 Post-war Soviet sources give credits for taking Tver to general Vasily Yushkevich, commander of 31st army.The 39th army lacked armor but was well manned by Soviet standards; its six infantry divisions averaged over 9,000 men each.January 7, 1942 the 39th army became a northern spearhead of the 1941-1942 winter offensive, piercing thin German front line in Torzhok area and proceeding south-west to Rzhev-Sychevka, crushing German 9th Army.