German Infantrymen approaching the Volga river on 23 August, 1942. The men are examining an empty Russian dugout, which was part of the cities outer defenses. During their drive east many Soviet troops evacuated their defensive positions in front of the Volga and withdrew into the city of Stalingrad.

Cautious advance

Men of the SS-Division "Totenkopf" with MP40s and winter camouflage during the encirclement in the Demyansk Pocket, south of Leningrad; 8 February, 1942.

Warm clad, well armed

23 August, 1942, advanced elements of the German 6th Army reach the Volga just north of Stalingrad and managed to capture a 5 mile strip along the river. Here in this photograph troops move forward into action against suspected enemy positions.