View Full Version : Continuation War, day by day.
12 December 1941
Finnish pioneer platoon lands on the island of Suursaari (Gogland) (https://www.google.fi/maps/place/Gogland/@60.0579687,26.9151086,12z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4693dff8652dfb81:0xb258b 64f22ff6b19!8m2!3d60.0594851!4d26.9826793). They find four Estonian deserters on the island, who tell them that Soviet troops had left the island three days prior.
Finnish daily losses: 12
http://i.imgur.com/LsV0yNim.jpg (http://imgur.com/LsV0yNi)
Jägers of the 1.Jäger Brigade in Lumbusi (east of Karhumäki)
13 December 1941
Sergeant Major Viljo Suokas becomes the first man serving in a LRRP unit to receive the Mannerheim Cross.
Finnish daily losses: 34
http://i.imgur.com/Qlgrvwom.jpg (http://imgur.com/Qlgrvwo)
Timber worth over 30 million FIM was captured in Karhumäki.
14 December 1941
Olonets Isthmus: Soviet 114.D launches counter-attack in the Gora area against Finnish 7.D.
http://i.imgur.com/3qGWqPzt.jpg (http://imgur.com/3qGWqPz)
Finnish daily losses: 16
http://i.imgur.com/D3Ky4sCm.jpg (http://imgur.com/D3Ky4sC)
Soviet troops tried to destroy as much as they could before evacuating Hanko.
15 December 1941
Olonets Isthmus: The Soviet counter-attack puts heavy pressure on the forward positions of I/IR 9 in the Gora area.
Former President Svinhufvud turns 80.
Finnish daily losses: 21
http://i.imgur.com/Qm5Kqvbm.jpg (http://imgur.com/Qm5Kqvb)
Pilots' barracks. (Tiiksjärvi)
16 December 1941
Olonets Isthmus: I/IR 9 begins to retreat from Gora as Soviet troops move in to encircle them.
Finnish daily losses: 32
http://i.imgur.com/sxU1UhNm.jpg (http://imgur.com/sxU1UhN)
View across Lake Lempaala. (Karelian Isthmus)
Not sure, if I am able to post tomorrow, so here's the err.. non-entry(?).
I put a bonus in, note: he uses the name "Äänislinna" in his translation, that is Petroskoi (Finns renamed it to 'Äänislinna' after it was captured).
---
17 December 1941
No entry.
Here's another story from the front, translated by AHF member 'Lotvonen':
B.Laurila
Heavy Artillery Battalion 5 in Olonets
Journal “Kansa Taisteli”, vol.10, 1958
The author, a Lieutenant in 1941, describes the action of an artillery outfit in 1941 as the Finnish Army advanced in Olonets. Heavy Artillery Battalion 5 (Rs.Psto 5) was nicknamed “Jermu” (“ dictionary definition “experienced and tough warrior” who dislikes formal discipline, Tr. Rem.)
As we were advancing in September 1941 from Prääsä to Petroskoi we noticed the enemy artillery characteristics: mobility, rapid and flexible deployment. Its strength must have been smaller than ours and it decreased continuously. Yet its fire stung us effectively. It was led by men who knew the terrain and were able to anticipate things. Roadsides, by-roads, road crossings, dales, sides of rivers and brooks were subjected to brief but intense firing and seldom without disturbing us.
Our measurement battery was equipped with outdated and slow equipment which hampered our counterbattery activities. Often the actual enemy firing positions were found to be different from the one defined by their previous firing. This proved how mobile and agile the enemy was, they must have had a good advance plan. It seemed that until 22 Sept 1941 the enemy artillery had the mental upper hand. The tables were reversed, however, after that date.
It was specially our 3. Battery that had the misfortune of being in the receiving end of the enemy artillery. On 22. Sept. they were surprised by heavy shelling, resulting in one KIA and three wounded, also part of their shells were damaged and the stored “gargousses” (bagged propellant charges) caught fire. Thanks to the battery officer the discipline was maintained and the threatening gargousse fire was put out. 3. Battery changed their position immediately due to this.
Immediately after Äänislinna (Petrozavodsk) had been taken the Battalion was ordered to proceed to Suoltusmäki in order to support the attack to Solomanni. As I got out of the car at the foot of Suollusmäki hill someone shouted from the top, enquiring about eventual artillerymen. Having admitted I was immediately asked to get to the top of the hill. There sat Col.Lt. Susitaival with his binoculars, pointing to me the bridges of Suoju, which were teeming with enemy troops retreating to North. He asked if anything could be done to prevent the enemy from retreating, because soon we would have to fight the same troops sooner or later. A quick glance at the map showed that the range was sufficient, but as I enquired about the position of our troops in the terrain he could not give me any definite answers. I ordered our fire batteries to take positions at the foot of the hill as soon as they had arrived, all batteries side by side, and get ready to fire at the coordinates of Suoju bridges given to them. Then I hurried in the car and returned to the HQ of our Battalion that had remained in its previous position to find out about our own troops in Suoju. By chance I met the Battalion Commander Maj. E: Hallakorpi on my way and reported to him. He was on his way to the commander of an Infantry regiment ordered to take Solomanni but the Major considered this matter so important that he joined me to discuss it in our HQ.
We were disappointed to learn that one of our Regiments was advancing in the terrain and its positions were unknown. Despite the repeated requests of our Major no better information was gained. Consequently it was preferred not to fire.
So I had to return to the Battalion. I climbed up the Suollusmäki hill and Col. Lt. Susitaival greeted me by saying “ Well?”. The Battalion was in firing readiness, with the pieces aimed at the target, they had been busy. I told him what had happened. There we sat side by side, watching the enemy mass still flowing on the bridges. My cheeks were hot with shame as I had to listen to the sarcastic comments of the old soldier-patriot.
Kumsjärvi was to be taken next. Our Batteries were positioned next to the road from Mäntyselkä to Kumsjärvi while the infantry was bypassing the enemy by its flanks. Our F.O.O. Team attached to the infantry was equipped with a radio transceiver and also a field telephone line was to be laid. Twenty men were assigned to carry the cable reels due to the nonexistence of roads. The line was laid out in the darkness of a drizzly night, the path to be taken was often icy and slippery duckboards across swamps. If a man slipped his leg sunk in the bottomless soft peat. It was risky to turn on any light because the bushes were infested with small enemy patrols that every now and then engaged the telephone line team.
The men were getting tired and the assistant F.O.O. leading the telephone team began to waver in his faith. There even was a suggestion to interrupt the telephone line construction and just communicate with the radio. Some words of encouragement telling that no task is and cannot be impossible for us worked miracles and the line was set up as intended.
At the same time the Battalion had to set up a new fire control central next to the road, and the old switchboard was left behind, manned by Battalion men, to act as troubleshooting patrol central. All this and the task of building the above mentioned phone line had in practice tied up all the manpower of the communications “organs” of the Battalion, yet we were ordered to set up another two 3 to 4 km long lines. The very last men could not be engaged in this due to eventual troubleshooting tasks. The solution was that the Communications Officer and one man carrying the reels built one line and the Sergeant-Major plus one man set up the other one. A lorry followed each “team” and the driver spliced the cable and tested the connection.
7 November P.M. The Battalion was stationed in Keltovaara, then it received orders to change their position so close to the front line that they should be able to shell Karhumäki town (Medvezhegorsk) the same day. The fire positions were decided basing on map but actually the area was under threat of direct enemy fire due to presence of hills. The guns had to be placed a little more to the rear, between Matkajärvi and a road, about two kilometers from the firing line.
The same day we had an inkling what was to happen. An enemy patrol cut our telephone connection to the rear and the troubleshooting patrol goit into a firefight with it about 100m from the field switchboard. A lorry on its way to the rear was ambushed. We increased close range defence and Karhumäki was shelled before it was 2400 hrs as ordered
November 11 was a day of bad luck. The advance of our infantry was not successful and the enemy began to show signs of considerable activity. Our infantry needed more and more artillery support. It was just past noon as the 3rd Battery Battery Officer reported that a light horse drawn artillery battalion is marching on the road ahead of our fire positions.
Soon after the report there were sounds of rifle shots from various directions. When I wondered aloud what this implied one Measurement Battery NCO calmly informed that stray explosive bullets are hitting the trees. At the same moment the 3rd Battery reported that the light artillery battalion marching on the road a few hundred meters off was ambushed. Immediately I ordered our entire Battalion to take close defence positions and enquired if we could help the light Battalion with direct fire – the 3rd Battery did not consider it feasible. At the same moment we spotted enemies behind and on both flanks of my command post. We found ourselves on a narrow ridge surrounded by swamps, consequently the batteries were placed densely in one front. This may have been now to our advantage because we could organise quick concentrated countermeasures with a larger number of men.
Soon the 3rd Battery reported that there was a firefight in their positons, soon the enemy engaged the other batteries. Then my phone rang and a F.O.O. requested quick barrage as the enemy was attacking in the front line. Now our gunners showed what they were capable of: while some men fought the attacking enemy the others manned the guns. Sounds of infantry weapons were mixed with the hollow sounds of field guns and the infantry got thei requested support. (The official war history states that the artillery fire considerably helped in beating back the enemy attack on 8 Nov. 1941)
The Battalion was in Poventsa (Povenets) in early December 1941. We had consumed a total of 17677 shells since the start of the war. 2nd Battery was the first to be there, supporting the advacing infantry, the rest of us a little later. The offensive was over, but we had to show the enemy once more that we were still serious.
In early January 1942 the enemy tried their utmost to make us abandon our gains.
The situation was critical: the enemy had for the second time gained all of Tapponiemi. The current front line was about 800m from the 3rd battery on our left wing. The enemy pressure called for more infantry so our Battalion sent a Platoon worth of men to support the infantry in Tapponiemi. 2nd Lt. Takala who was the acting Platoon commander was mortally wounded in the battle. Smaller units of the Battalion were stationed along the Canal (White Sea–Baltic Canal ) . For example one small stronghold was manned by the Battalion surveying squad. Their commander was the Battalion Gas Protection NCO.
One evening I was ordered to make a harassment fire plan for Tapponiemi for the entire night. After that next morning we would shoot an half hour barrage and prepare for a creeping barrage.
That meant that each battery had to fire 52 shells per hour. Our shell reserve would be spent in 2hrs 30 mins and as to resupply we just knew that a rail transport was to arrive at Karhumäki station. We were orderd to start the harassment fire at once. I pointed out that the train could be late which would mean that after 150 minutes of harassment fire we would be out of ammunition. I was ordered to take the risk and send a sufficient quantity of lorries and men to the railway station.
We started the harassment fire as planned. Just as we were about out of shells four lorries drove in each battery position, one lorry for each piece. In order not to interrupt the fire the first shells had to be loaded in the guns right from the lorry. Shell weight classes and propellant lots were mixed up but what mattered was that the enemy was under constant shelling.
Next day the enemy had to abandon the road across Tapponiemi and finally the entire Tapponiemi area.
The gun crews had had scarcely time to light up or have a meal. 52 shells per battery in one hour means 13 shells per gun – one shell in about five minutes. Loading a 6” field gun every five minutes for nine hours, plus the task of unloading the ammunition and sorting it took its toll on the strongest of men.
Finnish daily losses: 24
http://i.imgur.com/VSKtSL5m.jpg (http://imgur.com/VSKtSL5)
Karhumäki.
18 December 1941
Commander of the 6.Division, Colonel Viikla, shoots himself at his command post.
Reason for his suicide remains unclear, but most sources point to 6.Divisions failures to achieve its objectives and his personal problems.
What Colonel Viikla didn't know, was that he was to be promoted to Major General. He received the Mannerheim Cross after his death.
Finnish daily losses: 20
http://i.imgur.com/YxPmdxOm.jpg (http://imgur.com/YxPmdxO)
Finnish and German troops pay their respects to Colonel Viikla. (Karmalampi)
19 December 1941
Olonets Isthmus: The village of Gora is lost to Soviet 114.D.
Finnish counter-attack is unsuccessful.
Finnish daily losses: 29
http://i.imgur.com/1TH60zpm.jpg (http://imgur.com/1TH60zp)
Forward post near Maaselkä.
20 December 1941
Olonets Isthmus: Two soldiers who refuse to return to their units are court-martialled and sentenced to death. They are executed in the village of Barany (north of Gora).
Finnish daily losses: 28
http://i.imgur.com/qyne25xm.jpg (http://imgur.com/qyne25x)
Viipuri prepares for Christmas.
21 December 1941
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 39
http://i.imgur.com/g4KD2z4m.jpg (http://imgur.com/g4KD2z4)
5 suspected spies before a court-martial in Karhumäki.
***
Christmas break.
sublynx
12-21-16, 02:05 PM
Great to see the thread updated again:up:
22 December 1941
Prime Minister Churchill and President Roosevelt meet in Washington. (Arcadia conference)
Finnish daily losses: 38
http://i.imgur.com/XzmTtBPm.jpg (http://imgur.com/XzmTtBP)
POWs clearing up Hanko.
***
23 December 1941
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 21
http://i.imgur.com/S7hHJBsm.jpg (http://imgur.com/S7hHJBs)
Two unknown persons about to be executed. Possible two of the five spies pictured in post #260.
(Poventsa)
***
24 December 1941
Maaselkä Isthmus: Soviets counter-attack at Stalin's canal near Poventsa.
Finnish daily losses: 11
http://i.imgur.com/1NXWTu7m.jpg (http://imgur.com/1NXWTu7)
Soldier with a Suomi KP/31 covering the retreat of Finns from Stalin's canal.
***
25 December 1941
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 28
http://i.imgur.com/PXZ28lmm.jpg (http://imgur.com/PXZ28lm)
Christmas mass somewhere on the Karelian Isthmus.
***
26 December 1941
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 22
No interesting photos. (only three for the date)
***
27 December 1941
Olonets Isthmus: Finnish troops launch a counter-attack to recapture the village of Gora.
Finnish daily losses: 34
No interesting photos. (only three for the date)
28 December 1941
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 31
29 December 1941
Metals valuable to the war effort such as lead, nickel, aluminium etc. produced, imported or already in the country is to be given to the State.
Finnish daily losses: 41
There really are no interesting photos, sorry about that. :-?
30 December 1941
Governance of recaptured areas is given to civilian administration (from military).
Since 1939, Swedes have collected over 508 million swedish crowns to help Finland. (No idea how much that is in real money)
Finnish daily losses: 31
http://i.imgur.com/lktwuMVm.jpg (http://imgur.com/lktwuMV)
Field surgeons having coffee/tea. (Those are some cool chairs!)
Schroeder
12-30-16, 09:51 AM
Nice furniture.:D
Nice furniture.:D
That rocking chair is amazing! Add a pillow or two.. or three. :)
Rockin Robbins
12-30-16, 02:19 PM
That rocking chair is amazing! Add a pillow or two.. or three. :)
Here's what the photo SHOULD look like with proper greyscale values:
http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa293/RockinRobbins13/Silent%20Hunter%204/lktwuMV_zpscrp2fa5a.jpg
sublynx
12-30-16, 02:28 PM
Since 1939, Swedes have collected over 508 million swedish crowns to help Finland. [I](No idea how much that is in real money)
According to some crazy calculations I made based on this :
http://www.historia.se/Jamforelsepris.htm
The sum is something like 1 240 536 000 modern dollars. The money was equivalent to the manufacture of 2500 Pz III tanks without radios and weapons:doh:
War is expensive but I kind of wonder if my calculations are all wrong...
According to some crazy calculations I made based on this :
http://www.historia.se/Jamforelsepris.htm
The sum is something like 1 240 536 000 modern dollars. The money was equivalent to the manufacture of 2500 Pz III tanks without radios and weapons:doh:
War is expensive but I kind of wonder if my calculations are all wrong...
Did you take in count the 1941 rate etc.?
31 December 1941
Over 76 000 Karelians have returned to their homes in the recaptured areas.
Finnish daily losses: 24
http://i.imgur.com/fr7VAv6m.jpg (http://imgur.com/fr7VAv6)
Wishing the neighbour 'Happy New Year' at midnight. (Svir front)
1 January 1942
Maaselkä Isthmus (http://i.imgur.com/RHaFFho.jpg): Soviet troops attack against Finnish positions along the entire front.
Finnish daily losses: 40
http://i.imgur.com/y0tgWFwm.jpg (http://imgur.com/y0tgWFw)
New year's turn in Lempaala with what appears to be ghost soldiers.
Schroeder
01-01-17, 09:33 AM
1 January 1942
Maaselkä Isthmus (http://i.imgur.com/RHaFFho.jpg): Soviet troops attack against Finnish positions along the entire front.
Finnish daily losses: 40
Surprising that an attack on the whole front led to "only" 40 fatalities.:o
Surprising that an attack on the whole front led to "only" 40 fatalities.:oI found that quite surprising as well. The book mentions that the first attacks were against forward posts, which would have pulled back early on, if it seemed like they were to be outnumbered. The combat effectiveness of the Soviet troops is also mentioned to have been rather poor, most likely being the same units that were pushed back during the offensive phase with heavy losses in both KIA and POW.
sublynx
01-02-17, 12:11 AM
Did you take in count the 1941 rate etc.?
I did. Still the sum seems ridiculously high.
It does seem rather high. Could be a mistake in the book.
***
2 January 1942
The small Finnish detachment occupying Suursaari (Gogland) (https://www.google.fi/maps/place/Gogland/@60.0579687,26.9151086,12z/data=%213m1%214b1%214m5%213m4%211s0x4693dff8652dfb 81:0xb258b64f22ff6b19%218m2%213d60.0594851%214d26. 9826793) is forced to retreat under a Soviet attack.
Finnish daily losses: 26
***
3 January 1942
Soviet attack on the Maaselkä Isthmus continues.
Finnish daily losses: 35
http://i.imgur.com/ShETnDRm.jpg (http://imgur.com/ShETnDR)
Finnish troops prepare to attack Jyvälahti in Northern Finland.
***
4 January 1942
More schools are opened in Karelia.
Finnish daily losses: 54
sublynx
01-04-17, 02:47 PM
According to this the Swedish help was considerable durinc Winter War:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweden_and_the_Winter_War
Hundreds of artillery pieces, machin guns, tens of thousands of rifles, etc.
Perhaps the book really is right. Thanks for the Swedes :)
According to this the Swedish help was considerable durinc Winter War:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweden_and_the_Winter_War
Hundreds of artillery pieces, machin guns, tens of thousands of rifles, etc.
Perhaps the book really is right. Thanks for the Swedes :)
I don't think the war material is counted in, the phrase the books uses is "[..]collected to aid Finland[..]" ([..]kerätty Suomen avustamiseksi[..])
EDIT: The last entry of the first post of the thread mentions 33 million crowns, so I think a typo is most likely. Either 50 or 58 million sounds more likely.
***
5 January 1942
Olonets Isthmus (http://i.imgur.com/RHaFFho.jpg): Finnish offensive to recapture Gora begins.
Three Dornier Do-17z aircraft donated by Göring arrive in Finland.
Finnish daily losses: 82
http://i.imgur.com/rlX5RYcm.jpg (http://imgur.com/rlX5RYc)
Grave of an unknown soldier in Kuuttilahti (Olonets Isthmus).
6 January 1942
Maaselkä Isthmus (http://i.imgur.com/RHaFFho.jpg): Soviet 1st Ski Brigade attacks across the frozen Lake Onega to Suurniemi cape, Southeast of Poventsa.
The Soviet offensive on Maaselkä Isthmus continues. The 1st Ski Brigade,
specifically formed and trained for the operation, begins to advance across
Lake Onega in freezing temperature towards Suurniemi.
Defending Suurniemi are two squads from Jäger Battalion 3, supported by two
"Whips" (45mm AT-guns). The jägers are taken by surprise and they retreat
to a road 4km to the North. After getting reinforcements, the jägers push
the Soviet troops back to the southern tip of the cape.
http://i.imgur.com/g6Ovwbhm.jpg (http://imgur.com/g6Ovwbh)
Finnish daily losses: 53
http://i.imgur.com/E9VsZNwm.jpg (http://imgur.com/E9VsZNw)
Sentry and his mighty castle.
7 January 1942
Maaselkä Isthmus (http://i.imgur.com/RHaFFho.jpg): Fighting continues in Suurniemi.
The Soviet troops entrentched in Suurniemi get reinforcements during the night.
On the morning of the 7th, the Finnish Jägers continue their attack against the enemy troops.
After a three hour battle, the cape - now christened "Tapponiemi" (lit. Killing cape) by the Finns - is cleared of enemies.
In and around the trenches lay the bodies of roughly two enemy battalions.
In Helsinki, a suspected spy escapes from custody, killing one and wounding two police officers. In the ensuing manhunt, the suspect is wounded and captured, and sentenced to death for treason.
Finnish daily losses: 85
http://i.imgur.com/HnI4d9mm.jpg (http://imgur.com/HnI4d9m)
Soviet soldier, who was feigning death under a pile of bodies, is pulled up from the trench. (Suurniemi)
8 January 1942
Maaselkä Isthmus (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/i.imgur.com/RHaFFho.jpg): Soviet troops renew their attack to Suurniemi. Approximately 270 Soviet soldiers are killed under Finnish machine gun fire.
Finnish daily losses: 75
http://i.imgur.com/VmUyGZTm.jpg (http://imgur.com/VmUyGZT)
Ski patrol has just returned from enemy side where they destroyed an enemy dug out. (Lempaala/Karelian Isthmus)
***
9 January 1942
Maaselkä Isthmus (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/i.imgur.com/RHaFFho.jpg): Soviet offensive at Kriv stops to determined Finnish counter-attacks.
Finnish daily losses: 62
http://i.imgur.com/VmUyGZTm.jpg (http://imgur.com/VmUyGZT)
Ski patrol has just returned from enemy side where they destroyed an enemy dug out. (Lempaala/Karelian Isthmus)
Is that a Russian uniform on the guy not wearing winter whites?
Is that a Russian uniform on the guy not wearing winter whites?No, that is the Finnish M/36 uniform.
http://i.imgur.com/AaM7kcO.jpg
10 January 1942
Soviet 1st Partisan Brigade attacks the island of Klimetski on Lake Onega.
Parts of the island falls in enemy hands, but already on next day the Finns retake the island.
http://i.imgur.com/ze0S9tPm.jpg (http://imgur.com/ze0S9tP)
Olonets Isthmus: Finns recapture Gora.
http://i.imgur.com/3qGWqPzm.jpg (http://imgur.com/3qGWqPz)
Finnish daily losses: 55
http://i.imgur.com/wE66ETmm.jpg (http://imgur.com/wE66ETm)
Finnish soldier at Kiestinki.
No, that is the Finnish M/36 uniform.
Ah I see, thank you.
11 January 1942
Maaselkä Isthmus (http://i.imgur.com/RHaFFho.jpg): Fighting at Suurniemi (http://i.imgur.com/g6Ovwbh.jpg) ends.
Finnish daily losses: 44
http://i.imgur.com/1xcqrI7m.jpg (http://imgur.com/1xcqrI7)
The Svir hydro plant from inside.
12 January 1942
King Gustav V of Sweden emphasizes Sweden's neutrality in his speech in Stockholm.
Finnish daily losses: 20
http://i.imgur.com/NhDHYQsm.jpg (http://imgur.com/NhDHYQs)
The battalion commander, Major Ahonius (right), wishes 'Good luck' to Lieutenant Alakulppi, who is about to leave on a patrol. (Vilmajoki, Northern Finland)
Here is a map of the ongoing Soviet offensive on Maaselkä Isthmus.
Quality is what it is, I shall promise to make absolutely no better effort in the future.
http://i.imgur.com/BR53vST.jpg
Some of the abbreviations:
Pr. = Brigade
JPr. = Jäger brigade
Merijv.Pr. = Naval/marine infantry brigade
HiihtoPr. = Ski brigade
Operatiivinen Ryhmä = Operative Group
13 January 1942
Ministry of Health reports that disease epidemics in Finland have halved from last year.
Finnish daily losses: 25
http://i.imgur.com/mnqUICom.jpg (http://imgur.com/mnqUICo)
Lottas scanning the sky for enemy planes.
14 January 1942
North of Maaselkä Isthmus: Majewski's patrol heads out to Mai-Guba supply center.
"Gentlemen. We have given a great task by Mannerheim. We ski to Murmansk track, cut it and let Russkie surround us. Hold three day and come home. Clear, any question?"
-Major Arnold Majewski's - who spoke broken Finnish - briefing to his men.
Story, map and photo below.
The writer, Uuno Miettinen, took part on the patrol with Border Jäger Battalion 6 (RajaJP 6).
Published in "Kansa Taisteli" 1/71.
Translated by your's truly.
"Have you, Dear Reader, ever been part of a patrol that had the strength of
two battalions and their supply, one AA gun, three aircraft and over 200
horses... distance to target being some 200km from friendly lines, in winter
conditions when the temperature lingered at -40 to -50C...?
Those who are still alive, I think remember that patrol.
I try to tell here about this patrol as much as I still can remember.
[..]
Preparations began on January 12 in Rukajärvi. Everyone knew we were
leaving, but where? We were encouraged to drop all the extra stuff and
keep the backbags light. Weapons were checked, everyone got new snow
white camos, the supply column was prepared, and dry food and ammo was distributed.
On the morning of January 14, it began. Ski march to South, following the
Rukajärvi-Paatene road. Only our supply column used the road. Breaks were
very short, the weather was clear, but cold.
As we arrived to Särkijärvi, our true strength dawned to us as we saw I/IR 10
(I/JR 10) waiting for us there. From there we headed East, through the
lonely abandoned houses in Salkovaara and Pokonvaara towards the great, uninhabited wilderness.
We skied using five tracks, some 10m apart, the center one was for the
supply column, the combat troops had the flanks. Navigating became
a real choir, we had to find the easiest terrain possible for the horse
drawn supply column, and also terrain that would cover our movements
from the enemy. Fortunately, these parts were rarely patrolled by either side.
Moving was surprisingly easy, given the conditions, much of the terrain was
flat and had a strong snow cover. The enemy had not been patrolling the
area very much, about 5km East of Pokonvaara we came upon the first
enemy tracks, strong but rarely used, it went from North to South.
We continued. The lead man was changed frequently. We skied in nearly
complete quietness. The sound of our skis sliding on the snow, trees
cracking due to the cold and the horses whinning were all the sound we
made. We talked by whispering, and orders were given often by hand
signals. During night time, we didn't use fire outside. Our conduct was as
expected on a mission like that.
Our breaks remained brief, if we even took any. No one was too keen to
stop, it was so very cold... We slept in tents for a couple of hours, it
wasn't much, but it was warm.
We set up a base some 20km from the objective, on the frozen Lake
Voldjärvi. There we left our supplies, our AA gun and three planes that
landed on the ice in case we needed to evacuate wounded. We loaded
everything in small sledges; machine guns, explosives, saws, axes,
molotov's cocktails, everything we possibly would need to destroy a village.
Everyone knew we were far behind enemy lines, Maaselkä front to our right
and the Murmansk tracks somewhere to our front. We were still not told
about our mission nor did we ask or speculate about it. We're told when we
need to know, we thought.
We continued onwards as the day was turning to dusk. It was getting
colder, if that was even possible. We made even less noise than before,
only our skis and our clothing made any, apart for a muffled cough every now and then.
The lead man and those pulling the sledges were rotated frequently. We
made quick progress and were getting a bit nervous knowing how close we
were, but at the same time everyone was curious to see what was ahead.
Soon we began to see and hear signs of being close to the objective. Faint
sound of a running motor from front-right, the signs of human hand in the
nature, felled trees and such. We crossed a strong ski track left by the enemy.
Our columns were stopping more frequently now, messengers were running back
and forth, maps were studied, orders whispered around. Far from the
South, the sounds of war from Maaselkä could be heard. Somewhere
to our front a beam of light swept the sky. The cracking of trees in the cold
and "what's in front of us" made everyone nervous.
We began to move forward again... we climbed to the top of a small ridge.
Open terrain ahead. We skied there, to the shore of a lake or a bay,
who knows. Not too big, 300-500m wide. Beyond it, we saw buildings. Word to the rear.. BANG!
Accidental discharge. That's what we were told. Somewhere in our column,
a rifle had gone off in -50C temperature (carries sound well -D). Nerves, I guess.
From beyond the lake we heard - and saw - three rifle shots, a locomotive
came to life, chug...chug..chug, it left to the North. We could hear it for a
long time afterwards. We had been spotted.
"*Bleeping* idiot!" Everyone sprung to life. We attacked in a wide formation
across the lake to our front-left. Ahead of us was a hill with no trees. To
our front-right we saw houses, it was a village. Mai-Guba. We were at our
objective. Well, not yet. A lot of movement in the village, we could hear
them clearly. We weren't whispering anymore either. It was strange to hear
your own normal voice again after so many days.
I/JR 10 moved to the South side of the village, we took the North side.
With fingers on the triggers, we rushed to the shore on the other side. We
climbed up an old rail enbankment. Along it, dozens of telephone wires. We
set up our machine gun on the enbankment to cover our left (North) flank.
But where are the tracks? The train was here just moments ago.
We advanced on skies through a light forest. Again, another bundle of
telephone wires. And there's the tracks. Rear guard was set up. From the
village, we could hear shots and bursts. Contact had been made.
The source for the noise of a running motor became clear to us as we
spotted an enemy plane circle over us. It made a few circles, bothering no
one and left, followed soon by another plane. I guess the planes were from
a nearby airfield, keeping their engines warm.
Sounds of explosions from the South, from the village. Same sort of
sounds could be heard from our sector moments later. Train tracks,
telephone lines, storages and machinery were destroyed, with fires doing the
rest on the 10km long area we operated on.
Sounds of battle grew stronger in the village and from the North we heard
the sound of an approaching train. Reinforcements. Our rear guard was
busy. The sound of gunfire spoke clearly of that. There was fighting
everywhere. The combat started at 2200hrs and ended at dawn, when we
began to move back towards Lake Voldjärvi. Once there, we set up fires, 1
per squad. Our area must've appeared as a sea of fire to the enemy. We
had been spotted, and our task was complete, nothing to lose. We ate and
drank, surprisingly the enemy planes did not bother us during this. Not yet.
At first light, we began our ski march home."
(The story continues, but I will end it here. He goes on to tell about the return trek and how couple of planes attacked them, but nothing overly interesting. -Dowly)
Enemy material losses:
- 92 houses
- 12 storage buildings
- 10km of telephone lines cut
- 60 telephone/electricity poles
- 11 railway carriages
- 8 rail switches destroyed
- 1 saw mill
- 1 horse stable for 100 horses
- 1 wooden railway bridge destroyed
Enemy casualties:
- 2 civilians KIA
- 4 soldiers KIA
Finnish losses:
- 3 KIA
- 10 WIA
- 79 with frostbites
- 25 ill
- 5 illness due to gas (no details given)
http://i.imgur.com/qVRVMLvm.jpg (http://imgur.com/qVRVMLv)
http://i.imgur.com/acDArgPm.jpg (http://imgur.com/acDArgP)
Mai-Guba burns, taken on 20th of January at 0215hrs.
Finnish daily losses: 25
15 January 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 26
http://i.imgur.com/nLHDcCdm.jpg (http://imgur.com/nLHDcCd)
Jäger patrol in Suurniemi.
16 January 1942
The Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagsbladet has collected over 250 000 Swedish crowns to aid Finnish children.
Finnish daily losses: 32
http://i.imgur.com/AorYtHBm.jpg (http://imgur.com/AorYtHB)
Machine gun position on IR 15/15.D sector. (Karelian Ishtmus)
17 January 1942
Train collision near Kausala station leaves 19 dead and over 30 wounded.
Finnish daily losses: 19
http://i.imgur.com/dQ1GfXtm.jpg (http://imgur.com/dQ1GfXt)
Sentry at a forward post on the shore of Lake Ladoga. (Metsäpirtti)
18 January 1942
In Petroskoi, the first Lutheran cemetery is opened. Heikki Voronov, 17, is the first person to be buried there.
Finnish daily losses: 38
http://i.imgur.com/iwBW3wom.jpg (http://imgur.com/iwBW3wo)
Petroskoi Lutheran cemetery.
19 January 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 31
http://i.imgur.com/4g2KUz4m.jpg (http://imgur.com/4g2KUz4)
AT-gun position. (Eastern Svir)
20 January 1942
Citizens are encouraged to buy the brother-in-arms postage stamps, priced at 25 pence. The campaign collects over 500 000 Finnish marks.
Finnish daily losses: 17
http://i.imgur.com/RMTWeXVm.jpg (http://imgur.com/RMTWeXV)
The frontline at night. (Lempaala/Karelian Isthmus)
21 January 1942
Maaselkä Isthmus: Battle of Hiisjärvi ends in Finnish defensive victory after nearly 3 weeks of fighting.
During the opening stage of the attack, the Finnish IR 25 is forced to retreat, and despite counter-attacks, the Soviet units manage a 4-5km deep breakthrough.
The tide turns as the Finns, now reinforced by two Jäger battalions (2.Jgr.BDE), cut the route back East and encircle the enemy on January 9.
The encircled enemy continues to fight fiercely for over a week.
After the battle, Finns count 1860 Soviet dead in the area. Only six Soviet soldiers have surrendered.
http://i.imgur.com/GXsjgX0m.jpg (http://imgur.com/GXsjgX0)
Finnish daily losses: 36
http://i.imgur.com/2QSQPa8m.jpg (http://imgur.com/2QSQPa8)
Fresh replacements marching to the front. (Maaselkä Isthmus)
22 January 1942
Sanatorium for children in Stockholm, Sweden begins to take in Finnish children suffering from tuberculosis.
Finnish daily losses: 16
http://i.imgur.com/dnCs0P5m.jpg (http://imgur.com/dnCs0P5)
Howitzer firing at enemy positions near Rukajärvi.
***
To those interested, Forgotten Weapons released an overview of the Finnish Mosin Nagants today:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46ZP9XH8bZs
23 January 1942
Detachment Majewski returns. (See post #290 (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=2458077&postcount=290))
Finnish daily losses: 18
http://i.imgur.com/yKrvDKFm.jpg (http://imgur.com/yKrvDKF)
Fokker in its shelter at Suulajärvi.
24 January 1942
Lieutenant Aatu Järvenpää's body explodes as it is being defrosted (so it can be put in a coffin properly).
The body had been mined by the enemy before it could be recovered from enemy side.
His brother, Private Heikki Järvenpää, is killed in the explosion.
Finnish daily losses: 11
http://i.imgur.com/6zMuQhIm.jpg (http://imgur.com/6zMuQhI)
AA gun in Lauttasaari, Helsinki.
25 January 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 17
26 January 1942
Northern Finland: In a letter to Mannerheim, Field Marshal Keitel requests that Finns renew their offensive towards Sorokka (Belomorsk) with support from the Luftwaffe.
Finnish daily losses: 18
27 January 1942
Steam ship Arcturus sets off from Turku carrying almost 500 Finnish children to Stockholm.
Finnish daily losses: 18
http://i.imgur.com/Bmla3axm.jpg (http://imgur.com/Bmla3ax)
Russian POWs in Tyrisevä.
28 January 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 9
***
29 January 1942
The advisory board of Karelian issues proposes a program of rebuilding the recaptured regions of Karelia.
Finnish daily losses: 15
http://i.imgur.com/0w4Fzkhm.jpg (http://imgur.com/0w4Fzkh)
Major-General Raappana inspecting the front lines at Rukajärvi.
30 January 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 17
http://i.imgur.com/hfOGVK2m.jpg (http://imgur.com/hfOGVK2)
"I think that's my dad!" (Helsinki)
***
31 January 1942
The President Kallio Fund has raised more than 43 million Finnish marks.
Finnish writer, Kustaa Artturi Järviluoma is run over by a train in Leppäsuo.
Finnish daily losses: 15
***
1 February 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 13
http://i.imgur.com/y1MK9xIm.jpg (http://imgur.com/y1MK9xI)
Convoy sailing from Helsinki to Kotka.
***
2 February 1942
Six Soviet Mig 3's are shot down over Seesjärvi.
The new commander of the German army in Lapland, General Eduard Dietl, visits Mannerheim at his HQ.
Finnish daily losses: 11
***
3 February 1942
Mannerheim responds to Field Marshal Keitel's letter (post #302), saying that he cannot provide troops for the attack towards Sorokka (Belomorsk) unless the overall situation on the Eastern Front improves.
Finnish daily losses: 13
http://i.imgur.com/QHX858km.jpg (http://imgur.com/QHX858k)
Battalion commander, Captain Tammisto, congratulates his men for a job well done.
The patrol destroyed two enemy dug-outs on the enemy side.
4 February 1942
The National Museum of Finland receives nearly 2,000 items to its collection from East Karelia.
Finnish daily losses: 11
http://i.imgur.com/ySa3oahm.jpg (http://imgur.com/ySa3oah)
Soldiers building a HQ for their battalion commander. (Rukajärvi)
***
5 February 1942
Maaselkä Isthmus: The town of Suurlahti is recaptured by Finns.
http://i.imgur.com/BR53vSTm.jpg (http://imgur.com/BR53vST)
Finnish daily losses: 29
http://i.imgur.com/XapJngVm.jpg (http://imgur.com/XapJngV)
Young Finnish soldier loading his M/91-30(?).
6 February 1942
Maaselkä Isthmus: The long prepared Finnish counter-attack at Kriv begins.
In early January, Soviet forces managed to form a 5 x 5 km bulge in the Finnish lines at Kriv. The exhausted soldiers of the Finnish 8.division were unable to push the enemy back.
Moved there from the Karelian Isthmus, the 3. Brigade (dubbed "Blue Brigade") begins its attack at 0200hrs. During the day, they manage to recapture Kriv and cut the enemy's route back east.
As the temperature begins to lower towards -30C, the decision is made to halt the attack for the night and begin eliminating the enemy on the next day.
http://i.imgur.com/BR53vSTm.jpg (http://imgur.com/BR53vST)
Finnish daily losses: 95
7 February 1942
Maaselkä Isthmus: Battle of Kriv ends in Finnish victory.
Lieutenant-Colonel Savonjousi's 3.brigade begins to eliminate the encircled Soviet 367.division at 0300hrs.
The enemy puts up a tough fight as usual, the Finns have to clear the area position by position.
At noon, the commander of the Soviet IR 1217 orders his men to try and save themselves from the encirclement.
At 1445hrs, the Finnish attack ends as last enemy pockets are destroyed.
The cost of the battle is steep for the Soviet side; over 4,000 bodies are counted around the field of battle, 152 Soviet soldiers have surrendered.
The Finnish losses are 121 KIA/MIA and 353 WIA.
Finnish daily losses: 85
8 February 1942
A long-range patrol consisting of men from HQ's LRRP detachments Kuismanen and Marttina, and men from detachment Lagus (~100 men total) set out to destroy a supply center at Petrovski Jam.
http://i.imgur.com/17JoNG4m.jpg (http://imgur.com/17JoNG4)
Finnish daily losses: 32
http://i.imgur.com/kSzRXPem.jpg (http://imgur.com/kSzRXPe)
Major-General Pajari at Mainila.
9 February 1942
Soviet POW stabs pastor Johannes Kunila to death in a prison in Turku.
The second president of independent Finland, Lauri Relander, dies aged 58 in Helsinki.
Finnish daily losses: 28
http://i.imgur.com/Ikw97AZm.jpg (http://imgur.com/Ikw97AZ)
Railway gun near Kriv.
***
10 February 1942
Maaselkä Isthmus: Further enemy attacks in Kriv are repulsed.
Finnish daily losses: 32
11 February 1942
The supply center in Petrovski Jam is destroyed by a Finnish detachment (see #309 (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=2464361&postcount=309)).
According to the debrief, Soviet losses were:
500 enemies and 300 horses KIA.
50 cars completely destroyed,
Incapacitated a convoy of 40 cars.
Destroyed following storages:
- Ammunition depot
- Shell depot
- Clothing depot
- Food depot (a lot of butter and sugar)
- Vegetable depot
- Fuel depot
- Fish depot (several hundred cases of cod)
- Field bakery
- Animal and [human] field hospitals
Burned 60 buildings.
Own losses were 5 KIA and 6 WIA brought back. Taken 5 POWs.Some controversy still surrounds the raid, especially in regards to the field hospital. For those interested, here's a thread from AHF with some discussion about it, (Click!) (http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=179325)
Finnish daily losses: 24
http://i.imgur.com/zkiX8QNm.jpg (http://imgur.com/zkiX8QN)
Enemy desant, an Ingrian named Laukkanen, in contact with his former "employers". Käkisalmi.
12 February 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 22
http://i.imgur.com/HwpXsvzm.jpg (http://imgur.com/HwpXsvz)
POWs fixing old boots to be send out to other POW camps.
***
13 February 1942
Headquarters orders its war correspondents to go closer to the front lines.
After the end of the offensive phase, number of units have complained that the WCs have been spending most of their time in the rear.
Germany and Finland sign a trade agreement in Helsinki.
Finland agrees to trade copper, nickel and other minerals in exchange for foodstuffs and war material from Germany.
Finnish daily losses: 10
http://i.imgur.com/rvwEYAim.jpg (http://imgur.com/rvwEYAi)
Young pine shaped like a cross grows in Summa, as if to commemorate the battles fought here two years ago.
***
14 February 1942
The chairman of the Sailors' Union, Niilo Wälläri, is accused of being in contact with enemy nationals and communists.
Finnish daily losses: 15
http://i.imgur.com/cLBdZMam.jpg (http://imgur.com/cLBdZMa)
Fighter returns from a sortie.
15 February 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 13
http://i.imgur.com/zWSVGf7m.jpg (http://imgur.com/zWSVGf7)
Tank repair depot in Varkaus.
***
16 February 1942
Finland tells German ambassador von Blücher the country is unable to take in more Ingrians due to growing food shortages.
Detachment K(arhunen) destroys a railway bridge in Petrijärvi.
Finnish daily losses: 19
***
17 February 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 22
http://i.imgur.com/Gi9f6Tom.jpg (http://imgur.com/Gi9f6To)
Best way to dig a trench when the ground is frozen solid.
***
Probably only post once a week from now. So little going on.
18 February 1942
Lieutenant-General Oesch replaces General Heinrichs as the commander of the Karelian Army.
Finnish daily losses: 20
http://i.imgur.com/3q8gU3lm.jpg (http://imgur.com/3q8gU3l)
Armored train in Petroskoi.
***
19 February 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 12
http://i.imgur.com/OWIlnWVm.jpg (http://imgur.com/OWIlnWV)
Finns killed and buried earlier in Käsnäselkä have been dug up to be sent back home.
***
20 February 1942
Report from the US embassy in Helsinki on Finns' morale say that Finland sees no alternatives to their current actions.
Finnish daily losses: 26
http://i.imgur.com/EYBSa6Sm.jpg (http://imgur.com/EYBSa6S)
Russian flying boat captured intact after it ran out of fuel and landed near Finnish lines. (Nurmoila)
***
21 February 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 24
http://i.imgur.com/SyVgrIXm.jpg (http://imgur.com/SyVgrIX)
Lahti L-39 AT rifle turned into a AA gun. (Ontajärvi)
***
22 February 1942
A "sotakummi" (wartime sponsor) has been found for all orphans of the Winter War and the current war. These "sotakummis" supported the child, usually financially.
Finnish daily losses: 14
http://i.imgur.com/sHz9tS6m.jpg (http://imgur.com/sHz9tS6)
Two Morane-Saulnier fighters over their airfield.
***
23 February 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 13
http://i.imgur.com/WB6JeS1m.jpg (http://imgur.com/WB6JeS1)
Building a road through forest in Savujärvi.
***
24 February 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 13
25 February 1942
Units on the Karelian Isthmus are reorganized under the new Kannaksen Ryhmä (Kan.R., Isthmus Group), commanded by Lieutenant-General Öhquist.
Finnish daily losses: 18
http://i.imgur.com/RxR5d04m.jpg (http://imgur.com/RxR5d04)
Patrol leaving behind enemy lines. (Uhtua)
***
26 February 1942
Maaselkä Isthmus: Large air battle over the Seesjärvi area.
The book leaves it at that, but from what I could read from 24 Squadron's war diary:
15-17 Mig-1's and 3's were intercepted by 7 Finnish planes. Six Soviet planes were shot down plus three unconfirmed. One Finnish plane lost, pilot bailed out.
Finnish daily losses: 30
http://i.imgur.com/rBe9MYqm.jpg (http://imgur.com/rBe9MYq)
Mobile coastal artillery.
***
27 February 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 10
***
28 February 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 15
http://i.imgur.com/rOCVuibm.jpg (http://imgur.com/rOCVuib)
The graves of three pilots in Petroskoi.
***
1 March 1942
Karelian Army is reorganized into Maaselkä Group and Olonets Group.
Finnish daily losses: 19
http://i.imgur.com/29nGH6Bm.jpg (http://imgur.com/29nGH6B)
Just married. Lotta R.Paavilainen and Senior Lieutenant M.Pulkkinen. (Lempaala)
***
2 March 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 18
***
3 March 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 7
http://i.imgur.com/sojzXtcm.jpg (http://imgur.com/sojzXtc)
Enemy bunker as seen from Finnish position. (Ohta)
***
4 March 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 12
http://i.imgur.com/s6XsXRkm.jpg (http://imgur.com/s6XsXRk)
Finnish sniper. (Svir hydroplant area)
***
5 March 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 17
http://i.imgur.com/yUhxA7Im.jpg (http://imgur.com/yUhxA7I)
Colonel Heinrichs and an unnamed German officer at a skiing competition in Uhtua.
6 March 1942
Soviet planes bomb the Tiiksjärvi airbase. 17 planes (enemy, I suppose) are shot down.
Finnish daily losses: 9
http://i.imgur.com/zg9BUCYm.jpg (http://imgur.com/zg9BUCY)
Finnish fighter provides air cover for skiing competitions in the Rukajärvi area.
***
7 March 1942
Bank of Finland announces that new holeless coins are not to be put in circulation anymore. (Don't ask me why)
Finnish daily losses: 9
http://i.imgur.com/5XJu9Bum.jpg (http://imgur.com/5XJu9Bu)
Soviet fighter brought down by AA. (Nurmoila)
***
8 March 1942
Helsinki is bombed by two Soviet planes.
Detachment Englund heads out to destroy a flotilla of 50 barges spotted on Lake Onega.
Finnish reconnaissance planes spot a flotilla of barges on the East coast of Lake Onega. As they could be used as landing craft, the decision is made to destroy them before the ice melts. A strike force of 94 men is put together from Onega's coastal brigade to be led by Lieutenant Erkki Englund.Finnish daily losses: 16
http://i.imgur.com/uLOw7q2m.jpg (http://imgur.com/uLOw7q2)
Corporal Tauno Palo (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tauno_Palo) (center) and war correspondent from the German Signal, Sonderführer Arthur Grimm (right) in Helsinki.
***
9 March 1942
Detachment Englund loses three men to enemy mines.
The trek progresses slower than expected and the East coast is reached by 0600hrs on March 9th. At the same time, the detachment notices they've skied 6km to further South from where they're supposed to be. The coast here is full of obstacles and mines, and three men are lost to mines.Finnish daily losses: 14
http://i.imgur.com/xudstjEm.jpg (http://imgur.com/xudstjE)
Newly built sauna in Rukajärvi area.
***
10 March 1942
Major-General Pajari is ordered to take Suursaari island on the Gulf of Finland.
Detachment Englund is ambushed on Lake Onega.
After almost 24 hours of skiing the now exhausted detachment reach their target. Split in three groups, they begin their attack, but the element of surprise has been lost and enemy opens fire from the barges. After destroying only a handful of the barges and killing approximately 60 enemy soldiers in a nearby military camp the detachment begins to head back to Vasili island where they left their horses and sledges. Upon reaching the island, the Finns are ambushed by the enemy which had moved to the island. Under heavy fire, the detachment begins to retreat over the lake. Distraught from exhaustion and Pervitin, the remaining survivors return to own lines. Of the 94 men, 40 did not return.Finnish daily losses: 42 (I think some of Englund's losses have not been included, probably because MIA status, later switched to KIA.)
http://i.imgur.com/6CYbyu5m.jpg (http://imgur.com/6CYbyu5)
Finnish corporal showcases a captured rifle that had been repaired using plywood.
"Rather weak show of craftsmanship skill from the Russkie."
***
11 March 1942
HQ prohibits physical punishment against female POWs.
Finnish daily losses: 17
Schroeder
03-11-17, 09:53 AM
Bank of Finland announces that new holeless coins are not to be put in circulation anymore. (Don't ask me why)
Could be because coins without holes need more metal which is needed elsewhere for the war effort.
Could be because coins without holes need more metal which is needed elsewhere for the war effort.Most likely. I didn't even know we used coins with holes. :doh:
Schroeder
03-11-17, 11:29 AM
Most likely. I didn't even know we used coins with holes. :doh:
The only ones I've ever seen so far were from Denmark IIRC.
12 March 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 18
http://i.imgur.com/ACxN3Ilm.jpg (http://imgur.com/ACxN3Il)
"Two years ago, this snowy terrain was blackened by shells and painted red in Finnish warriors' blood." (Kollaa)
See: Winter War, day by day (12 March 1940) (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=2388817&postcount=134)
***
13 March 1942
J.K.Paasikivi lists four failures in Soviet Union's Finland policy in his speech in Messuhalli.
- The land demands made "in defense" of Leningrad before Winter War
- The harsh peace after Winter War
- Continuing pressure on Finland after Winter War
- New hostilities against Finland
In his minds, these are reasons why Finland's leaning towards Germany instead of the SU should not come as a surprise.
Sissi* detachment Koskimaa's attack in the Kiestinki area against an enemy forward base fails. Their losses are 43 KIA, 6 POW.
(*Light infantry basically)
Finnish daily losses: 59
http://i.imgur.com/PmvINkQm.jpg (http://imgur.com/PmvINkQ)
Lotta at 5.Division's laundry & repair shop. (Olonets)
***
14 March 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 18
http://i.imgur.com/wnZInlZm.jpg (http://imgur.com/wnZInlZ)
AT-gun ready to give fire. (Maaselkä Isthmus)
***
15 March 1942
Food situation in urban centers has become critical.
Finnish daily losses: 19
http://i.imgur.com/3OHtRDLm.jpg (http://imgur.com/3OHtRDL)
Young girl in Paatene.
***
16 March 1942
Swedish Prince Gustaf Adolf visits Finland.
Finnish daily losses: 20
http://i.imgur.com/0V50kfRm.jpg (http://imgur.com/0V50kfR)
Ohta frontlines as seen from artillery spotter's position.
***
17 March 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 22
http://i.imgur.com/tJZx2zOm.jpg (http://imgur.com/tJZx2zO)
The bearded, dirtied veteran showing the line to a newcomer.
18 March 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 15
http://i.imgur.com/S8eQxPpm.jpg (http://imgur.com/S8eQxPp)
Bridge under construction in Voznesenje. (Svir)
***
19 March 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 18
http://i.imgur.com/XXdKF5Nm.jpg (http://imgur.com/XXdKF5N)
MG Company in position to provide indirect fire to the enemy side. (Ohta)
***
20 March 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 24
http://i.imgur.com/gSmCoPIm.jpg (http://imgur.com/gSmCoPI)
German MG34 position in Svir.
***
21 March 1942
Major-General Pajari gives order to take Suursaari on the Gulf of Finland.
Finnish daily losses: 15
http://i.imgur.com/kzoz3Umm.jpg (http://imgur.com/kzoz3Um)
Commander of the German 163.Division, Colonel Wächsmut, handing out Iron Crosses to Lieutenant-Colonel Aho's Finnish regiment. (Svir)
***
22 March 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 23
http://i.imgur.com/riJ8prYm.jpg (http://imgur.com/riJ8prY)
Machine gun position. (Rukajärvi area)
***
23 March 1942
The Finnish Air Force begins to train its own LRRP men.
Finnish daily losses: 23
http://i.imgur.com/CGU6sY4m.jpg (http://imgur.com/CGU6sY4)
Finnish patrol clears Russian hut with a hand grenade. (Ontajärvi, Rukajärvi)
***
24 March 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 18
25 March 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 22
http://i.imgur.com/4qWV7Nym.jpg (http://imgur.com/4qWV7Ny)
Miniatures built by Finnish pilots. (Viiksjärvi)
***
26 March 1942
Detachment Pajari's troops, ordered to take Suursaari (https://www.google.fi/maps/place/Gogland/@60.1486625,26.8992156,10.25z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x4693dff8652dfb81:0xb258b64f22ff6 b19!8m2!3d60.0594851!4d26.9826793), prepare to attack on the next day.
Finnish daily losses: 15
http://i.imgur.com/gokyWQQm.jpg (http://imgur.com/gokyWQQ)
Detachment Pajari's men having a bite to eat in Haapasaari (Northeast of Suursaari).
***
27 March 1942
Detachment Pajari attacks Suursaari from three sides at 0400hrs.
The attack surprises the enemy completely, but they manage to organize some defenses. The Finns take advantage of the surprise and quickly capture key terrain points around the island. The town of Suurkylä and the highest point on the island, Pohjoiskorkia, are both captured during the afternoon. The remaining enemy troops are killed or driven off the island by next morning.
Enemy casualties are 213, Finns lose 61 KIA and 109 WIA.
Soviet counter-attack in Louhi, in northern Finland. After three days of fighting, the attacker retreats.
Flight Regiment 3's Brewsters' shoot down 27 Soviet planes during the Suursaari operation.
Finnish daily losses: 103
http://i.imgur.com/Wl3tKeem.jpg (http://imgur.com/Wl3tKee)
Finnish troops assembled for victory parade in Suursaari.
***
28 March 1942
Fighting in Suursaari ends.
http://i.imgur.com/dOH3yW2m.jpg (https://imgur.com/dOH3yW2)
Battle for Suursaari
(Source: Nenye, Munter, Wirtanen and Birks: Finland at War - The Continuation and Lapland Wars 1941-1945)
Finnish daily losses: 25
http://i.imgur.com/7JEIzRfm.jpg (http://imgur.com/7JEIzRf)
Major-General Pajari speaking to Soviet POWs. (Suursaari)
***
29 March 1942
The "For Finnish children" medal (För Finlands barn/Suomen lapsille), designed by Wäinö Aaltonen, is finished and can be bought in Finland and Sweden.
Finnish daily losses: 25
http://i.imgur.com/RUg6dy5m.jpg (http://imgur.com/RUg6dy5)
"Alarm! Enemy patrol has been detected!" (Suntu)
***
30 March 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 21
***
31 March 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 27
http://i.imgur.com/ZgAfdlZm.jpg (http://imgur.com/ZgAfdlZ)
Heinrich Himmler visiting General Hjalmar Siilasvuo (center). (Photo from 27th)
Schroeder
03-31-17, 10:34 AM
Himmler...:shifty:
They should have made him drink 3 liters of Salmiakki. http://youtu.be/OaLyi1girNw
Himmler...:shifty:Myeah. Simply was no other interesting photo for the day.
They should have made him drink 3 liters of Salmiakki.Salmiakki is actually quite nice when you get used to it. Like spicy sugar.
Speaking of which, buy from Varusteleka.com! (INrangeTV)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hj1G7BqCoCA
So much good stuff!
SA-Kuva is having some problems, so I can only post small photos.
***
1 April 1942
The State Information Department releases guidelines on how newspapers should write about Germany.
Criticizing German actions in their occupied areas is forbidden.
Finnish daily losses: 32
http://i.imgur.com/54PLceO.jpg
Comm lines being laid in hip deep snow.
***
2 April 1942
After losing Suursaari, the Soviet troops also abandon Tytärsaari (20km SE from Suursaari). A company sized Finnish detachment barely has time to occupy the empty island when on April 2, the Soviets launch an attack to retake it. The attack is repulsed and most of the approximately 200 man Soviet detachment is killed to the shores of the island.
http://i.imgur.com/lhicTRgm.jpg (http://imgur.com/lhicTRg)
Finnish daily losses: 22
http://i.imgur.com/hEKnWYY.jpg
Soviet deserter being interrogated in Ontajärvi.
***
3 April 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 28
***
4 April 1942
German Luftwaffe begins operation Eis Stoß against Leningrad.
Finnish daily losses: 23
http://i.imgur.com/LQ1RzXI.jpg
Ice fishing at Savujärvi.
***
5 April 1942
Maaselkä Isthmus: Flight Regiment 4 bombs the Soviet airbase in Segeža.
The target of the attack are runways both on ground and on the ice of lake Akanjärvi. Secondary targets are trains and warehouses along the Murmansk line.
Several large explosions are observed in the target area, indicating the bombs hit their targets. Plane shelters and barracks' are observe to be hit as well. All 21 planes return safely home.
12,000 Finnish children have so far been moved to Sweden. Denmark has also offered to take in as many children as needed.
Finnish daily losses: 15
http://i.imgur.com/4yKIVYe.jpg
Observing the enemy side. (Kriv/Maaselkä Isthmus)
***
6 April 1942
Soviet planes hit the Tiiksjärvi airbase near Rukajärvi. 17 enemy planes are shot down in aerial combat.
Finnish daily losses: 16
http://i.imgur.com/h1xkY7z.jpg
Finnish officer holding a M/41 ice mine (http://www.jaegerplatoon.net/landmines2.htm) aka "ARSA" mine.
***
7 April
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 35
http://i.imgur.com/stukm6O.jpg
64. POW hospital. (Viipuri)
***
8 April 1942
A battalion sized Soviet attack to Tytärsaari is repulsed.
North Finland: German-Finnish Independent Detachment Petsamo launches an attack to destroy Soviet camps in Lounavaara, Talvikylä and Luto.
Already on the same day, the detachment commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Pennanen receives orders to stop the attack. The Germans are worried that the enemy might counter-attack in the area of Litsa.
Finnish daily losses: 30
http://i.imgur.com/fNGU7zI.jpg
Church set ablaze by an enemy fighter's strafing run. (Svir)
***
9 April 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 24
http://i.imgur.com/QqUjxNH.jpg
Mortar firing. (IR 9, Svir front)
10 April 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 17
http://i.imgur.com/yZukSBum.jpg (http://imgur.com/yZukSBu)
Shot down enemy Hurricane. (Tiiksjärvi)
***
11 April 1942
Major Soviet offensive begins on the Svir front.
The Finns are taken by surprise, no one thought the attack would come in April when many of the roads are nearly unusable due to mud.
Finnish daily losses: 86
http://i.imgur.com/sO3dBRqm.jpg (http://imgur.com/sO3dBRq)
Machinegunner at work. (Svir front)
***
12 April 1942
Twelve enemy desants are dropped by air to Nuosjärvi near Sotkamo. Four of them surrender on the 15th, the rest are killed in a firefight.
Svir front: Aerial reconnaissance reports the enemy is concentrating its main push between Shemenski and Pertjärvi, to the weak seam of 17.D and 11.D.
http://i.imgur.com/krovK07m.jpg (http://imgur.com/krovK07)
Finnish daily losses: 103
***
13 April 1942
Svir Front: The enemy attack, now reinforced with 114.D and two ski battalions, begins to bog down in the poor conditions.
Finnish daily losses: 94
http://i.imgur.com/u7yqwgBm.jpg (http://imgur.com/u7yqwgB)
Finnish soldier booby-trapping the door of a dugout before leaving. (Petsamo area)
14 April 1942
Svir front: The Finnish 11.Division counter-attacks on the southwest side of Pertjärvi and encircles the spearhead elements of the enemy.
17.Division is also successful in halting the enemy on their sector.
Finnish daily losses: 116
http://i.imgur.com/IaYE2qvm.jpg (http://imgur.com/IaYE2qv)
Men from light detachment 10 in Pertjärvi.
15 April 1942
Svir front: The enemy attacks across the front have been mostly repulsed.
In the Shemenski - Pertjärvi area, the situation remains critical.
In Pertjärvi, Finns continue to tighten the noose around the encircled enemy.
In Shemenski, the enemy has dug in on the southwest side of Aukijärvi and are threatening 17.Division's supply routes.
Flight Regiment 4's Blenheims bomb a enemy supply centre in the area.
Finnish daily losses: 102
http://i.imgur.com/yE3KoWhm.jpg (http://imgur.com/yE3KoWh)
Exhausted soldier getting some rest. (Svir front)
16 April 1942
Finnish units in Shemenski prepare to counter-attack against the enemy in Aukijärvi.
Finnish daily losses: 86
http://i.imgur.com/vDxD8LRm.jpg (http://imgur.com/vDxD8LR)
Finns waiting for a potential counter-attack in a newly recaptured base in Shemenski area.
17 April 1942
Soviet 314.D attacks in the Svir hydroplant area.
Finnish daily losses: 68
http://i.imgur.com/Bm7QVgqm.jpg (http://imgur.com/Bm7QVgq)
Writing home before an attack. (Pertjärvi)
***
18 April 1942
Svir front: The encircled enemy troops in Pertjärvi surrender.
Finnish daily losses: 55
http://i.imgur.com/jquU3Elm.jpg (http://imgur.com/jquU3El)
Terrain through which the enemy tried to attack unsuccessfully. (Syvärinniska)
19 April 1942
Finnish units - reinforced with 9 battalions - begin their attack to throw off the enemy from Aukijärvi.
Finnish daily losses: 52
http://i.imgur.com/xdoRPiOm.jpg (http://imgur.com/xdoRPiO)
Two Soviet tanks (KV-1 & T-34) destroyed in front of the Finnish lines in the Svir Hydroplant area.
***
20 April 1942
Svir front: The enemy at Aukijärvi surrenders, ending the Svir offensive.
The operation has costed nearly 10,000 KIA to the enemy, Finns have lost 440 men.
Finnish daily losses: 90
http://i.imgur.com/SZS6eJMm.jpg (http://imgur.com/SZS6eJM)
Lieutenant Varjonen harassing enemy's fortification work.
***
21 April 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 39
http://i.imgur.com/t920r1tm.jpg (http://imgur.com/t920r1t)
With Spring comes mud and water.
22 April 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 40
http://i.imgur.com/8vI5B3Sm.jpg (http://imgur.com/8vI5B3S)
10-inch gun, destroyed by Finns during the retreat from Koivisto in the Winter War.
Schroeder
04-22-17, 02:54 PM
22 April 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 40
http://i.imgur.com/8vI5B3Sm.jpg (http://imgur.com/8vI5B3S)
10-inch gun, destroyed by Finns during the retreat from Koivisto in the Winter War.
Even though it's far from the biggest gun of WWII it sure looks massive.:o
Even though it's far from the biggest gun of WWII it sure looks massive.:o
Photo of an intact 254/45 D
http://www.jaegerplatoon.net/254_45D_2.jpg
From http://www.jaegerplatoon.net/COASTAL_ARTILLERY3.htm
***
23 April 1942
Northern Finland/Kiestinki: III AK's commander Major-General Siilasvuo gives order to prepare for pre-emptive strike against enemy concentrations in Ala-Mustajärvi and Alajärvi.
Finnish daily losses: 56
http://i.imgur.com/99ESScFm.jpg (http://imgur.com/99ESScF)
Patrol on top of Voittotunturi.
24 April 1942
Kiestinki: Soviet units attack with a strong force on the isthmus between Jelettijärvi and Ylä-Mustajärvi. At the same time, smaller attacks are launched in other parts of the front to tie up the Finnish and German troops.
In Lohilahti, Division J repulses the enemy attack. The German SS-Nord is tied up in heavy fighting on the road east of Kiestinki. Eventually, the Jelettijärvi - Ylä-Mustajärvi line breaks under constant enemy attacks (77 in four days) and Major-General Siilasvuo orders a fighting retreat. The enemy advance to cut the Sohjana - Kiestinki road is blocked by Division J and SS-Nord.
Mannerheim refuses to reinforce the III AK with Finnish troops, but allows for the German 163.D to be transported to the area from the Svir front.
http://i.imgur.com/rgiMfv2m.jpg (http://imgur.com/rgiMfv2)
Soviet breakthrough towards Kiestinki and the later Finnish counter-attack in May.
On the Maaselkä Isthmus, 4.Division's commander Major-General Viljanen and two other officers die as they accidentally wander on to a friendly minefield.
Finnish daily losses: 55
25 April 1942
Spring's first shipment of fruits arrive to Finland. 50,000 kilos of lemons from Italy.
Finnish daily losses: 35
http://i.imgur.com/mUd0YEkm.jpg (http://imgur.com/mUd0YEk)
Submarines 'Vesihiisi' (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finnish_submarine_Vesihiisi) (left) and 'Saukko' (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finnish_submarine_Saukko). (Suomenlinna)
***
26 April 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 25
http://i.imgur.com/EnqoLbXm.jpg (http://imgur.com/EnqoLbX)
Lempaala front lines, enemy is on the island seen in the background.
***
27 April 1942
President Ryti and US ambassador to Helsinki Schoenfeld discuss the current situation. Ryti reminds Schoenfeld that it has been the Soviet Union doing the attacking lately. He also says that he expects the Germans to make a breakthrough on the eastern front during this year.
Finnish daily losses: 47
http://i.imgur.com/dPJ0GVam.jpg (http://imgur.com/dPJ0GVa)
Soviet "dug outs" in Aukijärvi (Kiestinki).
***
28 April 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 34
http://i.imgur.com/pNbeSSpm.jpg (http://imgur.com/pNbeSSp)
AT-gun and it's narrow field of fire. (Rukajärvi)
29 April 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 27
http://i.imgur.com/GQEkr4um.jpg (http://imgur.com/GQEkr4u)
Covered MG position. (Termola, Karelian Isthmus?)
***
30 April 1942
Petroskoi's theatre opens for the first time.
Finnish daily losses: 24
http://i.imgur.com/EK4BZkrm.jpg (http://imgur.com/EK4BZkr)
Finnish AA fires on enemy aircraft. (Kiestinki area)
***
1 May 1942
Price of alcohol goes up 50%.
Helsinki celebrates a surprisingly peaceful May Day.
Soap, both produced and imported is confiscated.
Photo reconnaissance unit, Detachment Ahtiainen, is formed under Flight Regiment 4.
Finnish daily losses: 39
http://i.imgur.com/KqSnvrqm.jpg (http://imgur.com/KqSnvrq)
May Day night in the front lines. (Termola)
***
2 May 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 40
***
3 May 1942
Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter reports that Sweden is putting together the world's first mobile children's hospital. It is intended to work in East Karelia.
Finnish daily losses: 21
http://i.imgur.com/EZbqYzSm.jpg (http://imgur.com/EZbqYzS)
Major-General Viljanen's funeral in Hämeenlinna. (see post #335 (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=2480420&postcount=335))
***
4 May 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 29
http://i.imgur.com/8jcpUX9m.jpg (http://imgur.com/8jcpUX9)
Never a bad time for gymnastics. (Rukajärvi area)
***
5 May 1942
The transportation of the German 163.D from Svir to Kiestinki begins.
Finnish daily losses: 33
http://i.imgur.com/FubK7Vtm.jpg (http://imgur.com/FubK7Vt)
German tanks and Ger/Fin infantry advances in the snow. (Kiestinki area)
Schroeder
05-05-17, 10:29 AM
29 April 1942
5 May 1942
The transportation of the German 163.D from Svir to Kiestinki begins.
Finnish daily losses: 335
Isn't it a bit odd that there is pretty much no entry for this day but about ten times the normal losses?:hmmm:
Isn't it a bit odd that there is pretty much no entry for this day but about ten times the normal losses?:hmmm:Oops, that's a typo, should be 33, fixed. Thanks for pointing it out!:salute:
6 May 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 29
http://i.imgur.com/daBvNDfm.jpg (http://imgur.com/daBvNDf)
Military call center in Viipuri.
***
7 May 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 19
http://i.imgur.com/R6RXpeFm.jpg (http://imgur.com/R6RXpeF)
Patrol clearing a forest in Kiestinki area.
***
8 May 1942
Degree requirements are lowered in the University of Helsinki.
Finnish daily losses: 25
http://i.imgur.com/zETVwgrm.jpg (http://imgur.com/zETVwgr)
Forward observer sitting on the top of a pine tree.
***
9 May 1942
Flight Regiment 4's Blenheim bombers strike enemy supply ships on Lake Onega.
Finnish daily losses: 29
http://i.imgur.com/OOxrETvm.jpg (http://imgur.com/OOxrETv)
Soviet tanks destroyed by the Germans in Kiestinki area.
***
10 May 1942
Mannerheim awards Finnish mothers with the Cross of Liberty.
Finnish daily losses: 19
http://i.imgur.com/IrbZodWm.jpg (http://imgur.com/IrbZodW)
Gunboat "Hämeenmaa".
***
11 May 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 19
http://i.imgur.com/nYfsvMHm.jpg (http://imgur.com/nYfsvMH)
Finnish trenches somewhere on the Svir front.
***
12 May 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 26
sublynx
05-12-17, 10:05 AM
I thought that the Russian reports from Winter war speaking about Finnish snipers sitting in tree tops were just war rumours but there really were FO posts in treetops. The things one learns here in subsim :)
I thought that the Russian reports from Winter war speaking about Finnish snipers sitting in tree tops were just war rumours but there really were FO posts in treetops. The things one learns here in subsim :)I'd say the "cuckoo stories" are still very much simply war rumors. Not a good place to be (top of a tree), if you intend to fire your weapon and thus draw attention to yourself.
Oh, and rest in peace President Koivisto, who died last night at the age of 93. Fought in the Winter War and served as a LRRP soldier under Lauri Törni (Larry Thorne for you 'Muricans) in the Continuation War.
13 May 1942
The President passes a decree that forbids interrogation of POWs without permission from relevant authorities.
Finnish daily losses: 24
http://i.imgur.com/0ELZ7wRm.jpg (http://imgur.com/0ELZ7wR)
Finns assault a Soviet bunker under the cover of a smoke screen. (Lempaala)
***
14 May 1942
Schools all over Finland are suffering from lack of teachers.
Finnish daily losses: 20
http://i.imgur.com/rJn1uxVm.jpg (http://imgur.com/rJn1uxV)
Sergeant Piispa posing with his MS-316 he had to crash-land after engine failure.
***
15 May 1942
Finnish-German counter-offensive begins in Kiestinki area with the aim of recapturing the Jelettijärvi - Ylä-Mustajärvi line. (see map in post #335 (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=2480420&postcount=335))
Finnish daily losses: 26
http://i.imgur.com/MLzgK7sm.jpg (http://imgur.com/MLzgK7s)
Germans advancing towards Jelettijärvi, in Kiestinki area.
***
16 May 1942
Just after midnight, a lone Soviet plane bombs Helsinki. Four people are killed and six wounded.
Finnish daily losses: 25
http://i.imgur.com/hg0Y7a3m.jpg (http://imgur.com/hg0Y7a3)
Piles of clothing taken from dead enemy soldiers. (Kiestinki)
***
17 May 1942
It is Memorial Day for the War Dead in Finland.
Finnish daily losses: 31
http://i.imgur.com/VzrXfm3m.jpg (http://imgur.com/VzrXfm3)
Memorial service held in Repola for the single, unidentified soldier that lays in the war cemetary.
***
18 May 1942
Svir front: Finnish 8.Division that replaced the German 163.D is immediately attacked by approximately 200 strong enemy detachment. The attack is repulsed.
Finnish daily losses: 26
http://i.imgur.com/172zUzrm.jpg (http://imgur.com/172zUzr)
River scenery. (River Ontajoki, Rukajärvi)
***
19 May 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 24
20 May 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 34
***
21 May 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 26
http://i.imgur.com/fOGfOmom.jpg (http://imgur.com/fOGfOmo)
Reconnaissance Squadron 14's mascot "Klara" and her puppies. (Tiiksjärvi)
***
22 May 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 27
http://i.imgur.com/nYdgbhim.jpg (http://imgur.com/nYdgbhi)
Patrol boats laying down smoke screen.
***
23 May 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 34
http://i.imgur.com/zdWS7Jdm.jpg (http://imgur.com/zdWS7Jd)
Minelayer Ruotsinsalmi unloading her cargo.
***
24 May 1942
Major-General Siilasvuo halts the Kiestinki counter-offensive to the Ylä-Mustajärvi - Alajärvi line.
Finnish daily losses: 21
http://i.imgur.com/jjJrDGCm.jpg (http://imgur.com/jjJrDGC)
Suomi KP/31s being made at Tikkakoski factory.
***
25 May 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 34
http://i.imgur.com/o2jpKyzm.jpg (http://imgur.com/o2jpKyz)
Roadsign built by Germans.
***
26 May 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 19
http://i.imgur.com/Pxv47bGm.jpg (http://imgur.com/Pxv47bG)
Russian patrol boat as seen through a telescope. (Gulf of Finland)
27 May 1942
No entry.
Extremely shortened summary from HQ's war diary:
Isthmus Group (Kan.R.):
- Violent reconnaissance by enemy.
- Own artillery dispersed enemy groupings in various places.
Olonets Group (Aun.R.):
- Strong enemy patrol activity
- Heavy enemy artillery barrages.
Maaselkä Group (Maa.R.):
- Weak enemy patrol activity.
(I only add these, if there is nothing in the book, and if the website actually works)
Finnish daily losses: 28
http://i.imgur.com/4HiZyJEm.jpg (http://imgur.com/4HiZyJE)
View through a periscope. (Kuuttilahti/Svir front)
***
28 May 1942
Squadron 6's SB bomber sinks a Soviet submarine near Suursaari.
Finnish daily losses: 17
http://i.imgur.com/Qnd0xZxm.jpg (http://imgur.com/Qnd0xZx)
Ms. Anna Barkas, Finland's first female bus driver.
***
29 May 1942
No entry.
Kan.R.:
- Approximately 100 men strong enemy attack repulsed at Rajajoki.
- Another enemy grouping at Rajajoki dispersed by own artillery.
- Heavy enemy artillery barrages.
Maa.R.:
- At 0100hrs, enemy began to group men near Salmijärvenjoki, own artillery dispersed them.
Finnish daily losses: 33
http://i.imgur.com/gFUoamCm.jpg (http://imgur.com/gFUoamC)
Camouflaged Finnish ship. (Kuorsalo)
***
30 May 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 28
http://i.imgur.com/wZFCyOom.jpg (http://imgur.com/wZFCyOo)
Lieutenant-Colonel Arnold Majewski lies down for a bit of rest. (Rukajärvi)
***
31 May 1942
Total of 183,000 refugees have returned back to Karelia.
Finnish daily losses: 22
http://i.imgur.com/7n6VL8mm.jpg (http://imgur.com/7n6VL8m)
Boxing match. (Poventsa)
***
1 June 1942
LRRP detachment 'Hartikainen' is formed under Flight Regiment 14. Their task is to reconnaissance enemy airfields from the ground.
Finnish daily losses: 15
***
2 June 1942
No entry.
Aun.R.:
- Approximately company size enemy attack repulsed near Janta station.
- Enemy groupings dispersed by own artillery.
Finnish daily losses: 21
http://i.imgur.com/lnHEQ3gm.jpg (http://imgur.com/lnHEQ3g)
Torpedo being loaded on to a unknown submarine.
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
http://i.imgur.com/tKbtkqmm.jpg (http://imgur.com/tKbtkqm)
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) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hitler_and_Mannerheim_recording)
Finnish daily losses: 29
http://i.imgur.com/3RHmDuem.jpg (http://imgur.com/3RHmDue)
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
http://i.imgur.com/kQWd8Prm.jpg (http://imgur.com/kQWd8Pr)
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
http://i.imgur.com/ZaZQt2rm.jpg (http://imgur.com/ZaZQt2r)
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
http://i.imgur.com/lOG4WOcm.jpg (http://imgur.com/lOG4WOc)
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
http://i.imgur.com/CI6E5qvm.jpg (http://imgur.com/CI6E5qv)
Log road. (Svir front)
***
9 June 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 16
http://i.imgur.com/byuDvWKm.jpg (http://imgur.com/byuDvWK)
Anti-Air guns firing in the night. (Ino)
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. :)
My grandfather fought with JR4 so a great personal interest in the Continuation War.
:salute:
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/joukko-osastojen-lyhenteet/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.
:salute:
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/joukko-osastojen-lyhenteet/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/huttunen_kauko-aatos_13.08.1923_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.
Thanks for sharing! :salute:
He is listed under 8.Division on the site. :yep:
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) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hitler_and_Mannerheim_recording)
Finnish daily losses: 29
http://i.imgur.com/3RHmDuem.jpg (http://imgur.com/3RHmDue)
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
06-10-17, 05:37 AM
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.:yep:
Yep.:yep:
What makes it one of those interesting points in WW2 it was filmed.
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
http://i.imgur.com/H3Xff0hm.jpg (http://imgur.com/H3Xff0h)
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
http://i.imgur.com/qNUcQStm.jpg (http://imgur.com/qNUcQSt)
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
http://i.imgur.com/3Ri2eRSm.jpg (http://imgur.com/3Ri2eRS)
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
http://i.imgur.com/kpVvCyHm.jpg (http://imgur.com/kpVvCyH)
Four-legged "prisoner of war" and her foal. (Rukajärvi)
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
http://i.imgur.com/Na3zAbNm.jpg (http://imgur.com/Na3zAbN)
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
http://i.imgur.com/y6owRDym.jpg (http://imgur.com/y6owRDy)
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
http://i.imgur.com/uNfjNaSm.jpg (http://imgur.com/uNfjNaS)
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
http://i.imgur.com/J1b8Fdmm.jpg (http://imgur.com/J1b8Fdm)
***
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
http://i.imgur.com/0RHzX1Tm.jpg (http://imgur.com/0RHzX1T)
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
http://i.imgur.com/Uh99FJ3m.jpg (http://imgur.com/Uh99FJ3)
Sauna built by officers of a pioneer battalion. (Kuuttilahti)
Schroeder
07-24-17, 07:16 AM
All quiet on the northern front I guess.:hmmm:
And I just noticed that Dowly hasn't logged in here for a months.:o
All quiet on the northern front I guess.:hmmm:
And I just noticed that Dowly hasn't logged in here for a months.:o
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 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naval_Detachment_K)
Finnish daily losses: 20
http://i.imgur.com/E8pj79cm.jpg (http://imgur.com/E8pj79c)
Two Finnish soldiers use their spare time to catch up on the news. (Lempaala)
***
23 June 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 24
http://i.imgur.com/0GjwGpRm.jpg (http://imgur.com/0GjwGpR)
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
http://i.imgur.com/s7iqo71m.jpg (http://imgur.com/s7iqo71)
Patrol boat 17 "Ruotsinsalmi".
***
25 June 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 15
http://i.imgur.com/u5NeMtrm.jpg (http://imgur.com/u5NeMtr)
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
http://i.imgur.com/skjp3ajm.jpg (http://imgur.com/skjp3aj)
Moment of prayer at Kollaanjoki, on the same spot as in December 1939. (see this post (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom//showpost.php?p=2368407&postcount=29))
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
http://i.imgur.com/2On6oy5m.jpg (http://imgur.com/2On6oy5)
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
http://i.imgur.com/lxkpldvm.jpg (http://imgur.com/lxkpldv)
Captured and damaged tanks waiting for repairs. (Varkaus)
***
29 June 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 19
http://i.imgur.com/tU5XLWAm.jpg (http://imgur.com/tU5XLWA)
Frontlines of IR 30. (Svir)
***
30 June 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 43
http://i.imgur.com/yFjhMHcm.jpg (http://imgur.com/yFjhMHc)
Dead Russians in the aftermath of a failed attack across lake Ontajärvi at Rukajärvi.
Schroeder
08-04-17, 08:16 AM
Welcome back.:salute:
Thanks
***
1 July 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 29
http://i.imgur.com/VZiWwujm.jpg (http://imgur.com/VZiWwuj)
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
http://i.imgur.com/YUPjNDOm.jpg (http://imgur.com/YUPjNDO)
Poventsa
***
3 July 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 19
http://i.imgur.com/FTsvSczm.jpg (http://imgur.com/FTsvScz)
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.
http://i.imgur.com/vsSp9Vst.jpg (http://imgur.com/vsSp9Vs)
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
http://i.imgur.com/pRnrROMm.jpg (http://imgur.com/pRnrROM)
A dead Finnish soldier in a trench at Ohta.
***
6 July 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 15
http://i.imgur.com/gwlEgFPm.jpg (http://imgur.com/gwlEgFP)
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
http://i.imgur.com/Kbwhgs9m.jpg (http://imgur.com/Kbwhgs9)
Propaganda loudspeaker. (Svir sector)
sublynx
08-04-17, 11:14 AM
Is that an MG34 in the July first training picture? I didn't know Finland had those.
Is that an MG34 in the July first training picture? I didn't know Finland had those.I think that is the Lahti-Saloranta M/26, just tilted to one side. The MG34 has holes in the barrel, LS26 has 6 slits on 4 sides.
See: http://www.jaegerplatoon.net/pk_M26.jpg
8 July 1942
Just after midnight, Soviet forces attack to the island of Someri, 40km northeast from Suursaari. The enemy manages to land on the eastern end of the island while attempts in other directions are repulsed. After receiving reinforcements just after noon, Finns attack the dug in enemy. The island is cleared by the next day. 128 enemy bodies are found after the battle, 143 have surrendered.
Finnish daily losses: 47
http://i.imgur.com/zTxsRnBm.jpg (http://imgur.com/zTxsRnB)
War dogs and their handlers. (Svir)
***
9 July 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 20
http://i.imgur.com/JT4NWlwm.jpg (http://imgur.com/JT4NWlw)
Captain Ahonius and his Polikarpov I-153. Tail markings show he has destroyed 4 motor boats and 2 enemy fighters.
***
10 July 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 20
http://i.imgur.com/KaZWgB4m.jpg (http://imgur.com/KaZWgB4)
Major Heikkinen and his pet crow 'Paavo'. (Lempaala)
***
11 July 1942
Soviet 1st Partisan Brigade is spotted for the first time on the eastern side of lake Jolmajärvi.
http://i.imgur.com/lupaCDTt.jpg (http://imgur.com/lupaCDT)
Route of 1st Partisan Brigade.
Finnish daily losses: 35
http://i.imgur.com/t6hrOIdm.jpg (http://imgur.com/t6hrOId)
Air surveillance auxiliary Ellen Kiuru. (Lahdenpohja)
***
12 July 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 20
http://i.imgur.com/rmj0bcqm.jpg (http://imgur.com/rmj0bcq)
Patrol has brought back two little fox cubs. (Lutto/Lapland)
***
13 July 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 30
http://i.imgur.com/5GE55pkm.jpg (http://imgur.com/5GE55pk)
Finnish soldier enjoying last smoke before heading out to the enemy side with his squad.
14 July 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 19
http://i.imgur.com/xKEGAKrm.jpg (http://imgur.com/xKEGAKr)
Patrol boat #9 arriving to Ulko-Tammio.
***
15 July 1942
Light Detachment 2's patrol finds that a group of at least 100 men have crossed the Rukajärvi-Paatene road southwest of Ontajärvi and headed west. The patrols sent to pursue them estimate their size to be much larger than first thought and that they have turned south towards the rear areas of Finnish units.
Finnish daily losses: 20
http://i.imgur.com/ZsKrdBqm.jpg (http://imgur.com/ZsKrdBq)
Camouflaged 'Väinämöinen'.
***
16 July 1942
Rationing of tobacco begins.
Finnish daily losses: 12
http://i.imgur.com/oUxm4q4m.jpg (http://imgur.com/oUxm4q4)
In the north reindeers are used instead of horses. (Petsamo)
***
17 July 1942
Aerial reconnaissance spots the 1st Partisan Brigade. Lice had become a problem so Major Grigorjev had ordered the brigade to head south towards Tumba where they knew was an abandoned lumber camp with a lice sauna.
Finnish daily losses: 11
http://i.imgur.com/wwXSCwRm.jpg (http://imgur.com/wwXSCwR)
Drawing on the wall of a cell at 7.Division's headquarters.
***
18 July 1942
Finnish pursuers attack the partisan brigade in the town of Tumba who retreat over lake Tumbajärvi using make-shift rafts. Prisoner taken during the fight tells the strength of the brigade is some 700 men and women.
Finnish daily losses: 25
http://i.imgur.com/a0Hvuwnm.jpg (http://imgur.com/a0Hvuwn)
Anti-air position in Karhumäki. (63.Light AA Battery)
***
19 July 1942
The enemy's attempts at digging a tunnel to Finnish positions in the Svir area are foiled by artillery.
Finnish daily losses: 23
http://i.imgur.com/3PyMjkzm.jpg (http://imgur.com/3PyMjkz)
Wounded soldiers waiting to be moved further to the rear. (Viipuri)
***
20 July 1942
Fierce fighting over an outpost in Ohta. The Finns lose and retake their positions multiple times during the day and night. On the next day IR 7 has retaken the outpost and cleared the area of enemies.
Finnish daily losses: 31
http://i.imgur.com/Lj4EbShm.jpg (http://imgur.com/Lj4EbSh)
Finnish artillery fires on targets near Poventsa.
***
21 July 1942
The Finns pursuing the partisan unit near Seesjärvi are reinforced by a battalion from 12. brigade.
Finnish daily losses: 33
http://i.imgur.com/rzvM4NLm.jpg (http://imgur.com/rzvM4NL)
Supply route taking shape. (Lutto/Lapland)
Hey the big cheese is back. :)
Just caught up on the new posts. :yeah:
22 July 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 26
http://i.imgur.com/RuGDQKLm.jpg (http://imgur.com/RuGDQKL)
Writing a letter back home. (Rukajärvi)
***
23 July 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 19
http://i.imgur.com/mHcWVQmm.jpg (http://imgur.com/mHcWVQm)
Pilot has just returned from his 100th sortie. (Tiiksjärvi)
***
24 July 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 17
http://i.imgur.com/TUSJfBZm.jpg (http://imgur.com/TUSJfBZ)
Some of the cars given to Mannerheim by Hitler. (Mikkeli)
***
25 July 1942
Colonel Mäkiniemi is ordered to destroy the 1st Partisan Brigade.
Finnish daily losses: 19
http://i.imgur.com/fabvpEwm.jpg (http://imgur.com/fabvpEw)
Unidentified Winter War era bodies waiting to be buried. (Terenttilä/Taipale)
***
26 July 1942
LRRP detachment Kuismanen leaves by plane to behind enemy lines to observe traffic on the Arkhangelsk - Vologda railway. The unit returns on September 9 after spending 46 days behind enemy lines.
Finnish daily losses: 18
http://i.imgur.com/F1PpJjFm.jpg (http://imgur.com/F1PpJjF)
Entrance to a destroyed Winter War era bunker. (Taipale)
***
27 July 1942
Kemijärvi's vicar Lauri Laitinen is sentenced to six months in prison for spreading anti-government rumours.
Finnish daily losses: 12
***
28 July 1942
The Soviet 1st Partisan Brigade, now without food and pursued by the Finns gets permission to abort their mission and head back.
Finnish daily losses: 22
http://i.imgur.com/rB4wzzHm.jpg (http://imgur.com/rB4wzzH)
POW from the 1st partisan brigade. (Rukajärvi area)
***
29 July 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 11
http://i.imgur.com/n1E9eBlm.jpg (http://imgur.com/n1E9eBl)
***
30 July 1942
SS-Reichsführer Himmler visits Marshal Mannerheim in his headquarters.
Finnish IV/12.Bde attacks the partisans in Tjasajoki river. The enemy loses at least 113 men, including Major Grigorjev during the night's fighting. The partisans begin to retreat back north with Finns in pursuit.
Finnish daily losses: 27
http://i.imgur.com/N8FYF4Cm.jpg (http://imgur.com/N8FYF4C)
Pursuing the partisans.
***
31 July 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 29
1 August 1942
Headquarters gives a general warning of heightened partisan activity.
The United States closes all its consulates in Finland.
Finnish daily losses: 15
http://i.imgur.com/18TWbMJm.jpg (http://imgur.com/18TWbMJ)
Newlyweds. Lotta Auxiliary Paula Tuominen and Staff Sergeant Viljo Salin. (Lempaala)
***
2 August 1942
Mannerheim tells Germans he is in principle willing to help cut the Murman railway, but Germany must first finish the siege of Leningrad.
Finnish daily losses: 21
http://i.imgur.com/0xNRnLFm.jpg (http://imgur.com/0xNRnLF)
Major Grigorjev's command post at Tjasajoki.
***
3 August 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 17
http://i.imgur.com/PnzmXcDm.jpg (http://imgur.com/PnzmXcD)
Large log bunker captured intact from the enemy. (Lonkka)
***
4 August 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 20
http://i.imgur.com/Oj5WqX9m.jpg (http://imgur.com/Oj5WqX9)
Wreckage of a shot down Russian plane.
***
5 August 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 23
***
6 August 1942
The 1st Partisan Brigade crosses Tumbajoki river with Finnish units in constant contact with them.
Finnish daily losses: 15
http://i.imgur.com/jXc8rUQm.jpg (http://imgur.com/jXc8rUQ)
Finnish submarine. (Gulf of Finland)
7 August 1942
Partisan pursuit:
6./12.Bde has been in contact with the enemy all night in the 2900/8400 terrain.
5./12.Bde got in a firefight with an enemy advance unit at point 152,0.
During the day 7./12.Bde reached the area of 6.Coy and engaged the enemy at point 173,4.
At 2100hrs, 13./12.Bde attacked enemy's advance units near point 195,1.
http://i.imgur.com/WclbOZHm.jpg (http://imgur.com/WclbOZH)
Finnish daily losses: 24
http://i.imgur.com/PfIYmY2m.jpg (http://imgur.com/PfIYmY2)
Patrol leaving to 'no man's land'. (Rukajärvi)
8 August 1942
Partisan pursuit:
Detachment Pyökkimies informs that point 195,1 is now clear of enemies. During the night they got into a firefight with an enemy group holding the hill. The enemy broke off and headed north. Fifty dead Russians, one prisoner. Own losses 1 KIA, 6 WIA.
Detachment Airimo's patrol currently in contact with enemy at point 167,5.
http://i.imgur.com/3CHuTVZm.jpg (http://imgur.com/3CHuTVZ)
Finnish daily losses: 22
9 August 1942
Partisan pursuit:
Enemy has crossed the Sidra river during the morning. Parts of detachment Valmu and Platoon 'Esko' are in combat with the enemy in 4300/8600 terrain.
By evening the suspected main enemy group has retreated to 4580/8650. Detachments Valmu, Putkonen and Ahonen are ready to receive the enemy on the Voijärvi - Tsiassalmi isthmus.
POW tells that the partisans are moving in two or three separate groups. Enemy casualties are also larger than thought, prisoner has told that seriously wounded partisans have been shot and their bodies have been hidden in the swampy terrain.
http://i.imgur.com/340rxOhm.jpg (http://imgur.com/340rxOh)
Finnish daily losses: 18
10 August 1942
Partisan pursuit:
At noon, Detachment Airimo reported of being in contact with two large enemy groups in 4700/8450 and 4700/8700. Detachment Pyökkimies ordered to sent units to each location.
In the evening Detachment Airimo informed that multiple small enemy groups had managed to get to the north side of the road. Detachment Pyökkimies ordered to continue pursuit of these groups.
http://i.imgur.com/wk3J4Bxm.jpg (http://imgur.com/wk3J4Bx)
Finnish daily losses: 30
http://i.imgur.com/lWGN66Cm.jpg (http://imgur.com/lWGN66C)
Captain Malmio receiving first aid at Voijärvi. He died during the taking of the photograph.
11 August 1942
Partisan pursuit:
Smaller and larger enemy groups have continued to break through the thin Finnish lines.
Detachment Pyökkimies is ordered to set up a new plug further east and Airimo is to pursue the enemy and inflict losses whenever possible.
http://i.imgur.com/ISKRYtrm.jpg (http://imgur.com/ISKRYtr)
Finnish daily losses: 28
http://i.imgur.com/02dLRkUm.jpg (http://imgur.com/02dLRkU)
Hastily built defensive positions on the east shore of lake Jolmajärvi. (Partisan pursuit)
EDIT: Probably no update tomorrow on the partisan thing, because I need to
a) Get over the hangover
b) figure out what's what on the next map sheet (because Russian)
12 August 1942
On the northeast side of lake Äänisjärvi a Finnish reconnaissance plane's pilot is hit and killed by AA. The spotter climbs outside the plane and back into the cockpit and pilots the plane back by sitting on the lap of his dead comrade.
Finnish daily losses: 27
http://i.imgur.com/5bEGDYfm.jpg (http://imgur.com/5bEGDYf)
Patrol setting up box mines near Lempaala.
***
13 August 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 29
http://i.imgur.com/XAq7wn9m.jpg (http://imgur.com/XAq7wn9)
Boats of the German Einsatzstab Fähre Ost on Lake Ladoga.
***
14 August 1942
Showing of a Finnish comedy "Ryhmy ja Romppainen" is cancelled in Rome. Italians think making such fun about military is not appropriate.
Finnish daily losses: 12
http://i.imgur.com/AkyVS6Bm.jpg (http://imgur.com/AkyVS6B)
Finnish cavalry NCO.
***
15 August 1942
The Soviet 1st Partisan Brigade begin ferocious break through attacks against Finnish lines near Valkealampi. They lose 58 partisans, but succeed in their attempt to get further east.
Finnish daily losses: 25
http://i.imgur.com/yC4uhIqm.jpg (http://imgur.com/yC4uhIq)
Destroyed armored vehicles in Jyvälahti.
16 August 1942
Six Finnish Brewsters shoot down 13 enemy I-16s near Seiskari.
Finnish daily losses: 19
http://i.imgur.com/BXfR27Tm.jpg (http://imgur.com/BXfR27T)
Soldier being treated after he stepped on a mine. (Salkovaara)
***
17 August 1942
Urho Kaipainen, a member of the illegal Finnish Communist Party, is executed for treason.
Finnish daily losses: 20
http://i.imgur.com/1mE5IShm.jpg (http://imgur.com/1mE5ISh)
Drawing of Finns storming a trench.
***
18 August 1942
The 1st Partisan Brigade crosses lake Jolmajärvi under Finnish fire, losing at least 40 men.
Finnish daily losses: 24
http://i.imgur.com/DEfCqYLm.jpg (http://imgur.com/DEfCqYL)
Patrol near lake Jolmajärvi.
19 August 1942
General Paulus orders the Sixth Army to attack Stalingrad.
Finnish daily losses: 27
***
20 August 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 23
***
21 August 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 20
***
22 August 1942
Commander of the Maaselkä Group orders the partisan hunt to be stopped. The enemy has suffered losses of estimated 518 men and women, Finnish losses were 119 men.
Finnish daily losses: 16
***
23 August 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 13
***
24 August 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 21
***
25 August 1942
50 planes in five waves bomb Helsinki. Five people are killed and ten wounded.
Finnish daily losses: 18
26 August 1942
The Headquarters orders war correspondents to stop reporting so much about the free time activities of soldiers.
Finnish daily losses: 23
***
27 August 1942
The Red Army's offensive to break the siege of Leningrad begins.
Finnish daily losses: 15
http://i.imgur.com/p3Ozzl3m.jpg (http://imgur.com/p3Ozzl3)
Knight of the Mannerheim Cross #14 Private Emil Pasanen. (Pertjärvi/Svir)
"On September 26th 1941 the commander-in-chief has appointed Private
Emil Pasanen as Knight of the 2nd class Mannerheim Cross who in the Battle
of Suvilahti (21.8.41) killed dozens of enemy soldiers with his submachine
gun and who in the Battle of Jessoila (27.8.41) captured an important hill
and held it alone when his comrade fell until help could arrive. Further,
during the Battle of Prääsä (8.9.41) after his comrades were incapacitated
he held alone an important part of the line against a strong enemy attack."
***
28 August 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 28
***
29 August 1942
Night-time bombing raid on Helsinki by 60 Soviet planes leaves 3 dead and 20 wounded.
Finnish daily losses: 20
http://i.imgur.com/2fnYGB0m.jpg (http://imgur.com/2fnYGB0)
Food storage building on fire as a result of a bombing raid. (Helsinki)
***
30 August 1942
Detachment Vehniäinen, a LRRP unit made up of Estonian volunteers, is dropped via parachutes near the Arkhangelsk - Vologda railway.
All 13 of them fail to return from the mission.
Finnish daily losses: 33
***
31 August 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 20
http://i.imgur.com/LHDmvV2m.jpg (http://imgur.com/LHDmvV2)
Miniatures made by Finnish pilots.
***
1 September 1942
29 Soviet bombers hit Kumssaari and Seesjärvi areas in Maaselkä Isthmus.
Five Finnish Brewsters of LeLv 24 shoot down four Soviet I-153s over Lavansaari.
Finnish daily losses: 24
2 September 1942
200-man strong enemy detacthment crosses lake Ontajärvi and captures the Ontajärvi village.
14.D counter-attacks and quickly takes back the village and surrounds the remaining enemy forces.
By evening, the enemy has been either destroyed or forced to retreat.
Finnish daily losses: 43
http://i.imgur.com/o56IBR9m.jpg (https://imgur.com/o56IBR9)
Patrol hunting Soviet desants. (Svir sector)
***
3 September 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 21
http://i.imgur.com/DrmBm9tm.jpg (https://imgur.com/DrmBm9t)
Fiat G.50 returning from a sortie. (Rautu)
***
4 September 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 11
http://i.imgur.com/ca0O95wm.jpg (https://imgur.com/ca0O95w)
Mortar firing at night. (Svir sector/IR 50)
***
5 September 1942
LeLv 32's Curtiss-fighters down 11 enemy fighters over Lotinapelto with no own losses.
Finnish daily losses: 22
http://i.imgur.com/NKbsIH2m.jpg (https://imgur.com/NKbsIH2)
POW taken near Rukajärvi.
***
6 September 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 26
http://i.imgur.com/ebwkhC6m.jpg (https://imgur.com/ebwkhC6)
General Waldemar Erfurth handing out Iron Crosses to Finnish soldiers.
***
7 September 1942
The so-called "Vihti desant" Kerttu Nuorteva (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerttu_Nuorteva#Mission_in_Finland) is arrested in Helsinki.
Finnish daily losses: 22
***
8 September 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 24
http://i.imgur.com/L3CGkZdm.jpg (https://imgur.com/L3CGkZd)
Lieutenant Eino Penttilä, a LRRP leader and Knight of the Mannerheim Cross #79. (Rukajärvi)
"On August 19th 1942 the Commander-in-Chief has appointed Lieutenant Eino Penttilä as Knight of the 2nd class Mannerheim Cross.
Lieutenant Penttilä was already distinguished as a veteran frontier jaeger
during the Winter War, and he has, in the ongoing war, continued to
reinforce his reputation as a man who, far behind the enemy's back,
ruthlessly and with intimidating confidence, strikes at the enemy where he
least expects it. His extraordinary skills in the wilderness, good use of
terrain and his ability to quickly assess any situation presented has allowed
his unit to return unscathed from most of their missions. His unfailing
courage, his strong sense of duty, and his abundant skills with given
assignments have created in his men an unshakable confidence in the face
of seemingly impossible tasks."
Just over half way there Dowly, have a cold beer or two. Thanks for the first half and of course looking forward to the second half. :) :up:
Quick question, do you think Finland would have stayed out of WW2 had Russia not attacked Finland back in 39/40?
Just over half way there Dowly, have a cold beer or two. Thanks for the first half and of course looking forward to the second half. :) :up:Thanks, STEED.
Man, two years still to go... plus the Lapland War. Yeah, I think I'll have a cold one or twelve. :Kaleun_Cheers:
Quick question, do you think Finland would have stayed out of WW2 had Russia not attacked Finland back in 39/40?
In my personal opinion: Yes, I believe Finland would have stayed neutral was it not for the Winter War. I see no reason why Finland would have wanted to attack USSR without it.
Remember that Finland would have wanted to make a neutrality pact with Sweden during the Interim Peace, but it was opposed by the USSR (and Germany too, I think, not sure).
EDIT: I've been forgetting to keep count on the total Finnish casualties, so here's the figure from 25/6/41 to 8/9/42: 34,141
sublynx
09-08-17, 11:16 PM
Great thread, Dowly! Especially these photographs are quite something. You really find quality pics I doubted would even exist, except on the fronts where the major powers fought.
Have a bottle of Koskenkorva and a bottle of Stolitshnaja!
:Kaleun_Cheers:
Thanks, STEED.
Man, two years still to go... plus the Lapland War. Yeah, I think I'll have a cold one or twelve. :Kaleun_Cheers:
In my personal opinion: Yes, I believe Finland would have stayed neutral was it not for the Winter War. I see no reason why Finland would have wanted to attack USSR without it.
Remember that Finland would have wanted to make a neutrality pact with Sweden during the Interim Peace, but it was opposed by the USSR (and Germany too, I think, not sure).
EDIT: I've been forgetting to keep count on the total Finnish casualties, so here's the figure from 25/6/41 to 8/9/42: 34,141
Make me wonder if AGN would have got up to the gates of Leningrad without Finland's help. :hmmm:
Thanks.
Make me wonder if AGN would have got up to the gates of Leningrad without Finland's help. :hmmm:The Germans didn't seem to have many problems advancing the eastern front on every section during the latter half of 1941.
In related news, Ian and Karl from InRangeTV/Forgotten Weapons got to try the full auto "Suomi" M/31 and the KP/44 during their visit to Finland during the Summer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HJMvADklEQ
9 September 1942
The Ministry of Social Affairs decides to postpone the plans of moving evacuated Finnish children back to Finland from Sweden and Denmark.
Finnish daily losses: 28
***
10 September 1942
Finns respond in the negative to German requests to not import and show American made movies.
Finnish daily losses: 22
http://i.imgur.com/sQWqv7em.jpg (https://imgur.com/sQWqv7e)
Sergeant Major Ilmari "Illu" Juutilainen (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilmari_Juutilainen) explains to a war correspondent how he was once surprised by an enemy fighter.
***
11 September 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 20
http://i.imgur.com/FICRoGVm.jpg (https://imgur.com/FICRoGV)
Lieutenant Lauri Kokko, Knight of the Mannerheim Cross #84. (Svir/17.D.)
"On August 31st 1942 the Commander-in-Chief has appointed Lieutenant Lauri Kokko as Knight of the 2nd class Mannerheim Cross.
Lieutenant Kokko has shown great personal courage and initiative while
acting as a company commander during the current war. Thanks to his
ruthless and initiative rich way of attacking, he and his unit has been able
to surround and destroy enemy units much larger in size than them, and
capture large amounts of loot in process including number intact enemy tanks.
Once, when he was given a temporary leadership of a battalion, he broke
inside a well fortified enemy positions during the night and by fighting
encircled until the morning forced the enemy to abandon these positions.
By creating the right kind of spirit and confidence within his men, he has been able
to lead his unit successfully through every mission he has been given."
***
12 September 1942
Steamship Bonden is sunk by a Soviet submarine on the Sea of Åland.
Finnish daily losses: 45
http://i.imgur.com/gxHAlINm.jpg (https://imgur.com/gxHAlIN)
Lotta Svärd volunteers greet Marshal Mannerheim during his visit to Rukajärvi area.
***
13 September 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 16
http://i.imgur.com/FYrSIBYm.jpg (https://imgur.com/FYrSIBY)
Anti-Aircraft center in Viipuri from where AA fire could be directed during night time.
***
14 September 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 14
http://i.imgur.com/0JVWlM5m.jpg (https://imgur.com/0JVWlM5)
The bodies of a Russian patrol in front of Finnish positions (covered with lime). (Rajajoki)
***
15 September 1942
A battalion from Soviet 289.Division launches a two-pronged attack against the Finnish 3rd Brigade in the Kriv area.
The attack in the northeastern sector is a diversion, while the main point of pressure is on the north edge of Lake Krivjärvi. The enemy troops assault the Finnish trenches in the midst of their own massive artillery bombardment and the Finnish dugouts are systematically destroyed by the use of flamethrowers.
The defenders, surprised by the ferocity of the attack and the bombardment, retreat from their positions. The fighting in the area lasts for four days after which the enemy has managed to capture an area of about 20 hectares. The enemy has however lost nearly 2,000 men in the attack.
Finnish daily losses: 58
http://i.imgur.com/PVKn9aBm.jpg (https://imgur.com/PVKn9aB)
Machine gun position on the shore of lake Onega. (Svir/IR 9)
In related news, Ian and Karl from InRangeTV/Forgotten Weapons got to try the full auto "Suomi" M/31 and the KP/44 during their visit to Finland during the Summer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HJMvADklEQ
Hi Dowly. Thanks for the interesting video (And great thread). :up:
In my time in the army we had a short training for Suomi-KP. We used only stick magazines.
Wonderin if those guns are still in reserve?
Wonderin if those guns are still in reserve?I would imagine SA still has some of them in stock, but whether it is for arming soldiers or just for the sake of keeping them as historical pieces to shoot once in awhile I don't know.
Many of them have probably been destroyed by now, while some have been sold (like for example to Varusteleka who sold deactivated Suomi KPs' at one point) and so on.
I'd love to get the chance to shoot one of those, just to hear that sound in real life. :yep:
16 September 1942
Forty enemy planes strike Kotka.
Finnish daily losses: 42
http://i.imgur.com/e8vtGhZm.jpg (https://imgur.com/e8vtGhZ)
Taipale at night.
***
17 September 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 37
http://i.imgur.com/lZjwuW0m.jpg (https://imgur.com/lZjwuW0)
German coastal gun. (Tytärsaari)
***
18 September 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 42
http://i.imgur.com/HjYT5h8m.jpg (https://imgur.com/HjYT5h8)
Machinegunner at work in the Kriv area.
***
19 September 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 30
http://i.imgur.com/s1jdEcbm.jpg (https://imgur.com/s1jdEcb)
Old Russian trenches at Konevitsa.
***
20 September 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 26
***
21 September 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 33
http://i.imgur.com/DMNEaSjm.jpg (https://imgur.com/DMNEaSj)
View towards the enemy. (Rajajoki)
***
22 September 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 23
23 September 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 17
http://i.imgur.com/g7SidEAm.jpg (https://imgur.com/g7SidEA)
Lotta auxiliaries. (Kotkatjärvi)
***
24 September 1942
Soviet partisans attack the village of Viiksimo, killing 8 civilians.
Finnish daily losses: 24
http://i.imgur.com/gknmWfEm.jpg (https://imgur.com/gknmWfE)
Gunboat 'Karhumäki'.
***
25 September 1942
US warns Finland to not give in to any requests of further offensive operations by the Germans.
US blames Finland of provocation.
Finnish daily losses: 12
http://i.imgur.com/yBNTViIm.jpg (https://imgur.com/yBNTViI)
Camouflaged Italian MAS-boats. (Lake Ladoga)
***
26 September 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 42
***
27 September 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 15
http://i.imgur.com/o8JM0cJm.jpg (https://imgur.com/o8JM0cJ)
General Pajari's (18.D) HQ
***
28 September 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 22
***
29 September 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 26
30 September 1942
224,593 evacuees have returned to their homes in Karelia.
Finnish daily losses: 21
http://i.imgur.com/ZHB2P0Qm.jpg (https://imgur.com/ZHB2P0Q)
Sweden's Prince Gustav Adolf visiting 4.Division near Petroskoi.
***
1 October 1942
Schools start in Finland and in many areas in Karelia.
Finnish daily losses: 26
http://i.imgur.com/oOeJMiUm.jpg (https://imgur.com/oOeJMiU)
Parade in Petroskoi to celebrate 1 year anniversary of taking of the city.
***
2 October 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 18
http://i.imgur.com/O9kmhBZm.jpg (https://imgur.com/O9kmhBZ)
Actor Heikki Tuominen touring the troops "over there somewhere".
***
3 October 1942
Soviet partisans kill three women and one man in the village of Kuoliovaara in Kuusamo.
Finnish daily losses: 17
***
4 October 1942
Finnish liason to German HQ, General Talvela, informs Mannerheim that the Germans have postponed the plan to capture Leningrad.
Mannerheim instructs General Talvela to not give in to any demands from Germany to help in the siege.
Finnish daily losses: 31
http://i.imgur.com/gXlRTPgm.jpg (https://imgur.com/gXlRTPg)
Platoon leader Cornet Haanpää receives first aid. (Rukajärvi/Base "Suvi")
***
5 October 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 18
http://i.imgur.com/x6b1ha7m.jpg (https://imgur.com/x6b1ha7)
Heinkel He-111 flying low over boats on Lake Ladoga.
***
6 October 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 18
http://i.imgur.com/IwgRKhAm.jpg (https://imgur.com/IwgRKhA)
Lieutenant Penttilä's (front) patrol resting somewhere in the Rukajärvi wilderness.
7 October 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 19
http://i.imgur.com/CTiTXNum.jpg (https://imgur.com/CTiTXNu)
Patrol crossing a swamp somewhere in Rukajärvi area.
***
8 October 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 25
http://i.imgur.com/eb4d0M5m.jpg (https://imgur.com/eb4d0M5)
Patrol at enemy field hospital, the pointman (Lieutenant Penttilä) has just shot the enemy sentry posted there. (Rukajärvi)
***
9 October 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 29
http://i.imgur.com/Ow1lVmBm.jpg (https://imgur.com/Ow1lVmB)
Lieutenant Penttilä's patrol back home. (Rukajärvi)
***
10 October 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 33
http://i.imgur.com/yiCUZYQm.jpg (https://imgur.com/yiCUZYQ)
Lieutenant-Colonel Majewski inspecting the trenches after battle. Shortly after, he was shot and killed by an enemy sniper. (Repola/Rukajärvi)
***
11 October 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 20
http://i.imgur.com/P8jJTmTm.jpg (https://imgur.com/P8jJTmT)
Captured I-153s in Finnish use.
***
12 October 1942
500 Finnish children return from Denmark.
Soviet submarine Štš-311 is sunk in the Gulf of Finland.
Finnish daily losses: 19
***
13 October 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 25
http://i.imgur.com/SdqwUaRm.jpg (https://imgur.com/SdqwUaR)
Large explosion observed somewhere in the Leningrad siege area.
Schroeder
10-13-17, 04:34 PM
I find it funny that the war is still in full swing and people return already to their homes. I guess they too expected a quick German victory over the Soviet Union.:o
I find it funny that the war is still in full swing and people return already to their homes. I guess they too expected a quick German victory over the Soviet Union.:oThe war's been on a hiatus for about 9 months on the Finnish front, so allowing people to return to some areas doesn't strike all that odd.
As for confidence in German victory in the east, Mannerheim by this time already had his doubts about its success.
14 October 1942
The Battle of Stalingrad reaches its peak.
Finnish daily losses: 21
http://i.imgur.com/IxPN91sm.jpg (https://imgur.com/IxPN91s)
Marshal Mannerheim inspects new defensive positions in Vammelsuu.
***
15 October 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 15
http://i.imgur.com/6bx5UJym.jpg (https://imgur.com/6bx5UJy)
Convoy on Sea of Åland.
***
16 October 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 18
http://i.imgur.com/q5XL319m.jpg (https://imgur.com/q5XL319)
German medical staff visiting a hospital in Helsinki.
***
17 October 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 29
http://i.imgur.com/7v2yiQqm.jpg (https://imgur.com/7v2yiQq)
Russian propaganda poster, the caption reads: "While you lie in the trenches, the Germans chase after your wifes back home."
***
18 October 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 21
***
19 October 1942
Red Army begins its counter-attack at Stalingrad.
Finnish daily losses: 7
http://i.imgur.com/ybKbTGcm.jpg (https://imgur.com/ybKbTGc)
Gunboat 'Hämeenmaa'.
***
20 October 1942
There are 17,640 war orphans in Finland so far.
Finnish daily losses: 15
http://i.imgur.com/DmJE0Eem.jpg (https://imgur.com/DmJE0Ee)
German Siebel ferry on lake Ladoga.
21 October 1942
Finnish submarine "Vesihiisi" sinks Soviet submarine S-7 on the Sea of Åland. Four men are picked up from the sea including the submarine's commander Sergei Prokofjevitš Lisin.
21.10.1942
1926hrs - Submarine spotted bearing 195, heading 330. Speed about 12kts. Began attack on surface.
1941hrs - Tube #1 fired at a distance of about 3000 meters.
1942-1944hrs - Opened fire with our deck gun. Big explosion observed on the aft of the enemy submarine. Our shells had fallen short, so it must have been the torpedo. Submarine sank.
1946hrs - Oil slick spotted ahead of us, cries for help heard.
1947hrs - Began picking up survivors from the sea.
2010hrs - Picked up one officer and three crew. No further survivors observed.
2013hrs - Heading back to base.Finnish Air Force forms a radio intelligence company.
Finnish daily losses: 16
http://i.imgur.com/nK8Srphm.jpg (https://imgur.com/nK8Srph)
German Flak-tower under construction in Rovaniemi.
***
22 October 1942
Operation "House Elf" fails on Lake Ladoga.
The joint operation between Finnish, German and Italian forces aimed to capture the island of Suho on southern Ladoga. 61 men are lost in the operation.
German and Italian forces abandon their operations on Lake Ladoga, leaving four Italian MAS boats to Finnish use.
Finnish daily losses: 21
http://i.imgur.com/1DLp0B0m.jpg (https://imgur.com/1DLp0B0)
View from fire support position "Mascot". (Riihiö)
***
23 October 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 20
http://i.imgur.com/iDTdADAm.jpg (https://imgur.com/iDTdADA)
Camouflaged Gloster Gladiator. (Hirvas)
***
24 October 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 18
http://i.imgur.com/dX4IqQvm.jpg (https://imgur.com/dX4IqQv)
Foggy Nurmoila village.
***
25 October 1942
Russian ambassador Boris Jartsev hints to a Swedish reporter that the Soviet Union might be interested in a separate peace with Finland. The information is passed on to Finland's President and Foreign Minister.
Finnish daily losses: 33
http://i.imgur.com/iMyhIQWm.jpg (https://imgur.com/iMyhIQW)
Burial of two Finnish soldiers killed in the Winter War whose bodies have only recently been recovered. (Viipuri)
***
26 October 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 35
http://i.imgur.com/Lc7xI0Nm.jpg (https://imgur.com/Lc7xI0N)
Men from an unspecified unit pose infront of their dugout. (Lempaala)
***
27 October 1942
Finnish submarine "Iku-Turso" sinks Soviet submarine Štš-320 on the Sea of Åland. There are no survivors.
26.10.1942
1940hrs - Alarm! Enemy submarine spotted ~100 meters ahead of us, heading 320. It passed by within 30 meters. Opened fire on it with our 20mm Madsen cannon. After about 50 rounds we stopped firing since we lost the submarine, presumably it had dived. No hydrophone contact.
2030hrs - Hydrophone picked it up and we are following.
2351hrs - Enemy submarine broke surface. Ordered flank speed towards it.
2355hrs - Enemy submarine now completely surfaced, heading east.
2358hrs - Fired two bow tubes.
27.10.42
0000hrs - Opened fire with our Bofors gun. Five rounds.
0001hrs - Two torpedo hits observed, one amidship and the other aft. Enemy sank quickly. Continued towards the sinking site at flank speed.
0130hrs - "Vetehinen" arrived at the site as well.
0240hrs - Observed a large oil slick.
0315hrs - Began return trip to base.Finnish daily losses: 15
https://i.imgur.com/IZlN7G0.jpg
Submarines "Vesihiisi" and "Iku-Turso" photographed in Toppila on July 14th, 1934.
I recall there being some interest on the Finnish SS-volunteers (Steed?), here are some photos from the book "Suomalaisena SS-miehenä itärintamalla - Herkko Kosonen aseveljineen Wiking-divisioonassa."*
http://i.imgur.com/YQa7nNRm.jpg (https://imgur.com/YQa7nNR)
Stralsund, May 1941. Group of volunteers dressed in their uniforms. The uniforms were surplus ones, which explains the Totenkopf collar tabs; these were later changed to the SS runes. (training period)
http://i.imgur.com/ildeShHm.jpg (https://imgur.com/ildeShH)
SS-Schütze Herkko Kosonen. (Stralsund, May 1941)
http://i.imgur.com/nNIoPUCm.jpg (https://imgur.com/nNIoPUC)
Graves of Westland regiment's soldiers, including the first Finn to die: Aulis Gröndahl, in Husiatyn on July 7th, 1941.
http://i.imgur.com/7MZ0n2rm.jpg (https://imgur.com/7MZ0n2r)
From left: Penna Konttinen, Pentti Maunula, Kyösti Virtaniemi, Tauno Lammi and Sakari Pöyhönen on the grave of Osmo Kauppinen who fell on July 22nd 1941 in Lukjanowsk, Ukraine.
There is plenty more photos and diary entries in the book, if there is interest.
*Translated: "As a Finnish Waffen-SS volunteer on the eastern front - Herkko Kosonen and his comrades in the Wiking division."
Map of Battle for Suursaari added to post #322 (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=2475995&postcount=322), 28th of March.
sublynx
11-02-17, 12:19 PM
That Lt. Penttilä looks about 15 years older in the after the patrol picture. Reminds me of these before and after pictures of Scottish soldiers who fought in Afghanistan:
http://www.upworthy.com/mesmerizing-photographs-of-soldiers-faces-before-and-after-a-war
Yes, I noted the same. Perhaps it is just a different angle, or somenthing.
All the photos I post are from SA-kuva.fi and from the date I am writing about, other photos I mark with the date.
Nippelspanner
11-02-17, 04:29 PM
28 October 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 24
http://i.imgur.com/AB4mkWym.jpg (https://imgur.com/AB4mkWy)
AAA emplacement. (11.D/Svir front)
***
29 October 1942
Over 20 people are arrested in Tampere and charged with sabotage. At their peak, they would carry up to 11 bomb attacks simultaneously. The leader of the group, Pellervo Takatalo is sentenced to death, but the supreme court commutes her sentence to life in "kuritushuone"*.
*"Kuritushuone" was a way of punishing prisoners by restricting their contact with other inmates. Kind of like solidary confinement.
Finnish daily losses: 21
http://i.imgur.com/TLDgQNam.jpg (https://imgur.com/TLDgQNa)
Trench conditions in Termola.
***
30 October 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 25
http://i.imgur.com/pOXB1Bem.jpg (https://imgur.com/pOXB1Be)
Lieutenant Autio and 2nd Lieutenant Cadolin at base "Fingertip". (Rajajoki)
***
31 October 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 13
http://i.imgur.com/HKMlNVOm.jpg (https://imgur.com/HKMlNVO)
Italian MAS-boat being loaded onto a train. (Lahdenpohja)
***
1 November 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 16
***
2 November 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 13
http://i.imgur.com/l0cUtP6m.jpg (https://imgur.com/l0cUtP6)
A pioneer placing a pipemine. (Äänisjärvi)
***
3 November 1942
The German-Finnish Association is formed in Berlin.
Finnish daily losses: 16
Schroeder
11-02-17, 07:19 PM
Do you want to make Dowly unemployed?:O:
Damn Krauts, coming here and taking our jobs! :O:
EDIT:
Info about the LRRP and Sissi units:
http://i.imgur.com/3WeaAOql.jpg (https://imgur.com/3WeaAOq)
Finland's armoured forces:
http://i.imgur.com/Fp3Tblhl.jpg (https://imgur.com/Fp3Tblh)
4 November 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 27
***
5 November 1942
Submarine "Vetehinen" rams and sinks Soviet submarine Štš-305 on the Sea of Åland.
Finnish daily losses: 14
http://i.imgur.com/VeEq6DQm.jpg (https://imgur.com/VeEq6DQ)
Russian desant meets his end. (Rukajärvi)
***
6 November 1942
Finland turns over eight Jews to the Germans.
Finnish daily losses: 12
http://i.imgur.com/q6l5cUpm.jpg (https://imgur.com/q6l5cUp)
Russian soldier killed and cannibalized by his comrades. (Seesjärvi)
***
7 November 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 28
***
8 November 1942
A lone enemy plane hits Helsinki, dropping two bombs. The second bomb hits a tram track, propelling fragments in all directions killing 45 people and wounding over 120 who were leaving a nearby cinema.
The Chief Physician of Mikkeli's military hospital Sigurd Althan is shot at his villa where Mannerheim often visits. The man, dressed in Finnish uniform, attacks Althan and in the ensuing scuffle shoots him in the head. It is suspected that the man was a Soviet desant, aiming to kill Mannerheim.
The Finnish HQ orders that all officers are to carry a sidearm from now on.
Finnish daily losses: 26
http://i.imgur.com/jTWmIMem.jpg (https://imgur.com/jTWmIMe)
Bomb damage in Helsinki.
***
9 November 1942
On the Svir front at Shemensk, Russian planes begin to attack Finnish positions at 0130hrs followed by a battalion sized infantry assault at 0300hrs. By noon, the Finnish IR 61 has been forced to retreat from parts of their section. The positions are however recaptured later in the day by a Finnish counter-attack.
Finnish daily losses: 39
***
10 November 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 13
http://i.imgur.com/ZHwSiRcm.jpg (https://imgur.com/ZHwSiRc)
Finnish guns firing at night. (Svir front)
11 November 1942
Finns recapture 2/3 of base "Kako" on the Svir front which had fallen to the enemy earlier.
Much of the gains are lost again by evening.
Finnish daily losses: 65
http://i.imgur.com/XL08cfZm.jpg (https://imgur.com/XL08cfZ)
Finns storming base "Kako". (Svir front)
http://i.imgur.com/HUabgcum.jpg (https://imgur.com/HUabgcu)
Wounded soldier watching the attack play out.
***
12 November 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 30
http://i.imgur.com/CkeiC7mm.jpg (https://imgur.com/CkeiC7m)
Lieutenant-Colonel Marttinen of IR 61 leading the battle. (Svir front)
***
13 November 1942
Attacks from base "Kako" by the enemy are repelled on the Svir front.
Finnish daily losses: 20
***
14 November 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 25
***
15 November 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 20
***
16 November 1942
Finnish HQ orders the founding of Kindred Battalion 3 (Heimopataljoona 3) from Finnic POWs.
Finnish daily losses: 13
http://i.imgur.com/8l6haVvm.jpg (https://imgur.com/8l6haVv)
A young replacement. (Svir front)
***
17 November 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 22
http://i.imgur.com/ItbBmnqm.jpg (https://imgur.com/ItbBmnq)
Staff Sergeants Mörö and Suoranta, both Mannerheim Cross Knights.
EDIT: Both men got their Crosses for their service in a LRRP unit.
Quick overview of Finnish Air Forces:
http://i.imgur.com/hDbMxfVl.jpg (https://imgur.com/hDbMxfV)
18 November 1942
Finnish motor torpedo boats hit Lavansaari and sink gunboat Krasnoye Znamya.
Finnish daily losses: 10
http://i.imgur.com/3TtW3YJm.jpg (https://imgur.com/3TtW3YJ)
MG position in IR 22's sector on Svir front.
***
19 November 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 15
http://i.imgur.com/VbtF82ym.jpg (https://imgur.com/VbtF82y)
View towards enemy positions across lake Kapujärvi. (Lempaala)
***
20 November 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 12
***
21 November 1942
According to an overview by the Finnish HQ, the morale of the frontline soldiers remains relatively high, especially new recruits are in high spirits and eager to get to the front.
Finnish daily losses: 17
***
22 November 1942
The German Sixth Army becomes encircled in Stalingrad.
Finnish daily losses: 16
http://i.imgur.com/5rYBfH8m.jpg (https://imgur.com/5rYBfH8)
Runway lights being lit. (Onttola, Joensuu)
***
23 November 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 18
http://i.imgur.com/QL172z4m.jpg (https://imgur.com/QL172z4)
AA guns firing in the night. (Helsinki)
***
24 November 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 16
http://i.imgur.com/sFVO8jnm.jpg (https://imgur.com/sFVO8jn)
Bombing damage in Helsinki.
I may suffer from self-inflicted headache and general tiredness tomorrow (:()1:), so I'll post this a day early.
***
25 November 1942
On the Karelian Isthmus at Leimasaari, approximately 50-man size enemy force that tried to get to Finnish positions under cover of a blizzard is pushed back.
Finnish daily losses: 17
http://i.imgur.com/VvHV3tYm.jpg (https://imgur.com/VvHV3tY)
FAF Bleinheim's over Joensuu.
***
26 November 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 22
http://i.imgur.com/aZsFpilm.jpg (https://imgur.com/aZsFpil)
Winter has arrived to Rukajärvi.
***
27 November 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 17
http://i.imgur.com/ZX8Ocp6m.jpg (https://imgur.com/ZX8Ocp6)
Replacements marching to the front. (Kriv)
***
28 November 1942
A total of 21 enemy patrols and four attacks have been repelled during the day on the Karelian Isthmus.
Finnish daily losses: 11
***
29 November 1942
On the Maaselkä Isthmus, the enemy attacked with two companies in the Leppäjoki area and reached the Finnish trenches. After an hour of fighting the Finns had recaptured their positions.
Finnish daily losses: 21
***
30 November 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 10
http://i.imgur.com/Oa30VTqm.jpg (https://imgur.com/Oa30VTq)
Twelve-year-old Corporal Nestori Lindström who has earned his stripes as a messenger during the ongoing war. (Uhtua area)
***
1 December 1942
After talking with the Germans, Finland declines the 25 October (#392 (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=2520457&postcount=392)) offer of opening peace negotiations with the Soviet Union.
Finnish daily losses: 18
Schroeder
11-30-17, 06:51 PM
You recruited 12 year olds?:doh:
When the Nazis did that here it was a last ditch effort.:hmmm:
You recruited 12 year olds?:doh:
When the Nazis did that here it was a last ditch effort.:hmmm:Under age boys could serve in the Civil Guard's organization for boys. Mostly they would do various duties on the homefront, but some served on the front in non-combat duties such as messengers. The boy in the photo is probably serving at a divisionor army corps HQ, it would be rare to have so young serving nearer to the front. (Officially boys under the age of 17 were forbidden to serve in field units, but that order wasnt often followed)
2 December 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 15
http://i.imgur.com/IJw6jfEm.jpg (https://imgur.com/IJw6jfE)
Motor torpedo boat on the Gulf of Finland.
***
3 December 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 11
http://i.imgur.com/bhGNiklm.jpg (https://imgur.com/bhGNikl)
81mm mortar firing. (Svir, IR 50)
***
4 December 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 20
***
5 December 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 12
***
6 December 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 8
http://i.imgur.com/E9Ml9WDm.jpg (https://imgur.com/E9Ml9WD)
Independence Day parade in Käkisalmi.
***
7 December 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 7
http://i.imgur.com/YTzfXIKm.jpg (https://imgur.com/YTzfXIK)
Typical frontline terrain of the Svir front.
***
8 December 1942
Finnish daily losses: 11
http://i.imgur.com/bbXn9xqm.jpg (https://imgur.com/bbXn9xq)
2nd Lieutenant Hollming has just returned from a 15-day patrol. (Rukajärvi)
9 December 1942
According to Finnish intelligence there are in total 23 Russian divisions, 14-20 brigades and a number of smaller units on the Finnish front.
Finnish daily losses: 16
***
10 December 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 20
http://i.imgur.com/GRcAH0Ym.jpg (https://imgur.com/GRcAH0Y)
Dug-out of II/171.light-AA battery.
***
11 December 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 14
***
12 December 1942
On the Maaselkä isthmus, Finnish snipers have killed 81 enemies during the last ten days.
Finnish daily losses: 17
http://i.imgur.com/ehEWUsmm.jpg (https://imgur.com/ehEWUsm)
Trench turned into a mass grave on Munakukkula hill where Russian soldiers who died during a Finnish counter-attack in the Winter War are buried. The men call it the "Corpse Alley".
***
13 December 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 15
***
14 December 1942
The Supply office reports there are 41,632 Russian POWs in Finland. Nearly 15,000 POWs have died during 1942.
Research done by the Finnish National Archive titled "POW deaths and People Handed Over in Finland in 1939-55" can be read here:
https://www.arkisto.fi/uploads/Julkaisut/monografiat/POW%20deaths_web.pdf
Finnish daily losses: 15
***
15 December 1942
Aimo Rikka is sentenced to death for spreading anti-war propaganda. In 1943, President Ryti changes the sentence to time in prison.
Finnish daily losses: 15
http://i.imgur.com/iNAvKPOm.jpg (https://imgur.com/iNAvKPO)
Medical Lottas prepping a surgery. (Kivennapa, 23.Field Hospital)
Schroeder
12-15-17, 05:10 AM
9 December 1942
http://i.imgur.com/GRcAH0Ym.jpg (https://imgur.com/GRcAH0Y)
Dug-out of II/171.light-AA battery.
Looks pretty elaborate for a dug out. Almost like a permanent position. Must have been quite the effort to build it.:o
Looks pretty elaborate for a dug out. Almost like a permanent position. Must have been quite the effort to build it.:oFinns liked to build these elaborate dug-outs, especially at unit HQs. There even were competitions where the best looking dug-out would be awarded.
For example here's the one that won IR 30's competition:
http://i.imgur.com/pyg7Gs7m.jpg (https://imgur.com/pyg7Gs7)
(IR 30, Svir front)
Head over to http://sa-kuva.fi/ and search for korsu, there are some very good looking ones. :yep:
Schroeder
12-15-17, 06:59 AM
I bet that one even had a Sauna.:haha:
I bet that one even had a Sauna.:haha:If not then one's surely nearby, sauna was one of the first things Finns would build when arriving to a new position.
Schroeder
12-15-17, 09:53 AM
If not then one's surely nearby, sauna was one of the first things Finns would build when arriving to a new position.
The first thing most likely being the liquor shelf.:haha:
The first thing most likely being the liquor shelf.:haha:
Hah, there's a line in "Talvisota"* when they receive Molotovs, and they notice they are made in Rajamäki booze distillery, one goes immediately: "Think we can drink that?". :)
*Link to the full movie with eng subs: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3qol47
(Seriously, good movie.)
16 December 1942
A single Dornier from 46. Squadron bombs Soviet airfield at Levashovo, but the bombs fail to detonate.
Finnish daily losses: 15
http://i.imgur.com/ZqMQ48qm.jpg (https://imgur.com/ZqMQ48q)
Finnish LRRP observing a village on the enemy side in the Rukajärvi area. The man in front, 2nd Lieutenant Lindholm died during a skirmish in the village.
***
17 December 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 9
http://i.imgur.com/fghKKfem.jpg (https://imgur.com/fghKKfe)
A lone sentry. (Rukajärvi area)
***
18 December 1942
The USA sees that the continuing diplomatic relations between the two nations has kept Finland from attacking further East.
Finnish daily losses: 11
http://i.imgur.com/yddktyum.jpg (https://imgur.com/yddktyu)
Fetching a Christmas tree. (Ollila)
***
19 December 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 18
***
20 December 1942
Maaselkä Group is given orders to form Independent Battalion 23; a sort of volunteer penal battalion.
Finnish daily losses: 18
***
21 December 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 8
***
22 December 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 23
23 December 1942
The so called "Gangster Communists" Veikko Pöysti is killed in a firefight with the police in Tikkurila.
Finnish daily losses: 16
http://i.imgur.com/2mOUaFYm.jpg (https://imgur.com/2mOUaFY)
Troops at Valkjärvi waiting to get their papers in order for a Christmas leave.
***
24 December 1942
Nearly 20,000 Finnish children celebrate Christmas in Sweden, away from home.
Finnish daily losses: 25
http://i.imgur.com/Wux4m4Cm.jpg (https://imgur.com/Wux4m4C)
Christmas Sauna warming up. (Olonets front)
***
25 December 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 25
http://i.imgur.com/o1ZL3wWm.jpg (https://imgur.com/o1ZL3wW)
During enemy attack. (Valkeasaari)
***
26 December 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 25
***
27 December 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 9
http://i.imgur.com/JhrXnLam.jpg (https://imgur.com/JhrXnLa)
Helmi Oikarainen and soldiers from Kuusamo's Brothers-in-Arms association who built her a house after her husband was killed in the war.
***
28 December 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 26
***
29 December 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 16
***
30 December 1942
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 9
***
31 December 1942
Soviet 33. Ski Brigade attacks against Finnish positions at lake Seesjärvi on Maaselkä isthmus.
Maaselkä Group War Diary:
"On the Northwest side of lake Seesjärvi a 200-man strong enemy detachment tried to get through our lines. The enemy was pushed back after a half hour fight."
By the end of the year, 239 529 people have returned to their homes in the recaptured areas.
Finnish daily losses: 18
***
Finnish losses in 1942: 9 693
Finnish losses since the start of the war: 36 507
Schroeder
12-29-17, 06:03 AM
23 December 1942
http://i.imgur.com/JhrXnLam.jpg (https://imgur.com/JhrXnLa)
Helmi Oikarainen and soldiers from Kuusamo's Brothers-in-Arms association who built her a house after her husband was killed in the war.
Is the Kuusamo's Brothers-in-Arms association consisting of active soldiers? How would they have time to build houses in a war?
Is the Kuusamo's Brothers-in-Arms association consisting of active soldiers? How would they have time to build houses in a war?I have no idea. Could range from troops on home leave to reservists not called to the front.
Thanks for this years posts Dowly. :up:
Looking forward to 1943 posts. :yeah:
Thanks for this years posts Dowly. :up:
Looking forward to 1943 posts. :yeah:
Thanks, STEED.
I've added the two remaining days for 1942 to my above post.
1 January 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 12
http://i.imgur.com/Je11FoDm.jpg (https://imgur.com/Je11FoD)
Soldiers take their oath. (Viipuri)
***
2 January 1943
Approximately 2 000 Finnish children remain in Denmark. The country has promised to take in another 1 000 under school age children.
Finnish daily losses: 12
http://i.imgur.com/UVS3qmQm.jpg (https://imgur.com/UVS3qmQ)
Machine gun position in Ohta.
***
3 January 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 14
http://i.imgur.com/ermX1X5m.jpg (https://imgur.com/ermX1X5)
Prisoners from POW camp #6. (Viipuri)
***
4 January 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 12
***
5 January 1943
On the Karelian Isthmus, in Lempaala area a total of ten enemy patrols were driven off during the night as they tried to get through Finnish positions.
Finnish daily losses: 25
http://i.imgur.com/5iSs4Lbm.jpg (https://imgur.com/5iSs4Lb)
Canteen worker shows her new birch bark shoes made by someone from the 8.Bridge Company.
6 January 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 18
***
7 January 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 14
***
8 January 1943
Enemy planes strike Nurmoila airfield using rockets for the first time.
Finnish daily losses: 11
***
9 January 1943
Major-General Winell, Commander of the 8.Division and a Knight of the Mannerheim Cross, dies of a heart attack while attending to his son's burial in Helsinki.
Finnish daily losses: 12
http://i.imgur.com/dYzSimnm.jpg (https://imgur.com/dYzSimn)
Wood carving by Medical Officer Jaakko Ketola. (Karhumäki, Field Hospital 33)
***
10 January 1943
Soviet offensive against the encircled German Sixth Army at Stalingrad begins.
Finnish daily losses: 10
http://i.imgur.com/1pmLlWAm.jpg (https://imgur.com/1pmLlWA)
View inside a dug-out on IR44's sector. (Lotinapelto, Svir)
***
11 January 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 17
***
12 January 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 9
Schroeder
01-12-18, 04:49 AM
9 January 1943
Major-General Winell, Commander of the 8.Division and a Knight of the Mannerheim Cross, dies of a heart attack while attending to his son's burial in Helsinki.
That's tragic.:-?
That's tragic.:-?
Very.
His son, Lieutenant Berndt Torolf Winell, was killed in the Uhtua area on 22/12/1941. He served in the 8./Field gun regiment 16.
13 January 1943
A sixty-man enemy group reaches Finnish trenches under heavy artillery and mortar fire in the Poventsa area. The enemy is thrown back after an hour of fighting leaving behind 44 bodies.
Finnish daily losses: 12
***
14 January 1943
All Finnish submarines are at Suomenlinna's drydock for the remainder of the winter.
Finnish daily losses: 15
http://i.imgur.com/chLpOdXm.jpg (https://imgur.com/chLpOdX)
German merchant ship 'Gotenland'.
***
15 January 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 17
http://i.imgur.com/nIM3Xu8m.jpg (https://imgur.com/nIM3Xu8)
Captain Veikko Karu, Knight of the Mannerheim Cross #98.
(Awarded for successfully leading a fighter squadron, especially against enemy naval vessels)
In 1963, Veikko Karu was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the murder of his wife Kirsti Karu. It wasn't until after his death in 1991 that it was revealed he had taken the fall for his son who had accidentally killed Kirsti after a fight.
***
16 January 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 14
http://i.imgur.com/CUbPiaCm.jpg (https://imgur.com/CUbPiaC)
No man's land at night. (IR 25, Svir front)
***
17 January 1943
Soviet partisans attack three Finnish bases on the Svir front. Two of these attacks are successfully stopped, but at Lindoma the partisans overcome the sentries and destroy the base.
Finnish daily losses: 19
***
18 January 1943
The Red Army breaks the siege of Leningrad.
Finnish daily losses: 22
***
19 January 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 20
sublynx
01-19-18, 10:28 AM
No man's land at night. (IR 25, Svir front)
The picture is really interesting on a personal level as my grandfather fought with the IR25 and had this picture in his photo album. I guess they sold the better pictures and my grandfather thought that pic was a nice one to have.
No man's land at night. (IR 25, Svir front)
The picture is really interesting on a personal level as my grandfather fought with the IR25 and had this picture in his photo album. I guess they sold the better pictures and my grandfather thought that pic was a nice one to have.That's cool! :salute:
Did he tell any stories from the war, or have you looked into finding stuff about him?
The photo was taken by Erkki Viitasalo according to SA-kuva.
sublynx
01-20-18, 02:36 PM
That's cool! :salute:
Did he tell any stories from the war, or have you looked into finding stuff about him?
The photo was taken by Erkki Viitasalo according to SA-kuva.
He did tell some and even wrote something up when 84 years old. I translated one story for another forum. Here it is, a sauna war story:
Just before the sauna story begins, his platooon has been ordered to rest and refit during the last days of Tali-Ihantala battle in the summer of 1944. When my grandpa joined the platoon, back from the hospital, it was led by a private first class as all the higher ups had been killed or wounded, and my grandpa took the command as a corporal. The platoon had under 10 men left, but every man was equipped by a submachine gun, taken from a fallen comrade or enemy - the submachine gun part background needs to be told to understand the actual sauna story. Here's the story:
"The sun was already shining high, when I woke up. A messenger ordered me to come see the company chief. The chief ordered me to send to men to heat a sauna. He showed me the place on the map, nearly 4 kilometres away. There was a sauna of a farm in a brick cowshed that the battalion had assigned for our use. When the stokers of the sauna would have left, the company was to start marching to the sauna after three hours had passed.
I chose two men to heat the sauna. I showed the place on the map and to make sure they would find the place I even drew a road map for them. The company was just about ready to leave for the sauna, when the stokers came back and said that they can’t heat the sauna, because the men from heavy mortar were there bathing and had said that they were going to hold the place for themselves the whole day. I went to the chief to tell him about what had happened. He went out of his mind. He started bellowing at me: you have lousy men, when they can’t fulfil the battalion’s order, and you can’t get their act together. He shouted a lot more, before I interrupted him by saying that it isn’t so that my men are lousy. We are all armed with submachine guns and the sauna is emptied in a second or two, if the order is given, but that it’s pointless to start fighting against own troops, when there are empty saunas to heat everywhere close-by. The chief paused to think for a while and said: Well heat a sauna then, I don’t care where, just as long as the company bathes today.
I went to my men and said: “The whole platoon goes to heat a sauna now”. Just after waking up I had – as was my habit – taken a run around the encampment area to get a grip on the surroundings and I had noticed the river Kilpeenjoki took a bend towards our area, just 100 meters from us. The river was 10 meters wide at this area, over a meter deep and had a fine sand bottom. On the other side of the river there were two saunas. When I had seen a wooden causeway over the river, I had examined these saunas. They were really nice, with a living room. Maybe villas of residents from the city of Viipuri. I brought the men to these saunas and we heated up both of them. I said, that the other sauna would be reserved for the chief first, but when you get the other sauna warm, you can start bathing right then. When the saunas were heating, many of the men were already swimming in the river. When the sauna reserved for the chief was ready I told Valjakka: “Fetch the lieutenant to the sauna”. The man came, looked on for a second with eyes wide. Then said: “these are some very nice saunas you got here”. So then we bathed and swam in that sunny July afternoon, laid down by the beach grass like we were in Riviera, while the artillery fire rumbled on the front lines. Maybe we even forgot about the war for a short while. When the sunlight started to dim, we went back and occupied the same foxholes by the flood meadow stronghold, where we had left for the saunas.
Afterwards I have wondered if this sauna incident had an effect on the fact that if the chief had something to decide on that he wasn’t sure about, he often wanted to know my view on the problem. Anyway after the incident our co-operation worked perfectly after that, for as long as the company was held intact."
Schroeder
01-20-18, 06:14 PM
Interesting story.:salute:
Thanks for sharing the story, sublynx! :salute:
20 January 1943
Maaselkä: Finns man the Mentsinsaari island on lake Seesjärvi.
Finnish daily losses: 13
http://i.imgur.com/jassU7Lm.jpg (https://imgur.com/jassU7L)
Battalion commander Major Koskela's dugout. (Rukajärvi)
***
21 January 1943
Maaselkä: Finnish snipers have killed 52 enemy soldiers between 11.-20. January.
Finnish daily losses: 16
***
22 January 1943
Report on enemy air losses in 1942:
- 357 planes shot down by fighters
- 101 planes shot down by anti-air
- 5 planes destroyed on the ground
- 18 planes captured
- 2 planes shot down by infantry weapons fire
- 1 plane shot down by the navy
Total: 484 planes
The Finnish Air Force has also sunk six enemy submarines and further ten submarines (Not clear if total or on top of six -D) in cooperation with the Finnish Navy.
Finnish daily losses: 19
http://i.imgur.com/eHjjKwmm.jpg (https://imgur.com/eHjjKwm)
75 K/97 "Marianne" field gun at fort "Järisevä" on the Taipale peninsula.
***
23 January 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 15
***
24 January 1943
Rukajärvi: 14. Division's patrol comes across a large enemy partisan group near Kiimasjärvi.
Finnish daily losses: 6
http://i.imgur.com/lT6SOgtm.jpg (https://imgur.com/lT6SOgt)
Captured Komsomolets T-20 tractor in Varkaus.
***
25 January 1943
Rukajärvi: 14.D reports the partisans have retreated north over lake Nuokkijärvi.
Finnish daily losses: 16
***
26 January 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 12
http://i.imgur.com/W40qc4wm.jpg (https://imgur.com/W40qc4w)
Two Russian deserters from a Soviet penal unit. (Uhtua)
***
A. Auvinen
Private Auvinen (tag# 20684) was born in 1923 in Viipuri. He was an apprentice machinist before being drafted to service in 1941. On the 22th of January a sniper's bullet hit him in the head in the Lempaala area killing him instantly. He was 20 years old. Not married.
27 January 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 14
***
28 January 1943
Maaselkä: Soviet 33. Ski Brigade attacks to Mentsinsaari island across lake Seesjärvi.
Generalfeldmarschall Keitel again asks Mannerheim through a letter to continue attacks towards the Murman railway.
Finnish daily losses: 22
http://i.imgur.com/HyF5jD0m.jpg (https://imgur.com/HyF5jD0)
Ski shooting competition on 8.division's area. (Olonets)
***
29 January 1943
US ambassador Standley and Molotov discuss in Moscow about the possibilities of getting Finland out of the war.
Maaselkä: "Enemy detachment's (strength approx. two platoons) attack against one of our bases on Mentsinsaari island has been repelled."
Finnish daily losses: 17
***
30 January 1943
Rukajärvi/14.D.: Attack by a battalion size enemy group against Finnish positions at 2130hrs last night was repelled everywhere, but at base "Mountain" where the enemy managed to get through Finnish obstacles and inside the base. By 0900hrs, the enemy at base "Mountain" was driven off causing them a loss of 106 men + 20 POWs.
Finnish daily losses: 24
http://i.imgur.com/EHgF5Tvm.jpg (https://imgur.com/EHgF5Tv)
Dug-out recaptured by the Finns during fighting in the Rukajärvi area.
***
31 January 1943
The German Sixth Army's southern pocket surrenders at Stalingrad.
Finnish daily losses: 11
http://i.imgur.com/UTtfuIRm.jpg (https://imgur.com/UTtfuIR)
View towards the enemy from base "Fingertip". (Siestarjoki)
***
1 February 1943
Maaselkä: Finnish snipers have shot 46 enemies between 21.-31. January.
Finnish daily losses: 21
***
2 February 1943
The remaining German forces surrender at Stalingrad.
Finnish daily losses: 17
***
A.M. Ekbom
Private Ekbom (tag# 996416) of I/IR 46, born in 1922 in Kemiö, was wounded by a shot to the head as he was on guard duty in the Lempaala area on February 2. He died in Field Hospital 40 on the same day at the age of 21. He was not married.
3 February 1943
Marshal Mannerheim calls a meeting to discuss Germany's war situation in his HQ in Mikkeli. It is unanimously agreed that Germany will lose the war and that Finland must find a way to get out of the war.
Finnish daily losses: 17
***
4 February 1943
AOK Norwegen: On the southern flank of Litsa front, our assault team attacked enemy positions destroying one MG nest, one dug-out and 15 enemies. Own losses 8 KIA, 10 WIA.
Finnish daily losses: 12
http://i.imgur.com/1feSUfEm.jpg (https://imgur.com/1feSUfE)
AT-gun at Lempaala.
***
5 February 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 11
http://i.imgur.com/c0pOv4bm.jpg (https://imgur.com/c0pOv4b)
After a heavy snowstorm its time to dig out the dug-out. (Lempaala)
***
6 February 1943
Maaselkä: Own 100-man patrol attacked Mäntysaari island in the Poventsa sector at 0050hrs. 20 of the 33 enemies on the island were killed and two were captured.
Finnish daily losses: 23
***
7 February 1943
AOK Norwegen: Our assault team managed to get inside an enemy base in the Litsa area and capture it.
Finnish daily losses: 17
***
8 February 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 21
http://i.imgur.com/U2CU5P5m.jpg (https://imgur.com/U2CU5P5)
Enemy bunker. (Rajajoki)
***
9 February 1943
Karelian Isthmus: In the Muratta road area, our 12-man patrol managed to sneak inside a forward post. After killing the sentries, the patrol proceeded to destroy three dug-outs and the men inside using satchel charges. Own losses 4 WIA.
Finnish daily losses: 29
http://i.imgur.com/NL2ZY9Lm.jpg (https://imgur.com/NL2ZY9L)
The aforementioned patrol photographed after their return. (Lempaala)
***
Heads up to whom it may concern: The National Archives have started to digitise the service records (Kantakortti) of those who died in the Winter and Continuation War.
So far 88 have been released and they can be found here (http://digi.narc.fi/digi/dosearch.ka?sartun=398195.KA).
More info here:
https://www.arkisto.fi/news/2092/61/Kutsu-talvi-ja-jatkosodassa-kaatuneiden-sotilaiden-kantakorttien-digitointiprojektin-julkistustilaisuuteen/d,ajankohtaista
***
P.S. Dufva
Private Dufva (tag# 264853) lost his life on a patrol behind enemy lines in the north side of lake Seesjärvi on the 9th of February at the age of 23. He served in the Jäger company of Infantry Regiment 5. Due to the circumstances his body could not be recovered and was left to the enemy side. Pvt. Dufva was born in Kuusankoski in 1920 and was married.
10 February 1943
Colonel Paasonen talks about the current war situation at the Finnish HQ in Mikkeli.
The presentation is seen as too pessimistic, and Col.Paasonen is ordered to give a more optimistic one two days later.
Northern Finland/Uhtua sector: "250-300 strong enemy detachment attacked against our base at lake Alajärvi last night. After our reserves arrived, the enemy withdrew. A group of 150-200 enemies has dug-in on the northern shore of lake Alajärvi. Enemy losses 30+, one deserter captured."
During the night, the enemy group was encircled and by early morning had withdrawn. Enemy losses estimated at 70+.
Finnish daily losses: 13
http://i.imgur.com/N1SAXEkm.jpg (https://imgur.com/N1SAXEk)
Soldiers making axe handles. (2.D.)
***
11 February 1943
Maaselkä: "Our snipers have killed 66 enemies between 1.-10. February.
14.D.: "Enemy unit operating behind our lines has been identified as the *32.Ski Brigade." (*33. -D)
Finnish daily losses: 10
http://i.imgur.com/6kTIvcim.jpg (https://imgur.com/6kTIvci)
View from the roof of Viipuri's women's hospital. What's left of eastern Viipuri is seen in the background.
***
12 February 1943
14.D.: "Attack by a 100-strong enemy detachment against one of our bases at lake Ontajärvi was repelled."
Finnish daily losses: 16
***
13 February 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 25
http://i.imgur.com/OSgM8ybm.jpg (https://imgur.com/OSgM8yb)
Major Puustinen's patrol returning. (Rukajärvi area)
***
14 February 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 8
***
15 February 1943
President Ryti is re-elected nearly unanimously.
AOK Norwegen: "Our reconnaissance unit got into a firefight with a 100-strong enemy unit in grid 36:62. Enemy losses 20 KIA, 1 POW."
Finnish daily losses: 16
http://i.imgur.com/OrZlKUlm.jpg (https://imgur.com/OrZlKUl)
Knight of the Mannerheim Cross #110, Staff Sergeant Einar Schadewitz. (This guy (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=2386514&postcount=122))
"On February 10th 1943 the Commander-in-Chief has appointed Staff Sergeant Einar Schadewitz as Knight of the 2nd class Mannerheim Cross.
Sergeant Schadewitz proved to be a completely fearless fighter in the Winter War. This is evidenced by the many reports of his actions against enemy tanks. The same brutal and fearless activity he has continued during this war, for example:
(1) In Oravakytö terrain, Sergeant Schadewitz was with his group in ambush when an enemy marching column came to the road of the Vuosalmi-Oravakytö crossroads. His unit unexpectedly opened fire, killing the 8 officers who rode at the front of the column causing confusion and preventing the enemy formation from linking up with the main force near the crossroads.
(2) Once when the enemy attacked with a great force on the Finnish flank, Schadewitz himself eliminated two enemy machine gun teams in close combat contributing decisively to the outcome of the battle, where the enemy suffered significant losses.
(3) In the Riihiö area, during capturing of an enemy base Sergeant Schadewitz himself destroyed an enemy strongpoint with a satchel charge that had greatly hindered the Finnish attack. During the same attack he efficiently and effectively lead the storming of the trenches using his submachine gun which lead to the complete annihilation of the enemy with no own losses.
(4) At the same location during a later violent reconnaissance mission he again volunteered to lead the assault team. Much like earlier, his skill and example lead to near complete destruction of the enemy forces in the base with no own losses.
Sergeant Schadewitz has always been willing to volunteer to take on the toughest and most dangerous missions and perform them with cold-blooded bravery and decisiveness."
***
16 February 1943
Martti Koivistoinen, sentenced to death for treason and high treason, is executed.
He was part of the outlawed SKP (Communist Party of Finland (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communist_Party_of_Finland)) and had encouraged people to refuse military service and helped and organized armed groups of deserters to potentially rise up against the Finnish government.
Finnish daily losses: 16
http://i.imgur.com/A6PxIkdm.jpg (https://imgur.com/A6PxIkd)
Patrol stopping for a smoking break 200m from enemy lines. (Ostanjoki area)
***
J.O. Antila
Private Antila (tag# 400382), born in Virrat in 1922. He was stationed at POW camp 17 in Aunus (the city, not the isthmus). On February 10th, Pvt. Anttila was wounded in the head during an air raid and died to his wounds on the same day in Field Hospital 14 at the age of 21. He was not married.
Schroeder
02-16-18, 06:59 AM
10 February 1943
Colonel Paasonen talks about the current war situation at the Finnish HQ in Mikkeli.
The presentation is seen as too pessimistic, and Col.Paasonen is ordered to give a more optimistic one two days later.
This is so dumb it hurts.:/\\!!
"Hey, what's your opinion on the situation", "Well, this and that and that and this.", "Hell no, I don't like that opinion, give me a different one that I'll like more....". WTH?:doh:
This is so dumb it hurts.:/\\!!
"Hey, what's your opinion on the situation", "Well, this and that and that and this.", "Hell no, I don't like that opinion, give me a different one that I'll like more....". WTH?:doh:Yeah, that surprised me greatly. I mean, the commanding figures in Finland are aware of the situation, they have no illusions about the direction the war is going in, so what's the point? :doh:
One explanation could be to appease the Germans. :hmmm:
***
I don't think I've posted this anywhere, but it is worth checking out:
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=59&t=175436
Starting from page 2, member called "Lotvonen" has translated dozens of veterans' stories in english. :up:
Just re-posting my book comments to above. Seems as early as summer 1942 some German Generals could see what was on the horizon.
Dowly, with the German defeat at Stalinggrad and almost collapse of their Southern Front which was saved my Manstein, when did Finland start opening talks with Russia?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
With Paulus at Stalingrad
Colonel Wilhelm Adam, senior ADC to General Paulus, commander of the German 6th Army at Stalingrad, wrote a compelling and controversial memoir describing the German defeat, his time as a prisoner of war with Paulus, and his conversion to communism. Now, for the first time, his German text has been translated into English.
Another interesting point of view, German Generals were fearing the war was heading for defeat after their victory outside Kharkov 1942. The price was too high and this was all before Case Blue.
Dowly, with the German defeat at Stalinggrad and almost collapse of their Southern Front which was saved my Manstein, when did Finland start opening talks with Russia?Peace feelers began almost immediately by the US in late February, but these lead to nowhere as Molotov was not willing to tell SU's minimum demands to Finland.
I'll write about it in more detail once we get there.
Peace feelers began almost immediately by the US in late February, but these lead to nowhere as Molotov was not willing to tell SU's minimum demands to Finland.
I'll write about it in more detail once we get there.
Looking forward to that. :up:
17 February 1943
Bombers from LeLv46 and 48 set out to bomb a Russian airfield in Eastern Karelia. The sortie is however called back due to worsening weather conditions, but the message doesn't go through. On their return leg a blizzard hits the formation, downing seven out of the nine planes. Five men are killed and three are wounded.
Finnish daily losses: 15
http://i.imgur.com/WtHLuX4m.jpg (https://imgur.com/WtHLuX4)
Soldier and his dog. (Hämeenlinna training center)
***
18 February 1943
Rukajärvi/14.D.: "Our patrol was ambushed by a strong enemy unit in blizzard at [coordinates]. We lost one man dead, one wounded and two are missing. Units sent to pursue the enemy."
Finnish daily losses: 12
http://i.imgur.com/mFg3becm.jpg (https://imgur.com/mFg3bec)
Cozy looking dug-out. (Lempaala)
***
19 February 1943
AOK Norwegen: "In the center sector we've encircled and destroyed a company size enemy unit. Enemy losses 54 KIA, 21 POW (including the company CO). Own losses 6 KIA, 32 WIA.
Finnish daily losses: 19
***
20 February 1943
Maaselkä: "Russians attacked our positions in the Mindasjärvi area early in the morning, partly managing to get past our obstacles. The enemy withdrew after an hour of fighting leaving behind 25 (counted) KIA."
Finnish daily losses: 23
http://i.imgur.com/kWVTsOQm.jpg (https://imgur.com/kWVTsOQ)
Men listening for news about the war. (Karelian Isthmus)
***
21 February 1943
In a meeting with US Chargé Robert McClintock, President Ryti says outright that while the war will be long, the outcome is clear: The Soviet Union will defeat Germany. Ryti states also that in his opinion the Baltic states are already doomed, and perhaps even Finland, to fall to the Bolsheviks. He concludes that if peace is not an option then Finland rather continues to fight to the end instead of suffering the same fate as the Baltic states.
Finnish daily losses: 19
http://i.imgur.com/1FC3ekSm.jpg (https://imgur.com/1FC3ekS)
Newlyweds Helga Partti and Lieutenant Kai Jansson of IR 2. (Svir front)
***
22 February 1943
Karelian Isthmus: "Our 15 man patrol attacked an enemy base on the north side of the Ohta road, killing at least 20 and taking one prisoner, further the patrol destroyed two dug-outs with satchel charges. Patrol suffered no losses."
Finnish daily losses: 15
http://i.imgur.com/OKKElzGm.jpg (https://imgur.com/OKKElzG)
Jägers from IR 11 have just returned back from a patrol. (Rukajärvi area)
***
23 February 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 13
24 February 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 12
http://i.imgur.com/balDjh0m.jpg (https://imgur.com/balDjh0)
Pilots of 3/LeLv 24 commanded by Captain Jorma Karhunen (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jorma_Karhunen). (Suulajärvi)
***
25 February 1943
AOK Norwegen*: "120-man strong enemy detachment has attacked against one of our bases on the north side of Salla."
Finnish daily losses: 11
*Actually these are the Finnish liason HQ's (Yhteysesikunta Roi) reports in the HQ war diary, but I just call it the AOK Norwegen since that's what they are reporting about.
***
26 February 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 15
***
27 February 1943
Aunus/Olonets: "Enemy base on the southern end of Konevsaari island was attacked by our patrol at 0100hrs. In storming the trenches they killed 21 enemy soldiers, took three prisoners and destroyed two living dug-outs and two machine gun positions."
Finnish daily losses: 20
***
28 February 1943
Rukajärvi/14.D.: "Heavy artillery and rocket (Katyusha) fire on our positions all day."
Finnish daily losses: 18
http://i.imgur.com/SqU9U74m.jpg (https://imgur.com/SqU9U74)
Snipers Pfc. Ervasti and Pfc. Vähäkuopus. (Uhtua area)
***
1 March 1943
President Ryti's second term begins.
Karelian Isthmus: "In the Tappari road direction, our patrol led by Lieutenant Kantola (IR 16) managed to get inside the living area of an enemy base where they killed a Senior Lieutenant and four other Red Army soldiers. Patrol returned with no losses."
Finnish daily losses: 10
http://i.imgur.com/ETqWszbm.jpg (https://imgur.com/ETqWszb)
Marshal Mannerheim awarding soldiers with the Mannerheim Cross. (Mikkeli, HQ)
***
2 March 1943
Maaselkä: "One of our artillery fire control positions were attacked during the night about a kilometre southwest from Poventsa by a 40-man enemy unit. The defenders managed to push the enemy back after a short firefight"
Finnish daily losses: 12
***
Since the National Achives have started to digitise the service records of those who died in the wars, I decided to incorporate them to my write up to give some names behind the numbers.
(The digitizing is in its infancy with only 1,500 records so far)
V.I. Anttikoski.
He was a private (tag #395322) born in 1920 in (or living in) Evijärvi and he was a farmer.
He was called to service on the 23th of March 1940 and was ordered to PP2 (says nothing to me -D). 16 August '41 he was transferred to 1/URR (Uusimaa Dragoon Regiment).
He was sent at first to Field Hospital 26 on 16 August '42 and transferred on 29 August '42 to Field Hospital 55 where he died on 27 February '43 of pneumonia, aged 23. He was not married.
Schroeder
03-02-18, 04:29 AM
Keep it up.:salute:
Keep it up.:salute:Thanks Schroeder, I will. :up:
Posts #431 (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=2538466&postcount=431), #432 (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=2539611&postcount=432), #433 (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=2540669&postcount=433)and #434 (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=2541640&postcount=434) updated with info about someone who died during that period.
3 March 1943
The city of Joensuu is bombed twice during the night, two people are killed.
Finnish daily losses: 23
***
4 March 1943
The German liason officer Waldemar Erfurth again asks Marshal Mannerheim to continue attacks towards the Murmansk railroad. Mannerheim's reply is: "I'm done attacking. I've lost enough men already."
Karelian Isthmus: "Supported by artillery and mortars, one of our combat patrols breached inside an enemy base on the south side of the Ohta road. The patrol destroyed a large rock/log machine gun bunker and a living dug-out. After this the patrol continued to storm the trenches, causing estimated 35 KIA to the enemy. Own losses 3 KIA, 6 WIA."
Finnish daily losses: 23
http://i.imgur.com/2xiDQAWm.jpg (https://imgur.com/2xiDQAW)
Combat engineers storming an enemy bunker during training. (Aunus)
***
5 March 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 8
http://i.imgur.com/Yeo0G1hm.jpg (https://imgur.com/Yeo0G1h)
Laying ice mines. (Kuuttilahti)
Ice mines:
http://www.jaegerplatoon.net/landmines2.htm
***
6 March 1943
Maaselkä: Finns destroy six enemy dug-outs near Poventsa. (The HQ war diary makes no mention of this. -D
Finnish daily losses: 11
http://i.imgur.com/RcqnLGVm.jpg (https://imgur.com/RcqnLGV)
Young boy prepares for his school's skiing competition. (Aunus)
***
7 March 1943
Josef Stalin becomes the Marshal of the Soviet Union.
Finnish daily losses: 12
***
8 March 1943
Commander of the MTB "Syöksy", CWO Toimi Ovaskainen ("Wolf of Gulf of Finland") is awarded the Mannerheim Cross.
Finnish daily losses: 21
http://i.imgur.com/SwgugOUm.jpg (https://imgur.com/SwgugOU)
Pfc. Gummerus. (Svir/17.D.)
***
9 March 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 13
***
Missing 2 March added to last entry.
10 March 1943
Kotka is bombed. One civilian is killed and four wounded.
Finnish daily losses: 20
http://i.imgur.com/SJsRM2Dm.jpg (https://imgur.com/SJsRM2D)
Sentry at Rukajärvi.
***
11 March 1943
Aunus Group: "Our snipers have killed 43 enemies between 1.-10. March."
Maaselkä Group: "Our Snipers have killed 51 enemies between 1.-10. March."
Finnish daily losses: 13
***
12 March 1943
US ambassador William H. Standley meets with Molotov in Moscow to discuss the possibility of the US acting as intermediary in possible peace negotiations between the Soviet Union and Finland.
For the Acting Secretary. Our [Your] 126, March 9, 10 p.m. After referring to our conversation of [January] 29 I read to Molotov last evening a carefully prepared statement setting forth all the considerations contained in your telegram. Molotov at first stated that the answer to your proposal would depend on the attitude of the present Finnish Government and asked me how the American Government evaluated that attitude; specifically whether there were any indications that the Finns desired to withdraw from the war and initiate negotiations. I replied that we had not sounded out the present Finnish Government on the matter and therefore had no definite information; that as I had stated we were prepared to do so but we thought it would be helpful if we knew for our personal guidance whether if we obtained indications that the Finns desired peace the Soviet Government would accept the United States as an intermediary. I added that in my opinion there must be some basis for the belief that the Finns desired peace otherwise any [my?] Government would not have made the proposal to act as intermediary. Molotov then stated “he was, of course, interested in the proposal; however, to judge whether it would be advisable to adopt a positive decision in the matter it was necessary to ascertain whether there are any prospects of success”. He repeatedly expressed interest in our evaluation of the Finnish desire to withdraw from the war and I stated that I would seek your views on this question.
Molotov promised to inform his Government of your proposal and to communicate with me again.
Throughout the conversation he made no mention whatsoever in regard to the conditions of peace.Source: https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1943v03/d171
Finnish daily losses: 18
***
13 March 1943
Finland receives its first 16 Messerschmitt Bf 109 G2 fighters from Germany.
Detachment Marttina's 28-man LRRP unit is ambushed near Jelettijärvi while crossing lake Astamajärvi. Five men are killed.
The book "Sissisotaa Kaukopartiossa - Osasto Marttinan partiokertomukset 1943-1944" while containing a good number of patrol reports, makes no mention of this patrol. It is possible the records were lost as part of "Operation Stella Polaris (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Stella_Polaris)" -Dowly
Finnish daily losses: 13
http://i.imgur.com/KzzXSeym.jpg (https://imgur.com/KzzXSey)
The scarred terrain at Summa.
***
14 March 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 20
http://i.imgur.com/sWBBsdKm.jpg (https://imgur.com/sWBBsdK)
Assault team rushing through the gap in the obstacles. (training)
***
15 March 1943
Karelian Istmus: "One of our patrols attacked an enemy forward base in the Lempaala area. Three living dug-outs were destroyed along with estimated 15 enemies. Own losses 1 officer + 7 NCOs."
Finnish daily losses: 16
***
16 March 1943
Detachment Puustinen's large LRRP unit (581 men) attacks the village of Jeljärvi and destroys approximately 30 buildings used as storages. Further, the unit cuts the Murmansk track in several spots. The unit loses 33 men as KIA/WIA/MIA.
14.D/Rukajärvi report in HQ's war diary:
Detachment Puustinen started its attack in Jeljärvi at 1015hrs. Own planes provided aerial cover starting from 1100hrs. Pilots report that the Jeljärvi RR station was on fire and a building near it had been exploded. Many dead horses around the area. In the village itself, eight buildings on fire, one blown up. On the south side of the village, six long storage buildings on fire, on the southeast side of the airfield three buildings on fire. Downed six enemy planes, four unconfirmed. Enemy reinforcements seen in the Onihmajärvi terrain. Detachment Puustinen withdrew from Jeljärvi at 1212hrs. Enemy seen pursuing them at 1300hrs. Estimated enemy losses 85 dead.
Finnish daily losses: 30
17 March 1943
LeLv 42's bombers strike Jeljärvi train station and the village of Semskaja.
Finnish daily losses: 24
***
18 March 1943
AOK Norwegen: "Enemy planes attacked the Alakurtti airfield this morning. Our fighters shot down seven or eight enemy planes."
Finnish daily losses: 23
***
19 March 1943
Aunus Group: IR 50 attacks and captures an enemy base in the Suur Kuzrajärvi area.
Artillery preparations began at 0729hrs, the attack followed a minute later. By 0900hrs the new front line had been established everywhere but on the western end where a single bunker was still putting up fierce resistance. Enemy counter-attacked at 1300hrs unsuccessfully. By evening the western end of the line had been captured and enemy positions still offering resistance had been encircled. Further two enemy counter-attacks repelled.
Finnish daily losses: 51
http://i.imgur.com/4lAQESEm.jpg (https://imgur.com/4lAQESE)
Marching towards the staging area.
http://i.imgur.com/NmlGN04m.jpg (https://imgur.com/NmlGN04)
Waiting for the attack the begin.
http://i.imgur.com/m2SCeufm.jpg (https://imgur.com/m2SCeuf)
The battle has began and first wounded men are being taken to the rear.
http://i.imgur.com/bojQL61m.jpg (https://imgur.com/bojQL61)
Exhausted.
http://i.imgur.com/RDHV46Tm.jpg (https://imgur.com/RDHV46T)
Destroyed Russian bunker.
http://i.imgur.com/iAscNhtm.jpg (https://imgur.com/iAscNht)
Fighting in the enemy positions.
http://i.imgur.com/GhhFVwRm.jpg (https://imgur.com/GhhFVwR)
Russian bunker hit with a flamethrower.
http://i.imgur.com/yAy6rJjm.jpg (https://imgur.com/yAy6rJj)
This Russian POW fell asleep as soon as he was brought to the command post.
http://i.imgur.com/oRHG5KCm.jpg (https://imgur.com/oRHG5KC)
Entrance to a heavily fortified bunker (6 layers of logs as roof).
http://i.imgur.com/X7JnnCOm.jpg (https://imgur.com/X7JnnCO)
Flamethrower softening Russian positions during the night.
***
20 March 1943
McClintock meets with Finland's Foreign Minister Ramsay to discuss the possible peace negotiations between Finland and the Soviet Union.
Ramsay said that there were numerous “practical difficulties” in the way of concluding a separate peace with Russia and he likened it to yacht racing where the question of time was an important factor—when to tack or when not to come about. I observed that there was a new weather mark and that it might be time to come about. The Foreign Minister said he did not think that economic aspect of leaving Germany was so important and I had impression he did not regard threat of possible German military reprisals as grave. He said, however, that principal difficulty was that Finns simply could not trust Russians and their experience of Winter War and interim between that conflict and present war had amply confirmed their distrust of Soviet intentions. He said that what his Government feared would be that following the conclusion of a peace even under American auspices they would find that every few months or so Soviet Government would make fresh demands for concessions on the part of Finland. He expressed doubt whether American Government could prevent Soviet Government from following such a policy and said rather than accept such a situation it was better to go on fighting.
Telegram in full: https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1943v03/d174
Helsinki is bombed by 30 enemy planes. First use of incendiary bombs against civilian targets in Finland.
Finnish daily losses: 38
http://i.imgur.com/j2rz47Xm.jpg (https://imgur.com/j2rz47X)
Detachment Puustinen's men returning across lake Ontajärvi.
***
21 March 1943
Aunus Group: Last enemy pockets in the Suur Kuzrajärvi area have been cleared. Total of 11 enemy counter-attacks have been repelled. Enemy casualties estimated at 500-600 dead or wounded.
Finnish daily losses: 17
http://i.imgur.com/xwgqK1gm.jpg (https://imgur.com/xwgqK1g)
Anti-air guns firing. (Helsinki)
***
22 March 1943
President Ryti invites Mannerheim and leading politicians to discuss the United States' offer regarding peace negotiations.
Finnish daily losses: 18
***
23 March 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 18
24 March
Molotov tells US Ambassador Standley exclusively of the Soviet Union's minimum requirements for starting peace talks with Finland:
"The Soviet Government must warn the Government of the United States that it does not find it
possible to take the initiative in the question under discussion. However, it desires to
communicate to it, exclusively for the information of the American Government, its point of view
in respect to the minimum terms that it would be prepared to accept in negotiations looking for a
separate peace. These terms are as follows:
(1) Immediate severance of Finland from Germany and removal of German troops from Finland.
(2) Restitution of the Soviet-Finnish treaty of 1940 with all the consequences arising therefrom.
(3) Demobilization of the Finnish Army and transformation thereof to peace time status.
(4) Recompensation for at least one half of damage caused to the Soviet Union by Finland in the present war.
Since Finland violated its treaty of peace with the Soviet Union the Soviet Government could
demand of Finland full recompensation for damages caused by Finland and complete disarmament of
Finland. However, the Soviet Government does not desire to take vengeange on Finland and for this
reason does not lay down these terms."
Source: https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1943v03/pg_255 (Pg. 255-256)
The next telegram after Standley's (pg.256) gives an assesment of Finland's view on such terms.
TL;DR: "The Finns would construe the terms outlined in the telegram under reference as deliberately designed to destroy their national existence and would undoubtedly prefer to perish in resistance rather than to accept them."
Finland's Foreign Minister Ramsay asks McClintock for further information about possible peace terms.
Colonel Oiva Willamo -- the liason officer to the German HQ in north Finland -- says during a dinner in the Finnish HQ in Mikkeli that he made a promise on 16 May 1942 that he will not touch any alcohol other than red wine before Leningrad falls. Mannerheim tells him of a similar situation where during WW1 a Russian officer promised to not shave his beard until Berlin was captured, ending his story with "Poor boy! His beard must've outgrown him by the end!"
The newly acquired Messerschmitt 109s of LeLv 34 score first kill, a Russian Pe-2 over the coast of Estonia.
I/Infantry Regiment 5 captures a large enemy base on the Maaselkä Isthmus. The enemy however manages to take it back by evening suffering heavy casualties.
Finnish daily losses: 45
***
25 March 1943
Aunus Group: "Enemy has shelled our positions on the width of the entire front."
Finnish daily losses: 22
http://i.imgur.com/AfaI4h2m.jpg (https://imgur.com/AfaI4h2)
AA fire. (Helsinki)
***
26 March 1943
Finland's Foreign Minister Ramsay meets with von Ribbentrop in Germany to discuss the peace talks between Finland and the Soviet Union. Ramsay is told that if Finland takes the offer, Germany will see it as betrayal, and that Finland should sign a treaty with Germany that neither side would sue for separate peace.
Finnish daily losses: 19
http://i.imgur.com/jC05pd6m.jpg (https://imgur.com/jC05pd6)
Running comms lines under the ice.
***
27 March 1943
AOK Norwegen: "Strong enemy attack countered on the southern flank. Enemy losses estimated at 50 KIA."
Finnish daily losses: 21
http://i.imgur.com/oXiiFO3m.jpg (https://imgur.com/oXiiFO3)
Peculiar looking snowmobile. (Limosaari)
***
28 March 1943
Joint Finnish-German operation to lay submarine nets across the Gulf of Finland begins.
Finnish daily losses: 18
http://i.imgur.com/ZnoegJhm.jpg (https://imgur.com/ZnoegJh)
Parade on the first anniversary of Suursaari's capture.
***
29 March 1943
AOK Norwegen: "On the northern flank, the line Fingerhut-Schwarzenberg-Kreuzeck-Biberkopf has been manned by a battalion size enemy unit this morning. Our attack to take the line is advancing towards Schwarzenberg."
Finnish daily losses: 13
http://i.imgur.com/qGdU0Vsm.jpg (https://imgur.com/qGdU0Vs)
Newly built canteen and its proud builders. (Rukajärvi area)
***
30 March 1943
AOK Norwegen: "Our attack towards Schwarzenberg has been aborted. The enemy lost 71 men (counted)."
Finnish daily losses: 24
***
I'll add the photos and other stuff later, once my self induced headache subsides. :dead:
EDIT: Added entries from HQ war diary.
EDIT2: Photos added.
31 March 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 19
***
1 April 1943
Karelian Isthmus: "In the Valkeasaari area, our combat patrol attacked an enemy forward base destroying eight prepared fighting positions, four living dug-outs and the ~40 enemies manning the base at the time. During the battle, approximately 400 mortar rounds were fired into the base by the enemy. Own losses: patrol leader 2nd Lieutenant Nalli went missing towards the end of the engagement, one NCO was KIA, and one officer and nine men were wounded."
Finnish daily losses: 14
***
2 April 1943
Karelian Isthmus: "Just after midnight our positions in the Koskitsa area were attacked by a company size enemy force. After hour and a half of fighting, the enemy withdrew."
Finnish daily losses: 15
http://i.imgur.com/COtI388m.jpg (https://imgur.com/COtI388)
Laying anti-submarine nets.
***
3 April 1943
The Finnish intelligence office notes in its memo to the HQ that the Soviet forces on the Finnish front has seen continuous weakening in both quantity and quality.
Finnish daily losses: 16
***
4 April 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 16
***
5 April 1943
AOK Norwegen: "On the southern flank, one of our patrols was ambushed by a strong enemy unit. Own losses 9 KIA, 3 WIA, 1 MIA."
Finnish daily losses: 17
***
6 April 1943
Karelian Isthmus: "Last night one of our patrols snuck into an enemy's forward base, shooting four enemies and destroying four living dug-outs."
Finnish daily losses: 12
7 April 1943
AOK Norwegen: "Enemy base was raided by one of our patrols in the Litsa area. Enemy losses 18 men, own losses 1 KIA, 16 WIA."
Finnish daily losses: 13
http://i.imgur.com/HS2xpzZm.jpg (https://imgur.com/HS2xpzZ)
Frontline terrain in Rukajärvi area.
***
8 April 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 21
http://i.imgur.com/NiQe5pNm.jpg (https://imgur.com/NiQe5pN)
2nd Lieutenant Onni Koivisto lies dead after being shot by a sniper while giving a tour of the front lines to war correspondents. (Rukajärvi)
***
9 April 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 9
http://i.imgur.com/VUKhtg9m.jpg (https://imgur.com/VUKhtg9)
AA-fire over Nurmoila.
***
10 April 1943
14.D/Rukajärvi: "Small enemy attack against our forward base in the Tsirkka - Kemijoki line. Enemy withdrew after a short firefight."
The peace feelers between Finland and the Soviet Union come to an end.
Finnish Foreign Minister Dr.Ramsay's memo to McClintock:
(1) The Finnish Government have carefully considered the memorandum of the Legation of the United States of America, dated March 20th.
(2) The Finnish Government have not been able to find any indication, nor have they received any information tending to prove that the initiation of the suggested conversations with the Government of the USSR would, in the prevailing circumstances, lead to lasting guarantees for the future of Finland for which Finland is fighting, with great sacrifices, since 1939. The Finnish people have, therefore, no other way than to continue their war of defense until the maintenance of the independence, freedom and democratic institutions of Finland is safeguarded and the menace to Finland has been removed. Consequently the Finnish Government is not in a position to enter into the suggested conversations.
(3) Appreciating the good will of the American Government towards Finland the Finnish Government wish to reassure the American Government that it is their sincere desire to maintain the friendly relations between Finland and the United States.Finnish daily losses: 16
http://i.imgur.com/KnJoVi7m.jpg (https://imgur.com/KnJoVi7)
"The boys have downed a 'fighter'". (Luttojoki)
***
11 April 1943
Maaselkä: "We've struck an enemy base in the Suurlahti - Liistelampi area. Our unit stormed the trenches and destroyed all dug-outs and fortified positions they found. Enemy lost approx. 30 men, own losses 1 KIA, 10 WIA."
Finnish daily losses: 7
http://i.imgur.com/pqzWYzDm.jpg (https://imgur.com/pqzWYzD)
Trench architecture in the Svir power plant area.
***
12 April 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 20
***
13 April 1943
AOK Norwegen: "In the Lutto area a large enemy unit attacked against one of our based that had already been abandoned two weeks prior. The enemy suffered losses crossing the minefield before withdrawing east."
Finnish daily losses: 13
***
For some reason, imgur is failing to upload all but one of the images I threw at it, so only one photo for now.
Added couple photos more to the last post.
Schroeder
04-16-18, 01:33 PM
Added couple photos more to the last post.
Appreciated.:salute:
14 April 1943
Karelian Isthmus: "Our patrol got into a firefight while trying to sneak into enemy positions west of the Tappari road. The patrol withdrew killing at least 10 enemies, own losses 3 WIA."
Finnish daily losses: 15
***
15 April 1943
Karelian Isthmus: "Between 0810hrs and 0930hrs the enemy shelled our positions with approx. 1300 shells near the Vaskisavotta road."
Finnish daily losses: 25
***
16 April 1943
Karelian Isthmus: "Our assault unit armed with flamethrowers and supported by mortars and artillery attacked an enemy base on the east side of Koskitsa. The base was completely destroyed including two manned living dug-outs and seven fortified positions. We counted 18 enemy KIA and one was taken prisoner. Counter-attack by a ½Platoon by the enemy was repelled, further enemy reserves were dispersed by our artillery causing them heavy losses. Own losses 1 WIA."
Finnish daily losses: 20
***
17 April 1943
Marshal Mannerheim travels to Switzerland to recuperate.
Finnish daily losses: 9
http://i.imgur.com/MYAwR2im.jpg (https://imgur.com/MYAwR2i)
Lieutenant Vuorialho addresses newly arrived replacements. (Uhtua area, 9/IR 11)
***
18 April 1943
Flight Regiment 3 shoots down 38 enemy planes between the 18th and 21st.
Largest of the fights takes place over the eastern Gulf of Finland on the 21st where 17 Finnish Brewsters attack 35 enemy planes, shooting down 19 of them with two own losses.
Finnish daily losses: 19
http://i.imgur.com/22RPXcDm.jpg (https://imgur.com/22RPXcD)
Finnish sniper stalking the enemy. Photo taken from artillery spotter's position. (Rajajoki)
***
19 April 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 4
***
20 April 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 20
****
Added stuff to 10 April entry on the previous page.
21 April 1943
Finland's Foreign Ministry asks Germany to send 10,000 Ingrians with their families to Finland from German held areas.
Finnish daily losses: 24
http://i.imgur.com/wDqfGRam.jpg (https://imgur.com/wDqfGRa)
Living dug-outs dug on the side of a sand hill at Valkeasaari.
***
22 April 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 15
***
23 April 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 20
***
24 April 1943
Karelian Isthmus: "At 0245hrs, our positions in Aleksandrovka came under rocket and artillery fire, after this a 30-man enemy unit attacked our positions supported by mortar fire. This attack was repelled. Heavy patrol activity on both sides."
Finnish daily losses: 21
http://i.imgur.com/k7Q9ETLm.jpg (https://imgur.com/k7Q9ETL)
Mechanic having a rest. (Utti)
***
25 April 1943
Karelian Isthmus: "In the Koskitsa area a small enemy patrol managed to slip into our positions taking one of the sentries prisoner before withdrawing."
Finnish daily losses: 14
***
26 April 1943
Maaselkä Group: "At Salmijärvenjoki, enemy patrol got into our positions in the cover of darkness and fog. Before retreating they attacked one of the foremost living dug-outs, throwing in grenades. Our losses 2 KIA, 2 WIA, 1 POW."
Finnish daily losses: 17
***
27 April 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 22
Schroeder
04-27-18, 03:23 AM
21 April 1943
Finland's Foreign Ministry asks Germany to send 10,000 Ingrians with their families to Finland from German held areas.
I wonder to what purpose.:hmmm:
I wonder to what purpose.:hmmm:
Germany was evacuating civilians from the Leningrad area and since Ingrians are Finnic people, Finland rather would have them in Finland than where ever Germany was going to move them.
EDIT: More info
Initially during the Winter War (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_War), the Soviet policy was mixed. On the one hand, Stalin's government largely destroyed Ingrian Finnish culture, but on the other hand, the maintenance of a Finnish-speaking population was desired as a way to legitimize the planned occupation of Finland. The failure of the puppet Terijoki government (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terijoki_government) led to the ultimate result that in 1941, Moscow officially decided that Ingrian Finns were unreliable, and in 1942 most of the Ingrian Finns remaining in Ingria were forcibly relocated to Siberia. During the Finnish and German occupation of the area, Ingrian Finns were evacuated to Finland. However, after the Continuation War (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continuation_War), most of these Ingrian Finns, who were still Soviet citizens, were forcibly returned to the Soviet Union, where they were dispersed into Central Russia. However, some Ingrian Finns were able to flee to Sweden, and nearly 4,000 were able to remain in Finland. Ingrian Finns were largely forgotten during the presidencies of Juho Kusti Paasikivi (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juho_Kusti_Paasikivi) and Urho Kekkonen (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urho_Kekkonen).[11] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ingrian_Finns#cite_note-11)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ingrian_Finns#Ingrians_in_the_Soviet_Union
Schroeder
04-27-18, 05:21 AM
Thanks.:salute:
Thanks.:salute:
No problemo. Guess I should've just mentioned initially, but I'm just kinda breezing through the non-war stuff unless it is important.
PS. Happy Veterans' Day Finland!
Only 14,000 veterans remain of the ~700,000 men and women who served in the Winter and Continuation wars.
PPS. If someone, like me, have had problems uploading stuff to Imgur, make sure you have verified your email with them, can be found in the settings. Guess they've got some anti-bot thingy going on these days.
28 April 1943
The Finnish Parliament passes law to reward Mannerheim Cross recipients with 50,000 finnish marks.
Finnish daily losses: 19
***
29 April 1943
Aunus Group: "On the west side of Pertlampi in the Shemenski sector our reconnaissance unit, supported by artillery and mortars, destroyed one machine gun bunker and one anti-tank bunker killing approx. 15 enemy soldiers."
Finnish daily losses: 22
***
30 April 1943
Despite German demands to sign a treaty that would prohibit either side from signing a separate peace, Finnish Foreign Minister Ramsay is only willing to state publicly that Finland will continue to fight.
Finnish daily losses: 9
http://i.imgur.com/vx7Udj0m.jpg (https://imgur.com/vx7Udj0)
106.Heavy AA Battery. (Kotka)
***
1 May 1943
Swedish Socialdemokraten releases news it got from London that Marshal Mannerheim has resigned and the new Commander-in-Chief is General Heinrichs. The news report is based on Mannerheim being in Switzerland.
Finnish daily losses: 13
http://i.imgur.com/azm1oMYm.jpg (https://imgur.com/azm1oMY)
Gunboat Turunmaa day before the attack.
***
2 May 1943
Gunboats Turunmaa and Karjala are attacked by enemy planes near Haapasaari. Turunmaa is damaged in the attack and is towed to Haapasaari. One sailor is killed and ten wounded.
Finnish daily losses: 14
http://i.imgur.com/iseCp57m.jpg (https://imgur.com/iseCp57)
Damaged gunboat Turunmaa.
***
3 May 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 30
***
4 May 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 24
5 May 1943
Two waves of enemy bombers hit Kotka in the evening. One person is killed and one wounded.
Finnish daily losses: 17
http://i.imgur.com/HtzmIDGm.jpg (https://imgur.com/HtzmIDG)
Jaeger patrol led by 2nd Lieutenant Yrjö Kiiski attacking towards enemy forward post. (Rukajärvi)
***
6 May 1943
Over 30 enemy planes hit Kotka again, causing only minor damage.
Finnish daily losses: 9
***
7 May 1943
Return of school age children from Denmark begins.
Finnish daily losses: 20
***
8 May 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 10
***
9 May 1943
Maaselkä: "Enemy opened rocket and artillery fire on our positions near Liistelampi at 0430hrs. After 20 minutes of firing, a 50 man enemy unit attacked against our lines under cover of a smoke screen. Company size enemy seen grouping in the rear was dispersed by our artillery. The attacking enemy was repelled, causing the enemy at least 30 KIA. Own losses 1 KIA, 2 WIA."
Finnish daily losses: 19
***
10 May 1943
Osasto Malinen which is responsible for flying LRRP units behind enemy lines begins operations at Hirviranta.
Finnish daily losses: 10
***
11 May 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 23
Schroeder
05-11-18, 05:20 AM
7 May 1943
Return of school age children from Denmark begins.
I don't get it. A couple of weeks earlier they came to the conclusion that Germany will lose the war which makes massive Soviet retaliation and perhaps even occupation of Finland very likely. I don't think there would have been a way for Finland to stem the tide of a full Russian onslaught alone once Germany was out of the game and peace negotiations didn't go anywhere so far. Then there are the frequent Soviet bombings of Finnish cities...
Yeah, great time to get the children back who were safely evacuated before.:doh:
I don't get it. A couple of weeks earlier they came to the conclusion that Germany will lose the war which makes massive Soviet retaliation and perhaps even occupation of Finland very likely. I don't think there would have been a way for Finland to stem the tide of a full Russian onslaught alone once Germany was out of the game and peace negotiations didn't go anywhere so far. Then there are the frequent Soviet bombings of Finnish cities...
Yeah, great time to get the children back who were safely evacuated before.:doh:
The situation has remained, despite German losses, the same for some time, and bombings can only reach the larger coastal cities (like Kotka), so it is all relatively safe in the inner and wester parts of the country.
Schroeder
05-11-18, 07:10 AM
The situation has remained, despite German losses, the same for some time, and bombings can only reach the larger coastal cities (like Kotka), so it is all relatively safe in the inner and wester parts of the country.
I know but by their own prediction it was just a matter of time before things would go really south which most likely would require the evacuation of those children again. And with a massive Soviet attack there is no telling whether there had been enough resources to fight and evacuate people at the same time. So bringing the children back from Denmark would just add to the burden if Russia had decided to conquer Finland.:hmmm:
Oh well, I guess these guys knew their stuff better than I do.:oops:
I know but by their own prediction it was just a matter of time before things would go really south which most likely would require the evacuation of those children again. And with a massive Soviet attack there is no telling whether there had been enough resources to fight and evacuate people at the same time. So bringing the children back from Denmark would just add to the burden if Russia had decided to conquer Finland.:hmmm:
Oh well, I guess these guys knew their stuff better than I do.:oops:
The Finns had the Salpa line behind them among with other lines to resist the Russian attacks. The Finns also had the (re-)captured regions as a bufferzone.
All in all, at this time, Finns were doing pretty well (civilians).
Rockstar
05-11-18, 10:32 AM
The Finns had the Salpa line behind them among with other lines to resist the Russian attacks. The Finns also had the (re-)captured regions as a bufferzone.
All in all, at this time, Finns were doing pretty well (civilians).
As you've meticulously shown in this thread war took a heavy toll on the population. Having all displaced persons especially the children return to Finland. Authorities were probably already thinking about population regrowth for the long term security of the country.
Thats my guess :)
12 May 1943
Fighting in North Africa ends.
Finnish daily losses: 17
http://i.imgur.com/ZvZAjqYm.jpg (https://imgur.com/ZvZAjqY)
Soldier cleaning his machine gun at base "Tirva 3". (Svir)
***
13 May 1943
Aunus Group: "Our patrol destroyed two living dug-outs and three prepared positions, one of which was made of concrete on the east side of Vaskusjärvi. Enemy losses 20 KIA."
Finnish daily losses: 19
***
14 May 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 16
***
15 May 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 15
***
16 May 1943
25 planes strike Kotka, but most of the bombs fall outside of the city.
Finnish daily losses: 20
***
17 May 1943
Karelian Isthmus: "Our ambush patrol met with a 2-3 platoon size enemy unit on the south side of Leimassaari. The five man point patrol was eliminated at close range after which our patrol attacked the main body of the enemy, killing at least 15 soldiers before withdrawing under mortar support with no own losses."
Finnish daily losses: 21
http://i.imgur.com/Zx7QO7ym.jpg (https://imgur.com/Zx7QO7y)
8.Division's mascot "Piltsu".
***
18 May 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 10
http://i.imgur.com/TACVqKpm.jpg (https://imgur.com/TACVqKp)
What's left of an shot down IL-2. (Tiiksjärvi)
Schroeder
05-18-18, 08:47 AM
17 May 1943
Karelian Isthmus: "Our ambush patrol met with a 2-3 platoon size enemy unit on the south side of Leimassaari. The five man point patrol was eliminated at close range after which our patrol attacked the main body of the enemy, killing at least 15 soldiers before withdrawing under mortar support with no own losses."
Interesting. They were on patrol but had mortars near by and were able to communicate with them? Did the patrols carry heavy radio equipment?:doh:
Interesting. They were on patrol but had mortars near by and were able to communicate with them? Did the patrols carry heavy radio equipment?:doh:The reports found in the HQ war diary are often shortened and might not give a very clear picture for these smaller engagements. Here's the original from Infantry Regiment 16's diary:
"At 0730hrs our ambush patrol (2+11) led by 2nd Lieutenant Kirkkala left to the front terrain of base "Mauri". At 1030hrs, a strong enemy detachment approached our patrol and its point patrol was quickly encircled. The 5 man patrol responded to surrender demands by opening fire and it was quickly eliminated. Contact was quickly made with the enemy's main body during which our patrol was forced to withdraw back to base "Mauri" at 1100hrs. Our mortars supported the retreat of the patrol by firing 77 grenades, and judging by the cries heard they inflicted some casualties. Confirmed enemy losses: 20"
Schroeder
05-18-18, 02:06 PM
Thanks.:salute:
Here's something about the patrol radios used by Finland:
http://ilmakilta.info/kyynel.php
Seems to be a bit soddy translation, but I'm too lazy to translate the couple of pages from a book I have on the LRRPs.
sublynx
05-19-18, 10:34 AM
By 1943 the Finnish government would have known about the massive bombings of German cities and would have expected an allied landing somewhere on the western front. Maybe they thought that Denmark is no more a safe zone for the children, and that at least having them back in Finland would have the Finns in position to try to safeguard them, instead of any authority in Denmark, an area that could have become a battlezone like France and the Low countries after the allied landings.
19 May 1943
A NCO defects from Soviet submarine Sts-303 on the Gulf of Finland.
Commander Travkin's Sts-303 had tried to breakthrough the anti-submarine nets, but had been spotted and has now been evading her pursuers for three days. Her batteries and oxygen was starting to be at criticial levels when NCO Galkin during his watch intentionally surfaced the boat and leaped to the sea. A nearby German vessels picks him up as Sts-303 submerges again.
Finnish daily losses: 19
http://i.imgur.com/ei7LVcXm.jpg (https://imgur.com/ei7LVcX)
Dutch-German actress Ilse Werner visiting Finland. (Helsinki)
***
20 May 1943
Karelian Istmus: "Heavy AT, mortar and smallarms fire towards our base "Sormenkärki" near the mouth of Rajajoki river."
Finnish daily losses: 16
http://i.imgur.com/yuiNjWbm.jpg (https://imgur.com/yuiNjWb)
Patrolman Pfc. Mäenpää on a prisoner capture mission. (Uhtua)
***
21 May 1943
Aunus Group: "Our snipers have killed 89 enemies between the 11th and 20th of May."
Finnish daily losses: 16
***
22 May 1943
Minelayer "Ruotsinsalmi" sinks a Soviet submarine (Sts-408) near Tallinn.
Finnish daily losses: 21
***
23 May 1943
Four Blenheims from LeLv 42 bomb the Murman railway. One plane is lost.
Aunus Group: "Our patrol cleared 200 meters of enemy trenches in the Svir power plant area. At least 15 enemies were killed."
Finnish daily losses: 22
***
24 May 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 17
***
25 May 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 18
Stumbled onto this thread the other day, and I love it. Keep up the good work. :Kaleun_Salute:
Stumbled onto this thread the other day, and I love it. Keep up the good work. :Kaleun_Salute:
Thanks! :salute:
26 May 1943
Maaselkä group: "At 0400hrs the enemy attacked the southern end of Hussinsaari island (https://www.google.com/maps/place/62°54'57.7N+34°53'58.5E/@62.9231949,34.9037449,12.06z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x0!8m2!3d62.916015!4d34.89958 8?hl=en) and began pushing the defenders northwards. 30 minutes later another enemy unit attacked the island from the east, forcing our troops to retreat. Fighting is ongoing."
Finnish daily losses: 20
http://i.imgur.com/5GzZZMNm.jpg (https://imgur.com/5GzZZMN)
Morane fighter taking off from Tiiksjärvi airbase.
***
27 May 1943
Navy: "Germans notified us yesterday of a possible enemy submarine sailing in the middle of Gulf of Finland. The suspected submarine was depth charged after which oil, air and a first aid kit were seen raising to the surface."
Finnish daily losses: 14
http://i.imgur.com/QDBikP0m.jpg (https://imgur.com/QDBikP0)
Air is seen escaping from a depth charged enemy submarine.
***
28 May 1943
Karelian Isthmus: "Our returning patrol (1+8) attacked a 70 man enemy unit near Ohta road. Atleast 10 enemies were killed, patrol returned without losses."
Finnish daily losses: 18
***
29 May 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 10
http://i.imgur.com/xA4jylUm.jpg (https://imgur.com/xA4jylU)
Soldiers' canteen in the Svir power plant area.
***
30 May 1943
Maaselkä group: "Our strike team struck an enemy base near Kommunarofjärvi. They destroyed 27 various emplacements and 5 living dug-outs, killing 41 enemies and taking one prisoner. Own losses 8 wounded."
Finnish daily losses: 23
***
31 May 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 27
***
1 June 1943
The Finnish SS-battalion arrive to Finland for a month's leave.
Finnish daily losses: 29
http://i.imgur.com/gmMYWCDm.jpg (https://imgur.com/gmMYWCD)
Finnish SS-volunteers arrive to Hanko on board the Warthe.
EDIT: Forgot to add that by request from the Simon Wiesenthal Center, the Finnish National Archives have launched an investigation to see if any Finnish SS-volunteers took part in the killings of Jews. The study is estimated to be finished in November this year.
Where are you getting those daily losses numbers? Even for the wars of the 20th century, those are hard to come by. Are they from a website, or a big book?
Where are you getting those daily losses numbers? Even for the wars of the 20th century, those are hard to come by. Are they from a website, or a big book?
Finns tracked their casualties closely and today the FInnish National Archives are digitizing a bunch of stuff related to the wars among them detailed losses for each day and service records of every soldier who died during the wars.
This is the database I am using (in Finnish/Swedish):
http://kronos.narc.fi/menehtyneet/
2 June 1943
Karelian Isthmus: "A well camouflaged enemy group managed to sneak past our obstacles and into the trenches near Räikkölä. Our troops pushed them back with a counter-attack."
Finnish daily losses: 15
http://i.imgur.com/8w0cLADm.jpg (https://imgur.com/8w0cLAD)
Russian wreck near Suursaari.
***
3 June 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 17
***
4 June 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 26
***
5 June 1943
Karelian Isthmus/2.Division: "At 0100hrs our patrol (1+2+12) left to the forest area south of Harvasuo. Immediately upon arrival they found themselves nearly surrounded by a strong enemy ambush patrol. Own patrol began a fighting retreat inflicting at least 10 casualties to the enemy. Own casualties brought back were two killed and three wounded. On the enemy side we had to leave one body and one possibly wounded soldier.
Added later: Another patrol sent to Harvasuo at 0600hrs to find the possibly wounded soldier. They came back with two bodies, making the total casualties four killed and three wounded.
Finnish daily losses: 22
http://i.imgur.com/WyCbtiIm.jpg (https://imgur.com/WyCbtiI)
Vesivehmaa airbase.
***
6 June 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 27
***
7 June 1943
Maaselkä Group: "1.Division attacked three enemy bases in their sector. First one was near Stalin's channel against the enemy base opposite to base "Aalto". Five living dug-outs with men inside were destroyed and two enemy soldiers taken prisoner. Own losses five dead, seven wounded.
Second attack took place at the same time as the first near Salmijärvenjoki river. This attack stalled before it could breach the second line of obstacles. Losses: 2 dead, three wounded.
The third attack was near Leppäjoki river. The entire enemy base was destroyed and four prisoners were taken. Own losses were seven wounded."
Finnish daily losses: 20
***
8 June 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 30
http://i.imgur.com/UePFvrdm.jpg (https://imgur.com/UePFvrd)
Summa
9 June 1943
Karelian Isthmus: "Our artillery struck enemy positions in the Lempaala area destroying a number of bunkers completely."
Maaselkä Group: "At 1130hrs our operation to burn the village of Maaselkä and any enemy positions in the area began. Incendiary rounds fired by our artillery and mortars set the southern part of the village and enemy positions to the southwest on fire. Our strike team began their attack against the enemy positions at 1230hrs, managing to clear 400 metres of trenches and to destroy eight wooden bunkers and two dug-outs. The strike team was then forced to retreat by a strong enemy counter-attack."
Finnish military intelligence estimates a 30% decrease in Russian forces on the Finnish front from last year.
Finnish daily losses: 17
***
10 June 1943
Maaselkä Group: "Yesterday's operation caused about 130 enemy casualties (KIA/WIA) and the destruction of 30 dug-outs, ~900m of trenches, 50 various bunkers, 30 houses, ~1000 mines and multiple various storage buildings."
Finnish daily losses: 17
http://i.imgur.com/3ghNN98m.jpg (https://imgur.com/3ghNN98)
Finnish SS-volunteer meets his mother after two years away from home.
***
11 June 1943
Mannerheim visits the Svir area.
Finnish daily losses: 19
***
12 June 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 22
http://i.imgur.com/MO9cL8Tm.jpg (https://imgur.com/MO9cL8T)
Marshal Mannerheim and Generals Mäkinen and Svensson. (Svir)
***
13 June 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 15
***
14 June 1943
Karelian Isthmus: "Enemy attack on Rivalinmäki from three directions repelled."
Finnish daily losses: 13
http://i.imgur.com/383eZEjm.jpg (https://imgur.com/383eZEj)
House built by the Field Artillery Foundation for General of Artillery Nenonen is being disassembled for move to Helsinki. (Karhumäki)
***
15 June 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 20
Schroeder
06-15-18, 06:28 AM
When Finns talk about casualties is that the same as the English meaning (as in wounded or dead) or does it only count people killed as it would be in German?:hmmm:
When Finns talk about casualties is that the same as the English meaning (as in wounded or dead) or does it only count people killed as it would be in German?:hmmm:
Casualties are usually separated as KIA/WIA, I just forgot to add that. :oops:
Schroeder
06-15-18, 04:44 PM
BTW what is the modern Finnish opinion on Finnish SS volunteers? Are they considered criminals, elite soldiers helping their country or a bit of both depending on individual deeds? (BTW I'm unaware of Finnish SS soldiers being involved in war crimes but my knowledge of that is limited if not nonexistent).
BTW what is the modern Finnish opinion on Finnish SS volunteers? Are they considered criminals, elite soldiers helping their country or a bit of both depending on individual deeds?There is no general view on them, but from personal experience they seem to be largely forgotten. Books about the war mention them in passing usually and documentaries tend to not even mention them. I don't personally have any problem with them nor think they did anything wrong by volunteering and fighting in the SS, after all it was the Wehrmacht that Finns wanted to send their men to, but of course that wasn't possible since you had to be German.
(BTW I'm unaware of Finnish SS soldiers being involved in war crimes but my knowledge of that is limited if not nonexistent).Yes, this is the long held view on it. As I mentioned earlier in the thread, study by the Finnish National Archives on the subject of SS-volunteers and war crimes should be out by the end of the year.
PS. Is it just me or is Subsim adding in extra blank lines after you post? Annoying.
Schroeder
06-16-18, 06:04 AM
PS. Is it just me or is Subsim adding in extra blank lines after you post? Annoying.
Haven't noticed that yet.:hmmm:
Haven't noticed that yet.:hmmm:
Gotcha, something on my end then. :yep:
16 June 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 14
http://i.imgur.com/HfZm5ukm.jpg (https://imgur.com/HfZm5uk)
War dog "Tuija" at Hämeenlinna training center.
***
17 June 1943
Karelian Isthmus: "Enemy attack in the Simola area stopped by mortar and small-arms fire."
Finnish daily losses: 18
http://i.imgur.com/dHNxtpxm.jpg (https://imgur.com/dHNxtpx)
Fortification works at Karhumäki.
***
18 June 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 20
http://i.imgur.com/xzU7xuDm.jpg (https://imgur.com/xzU7xuD)
Lieutenant Salminen tells visitors on top of a destroyed bunker about the battles at Summa during the Winter War.
***
19 June 1943
Uhtua/3.Division: "At 0400hrs the enemy attacked our positions near Iso Kiiskisjärvi managing to get into our trenches from where it was quickly pushed out. Meanwhile estimated 250 strong enemy unit approached from the north, but this enemy was also beaten back."
Finnish daily losses: 12
http://i.imgur.com/UaCdEMym.jpg (https://imgur.com/UaCdEMy)
76mm AA-gun at Suursaari.
***
20 June 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 9
http://i.imgur.com/s4vRujPm.jpg (https://imgur.com/s4vRujP)
Mother with three Crosses of Mourning on her chest, one for each son she's lost.
***
21 June 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 24
http://i.imgur.com/Bhawcl2m.jpg (https://imgur.com/Bhawcl2)
View of Suursaari from atop Haukkavuori.
***
22 June 1943
Maaselkä Group: "Three of our bases in the Krivjärvi - Kommunarofjärvi area were attacked this morning after a strong artillery preparation. Two of the attacks were halted before reaching our obstacles, the third attack pushed into our trenches and was killed to the last man there. So far, we've counted 142 enemy KIA. Own losses 30 men KIA/WIA."
Finnish daily losses: 24
Schroeder
06-22-18, 03:13 AM
16 June 1943
http://i.imgur.com/s4vRujPm.jpg (https://imgur.com/s4vRujP)
Mother with three Crosses of Mourning on her chest, one for each son she's lost.
That's brutal.:-?
That's brutal.:-?
Quite.:-?
Since I've got too much time, here's the report of 3.Division's combat on June 19th. I put it in chronological order, since it wasn't.
The Finnish unit was Infantry Regiment 11.
0400hrs
The enemy began heavy artillery and mortar shelling on the regiment's sector, concentrating most of the fire between base "Kaneli" and Iso Kiskisjärvi. Especially strong fire was also directed towards bases "Turisti", "Etu", "Kivi" and "Saarinen"
0410hrs
Reserves were formed from regiment's supply troops and [illegible] under Lieutenant Rauma(?), strength 4+29+129. The reserve was positioned at this moment near "Messuhalli".
Enemy planes appeared at the same time, flying east to west making strafing and bombing runs on our front and rear positions.
0415hrs
6/JR11 -- the division's reserve -- alarmed.
About a platoon of enemies advanced towards "Horsma" on III.battalion's sector under the cover of the morning mist and smoke boxes. The enemy got 30 metres from our positions before our small-arms fire forced them to take cover. Behind them advanced 200-250 more enemies towards "Horsma".
0420hrs
Enemy infantry (~2 comp.) began their attack towards "Turisti", advancing to our obstacles and sending a smaller group forwards that captured 50 metres of our trenches.
0425hrs
Commander of 6/JR11 Lieutenant Nylund reported in at the command post. 6/JR11 is to stay at their living area for now.
The local forces at "Turisti" had successfully thrown out the enemy that had gotten into our trenches. At the same time our fire mission struck the rest of the enemy forces in front of "Turisti" causing them heavy casualties and forcing them to retreat at about 0430hrs.
0430hrs
Received word that "Turisti" was captured by the enemy.
The sun and morning winds dissipated the mist and smoke which allowed for our infantry to see the advancing enemy near "Horsma", forcing them to retreat under fire behind the so called "Vilukukkula" hill.
0435hrs
Report from Lieutenant Patakaski that "Turisti" is still fully in friendly hands.
0520hrs
Runner reported that the fighting at "Turisti" has ended.
0630hrs
Fighting at "Horsma" has ended.
0645hrs
Our mortars fired behind "Vilukukkula" hill.
Losses:
I.Battalion - 1 KIA, 1 WIA
III.Battalion - 1 KIA, 6 WIA
Enemy losses: 30 KIA counted infront of "Horsma", lots of wounded judging by the cries and enemy medics seen.
Estimated enemy KIA/WIA: 150For the thousands of Finns who obviously read this thread, the original pages in more exact detail (but not in chronological order) can be read here:
Page 1: https://i.imgur.com/XN8DxTW.jpg
Page 2: https://i.imgur.com/Mr6gTlM.jpg
Or alternatively from the National Archives war diary archive:
http://digi.narc.fi/digi/slistaus.ka?ay=77836.KA (Pages 8-9)
23 June 1943
Grain shipments from Germany to Finland resume after a halt due to the cooling of relations between the two caused by Finland's peace feelers.
Finnish daily losses: 32
http://i.imgur.com/D4OamnCm.jpg (https://imgur.com/D4OamnC)
Volunteer worker and a little piggy. (Suomussalmi)
***
24 June 1943
Maaselkä Group: "In the Maaselkä station area, the enemy attacked our positions with a company size force after an artillery preparation. The attack was halted and pushed back by 0400hrs. Enemy losses 50 KIA, own losses 2 KIA 5 WIA.
Finnish daily losses: 24
http://i.imgur.com/Lb0UNecm.jpg (https://imgur.com/Lb0UNec)
Base "Särmä" on the Maaselkä isthmus.
***
25 June 1943
Karelian Isthmus: Attack against Finnish positions near Viisjoki repelled.
Finnish daily losses: 20
***
26 June 1943
Partisan activity is increasing in northern Finland. At the turn of June-July, the "Krasnyi partizan" group attacks the villages of Tuppura, Hyry, Malahvia and Viianki in the Suomussalmi region leaving over 30 civilians dead.
Rukajärvi/14.D: "At 8 o'clock, the enemy launched a very strong artillery and mortar fire in the direction of Kotkola road. After an hour of preparation, the enemy attacked our base on the north side of the road with 1-2 battalions and after a 40-minute-long battle the enemy had taken over the base. As our forces were preparing for a counter-strike they were hit by enemy artillery resulting in number of casualties. Losses: 21 KIA, 90 WIA, 2 MIA."
Finnish daily losses: 47
***
27 June 1943
Rukajärvi/14.D: "The base we lost yesterday has been recaptured after over 3 hours of fighting. We've counted 115 enemy dead so far, own losses 2 KIA 36 WIA."
Finnish daily losses: 16
http://i.imgur.com/Lrx7c1Em.jpg (https://imgur.com/Lrx7c1E)
20mm AA-gun at Vuoksenniska factory area.
***
28 June 1943
Rukajärvi/14.D: The enemy tries to capture base "Pallo" three times during the day, all attempts are pushed back.
Finnish daily losses: 21
***
29 June 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 19
http://i.imgur.com/GOI8yJum.jpg (https://imgur.com/GOI8yJu)
Marshal Mannerheim and Generals Heinrich, Hanell, Öhqvist, Sarlin, Lagus and Tuompo following a testing of various anti-tank obstacles. (Taavetti)
Here's a translated (yours truly) story from Kansa Taisteli Journal 12/1986.
Written by Paavo Heino, this *might* be him: https://www.sotapolku.fi/henkilot/heino_paavo-kullervo_1918-02-23_lohja/
He writes about a mission that took place in Summer of 1943, where he and few others decided to go and snatch a machine gun from the enemy side. Especially the original Finnish text makes it seem like this was partly done due to boredom.
Our fire direction center "Jousi 10" was at the shore of Jandeba river at Svir in 6./IR 13's sector. Our unit was battery 7 of field artillery regiment 8.
Artillery was forbidden from firing unless it was a large target or we were asked for interdiction fire. Even in case of the former, we had to get permission from someone higher up to fire. There wasn't much to do for an artillery spotter. We did our daily routine of walking the front lines, which were about 1km in width in our sector.
At times I climbed a thick spruce tree to observe the enemy side that was about 400 metres away.
One of these times nearly cost me my life.
Either I had climbed carelessly or the enemy sentry was more alert than usual. In any case, the result was an angry machine gun burst aimed at the tree I was in. Luckily it went over my head. I managed to spot where the fire was coming from as I was making my hasty retreat from the tree.
The next time I went up, I had my binoculars with me. I scanned the enemy side and soon saw a well camouflaged wooden bunker and a connecting trench behind it leading to a dug-out. Next to the bunker was a tall pine tree, which I thought made for a great landmark for the mission I had in mind.
I returned to our living dug-out and brought up my plan with the men. Soon I had more volunteers than I had planned, which didn't surprise me; we had made a number of patrols over to the enemy side and always came back without casualties.
The team I chose for the mission included yours truly, Laaksonen, Salonius, Arttila and Luostarinen, who was the only one without patrol experience. The rest I knew I could count on no matter what happened.
The plan was simple: Head off from base "Maski", advance straight to the objective and silence the sentry. Laaksonen and Arttila take the machine gun, Salonius tosses a satchel charge in the dug-out and I keep watch with my submachine gun. Luostarinen will stay 100 metres behind us. Once we're done, we leave immediately back to base.
I called the CO of the battery (Jokinen) for permission, who then called the regiment CO before giving me green light. Lastly, I informed our infantry of the mission.
We had planned to head off at 0130hrs, so we'd be sure everyone but the sentries were fast asleep on the neighbour's side.
Preparations were done during the evening; ever man got a submachine gun with 1 extra drum, some hand grenades and a satchel charge around which we strapped some more explosives to double its weight.
We had hoped for some wind to conceal any noises we made while moving, but we had no such luck that night. Snap of a single branch would be heard, so we had to move carefully. Before heading out I talked to the CO of the base and told him how long I expected the mission to take so our sentries would know to expect us.
The no man's land was dried swampland with lots of short spruce, pine and birch trees. The branches of taller trees that had been cut earlier that hampered our movement slightly. We started off slowly crouching through the swamp, then we dropped on all fours and finally crawled to get to a striking distance.
As we were 40 metres away from the bunker, I told everyone to get their grenades ready. I glanced over at each man for the last time and got a nod in return.
All four of us jumped up at the same time, the battle had begun.
Before we had gotten up to speed the Unknown Factor stepped in in the form of a trip line concealed in the foliage. I saw it in time to jump over it and continued forward throwing my grenades in the direction of the bunker. I looked back and to my horror realised I was alone; the rest of the men were entangled in the trip line.
The whole situation had changed completely in seconds. Our task was now not to snatch the machine gun, but to get back alive.
My men were still trying to get free of the trip line, while I was right at the bunker, some 30cm to the side of the barrel of the gun.
From inside the bunker I heard the sound of loading the gun and soon the machine gun began to sing.
Is this it?
No time for worry- do something!
What's the best way to silence the gun? With my submachine gun or a grenade?
The decision was made for me as the gun jammed. The two Russkies in the bunker must've been the fastest of the sector in that situation; one was trying to clear the jam, the other was readying a grenade.
Who'd be faster?
I primed my grenade against the butt of my submachine gun just as the machine gun began to sing again. I waited for before throwing the grenade so they'd have no time to throw it back.
I heard the grenade land on the floor of the bunker.
The Russkies didn't react in any way and kept firing, I suppose he didn't see it.
The grenade did its job and the machine gun fell silent.
Quick glance revealed my men to be still alive, I guess the Russkie's nerves had gone after the gun jammed to not hit any of them.
The situation was still on.
-"Watch out!"
Arttila screamed at me.
I turned around with my weapon ready to fire.
In the connecting trench, about 10 metres from me, was a Russkie trying to get a grenade out. I pulled the trigger just as he threw it and he never got to see the result of his throw. Too bad, it was a good throw, hit me square in the chest. He had thrown it too early, I had time to back away for a couple of metres before it blew.
I felt a sharp pain in my thigh.
Bullet snapped past my ear. Someone was shooting. From where? I tried to find the shooter, but couldn't.
Submachine gun burst from the direction of the trip line. I looked over, it was Salonius. He had seen a rifleman behind a pine tree, aiming his second shot at me.
The rifleman fell silent.
The fight didn't last long, but had surely woken up everyone in the base. I decided it was time to go.
-"Let's go!" I yelled to the boys.
We ran to where Luostarinen was and hit the ground as the base sprung to life; light-machine guns, submachine guns, rifles were all shooting at something. Once the mortars joined in, we thought it was better to stay put and wait for the situation to calm down. We had good cover, safe from small-arms fire.
-"Everyone OK?" I asked as we waited for the mortar fire to shift.
Arttila had a flesh wound on his arm that we patched up while waiting, but everyone else was ok.
We returned back at 0300hrs.
During the morning Arttila and I walked to the first aid station to have our wounds checked. I had a grenade shrapnel in my thigh where it remains to this day.
Arttila, the calm and brave soldier, later lost his life on a patrol.
30 June 1943
Committee to handle Jewish refugees' issues is formed.
Aunus Group: East of lake Orgjärvi, a Finnish patrol destroys enemy living dug-out and at least 15 men in it.
Finnish daily losses: 23
Various photos from the aftermath of the fighting at base "Pallo" in the Rukajärvi area.
http://i.imgur.com/JGm5qbLm.jpg (https://imgur.com/JGm5qbL)
Russian POWs.
http://i.imgur.com/6YYVpRFm.jpg (https://imgur.com/6YYVpRF)
The forest that had been nearly untouched before the battle.
http://i.imgur.com/HH8GkhSm.jpg (https://imgur.com/HH8GkhS)
A breach through which Finns attacked the enemy occupied areas of the base.
http://i.imgur.com/1kihD9Lm.jpg (https://imgur.com/1kihD9L)
Recaptured trenches.
***
1 July 1943
Separate Battalion 4 (ErP 4) is formed to organize and supply long range patrols. Previous LRRP units are subordinated to it as companies (1-4/ErP 4).
Rukajärvi/14.D: In the aftermath of the 28th June fighting at base "Pallo", 350 enemy KIA have been counted in the base and in the nearby terrain.
Finnish daily losses: 10
***
2 July 1943
Navy: German planes bombed an oil slick in the Porkkala narrows. More oil came to the surface among with smaller items such as rubber glove, a shoe and a bandage kit.
Finnish daily losses: 11
***
3 July 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 24
***
4 July 1943
Maaselkä Group: Finnish positions on the Seesjärvi - Kuusijärvi isthmus came under attack just after midnight. Finns retreat from the village of Pokonvaara. Further attacks occur on the Lipjärvi - Kalajärvi isthmus where Finns decide to abandon one of their bases.
AOK Norwegen: At 0300hrs this morning, Soviet partisans destroyed a bridge at Laanila and ambushed a postal car. Three people were killed among them Bishop Yrjö Wallinmaa. Nearby houses in the area were also attacked.
Finnish daily losses: 19
***
5 July 1943
Finnish SS-volunteer parade is held in Hanko. Their two year contract comes to an end on the 11th of July.
Finnish daily losses: 9
***
6 July 1943
Maaselkä Group: The Russian unit that carried out the attacks on the 4th has been identified as II/33.Ski Brigade.
Finnish daily losses: 18
If there is want I could try and find a more detailed description about the battle of base "Pallo", which actually took place over several days, not just one as the HQ war diary implies.
Not sure at which time I'll be heading off tomorrow for the weekend so I'll post this day already this week.
***
7 July 1943
Finns begin to uncover the aftermath of a July 4 partisan attack on the village of Viianki in Suomussalmi region.
15 civilians and three soldiers were killed in the attack.
The village of Malahvia, only couple of kilometers south of Viianki, was also attacked on the 4th resulting in the deaths of 5 civilians and 1 soldier.
Finnish daily losses: 16
http://i.imgur.com/VeB4Uz4m.jpg (https://imgur.com/VeB4Uz4)
Bodies of civilians killed in a partisan attack in the village of Viianki are being dug from beneath the rubble.
!!!CHILD WARNING!!!
https://i.imgur.com/ATI4qN8.jpg
Likely Silja Orvokki Kinnunen, 4, who died after a hand grenade severed her left leg. (Viianki)
http://i.imgur.com/bTKrVXnm.jpg (https://imgur.com/bTKrVXn)
Civilians in the Suomussalmi region are given rifles to defend themselves from the partisans.
***
8 July 1943
3.D/Uhtua area: Civilians working the fields 27km east of Hyrynsalmi were shot at by an enemy patrol, no losses reported.
44 of 47 POWs who escaped from German custody in the Uhtua area have been apprehended or killed.
Finnish daily losses: 10
http://i.imgur.com/vjltEQDm.jpg (https://imgur.com/vjltEQD)
Log bunker under construction. (Karhumäki)
***
9 July 1943
Aunus Group: Enemy patrol crosses river Svir by boats near Lotinapelto and capture a Finnish sentry.
Finnish daily losses: 19
***
10 July 1943
Aunus Group: Finnish artillery destroys an enemy base on the shore of lake Ladoga.
Finnish daily losses: 18
http://i.imgur.com/BGvZdEum.jpg (https://imgur.com/BGvZdEu)
Graves of unknown casualties of the Winter War. (Kollaa)
***
11 July 1943
Aunus Group: 71 enemies have been killed by Finnish snipers 1.-10. July.
The Finnish SS-Volunteer Battalion is disbanded. Of the 1400 volunteers 256 were killed, 12 went missing and 686 were wounded.
Finnish daily losses: 16
http://i.imgur.com/qATnHBDm.jpg (https://imgur.com/qATnHBD)
The German SS uniform has changed to a Finnish one. SS-volunteers at Hanko.
***
12 July 1943
AOK Norwegen: Four enemy planes are shot down in the Vardö - Kiberg area.
Finnish daily losses: 15
http://i.imgur.com/UWHdLLBm.jpg (https://imgur.com/UWHdLLB)
Half a kilometer long log bridge across the Sapasuo swamp. (Maaselkä)
***
13 July 1943
Maaselkä Group: Enemy attack near Liistelampi repelled.
Finnish daily losses: 27
14 July 1943
Karelian Isthmus: At 1710hrs the enemy attacked Finnish positions on the north side of the Ohta road. The attack was thrown back before the enemy could get into Finnish positions.
Finnish daily losses: 15
***
15 July 1943
The Battle of Kursk ends in German defeat.
Lieutenant-Colonel Jussi Sovio is appointed as the CO of Finnish HQ's LRRP unit ErP.4
AOK Norwegen: Soviet partisans kill one civilian and kidnaps four near Hautajärvi.
Finnish daily losses: 19
http://i.imgur.com/SB2a3Qam.jpg (https://imgur.com/SB2a3Qa)
Marshal Mannerheim inspects the crew of Gunboat Uusimaa. (Hamina)
***
16 July 1943
43 Finnish soldiers are arrested in Karhumäki for producing illegal booze.
Finnish daily losses: 20
http://i.imgur.com/AcMduemm.jpg (https://imgur.com/AcMduem)
Sentry at base "Mies". (Metsäpirtti/IR 16)
***
17 July 1943
Uhtua/3.D: Enemy strike unit of 10-20 men get into Finnish trenches under a smoke screen. They are immediately pushed back.
Finnish daily losses: 35
http://i.imgur.com/EsGUDvsm.jpg (https://imgur.com/EsGUDvs)
Recruits of Laat.RPr. (Laatokka Coastal Brigade) undergoing assault training.
***
18 July 1943
AOK Norwegen: Due to increased partisan activity a request is made to send 500 rifles, 30 SMGs, 10 LMGs and 10 MGs for the protection of the border villages.
Finnish daily losses: 15
***
19 July 1943
Since last summer, approximately 10,000 children have returned from Sweden.
AOK Norwegen: According to information given by POWs, there are two 70-men partisan units active in the Kuusamo area.
Finnish daily losses: 16
http://i.imgur.com/AkreBO7m.jpg (https://imgur.com/AkreBO7)
152/45 CRaut railway gun. (Uuksu)
***
20 July 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 22
Schroeder
07-20-18, 03:30 AM
16 July 1943
43 Finnish soldiers are arrested in Karhumäki for producing illegal booze.
I hope those weren't front line soldiers or there would have been a big problem in that sector.:hmmm:
Any relatives of yours?:D
I hope those weren't front line soldiers or there would have been a big problem in that sector.:hmmm:Doubt it. Everyone surely understood the possible consequences that might follow. The men were probably from supply units or those sent further back to rest.
21 July 1943
Northern Finland: Soviet partisans ambush a truck convoy on the Kiestinki - Kuusamo road. One soldier is killed and 31 of the trucks are damaged.
Finnish daily losses: 21
http://i.imgur.com/debT85em.jpg (https://imgur.com/debT85e)
Trench architecture at Valkjärvi-Raasuli.
***
22 July 1943
Northern Finland: Number of skirmishes between Finnish patrols and Soviet partisans.
Finnish daily losses: 14
http://i.imgur.com/a7Bor1am.jpg (https://imgur.com/a7Bor1a)
Portions of trenches at Rajajoki are still flooded after Spring. (11./IR 58)
***
23 July 1943
Maaselkä: Two attacks against Finnish positions at the Stalin's Canal are pushed back.
Finnish daily losses: 36
http://i.imgur.com/BqitKc8m.jpg (https://imgur.com/BqitKc8)
Lieutenant-Colonel Korvenheimo with his pet crow "Pakko". (Vitele)
***
24 July 1943
Maaselkä: At 0210hrs the enemy artillery fired a strong preparation against three forward bases in the Stalin's Canal area. The following infantry attack slipped between two forward bases into the Finnish mainline from where it was thrown back with a counter-attack by 3.30. Enemy losses ~120 men.
Finnish daily losses: 27
***
25 July 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 14
http://i.imgur.com/W1u4QD7m.jpg (https://imgur.com/W1u4QD7)
Jooseppi Kinnunen (right) at the funeral of the Viianki partisan attack victims, among them his wife and children.
***
26 July 1943
Rukajärvi/14.D: Approximately 100 men strong enemy detachment attacked Finnish positions in Vilkojärvi sector.
Finnish daily losses: 22
***
27 July 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 17
http://i.imgur.com/LztTW7Um.jpg (https://imgur.com/LztTW7U)
Canteen built in the "middle of nowhere" by 5. Division's soldiers. (Aunus Isthmus)
Schroeder
07-31-18, 08:37 AM
That canteen looks pretty permanent. :o
That canteen looks pretty permanent. :oNo reason not to build a proper canteen, if you're planning to stay in the area and have the manpower to build one in a quick fashion. :03:
28 July 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 23
***
29 July 1943
14.D/Rukajärvi: 13 missing men from a patrol that clashed with an enemy detachment on the 22nd are found dead in a marshy area near Kellovaara. The men had seemingly withdrawn there pursued by the enemy and had fought until they ran out of ammunition.
Finnish daily losses: 21
http://i.imgur.com/HQb97jom.jpg (https://imgur.com/HQb97jo)
Lotta Ilmoniemi at the christening of a newly built canteen 'Metsäpirtti' at Rukajärvi.
***
30 July 1943
Maaselkä: A platoon-size enemy attack is repulsed near Salmijärvenjoki river.
Finnish daily losses: 13
***
31 July 1943
Lieutenant Hans Wind (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans_Wind) is awarded the Mannerheim Cross for his 26 aerial victories.
Finnish daily losses: 16
Finnish losses 25.6.1941 - 31.7.1943: 40,316
***
1 August 1943
Aunus Group: In the Kalaz area, Finnish assault guns destroy nine bunkers and damage another nine, collapse 100 meters of trenches and start six forest fires on the enemy side.
Finnish daily losses: 12
***
2 August 1943
Aunus Group: Finnish patrol enters an enemy forward base in the Keskasjärvi area and kills 22 men and destroys their living dug-out. The patrol returns with no own losses.
Finnish daily losses: 9
***
3 August 1943
During the night, 25 enemy planes bomb Kotka. 137 houses are destroyed in the resulting fires.
Finnish daily losses: 24
vBulletin® v3.8.11, Copyright ©2000-2025, vBulletin Solutions Inc.