Volkhov Front
Ultimately the Soviet operation started before the German one, on August 19, although German sources give later dates. This is because the offensive by the Volkhov Front did not begin until August 27. The German operation was due to begin on September 14. The Leningrad Front launched its offensive on August 19, however due to the limited supplies and manpower, the front was only to capture and expand bridgeheads across the Neva River, that would help it to link up with the Volkhov Front. The German side did not see this as a major offensive, because the Leningrad Front had already mounted several local offensives in July and early August. On August 19, Franz Halder noted in his diary only "local attacks as usual" in the Region. Therefore, no additional defensive measures were taken.