Continuation War, day by day.

[Dowly]

3 June 1942

No entry.

HQ War Diary:

Kan.R.
- On 10.Division's sector on the south side of Voikala, infantry weapons fire at times heavy.

Aun.R.
- In the Laatokka - Svir triangle, a platoon size enemy attack repulsed.
- Two enemy platoons' violent reconnaissance was driven away at Harhasuo.
- Two enemy groupings dispersed by own artillery.

Maa.R.
- 10 man size enemy patrol driven away at Salmijärvenjoki.
- In the area of Krivjärvi, platoon sized enemy attack repulsed after two hours of fighting.
- Own artillery dispersed enemy groupings in the same area.

Finnish daily losses: 16


Nurses from the Finnish Red Cross with German patients. (Oulu)

***

4 June 1942

Field Marshal Mannerheim turns 75.

Hitler flies to Finland to contratulate him personally.

This is the occasion where YLE sound engineer secretly recorded Mannerheim and Hitler. (LINK)

Finnish daily losses: 29


Mannerheim, Hitler, President Ryti.

***

5 June 1942

Mannerheim League for Child Welfare receives just over 4 million Finnish marks.

The State information office instructs newspapers to write of Hitler's visit as a show of respect towards Finland's leaders.

Finnish daily losses: 11


Camouflage 101 (Svir front)

***

6 June 1942

Swedish child sponsorship collection has collected over 1.3 million swedish krona to 11,500 Finnish children.

Finnish daily losses: 22


Lotta auxiliary. (Ino)

***

7 June 1942

No entry.

HQ War Diary:

Kan.R.
- 90 man strong enemy detachment dispersed on the north side of the Ohta road.

Maa.R.
- Two enemy platoons attacked our lines in the Leppäoja area. The attack was repulsed by mortar and infantry weapons fire. Enemy was observed to group large amounts of men in their rear area during the attack, this group was dispersed by own artillery.
- West of Leppäoja, another platoon size attack was repulsed.

Aun.R.
- On the west side of Vaskusjärvi, small enemy patrol tried to clear our minefield. The patrol was driven off.

Finnish daily losses: 17


Finns using a 20mm AT-rifle to destroy enemy boats on the other side of Svir.

***

8 June 1942

No entry.

HQ War Diary:

Kan.R.
- 18.D: Enemy artillery and mortars have been more active than usual. Three enemy grouping attempts foiled by our artillery.
- 2.D: Our mortars have been hitting enemy machine gun positions on the north side of the Ohta road.
- 2.D: Enemy mortar fire struck our rear areas, 6 KIA and 7 WIA.

Aun.R.
- On the west side of Demidovskaya, our patrol found an unguarded enemy stockpile from where we took: Lubricants (200 litres), gasoline (800 litres), 500 batteries and four brake drums.
- Platoon size attack repulsed on the west side of Vaskusjärvi.
- Enemy's company size violent recon attempt repulsed on the northwest side of Kuzrajärvi.

Finnish daily losses: 24


Log road. (Svir front)

***

9 June 1942

No entry.

Finnish daily losses: 16


Anti-Air guns firing in the night. (Ino)

[daft]

Love this! My grandfather fought with JR4 so a great personal interest in the Continuation War. Also looking forward to the new Unknown Soldier movie.

[Dowly]

Originally Posted by daft

My grandfather fought with JR4 so a great personal interest in the Continuation War.

The Finnish Sotapolku.fi (=war path) might be of interest to you then. It is in Finnish unfortunately, but you will probably find your grandfather listed here: https://sotapolku.fi/utilities/joukk...yhenteet/jr-4/

Clicking on his name will show his war path during the war though again, in Finnish. I can provide translations, if you need, but I'll be away for the weekend so at the earliest on Sunday/Monday.

[daft]

Originally Posted by Dowly

The Finnish Sotapolku.fi (=war path) might be of interest to you then. It is in Finnish unfortunately, but you will probably find your grandfather listed here: https://sotapolku.fi/utilities/joukk...yhenteet/jr-4/

Clicking on his name will show his war path during the war though again, in Finnish. I can provide translations, if you need, but I'll be away for the weekend so at the earliest on Sunday/Monday.

It's great! I added my grandfather a few months ago and a picture of his best friend who was killed near Karjalankylä during the retreat.

Here's gramps:
https://sotapolku.fi/henkilot/huttun....1923_viipuri/

Although I must have entered some meta data wrong as he is not in the list you provided.

Also, I have english translations (I only speak English and Swedish) of his company war diary as well as the batallion diary for the Summer retreat from Svir.

[Dowly]

Thanks for sharing!

He is listed under 8.Division on the site.

[STEED]

Originally Posted by Dowly

4 June 1942

Field Marshal Mannerheim turns 75.

Hitler flies to Finland to contratulate him personally.

This is the occasion where YLE sound engineer secretly recorded Mannerheim and Hitler. (LINK)

Finnish daily losses: 29


Mannerheim, Hitler, President Ryti.

***

Is this the famous incident where Hitler came clean and said something long the lines..If I knew Russia had this many T-34's I would never had invaded.

[Schroeder]

Originally Posted by STEED

Is this the famous incident where Hitler came clean and said something long the lines..If I knew Russia had this many T-34's I would never had invaded.

Yep.

[STEED]

Originally Posted by Schroeder

Yep.

What makes it one of those interesting points in WW2 it was filmed.

[Dowly]

10 June 1942

Soviet 1st Partisan Brigade arrives to Seesjärvi in preparation to begin their trek to behind Finnish lines.

HQ War Diary:

Kan.R. (morning report)
- 15.D: Attack attempt by an approximately 100-man enemy detachment at Lemassaari foiled by own artillery.

Aun.R. (morning report)
- Own artillery dispersed 30-man enemy detachment at Dishima (sp?) and another 50-man detachment at Osta.

Aun.R. (evening report)
- On the shore of Ladoga we have repulsed first a platoon size attack, followed by another company size attack.
- On the Svir hydro-plant sector, one deserter has told that there are at least 30 tanks in the area.

Finnish daily losses: 16


120/50 V2 coastal guns at Ristisaari.

***

11 June 1942

No entry.

HQ War Diary:

Kan.R. (morning report)
- 2.D: At times heavy infantry weapons fire on our right flank.
- 10.D: 70-man enemy detachment dispersed by own artillery in Juskelanjärvi terrain.

Aun.R. (morning report)
- In Jandeba terrain our artillery has struck enemy living areas.
- At Kimjärvi enemy detachment of unknown size tried to approach our lines, but was driven off.

Kan.R. (evening report)
- 10.D: After a strong artillery barrage at 0930hrs, 150-man enemy detachment attacked our base located in-between the railway and Lempaalanjärvi. The enemy was forced to retreat. Approximately 100 enemies fell to our artillery and infantry weapons fire. Own losses 1 KIA, 1 MIA, 5 WIA.
- 15.D: At 0930hrs, 70-man enemy detachment attacked across Viisjoki river on the east side of Koskitsa. About 30 of them reached our lines, but were driven back by own counter-attack. Enemy losses approximately 30, own losses 3 KIA, 1 MIA, 5 WIA.

Aun.R. (evening report)
- Artillery fire very active on both sides.
- Observed 37 enemy trucks full of soldiers arriving to Osta.
- Between 1.-10. June our snipers have killed 195 enemies.

Maa.R. (evening report)
- Our snipers have killed 39 enemies between 1.-10. June.

Finnish daily losses: 25

***

12 June 1942

Larger child transports to Sweden end. So far over 24,000 Finnish children are in Sweden.

Mannerheim orders those born in 1909-1911, who had been sent home two months ago, back to active duty.

HQ War Diary:

Kan.R. (morning report)
- 18.D: Enemy artillery has been especially active in Rajajoki.
- 10.D: Two enemy companies have been spotted marching from Seppälänmäki to Grusina and further two companies to the east from Nakkolovo.

Aun.R. (morning report)
- On the shore of Ladoga, our mortar has repulsed a 30-man enemy group, killing at least 15.
- Our artillery has fired on enemy living areas and tank concentrations on the east side of Svir river. Three high smoke plumes were observed rising from the area.
- Convoy of 40 horses from Rahkovits to Semenits dispersed by our artillery.

Maa.R. (morning report)
- Near the Poventsa canal, approximately two enemy platoons attack on one of the islands (map reference given, but useless without the corresponding map - Dowly). Our infantry weapons and artillery opened fire, forcing the enemy to retreat leaving some casualties behind.
- At Vansjoki river, enemy platoon came to the opposing shore and opened heavy infantry weapons fire. Own artillery and mortar fire dispersed the group.
- To the north of lake Krivjärvi, two enemy platoons attacked, managing to get 70m from our lines before they were forced to retreat.

Finnish daily losses: 12


Private Viitasaari, who's life was saved by a war dog. (Koivisto)

***

13 June 1942

No entry.

HQ War Diary:

Kan.R. (morning report)
- 2.D: Own artillery has destroyed two enemy machine gun positions.

Aun.R. (morning report)
- Our mortars struck a suspected command post at Dimshina. There was much commotion on the enemy side after the strike, lots of shouting and we observed wounded being carried away. Immediately after this enemy artillery and mortars struck our lines on the northeast side of point 128,8.

Kan.R. (evening report)
- 10.D: During the day, two enemy companies were observed marching west on the lake Rokanjärvi isthmus.

Finnish daily losses: 11

***

14 June 1942

No entry.

HQ War Diary:

Kan.R. (morning report)
- 10.D: Observation balloon spotted to the south of Sihvola crossroads.
- 15.D: Have destroyed two enemy dugouts.

Aun.R. (morning report)
- 50-man enemy group dispersed by own artillery at Osta crossroads.

Finnish daily losses: 16


Soviet trenches at Tuulos.

***

15 June 1942

Colonel Johan Arajuuri is appointed as the new commander of the Military Administration of Eastern Karelia.

HQ War Diary:

Kan.R. (morning report)
- 2.D: Our artillery has dispersed a 100-man work detachment in the terrain of Ohta village.
- 15.D: Our mortars prevented enemy grouping attempts on the southeast side of Koskitsa.

Aun.R. (morning report)
- Last night a small enemy detachment tried to approach our lines on the southeast side of Vadrusjärvi. It was driven away by own artillery.
- Our patrol reports of newly build fortifications in the area of Pieni Kuzrajärvi.
- Own artillery struck a group of 200 men and six trucks in the village of Osta.

Aun.R. (evening report)
- Company size enemy attack repelled on the northside of Suuri Kuzrajärvi.
- Heavy enemy activity between Osta and Vytegra.

Finnish daily losses: 17


Four-legged "prisoner of war" and her foal. (Rukajärvi)

[Dowly]

16 June 1942

Soviet submarine Štš-317 sinks S/S Argo on the southwest side of Bogaskär.

HQ War Diary:

Kan.R. (morning report)
- 18.D: Own artillery has harassed Soviet activities in Retukylä - railroad terrain.
- 2.D: Own artillery struck two enemy companies observed marching away from the front near Ohta.

Kan.R. (evening report)
- 2.D: Our artillery has destroyed three enemy machine gun positions on the south side of Lampijärvi.

Aun.R. (evening report)
- Repelled enemy's strong reconnaissance attack last night on the south side of Levina.

Finnish daily losses: 24


Machine gun position in 4./IR9's sector. (Svir front)

***

17 June 1942

Book titled "Waffenbruder Finnland", aimed at telling about Finland to German soldiers, is released.

HQ War Diary:

Kan.R. (morning report)
- 18.D: Heavy enemy artillery and mortar fire at Rajajoki and in Aleksandrovka - Valkeasaari terrain. Own artillery responded and destroyed an enemy bunker and dispersed two enemy groups.
- 2.D: Enemy artillery has fired heavy barrages to our right flank.
- 10.D: Heavy infantry weapons fire in the Simola terrain.
- 15.D: Heavy enemy artillery fire againts our lines at the 's' of river Viisjoki (on a map -Dowly). At the same time approximately company size enemy force grouped on the opposing shore which was dispersed by our artillery and mortar fire.

Aun.R. (morning report)
- Enemy artillery fired heavier than usual at Jandebajoki river.
- Enemy patrols driven off at Saksjärvi road, Vaskusjärvi and Kuzralampi isthmus.

Aun.R. (evening report)
- In the Svir hydro-plant sector our heavy artillery has fired approx. 400 grenades on enemy living areas.

Finnish daily losses: 27


6-inch gun(s) firing on enemy positions at Osta. (Svir front)

***

18 June 1942

No entry.

HQ War Diary:

Kan.R. (morning report)
- 18.D: After artillery and mortar preparation, a company size enemy attacked our lines at Mottori. The enemy was forced to retreat.
- 2.D: At 0150hrs, approx. 100-man enemy detachment attacked our lines on the left flank. Some of the enemies managed to get past our obstacles, but were eventually driven off.

Aun.R. (morning report)
- Company size enemy attack repelled at R.Levinskaja(sp?), with 20-30 casualties inflicted.

Maa.R. (morning report)
- Our patrol took a prisoner from enemy positions in Kinnasjärvi area.

Kan.R. (evening report)
- 18.D: At 1015hrs, approx. 20-man enemy group got in to our positions from where they were driven out after a short fight.

Aun.R. (evening report)
- In the Lotinapelto area, our incendiary rifle rounds lit three enemy buildings on fire. At the Svir hydro-plant, our artillery caused number of fires in the enemy lines and inflicted casualties on a enemy group that tried to extinguish them.

Maa.R. (evening report)
- Enemy artillery strike to the north side of Liisteoja has caused a forest fire that is rapidly spreading towards the enemy. Mines and ammunitions have been heard exploding on the enemy side.

Finnish daily losses: 30


Väinämöinen fires her guns.

***

19 June 1942

No entry.

HQ War Diary:

Kan.R. (morning report)
- 2.D: Our listening post was attacked by approx. platoon size enemy patrol on the south side of Mustila. After a short firefight, our troops retreated without losses. The enemy was then driven back by artillery and mortar fire.
- 15.D: Heavy enemy artillery and mortar fire in Viisjoki terrain.

Aun.R. (morning report)
- On the east side of the Svir hydro-plant our artillery dispersed a company size enemy group.

Aun.R. (evening report)
- Our artillery has dispersed a 30-man enemy group in the Saksjärvi area.

Maa.R. (evening report)
- In the Poventsa sector, our anti-tank gun destroyed an enemy mortar position.

Finnish daily losses: 23



***

20 June 1942

Mannerheim visits the Maaselkä front.

While at IR 35's frontline positions, enemy anti-tank gun starts firing at them. The battalion commander of the sector is wounded in the arm. Mannerheim escorts Captain Petramaa back to the first aid station and feeling sorry for the man he promotes Petramaa to the rank of Major.

HQ War Diary:

Aun.R. (morning report)
- Our artillery struck a 50-man enemy group in Lotinapelto direction, inflicting approx. 20 casualties on it.
- On the north side of lake Iso Kuzrajärvi, we've repelled a probing attack by two enemy platoons.

Kan.R. (evening report)
- 18.D: Our artillery has destroyed an enemy machine gun position as well as one anti-tank gun.
- 2.D: Enemy fired approx. 200 grenades at our positions with their anti-tank guns.

Aun.R. (evening report)
- In Lotinapelto direction our anti-tank guns have destroyed ten enemy boats.
- Drove off an enemy patrol near Vadrusjärvi.

Finnish daily losses: 21


Marshal Mannerheim speaking with Lotta auxiliaries and canteen workers. (Karhumäki/Maaselkä Isthmus)

***

21 June 1942

No entry.

HQ War Diary:

Aun.R. (morning report)
- Our artillery has harassed enemy fortification works in the power plant area and traffic in the Zalesja (Zales'je?) direction.
- Drove off an enemy detachment that had taken positions in the terrain between Repina and Voseroksa.

Maa.R. (morning report)
- Heavier than usual enemy artillery on the town of Poventsa.

Kan.R. (evening report)
- 2.D and 10.D report heavier than usual enemy artillery and mortar fire in their sectors.
- 15.D: Our anti-tank gun has destroyed an enemy machine gun position in the direction of Tappari road.

Aun.R. (evening report)
- Between 11.-20. June our snipers have killed 99 enemies.

Maa.R. (evening report)
- Own artillery has inflicted heavy losses on a company size enemy group seen marching at Vansjärvi.

Finnish daily losses: 24


Sauna built by officers of a pioneer battalion. (Kuuttilahti)

[Schroeder]

All quiet on the northern front I guess.

And I just noticed that Dowly hasn't logged in here for a months.

[Dowly]

Originally Posted by Schroeder

All quiet on the northern front I guess.

And I just noticed that Dowly hasn't logged in here for a months.

Needed R&R

***

22 June 1942

Price regulations on everything but exports that are not sold in Finland come into effect.

Four Italian MAS torpedo boats arrive to Lake Ladoga. The detachment is part of a joint plan by Germany, Italy and Finland to try restrict supplies from reaching Leningrad via Ladoga. (more info: Naval Detachment K

Finnish daily losses: 20


Two Finnish soldiers use their spare time to catch up on the news. (Lempaala)

***

23 June 1942

No entry.

Finnish daily losses: 24


Midsummer's eve celebrations.

***

24 June 1942

During the night, Kotka is hit by 45 Soviet bombers and 15 fighters. Two are killed and four wounded in the raid.

Finnish daily losses: 30


Patrol boat 17 "Ruotsinsalmi".

***

25 June 1942

No entry.

Finnish daily losses: 15


Finnish convoy. (Sea of Åland)

***

26 June 1942

Detachment Räty, a transport flight squadron specialized in carrying LRRP units to and from behind enemy lines begins its operations at Hirviranta.

Finnish daily losses: 23


Moment of prayer at Kollaanjoki, on the same spot as in December 1939. (see this post)
On the left is 2nd.Lt. Simo Häyhä.

***

27 June 1942

As good etiquette dictates, Marshal Mannerheim in turn visits Hitler's headquarters in Berghof.

Finnish daily losses: 16


Military pastor Rantamaa, 2nd.Lt. Häyhä and Sgt. Rytkönen at the Kollaa bridge sharing memories from the Winter War.

***

28 June 1942

Finland's first Armor Division is founded in Petroskoi under Major-General Rubens Lagus.

Finnish daily losses: 21


Captured and damaged tanks waiting for repairs. (Varkaus)

***

29 June 1942

No entry.

Finnish daily losses: 19


Frontlines of IR 30. (Svir)

***

30 June 1942

No entry.

Finnish daily losses: 43


Dead Russians in the aftermath of a failed attack across lake Ontajärvi at Rukajärvi.

[Schroeder]

Welcome back.

[Dowly]

Thanks

***

1 July 1942

No entry.

Finnish daily losses: 29


Infantry attack exercise. (Niinisalo)

***

2 July 1942

The town of Poventsa is nearly flattened entirely after a barrage of 200+ shells hits it.

Finnish daily losses: 20


Poventsa

***

3 July 1942

No entry.

Finnish daily losses: 19


Playing 'golf'. (Lempaala)

***

4 July 1942

Lieutenant-General Siilasvuo, the commander of III AK, informs Generaloberst Dietl and Mannerheim that he has given the north of the AK's sector to the Germans as ordered.


New areas of operation marked by black line.

Finnish daily losses: 12

***

5 July 1942

Soviet partisans ambush a Finnish truck column near Suomussalmi. Three women of the Soldier's Home Association are killed, including the president of the organization Toini Jännes.

Finnish daily losses: 35


A dead Finnish soldier in a trench at Ohta.

***

6 July 1942

No entry.

Finnish daily losses: 15


Finns take positions after getting reports of an enemy patrol in the area. (Rukajärvi)

***

7 July 1942

1409 civilians have so far returned to the Hanko peninsula since May.

Finnish daily losses: 19


Propaganda loudspeaker. (Svir sector)

[sublynx]

Is that an MG34 in the July first training picture? I didn't know Finland had those.