6 March 1940 - DAY 98 of Winter War
In Ladoga Karelia, the Soviet 11th Division launches a tank-supported offensive against the Finnish-controlled islands in the Pitkäranta sector at 9 o'clock in the morning.
The offensive is preceded by a fierce three-hour artillery bombardment during which approximately 10,000 enemy shells rain down on the Finnish positions.
In this way the Russians manage to break through the Pitkäranta section of the blockade encircling the great Kitelä 'motti'. The Finnish counterattack in Vilaniemi is unsuccessful. Russians also come ashore in Karjaniemi and Niskapohja. In the Sintolanniemi sector on the Isthmus the Russians cross the Vuoksi on a 2 km front. Paimio, Petäjä, Maksima and other islands on the eastern shore of Lake Ladoga are under heavy enemy shelling. 50 men from the municipality of Rantasalmi are killed.
Foreign Minister Tanner asks the Allies for an extension of the deadline for requesting military assistance. Finland is given until the 12th of March to make a formal request.
The Soviet Union announces its readiness to open talks with Finland in Moscow, but will not agree a ceasefire until the talks are actually underway.
The Finnish Government meets twice to consider the composition of the Finnish delegation for the Moscow peace talks.
In the evening, the Finnish delegation under the leadership of Prime Minister Risto Ryti leaves for Stockholm en route to Moscow. The other members of the delegation were J.K. Paasikivi, Rudolf Walden and Väinö Voionmaa.
(Click for larger photo)
Bristol Blenheim from LeLv.46 in Tikkakoski.
Daily Finnish losses: 816