9 December 1939 - DAY 10 of Winter War
Karelian Isthmus: troops from the covering force reorganized to form the 1st Division under the command of Major-General Laatikainen are to assume responsibility for the eastern section of the front in the 5th Division's defence sector on the Karelian Isthmus.
Ladoga Karelia: the 13th Division takes up defensive positions between Lake Ladoga and Varpajärvi.
Northern Finland: Colonel Siilasvuo's first transport arrives at Hyrynsalmi a day late. Further north, Soviet troops finally take the parish village at Salla.
All Soviet troops on the Finnish front are placed under the direct command of the General Staff of the Red Army.
New York: the first detachment of Finnish American volunteers - around one hundred officers, pilots and mechanics - board ship bound for Finland.
Daily losses: 111
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10 December 1939 - DAY 11 of Winter War
Prime Minister Ryti visits General Headquarters in Mikkeli.Commander-in-Chief Mannerheim says the late morning situation on the front is critical. General Headquarters issues the order to establish the first guerrilla battalions.
Ladoga Karelia: Finnish troops overcome a Russian battalion which had outflanked the defensive position at Tolvajärvi.
Soviet troops launch a series of offensives on the River Kollaanjoki.
The Finnish artillery carries out counter-preparation fire against enemy artillery and infantry positions at Koukkuniemi.
A half-hour artillery bombardment scatters the enemy's offensive formations.
Photo from Kollaanjoki. Soviet tanks are seen on the road. (December 10)
Daily losses: 94
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11 December 1939 - DAY 12 of Winter War
Northern Finland: Finnish troops launch a counteroffensive at Suomussalmi at 10.00 to recapture the parish village.
Ladoga Karelia: Soviet troops launch a series of determined offensives at Kollaa.The frontal assault is accompanied by attempted flanking actions.
In the Tolvajärvi battle area, Colonel Talvela issues the order for the decisive attack.
Northern Finland: in the Salla sector, a Russian regiment shatters the Finnish defense at Märkäjärvi.The Finns retreat about 10 km west to Salmijärvi.
Swedish border: the author Frans Emil Sillanpää arrives in Haaparanta en route to receive his Nobel Prize for Literature.
Daily losses: 133