On 13 January 1942, the Soviets launched an offensive aimed at the relief of Leningrad. The "Flandern" found itself in the Soviet line of advance, and saw heavy defensive fighting against relentless attacks which lasted until late February. At the end of February, the Soviet assault petered out, and the Germans went on the offensive, attempting to encircle the extended Soviet forces. For the next few months, the "Flandern" was engaged in efforts to complete the encirclement of the Soviet forces, and on 21 May 1942, the encirclement was closed. Over the course of the next month, the Legion took part in the reduction of the pocket, being heavily engaged until 27 June 1942, when the exhausted unit was pulled out of the line for a rest and refit.