In late August 1942, the Soviet Volkhov Front launched an offensive south of Leningrad designed to relieve the German siege of the city. As it began to make progress, the Germans committed divisions staging nearby for an assault on Leningrad, including 5th Mountain Division.

Rushed into positions, 5th Mountain Division had no time to prepare defenses before the Soviets were on them. At the cost of heavy casualties, the jagers repelled repeated attacks on the Sinyavino Heights and the key town of Sinyavino. Without the hilltop crossroads in their hands, the Soviets could not break through to Leningrad. However, the offensive did spare the cradle of the revolution from direct assault, as the German divisions assembled for the attack ended up fending off the Red Army instead and then counter-attacking to restore their lines.