But Hitler did not intend merely to resist: he still had plans of counterattack. On 16th December, Field Marshal von Rundstedt launched a powerful surprise attack against the centre of the Western Front, where the Allies were weakest, and broke through in the Ardennes sector. But the attack, after initial success, was squeezed out within a month. By 21st January, 1945, the Germans were back on the defensive, and Hitler, who had personally insisted on the Ardennes attack, was on the defensive too, seeking to maintain his personal control over strategy.