World War II: Third Battle of Kharkov: The Germans retake the city of Kharkov from the Soviet armies in bitter street fighting.

The Third Battle of Kharkov: A Winter Counterstrike on the Eastern Front

In the brutal winter of 1943, as World War II raged across its devastating Eastern Front, a pivotal series of engagements unfolded around the city of Kharkov (modern-day Kharkiv). This was the Third Battle of Kharkov, a strategic counteroffensive launched by Nazi Germany's Army Group South against the formidable Soviet Red Army. From February 19 to March 15, 1943, the icy landscape bore witness to a fierce struggle for control, a battle known to the Germans as the Donets Campaign and to the Soviets as the Donbas and Kharkov operations. Ultimately, this German counterstrike led to the significant recapture of both Kharkov and the nearby city of Belgorod, dramatically altering the immediate strategic picture.

The Grim Backdrop: After Stalingrad

The stage for the Third Battle of Kharkov was set by one of the war's most devastating turning points: the encirclement and eventual surrender of the German 6th Army at Stalingrad. As the German forces faced their grim fate on the Volga, the Soviet Red Army capitalized on their momentum, launching a series of ambitious, wide-ranging attacks across Army Group South’s lines. This offensive culminated on January 2, 1943, with the initiation of Operation Star and Operation Gallop. Throughout January and early February, these operations successfully shattered German defenses, leading to a string of crucial Soviet victories. Kharkov, Belgorod, Kursk, Voroshilovgrad, and Izium all fell back into Soviet hands, marking a period of significant territorial gains for the Red Army.

Soviet Momentum and Overextension

While the Soviet victories were undeniably impressive, the relentless pace of their advance came at a severe cost. The victorious Red Army units found themselves dangerously over-extended, their supply lines stretched thin across vast, war-torn territories. Months of continuous operations had taken a tremendous toll on the Soviet forces, pushing both men and machines to their limits. By mid-February, some divisions were reduced to a mere 1,000–2,000 combat-effective soldiers, a stark indicator of their exhaustion. Meanwhile, with the surrender of the German 6th Army freeing up resources on February 2, the Red Army's Central Front turned its attention westward, expanding its offensive against both Army Group South and Army Group Center by February 25. Despite this continued push, the strains on Soviet logistics and manpower were becoming critically apparent.

Manstein's Masterstroke: The German Counteroffensive

Recognizing the Red Army's vulnerability, Field Marshal Erich von Manstein, a brilliant strategist for the Wehrmacht, seized the opportunity. On February 19, he launched his daring Kharkov counterstrike. Manstein masterfully deployed fresh forces, notably the elite II SS Panzer Corps, alongside two additional panzer armies. A crucial element in Manstein's success was the overwhelming air support provided by Field Marshal Wolfram von Richthofen’s Luftflotte 4. Its formidable fleet of 1,214 aircraft conducted over 1,000 sorties per day from February 20 to March 15. This level of airpower, reminiscent of the strategic offensive of Case Blue a year prior, granted the German forces a significant tactical advantage, relentlessly pounding Soviet positions and disrupting their movements.

The Fierce Battle for Kharkov

Manstein's initial maneuvers were highly effective. The Wehrmacht deftly flanked, encircled, and decisively defeated the Red Army’s armored spearheads positioned south of Kharkov. This crucial victory cleared the path for Manstein to renew his offensive directly against the city itself, beginning on March 7. Despite strategic orders to encircle Kharkov from the north, the aggressive II SS Panzer Corps opted for a more direct approach, engaging the city head-on starting March 11. What followed was four grueling days of brutal house-to-house fighting, a testament to the ferocity of urban combat. The SS Division Leibstandarte ultimately bore the brunt of this intense street-by-street battle, successfully recapturing Kharkov by March 15. The German forces then pushed on, recapturing Belgorod just two days later.

Aftermath and Legacy

The successful German counteroffensive came at a high price for both sides. The Third Battle of Kharkov inflicted an estimated 90,000 casualties on the Red Army. The brutal house-to-house fighting within Kharkov was particularly costly for the attacking German SS Panzer Corps, which suffered approximately 4,300 men killed and wounded by the time operations concluded in mid-March. Strategically, the German recapture of Kharkov and Belgorod created a significant salient—a bulge in the front lines—that would have profound implications for the Eastern Front. Just a few months later, in July 1943, this very salient would become the focal point for the colossal clash known as the Battle of Kursk, one of the largest tank battles in history and another pivotal moment in World War II.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Third Battle of Kharkov

What was the Third Battle of Kharkov?
It was a series of significant battles on the Eastern Front of World War II, where Nazi Germany's Army Group South launched a successful counteroffensive against the Soviet Red Army to recapture the cities of Kharkov and Belgorod.
When did the Third Battle of Kharkov take place?
The battle occurred between February 19 and March 15, 1943, during the harsh winter months.
Where is Kharkov (Kharkiv)?
Kharkov (now Kharkiv) is a major city in eastern Ukraine, which was then part of the Soviet Union.
Who were the key commanders involved?
Field Marshal Erich von Manstein led the German counteroffensive, supported by Field Marshal Wolfram von Richthofen's Luftflotte 4. The Soviet forces were under various commanders as part of the wider offensive that preceded the German counterattack.
What was the significance of the battle?
The German victory marked a significant reversal of Soviet gains after Stalingrad, demonstrating Manstein's tactical brilliance. Crucially, the recapture of Kharkov and Belgorod created the salient that would lead to the massive Battle of Kursk a few months later, shaping the course of the Eastern Front.
What were the estimated casualties?
The Red Army suffered approximately 90,000 casualties. The German SS Panzer Corps, particularly involved in the urban combat in Kharkov, sustained around 4,300 killed and wounded.