunisia… French forces at Medjez el Bab hold off the German attacks and are reinforced by British and American troops. The German are now led by General Nehring. French General Barre as planned turns his forces over to the Allies. Meanwhile in Libya, The British 8th Army enters Benghazi.

In New Guinea… US troops from Pongani begin their attack on the well fortified Japanese positions at Buna, believing that it is lightly held. The Australians are closing on Gona and a mixed Allied force is moving toward the Japanese positions at Sanananda.

From London… Admiral Horton takes over the British Western Approaches Command from Admiral Noble. Horton brings a more forceful attitude to the job. German U-boat commanders soon notice the difference.