1 October 1941
Petroskoi is captured:
Quote:
The attack towards Soviet Karelia's capital continued on 25.9. It was joined by the rested, but understrength 1.Division, which was reformed as Battlegroup Paalu. It began to advance towards Petroskoi from Lake Jandri to the Southwest.
The 11.Division which bore the main responsibility of the attack didn't participate in the capture of the Petroskoi, but instead continued to the north of the city to Suolusmäki.
Approaching from the south Detachment Lagus' and 7.Division's attack got stuck on 29.9. in Orsega, where Soviet troops made fierce counter-attacks. The exhausted Finns were not able to continue until the next day and by the evening progressed about one kilometer from the town.
Around midnight, Soviet troops were seen leaving the city and blowing up buildings as they went. Early in the morning, at 4.30 am, Light Detachment 8 entered the city center from the southwest without encountering resistance. Advancing from the south Detachment Lagus arrived in the morning at 10.00 am.
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The Karelian Army is ordered to continue its attack towards Karhumäki.
Finnish daily losses: 61
Finnish losses in September: 4949
Finnish losses in the war (so far): 20 344
Petroskoi
Mannerheim Cross recipient(s):
2nd Lieutenant Pentti Iisalo
- For leading his platoon behind the enemy during the battle of Tiuri and holding the position until reinforcements arrived.
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2 October 1941
VII AK's attack towards Karhumäki begins.
7.Division reaches eastern Svir.
Finnish daily losses: 83
Horses were of great help in getting supplies to areas inaccessable by vehicles.
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3 October 1941
US Foreign Minister Cordell Hull congratulates Finnish ambassador Procopè for Finnish army's success on recapturing Karelia.
Finnish daily losses: 72
At-gun in position. (4.Division's area)
Mannerheim Cross recipient(s)
Major-General Taavetti Laatikainen
- For leading the II AK.