I think the He111 was already being phased out from the bomber role, but I would have to check.

Now, back to my question, does anyone know where were the departure airlift airfields after the encirclement in 18th Nov. 42?

Also Operation Little Saturn was launched and at least the Tatsinskaya German airfield was reached on Dec.24th ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tatsinskaya_Raid ), Operation Saturn being expanded to the Don in January and February '43. Of course having to abandon the closer airfields and the others more backward being in jeopardy must have been a liability for the Luftwaffe, that's why I ask about their location on different phases.

As an aside, there used to be a Soviet saying that applies here perfectly: "The best anti-aircraft weapon is a tank on the runway"

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