On 15 December 1943, the 2nd Parachute Division was airlifted to Kirovograd and put on the front at Klinzy.[1] It was supported by the 11th Panzer Division and the 286th Self Propelled Artillery Brigade.[38] The Fallschirmjäger participated in fierce fighting around Novgorodka.[39] By 23 December the paratroopers stabilized the front but suffered heavy casualties.[39]