The German command attached great importance to holding Tikhvin, in order to maintain the positions of 39AC for the spring offensive, and to maintain control over the railway line along which the German troops were supplied. Specifically the Tikhvin area was held by units of 12TD. To the south, along the road to Raplya, were the defense sectors of the 18MID and 8TD units.
In the Tikhvin area, the defense was occupied by the Soviet 4A, which held the front along the Volkhov-Tikhvin railway, screening Tikhvin from the north, east and south. 27CD, following order of 4A, reached r.Syas and r.Volozhba with its units with the task of cutting the Tikhvin-Raplya, Tikhvin-Rugui roads with a strike on Klinets-Rugui. Neighbor on the right – 60MRR (60TD) is moving in the direction of Gorodishche with forward units.

• Three operations of 8-10 turns for each of the parties in November, 1941.
• Precisely recreated area of over 90 sq. km: forest plains with harsh terrain and small settlements.
• Historical organizational structure of units at the time of the offensive.