5 March 1940 - DAY 97 of Winter War
There is fierce fighting on the islands of Ravansaari, Turkinsaari and Neulasaari in Viipurinlahti bay.
On the western shore of the bay the enemy is advancing in Vilaniemi and Häränpäänniemi.
The counterattack to retake the church hill at Äyräpää is delayed by the late arrival of the Finnish detachment at the starting position.
The launch of the operation is put back until daylight.
The Finnish attack founders with heavy losses in the face of intense enemy fire.
During the half-hour attack up the church hill, the attacking Finnish soldiers from the Ostrobothnia municipality of Nurmo lose 40 dead and 30 wounded, some fatally. The hill remains in enemy hands.
During the course of the morning the Russians occupy Vasikkasaari.
General Headquarters sets up an office to coordinate recruitment of foreign volunteers.
The town of Mikkeli, the home of General Headquarters, is heavily bombed and 33 civilians killed.
The Red Army has already reached Viipurinlahti bay, and the deadline for Finland to formally appeal for help from the Western Allies runs out today.
After a heated debate, the Finnish Government decides to accept the Soviet Union's preconditions for opening peace talks.
Moscow announces its intention to stick to its demands: Finland will have to cede Viipuri and Sortavala.
The first train of Finnish child evacuees arrives in Copenhagen with 93 children on board.
A French ambulance arrives in Finland.
The Soviet Government formally apologises to Sweden over the bombing of Pajala.
Daily Finnish losses: 575
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