on the morning of 7 june 1942, the german infantry began advancing cautiously. xxx corps attacked the southern positions held by the 7th naval brigade and 388th rifle division. the german infantry advanced behind air and artillery support. the infantry seemed afraid of their fire support and did not advance close enough behind it. the bombardment also failed to have enough of an effect. the soviet forces held their fire until the german forces were well within range before opening fire, and little progress was made. von richthofen was angered by the fear of the infantry and called the day "a real disappointment". the next few days were not much better, despite the luftwaffe flying 1,200 sorties. the pace of operations exhausted the machines and men. often crews did not get out of their aircraft and made three or four sorties without rest.