At the time, it was the largest of the four armies defending Leningrad, with up to half of the active formations.

From October 1941 to December 1942, the army carried out local offensives to improve its positions.

The army was the left pincer of the offensive and was to attack out of Kolpino and destroy the Blue Division at Krasny Bor, then advance southeast to Tosno.

A division-size attack on 8 February forced several Blue Division outposts back.

The Soviet troops broke through the Spanish line and the army's 63rd Guards Rifle Division advanced into and captured Krasny Bor.

German reinforcements arrived and formed a new defensive line south of Krasny Bor, stopping the advance of the 55th Army.