View Full Version : Continuation War, day by day.
"The Continuation War refers to the hostilities between Finland and the Soviet Union during the Second World War, from 1941 to 1944."
-Wiki
Lots of things to cover during the Interim Peace time, so let's get to it. :yep:
***
March 1940
14/03
Blackout regulations end.
All available trains and trucks are to be used to help evacuate people from the lost territories.
President Kallio gives radio speech praising Mannerheim.
15/03
Moscow Peace Treaty is ratified by the Finnish parliament.
Last sections of Viipuri are evacuated.
20/03
USSR news agency TASS informs that any possible defense alliance between the nordic countries would be seen as anti-Soviet Union and against the Moscow Peace Treaty.
22/03
Russian troops who had been encircled in Kuhmo at the end of the war retreat back to USSR side of the border.
At midnight, control of Hanko peninsula is turned over to the Russians.
23/03
Planning meeting for the new defensive line, the so called "Salpa-line" is held in Inkilä. Mannerheim and five generals take part in the planning.
24/03
Finns start to build fortified lines on the Finnish side of Hanko peninsula.
26/03
Finnish army completes the withdrawal to the new border as Värtsilä and Maaselkä are emptied.
27/03
Mannerheim continues in his role as the Commander-in-Chief of the Finnish Army.
29/03
Russian foreign minister Molotov warns the nordic countries that USSR would not allow a nordic defense alliance to be formed.
30/03
National aid collection for Finland in Sweden crosses 33 million krona.
April 1940
03/04
Interior Ministry says it will cover the expenses of anyone who wants to move to Finland from the lost territory in the next two weeks time.
10/04
Russian troops left in Petsamo cross the border back to their side.
16/04
Release of POWs begins. Finland releases 792 POWs, USSR 107.
20/04
The Karelian Union is formed to help the evacuees.
23/04
Olympic games, which were to be held in Helsinki are cancelled.
24/04
Ministry of Education announces that schools will open again in September.
26/04
Finnish government decides to continue war time censorship.
29/04
New border agreement between Finland and USSR is signed in Moscow.
I take my flat cap off to you Dowly, really looking forward to this one and I'm sure you will do a great job with it just like your last one. :up:
I take my flat cap off to you Dowly, really looking forward to this one and I'm sure you will do a great job with it just like your last one. :up:
I'll try! :yep:
***
May 1940
14/05
J.K. Paasikivi writes in his report from Moscow that USSR does not appear to pursue any more claims from Finland. They are content with the Moscow Peace Treaty.
16/05
The President awards Mannerheim with the Cross of Liberty 1st Class.
19/05
The fallen Heroes of the Winter War are honored on this day of Unity and Remembrance. (Simply "Remembrance Day" today)
21-25/05
Finnish General Leonard Grandell is in Germany to negotiate the purchase of armaments.
22/05
Finland-Soviet Union Peace and Friendship Society is formed. (Pro-Communist propaganda group)
25/05
USSR returns over thousand civilians who were captured in the "Hyrsylä bend" area during the Winter War.
http://i.imgur.com/6PBxtyal.jpg (http://imgur.com/6PBxtya)
Remembrance Day. Joensuu, May 19.
Jimbuna
03-15-16, 03:43 PM
Way to go Teemu :cool:
fireftr18
03-15-16, 09:00 PM
Great job Dowly, thank you.
:Kaleun_Salute:
June 1940
02/06
USSR demands back both military and civilian material that was evacuated from the Hanko Peninsula before it was turned over.
03/06
USSR returns 254 civilians who were captured in the Juntusranta area (Suomussalmi) during the war.
14/06
Finnish passenger plane "Kaleva" (Junkers Ju-52-3/mge) with 9 people onboard and carrying 227 kilos of diplomatic mail is shot down by two Russian DB3-T bombers near the lighthouse of Keri in Gulf of Finland. Passengers and crew were killed.
The mail left over after the crash is picked up by a Russian submarine (Shch-301).
Russian Lieutenant-General Hohlov later in his memoirs changes the date to June 23 and writes that "Kaleva" had flown without markings towards occupied Estonia and had been shot down as a spy plane.
15/06
USSR invades Lithuania.
16/06
USSR invades Estonia and Latvia.
23/06
USSR shows interest towards the Petsamo nickel mine. J.K. Paasikivi offers a 50/50 split of the nickel output between Germany and USSR.
USSR refuses the offer and proposes they get the mine in full.
28/06
Trade treaty between Finland and USSR is signed.
July 1940
02/07
The Compensation Act is passed to offer financial help to those evacuees who left behind property in the lost areas.
06/07
Soviet Union repeats its demand to Finland to hand over material evacuated from Hanko Peninsula.
20/07
Games are held in Helsinki's Olympic Stadion in remembrance of athletes who died in the war.
21/07
Puppet governments in Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia petition to join the Soviet Union.
Germany begins planning invasion of Soviet Union.
August 1940
03-04/08
Soviet Union "accepts" the request of Latvia and Lithuania to join the Soviet Union.
04/08
Union of Brothers-in-Arms is formed in Finland.
06/08
Demonstration held by the 'Finland-Soviet Union Peace and Friendship Society' in Hakaniemi ends in violence between the police and the demonstrators.
Soviet Union annexes Estonia.
15/08
Due to pressure from Soviet Union, Finnish Foreign Minister Väinö Tanner resigns.
16/08
Soviet Union proposes Finland to transfer the Vallinkoski hydro plant under Soviet control.
18/08
Mannerheim meets with German Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Veltjens.
Veltjens is willing to sell war materiel to Finland.
Granting transit rights to German Army is also discussed.
19/08
The inner circle of Finnish government shows green light to allowing German troop movements to Norway via Finland.
22/08
Molotov and J.K. Paasikivi meet in Moscow.
The topic of discussion is the 'Finland-Soviet Union Peace and Friendship Society'.
Molotov expresses concerns that the Finnish government is not genuinely interested in friendly relations between the two nations.
Paasikivi explains the illegality of the Society and its actions to which Molotov responds by accusing the Finnish government of being anti-Soviet Union.
27/08
President Kallio suffers a stroke, which leaves him partly paralyzed.
28/08
Prime Minister Risto Ryti takes over presidential duties.
September 1940
03/09
Finland finishes demilitarization of the Åland Islands.
5/09
University of Helsinki celebrates its 300th anniversary.
06/09
Finland and Soviet Union sign a transit agreement allowing transport of Russian personnel and hardware to/from Hanko Peninsula via Finnish territory.
12/09
Details of the proposed transit agreement between Finland and Germany are agreed on.
Arriving German ships will use ports of Vaasa and Oulu.
21/09
German troop transport ships arrive to Vaasa.
22/09
Transit agreement between Finland and Germany is signed.
26/09
War materiel shipments from Germany to Finland begin.
September 1940
26/09
War materiel shipments from Germany to Finland begin.
Interesting. :hmmm:
Was Finland in the loop about Hitler's Barbarossa plans?
Interesting. :hmmm:
Was Finland in the loop about Hitler's Barbarossa plans?
Not at this point, no.
(Just to clarify, these weapons were for the Finnish Army.)
Not at this point, no.
(Just to clarify, these weapons were for the Finnish Army.)
It make me wonder if Germany was thinking long term and hoping Fins would join them. Just like Germany helping Franco out in Spain who as we know refused to join the war in the East but allowed volunteers to go on the condition they only fight in Russia.
It make me wonder if Germany was thinking long term and hoping Fins would join them.
Oh, most definitely. Finland is the one who started building better relations with Germany after the Winter War. At some point, Germany then started to see Finland as a possible guard of the northern flank for the planned Operation Barbarossa.
***
EDIT: Guess I'll put this here instead of the Art Gallery thread.
Colored from B/W photo by your's truly.
http://i.imgur.com/71YWCc4l.jpg (http://imgur.com/71YWCc4)
Women's Auxiliary (i.e. Lotta) in air spotting duty.
Schroeder
03-18-16, 01:49 PM
Awesome job on the coloring.:o
fireftr18
03-18-16, 09:10 PM
Good looking lady. :)
Yes, she should be on the beautiful ladies thread.
Thanks! :up:
***
October 1940
01/10
Agreement to purchase war materiel from Germany is signed.
Agreement to sell nickel to Germany from Petsamo mines is signed.
11/10
Signing of the demilitarization of the Åland Islands takes place between Finland and Soviet Union.
16/10
Finland's new eastern border is agreed on. Total length is 1328km, 122km less than before the Winter War.
19/10
Finland agrees to financially compensate Soviet Union for the material evacuated from Hanko Peninsula.
25/10
Finnish government thinks there should be proposals made towards a Nordic defense alliance.
Jimbuna
03-19-16, 10:33 AM
Good looking lady. :)
I wonder if you'd say that if you saw her today :hmm2:
November 1940
01/11
J.K. Paasikivi answers in negative to the Soviet proposal of acquiring the Vallinkoski hydro plant.
04/11
Swedish government begins to plan Union of Neutrality with Finland.
05/11
Soviet ambassador Aleksandra Kollontai warns Sweden of the consequences of such Union.
12/11
Molotov visits Berlin and demands German troops to leave Finland.
25/11
Soviet Union again demands Germany to remove all its troops from Finland. Germany does not respond.
27/11
President Kyösti Kallio resigns due to medical reasons. Risto Ryti is voted as president for the remainder of Kallio's term.
December 1940
6/12
Finland celebrates its 23rd Independence Day.
Soviet Foreign Minister Molotov warns J.K. Paasikivi that a Neutrality Pact between Finland and Sweden would violate the terms of the Moscow Peace Treaty. (It only mentions alliances etc. directed against either party)
Molotov also lists the persons Soviet Union does not wish to see considered to become Finland's next President. The three names on the list are: Mannerheim, Kivimäki and Tanner.
9/12
Finnish composer Jean Sibelius turns 75.
16/12
Major-General Paavo Talvela meets with Generaloberst Franz Halder.
He also meets with Reichsmarschall Goering, who tells Talvela that Germany is also against the Neutrality Pact between Finland and Sweden.
19/12
Former President Kyösti Kallio dies.
23/12
Helsinki City Court orders the 'Finland-Soviet Union Peace and Friendship Society' to be disbanded.
http://i.imgur.com/xGbrpSkl.jpg (http://imgur.com/xGbrpSk)
Former President Kallio (left: Mannerheim) moments before he collapsed at the Helsinki train station.
Schroeder
03-23-16, 01:07 PM
Molotov also lists the persons Soviet Union does not wish to see considered to become Finland's next President. The three names on the list are: Mannerheim, Kivimäki and Tanner.
Democracy....you're doing it wrong....:doh:
January 1941
1/1
The State Fuse factory goes operational in caves built under Jyväsvuori in Jyväskylä.
3/1
New government is formed under Prime Minister J.W. Rangell.
10/1
Finnish government takes steps to help fund the import of consumer goods and raw materials.
14/1
Mannerheim writes to the Minister of Transportation Vilho Annala and requests him to start upgrading the Ivalo-Inari-Kaamanen road. The Germans have also requested that the road would be extended to Karingasniemi and Karasjoki.
24/1
General HQ's operative office suggests that reconnaissance operations over the eastern border should be more centralized. The eastern border is divided into 33 sectors and the sub-offices tasked to carry out reconnaissance are regrouped.
29/1
'Finland-Soviet Union Peace and Friendship Society' is disbanded.
Negotiations over nickel from Petsamo mines begin in Moscow.
30/1
Finnish Chief of Staff Erik Heinrichs meets Generaloberst Franz Halder in Berlin.
The two talk about Finland's stance on joining a possible war between Germany and Soviet Union.
***
And new colored B/W.
http://i.imgur.com/mYGC7WAl.jpg (http://imgur.com/mYGC7WA)
Fokker D.XXI, #FR-154, Mikkeli, Continuation War
(Note the Popeye on the wheel cover :))
February 1941
1/2
Sales taxes are introduced for the first time in Finland.
6/2
J.K. Paasikivi suggests giving Petsamo nickel mines to Soviet Union in exchange for SU territory elsewhere.
10/2
Mannerheim requests to resign as the Commander in Chief of the armed forces.
He sees that the amenable attitude towards Soviet Union demands threatens Finland's ability to defend itself in a possible new war.
Mannerheim is also afraid that giving up the Petsamo mines could result in the loss of German support.
11/2
President Ryti convinces Mannerheim to continue as Commander in Chief.
15/2
Wood carburetors become mandatory for all vehicles except diplomatic and emergency.
18/2
German Colonel Erich Buschenhagen visits Finland to discuss possible military cooperation between Finland and Germany.
20/2
Hitler approves 750 Finnish volunteers to be recruited to the SS.
23/2
Soviet Union gives Finland a deadline to make its mind on the Petsamo mines question.
March 1941
1/3
Volume I of Hitler's Mein Kampf is released in Finland.
7/3
The new trade agreement significantly increases trade exchange between Finland and Germany.
12/3
Foreign Minister Rolf Witting informs Germany that Finland will allow the recruitment of volunteers to the SS.
27/3
Germany's ambassador Wipert von Blücher informs the Finnish government not to worry, if negotiations over the Petsamo mines with Soviet Union are fruitless.
3 April 1941
First parachuting course begins in Luonetjärvi.
16 volunteer LRRP soldiers take part, each making two jumps from a Douglas DC-2 of Squadron 4.
The course is led by Air Force Captain Eero Erho.
7 April 1941
Turku Court of Appeals upholds City Court's order to disband the 'Finland-Soviet Union Peace and Friendship Society'.
16 April 1941
Chief of the newspaper office of the General Headquarters Kalle Lehmus travels to Berlin to visit Third Reich's propaganda ministry.
21 April 1941
General Headquarters confirms the new wartime strength of the Finnish Army. (Figure is not given, but the FA had ~475,000 men and women at the start of the war.)
Recruitment of volunteer SS men begins in Finland.
22 April 1941
Foreign Minister Rolf Witting meets with the new Swedish ambassador to Helsinki Karl-Ivar Westman.
Witting assures Westman that the leading circle "never wanted to take Finland on any adventures and instead wanted to focus on building up the infrastructure of the country."
He however adds that he cannot guarantee what will happen in the next couple of months.
5 May 1941
120 Finnish SS-volunteers board the SS Adler in Turku. They arrive in Danzig on the 8th of May.
Germany wanted to send SS-Standartenführer Paul Dahm to handle the recruitment as he had done in Norway and Netherlands, but the Finnish Foreign Ministry insisted on handling it internally.
Chief of the EK (modern day SUPO i.e. internal security police) Esko Riekki was picked to organize the recruitment. "Engineering office 'Gear'" was set up as a front for the recruitment. When a batch of Finns would leave to Germany, they would be given "work orders", instead of any sort of official political or military orders.
Of the 1900 applicants, 1408 were accepted. Large number of these 1408 men, some 79%, were members of the White Guard (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Guard_%28Finland%29).
One of the notable persons to serve in the volunteer SS battalion was Lauri Törni (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lauri_T%C3%B6rni) (better known as Larry Thorne in America).
Nippelspanner
05-05-16, 05:36 AM
One of the notable persons to serve in the volunteer SS battalion was Lauri Törni (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lauri_T%C3%B6rni) (better known as Larry Thorne in America).
Riiight, that guy!
Quite some resume.
Yup, he really got stuck in 'WAR' gear.
Oddly, he is sort of a forgotten figure in Finland. Most people know about him, but he rarely is mentioned in documentaries etc. :doh:
7 May 1941
Foreign Minister of Sweden Christian Günther visits Helsinki.
President Ryti assures him that Finland does its best to try and keep out of the war raging in Europe.
Günther's proposition of forming a Defense Alliance is dismissed by Ryti.
http://i.imgur.com/nkng9bSl.jpg (http://imgur.com/nkng9bS)
Remembrance Day. Hietaniemi, Helsinki.
20 May 1941
German ambassador Karl Schnurre arrives to Finland to discuss Finland's role in a possible new war with Soviet Union.
24 May 1941
Finnish Air Force conducts a photo-reconnaissance flight over the Karelian Isthmus.
The flights continue on 25/5 and 11/6.
25 May 1941
Finnish military delegation led by Chief of the General Staff, General Erik Heinrichs (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erik_Heinrichs) meet with General Alfred Jodl's delegation in Salzburg.
The discussion revolves around Finland's future military actions alongside Germany in the East.
26 May 1941
The President accepts Paasikivi's (ambassador to Moscow) request for resignation.
28 May 1941
Heinrichs' delegation returns to Finland.
In essence, Germany has proposed Finland to take part in an offensive war in the East.
1 June 1941
J.K. Paasikivi complains to Sweden's Moscow ambassador that his warnings have not been listened.
Catfish
06-01-16, 04:43 AM
^ since you mentioned the SS further north, there were Germans, Americans and English fighting at Finland's side, some of them also in the SS.
I also read about finnish volunteers fighting as partisans behind russian lines during the war, and there were also US soldiers as a part of those special SS units (this idea later used in the Gladio scenarios after a soviet invasion). I do not think it is all made up, however.. have you heard about more info or evidence, about those WW2 units?
Hey Catfish,
The only SS unit I can think of that fought in Finland was the SS-Division 'Nord'. It took part in Operation Arctic Fox, some sources also state that it fought on the Karelian front as well, but as far as I know that is not true.
Only two German units fought in Southern Finland:
- Sturmgeschütz-Brigade 303, which took part in the battles of Summer '44
- 163. Division, which took part in the initial Finnish offensive in the South in '41
Finnish Army used long-range recon & sabotage units extensively during the Continuation War, these are the only special units I can think of that match your description.
Catfish
06-01-16, 05:37 AM
Hello Dowly,
^ thanks, something i did not know.
Short search brought up this:
https://www.warhistoryonline.com/war-articles/us-major-fought-in-ss.html
https://books.google.de/books?id=RtPT9Qe2z60C&pg=PT190&lpg=PT190&dq=US+soldiers+serving+in+the+SS+finnland&source=bl&ots=T9WuUyl96i&sig=vZGsCCovcDCxNFU-mVUzMOcgSXE&hl=de&sa=X&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=US%20soldiers%20serving%20in%20the%20SS%20finnla nd&f=false
Will look if i find it again.
Hello Dowly,
^ thanks, something i did not know.
You're welcome. :salute:
https://www.warhistoryonline.com/war-articles/us-major-fought-in-ss.html
Yes, Lauri Törni fought in the SS before heading off to the US. The important bit is the fact that he was a Finn fighting in the SS, not American.
https://books.google.de/books?id=RtPT9Qe2z60C&pg=PT190&lpg=PT190&dq=US+soldiers+serving+in+the+SS+finnland&source=bl&ots=T9WuUyl96i&sig=vZGsCCovcDCxNFU-mVUzMOcgSXE&hl=de&sa=X&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=US%20soldiers%20serving%20in%20the%20SS%20finnla nd&f=false
I'm not sure what you're going for with this one. I didn't see any mention of Americans in Finland or the SS. :hmmm:
It is true that plenty of Finns volunteered to the SS, as I have mentioned previously in this thread.
Will look if i find it again.
Please do. :yep:
3-6 June 1941
German and Finnish military leadership negotiate in Helsinki.
The negotiations are led by German colonel Erich Buschenhagen and Finnish Chief of the General Staff, General Erich Heinrichs.
Military cooperation of land and air forces is planned in great detail.
Finnish peacetime brigades with the Salpa Line (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salpa_Line) marked (approx.) in red.
http://i.imgur.com/fqVDdXTl.jpg (http://imgur.com/fqVDdXT)
Nippelspanner
06-04-16, 12:49 AM
4 June 1941
Detachment Vehniäinen's first long-range patrol sets off to behind the border. The three man patrol, dubbed 'The Silver Patrol', aims to retrieve silver left under a house in Uusikirkko in lost Karelia.
Their secondary task is to gather information for the General HQ. In 1961, one of the men of the 'Silver Patrol' wrote a book about the trek called 'Hopeaa Rajan Takaa' (=Silver from behind the border).
A movie followed in 1963 directed by Mikko Niskanen. The movie is available on YLE's site (only in Finnish): http://areena.yle.fi/1-455062
(Posted on behalf of our forum-ferret)
Thanks Nippelspanner... close enough. :)
***
6 June 1941
Germany and Finland discuss possible naval cooperation between the two navies in Kiel.
Nine propaganda companies are ordered to be formed in Finland.
7 June 1941
German troop transports arrive to ports in the Gulf of Bothnia and Turku.
9 June 1941
President Ryti informs the government about the cooperation with Germany.
Flight Squadron 44 is ordered from Kemi to Siikakangas.
Use of the airfield in Malmi is reserved for German planes only.
10 June 1941
Finnish planes are temporarily forbidden to use Vaasa's airfield.
13 June 1941
Ranks and badges of active and reserve officers are unified.
14 June 1941
The War Cabinet decides on partial mobilization of 30,000 men.
http://i.imgur.com/Tl85Dkjl.jpg (http://imgur.com/Tl85Dkj)
Evening devotional. Parikkala, 14/06/41
15 June 1941
Detachment Vehniäinen's 7th long-range patrol sets out to gather intelligence from the southwest side of Viipuri.
Corporal Rontu dies in a firefight with Russian border guards on 17.6. and corporal Nikkanen is taken prisoner, never to return.
They become the first fallen heroes of the LRRP units.
Detachment Kuismanen sends out a two man patrol. Both men are killed on 19.6. in a firefight with Russian border guards. (Second Lieutenant Reino Lamppu & Sergeant Olli Sairanen)
Detachment Marttina's first patrol heads out to gather intelligence in the Repola area. They return safely on 20.6.
17 June 1941
Reservists are called to take part in extra military exercises.
In other words - Finland begins to mobilize her army.
EDIT:
Finnish Infantry Division OOB 1941
Command
- Commander
- HQ
- HQ Company
Infantry
- Light detachment
-- 3 Jaeger companies
- 3 x Infantry Regiment
-- 3,600 men each
- AT-gun company
- Gas protection company
Artillery
- Field gun regiment
-- 1,800 men
-- 36 field guns
- Heavy battery
-- 12 field guns
Anti-Air
- AAA company
Pioneers
- Pioneer battalion
- Pioneer column
Messengers
- Messenger battalion
Support elements
Division strength: 16,400 men
I bet Dowly will be getting some early nights now as we draw near to Barbarossa. :) :03:
Von Due
06-17-16, 01:21 PM
I bet Dowly will be getting some early nights now as we draw near to Barbarossa. :) :03:
I'm not gonna let him end this thread before we have had the entire Unknown Soldier recited as a bonus to this.
I'm not gonna let him end this thread before we have had the entire Unknown Soldier recited as a bonus to this.
WHOLE of it? :) That might be a tad too much.
I bet Dowly will be getting some early nights now as we draw near to Barbarossa. :) :03:
I wont be at home when it starts. :)
Von Due
06-17-16, 01:46 PM
WHOLE of it? :) That might be a tad too much.
Whole of it :har:
It is one of the 2 best anti war novels I ever read. Packs a punch like a mule on steroids.
Ok, last paragraph will do :)
I wont be at home when it starts. :)
:har: :har: :har: :har:
:har: :har: :har: :har:
Midsummer here, I spend it with my friends and family.
Von Due knows how it all goes, I shall give it to him.
You are welcome.
Schroeder
06-17-16, 02:07 PM
Midsummer here, I spend it with my friends and family.
But you probably won't remember it, right?:D
I do apologize Von Due, I misread what you said. I am after all just a drunk Finn.
I cannot give you the last phrase of the book as I am not fortunate enough to have both copies of it. I own two copes, both from my grandfather's, but neither of them are the 'real deal' (both are the movie version).
Sorry, if there was misunderstandment, that was on me.
-Dowly
PS. You still stink bad :(
Von Due
06-17-16, 04:02 PM
I do apologize Von Due
Huh? :haha: You lost me but do carry on with this thread.
Huh? :haha: You lost me but do carry on with this thread.
Must be a translation error, at any rate :salute:.
20 June 1941
Evacuation of towns near the southeast border begins at 8 o'clock in the morning.
Squadron X is formed in Vaasa. Their task is maritime reconnaissance over Gulf of Bothnia.
21 June 1941
Discussing with leaders of the political parties, President Ryti says that he believes war will start on the 23rd of June.
In Helsinki, Finnish Army's blood donors are asked to register their current address and phone number to the blood bank.
http://i.imgur.com/RSWSQz8l.jpg (http://imgur.com/RSWSQz8)
German General of the Infantry Waldemar Erfurth laying a wreath to a memorial of German soldiers killed in the Finnish Civil War of 1918. (Helsinki)
The inscription reads:
Den in Kampf um Helsingfors im April 1918 gefallenen Deutschen
Helden Errichtete dieses Denkmal die dankbare Stadt
22 June 1941
Operation Barbarossa begins in the early hours.
Airfields at Utti, Malmi and Vaasa are reserved for use by Luftwaffe bombers returning from their sorties over Russia.
Finnish submarines Vetehinen, Vesihiisi and Iku-Turso mine parts of Gulf of Finland and the coast of Estonia in a secret operation.
Operaatio Kilpapurjehdus (=op. Regatta) - the militarization of the Åland Islands - begins at 0430hrs.
23 ships are involved in transporting Infantry Regiment 14 and Light Battery 14 to the islands.
Soviet planes attack the ships and the Älskar Fortress, causing only minor damage.
16 men from Detachment Marttina are flown to White Karelia to destroy the locks of the Stalin White Sea-Baltic Canal.
The canal turns out to be too well guarded and the group abandon their mission. On their return trek they cut the Murmansk railroad.
They return on 11/7 with two men lost.
http://i.imgur.com/khnPLQHl.jpg (http://imgur.com/khnPLQH)
Finnish and German forces in June.
And we are off the blocks. :yeah:
Go Dowly Go..more more more. :) :up:
If Germany and her Allies won what was Finland going to get as a reward in taking part?
And we are off the blocks. :yeah:
Go Dowly Go..more more more. :) :up:
No! Too much candy for one day! :hmph:
If Germany and her Allies won what was Finland going to get as a reward in taking part?Ask 5 people and you get 5 different answers. :O:
Plenty of officials of various types made statements to the Germans, though these were more in a way of personal opinions. I don't think there are any official documents available that show the intentions of those in power in regards to this question.
The White (or Viena) Karelia would have been one area for sure along with East Karelia. Both of which Mannerheim mentions in his 'Sword Scabbard' order of 1918 and again in 1941:
"... In 1918 during the War of Liberation I stated to the Finnish and Viena Karelians, that I would not set my sword to the scabbard before Finland and East Karelia would be free."
Possible the Kola Peninsula as well.
Schroeder
06-22-16, 10:56 AM
If Germany and her Allies won what was Finland going to get as a reward in taking part?
A painting by Hitler.:O:
No! Too much candy for one day! :hmph:
:har:
Ask 5 people and you get 5 different answers. :O:
Plenty of officials of various types made statements to the Germans, though these were more in a way of personal opinions. I don't think there are any official documents available that show the intentions of those in power in regards to this question.
Shame.
A painting by Hitler.:O:
Is that it!...No nude statue of him holding the flag in one hand and a sword in the other standing on a tank with a good helping of fig leafs. :shifty: :)
A painting by Hitler.:O::rotfl2:
Catfish
06-23-16, 02:16 AM
^ lol
Not quite OT, pictures of the finnish defense forces, may have been posted before (as Jim or Steve will surely point out :03: :oops:)
http://sa-kuva.fi/neo?tem=webneoeng
^ lol
Not quite OT, pictures of the finnish defense forces, may have been posted before (as Jim or Steve will surely point out :03: :oops:)
http://sa-kuva.fi/neo?tem=webneoengI recall posting the link couple of years back. :yep:
***
23 June 1941
Propaganda companies receive their orders.
They are to "liven up and report stories from the front back home through written articles, photographs and movies".
HunterICX
06-24-16, 06:05 AM
Dowly is away till the 29th he asked Me, Nippelspanner and Oberon to take over the day by day updates till his return:
-
24 June 1941
In a meeting with Finnish ambassador T.M. Kivimäki, Goering asks what Finland wishes to gain from the war.
He answers: East Karelia and Kola. Goering says Finland is free to take as much as she wants, including Leningrad which is to be razed to the ground.
Commander of the Navy gives orders to attack and sink any hostile submarines in Finnish territorial waters.
HunterICX
06-25-16, 03:43 AM
25 June 1941
In the early hours of the morning Soviet bombers strike 19 cities around Finland.
General HQ moves to Mikkeli.
Sweden announces that it will stay neutral in the war. German troop transports however continue through her territory.
In a closed parliament session, Prime minister Rangell states that Finland is again at war with the Soviet Union.
Finnish daily losses: 7
http://i.imgur.com/acT8xSD.jpg
JU-88 over Malmi.
I'm taking a break so this is my bookmark.
STEED start reading the next post when you get back. :)
Well done guys, looking forward to reading more when I return.
HunterICX
06-26-16, 06:45 AM
26 June 1941
Heinola is bombed twice during the day.
First by 14 Soviet bombers that drop about 100 bombs, the second strike consists of 6 planes. Eight people are killed.
In his radio speech, President Ryti says that Finland has been attacked by the Soviet Union.
Finnish daily losses: 9
HunterICX
06-27-16, 03:40 AM
27 June 1941
After discussing with the Army Corps commanders, Mannerheim decides to concentrate the main thrust of the offensive to the northeast side of lake Ladoga.
Soviet bombers strike Tammisaari, Loviisa and Rovaniemi.
German troops capture Minsk, most of Lithuania and western Ukraine.
Finnish daily losses: 1
HunterICX
06-28-16, 03:43 AM
28 June 1941
Mannerheim signs Karelian Army's offensive plan.
IV AK is ordered to prepare for offensive.
Finnish daily losses: 4
http://i.imgur.com/A0UI6am.jpg?1
(larger version: http://imgur.com/ZW3y2d9)
Offensive plan and its objectives.
I have returned. Thanks for the help, Hunter. :salute:
HunterICX
06-29-16, 03:43 AM
No Problem, hope you enjoyed yourself and keep up the good work :up:
EDIT: Might as well put the last entry down you had prepared for us.
***
29 June 1941
Light detachment 7 from 18.D tries to capture Enso.
The troops manage to reach the city centre without resistance during the night, but a counter-attack by the Russians in the morning pushes them out of the city.
Gebirgs-Korps Norwegen begins its attack from Petsamo towards Murmansk.
Karelian Isthmus: Major-General Taavetti Laatikainen takes command of II AK.
V AK is disbanded and its divisions join the IV AK.
Finnish daily losses: 90
No Problem, hope you enjoyed yourself
I had great time until I stopped drinking after 4 days. :dead:
30 June 1941
Karelian Isthmus: Colonel Blick's 2. Division (II AK) begins its local offensive at 1900hrs from the area between lake Simpele and lake Pyhäjärvi.
The division's orders are to advance to Tyrjä - Niasjärvi - Ristilahti line.
IR 7 got its nickname 'Tyrjä Regiment' from these battles. (Personal note: My great uncle served in 14./IR7, which was an anti-tank company)
Karelian Army receives its attack orders. Time of attack remains open.
Squadron 15 is formed. Their primary job is to fly LRRPs to and from behind enemy lines.
First enemy desants are spotted in Askola and Kalvola. All three desants are captured.
Finnish daily losses: 38
http://i.imgur.com/piHMuh5l.jpg (http://imgur.com/piHMuh5)
2.Division's attack 30.6.-5.7.
1 July 1941
Finnish III AK - under German command - begins its attack at 0230hrs from Suomussalmi and Kuusamo. German 36.AK (with Finnish 6.D) cross the border in Salla area.
(see map in post #84 (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=2415014&postcount=84))
Commander of VI AK Major-General Paavo Talvela writes in his journal:
"I received my orders today and after reading them, I realized how absurd they were." (Does not say why -D)
First Finnish bombing raid strikes the Suvilahti - Petroskoi (Petrozavodsk) railway.
Finnish daily losses: 115
http://i.imgur.com/hQnGjaYl.jpg (http://imgur.com/hQnGjaY)
German tanks heading to the front.
2 July 1941
Russian troops in Kalastajasaarento (Rybachy Peninsula) are cut off from the mainland as the 2.D of Gebirgs-Korps Norwegen captures the village of Kutovaja.
(map (http://i.imgur.com/WdliQ4G.jpg))
Detachment Paatsalo's first LRRP is sent to observe traffic on the Murmansk - Tiflofka road.
Finnish daily losses: 70
3 July 1941
The attack of Gebirgs-Korps Norwegen's 3. Division reaches Litsajoki.
The advance however bogs down during the following days and the Germans have to ask the Finns for more men.
In Suomussalmi area, III AK's Group F(agernäs) captures Vuokkiniemi.
First Swedish volunteers leave Stockholm for Finland.
Finnish daily losses: 87
http://i.imgur.com/GO7xhqal.jpg (http://imgur.com/GO7xhqa)
AAA firing in Helsinki.
Sorry for being late, wasnt feeling too good yesterday.
***
4 July 1941
14. Division begins its attack towards Rukajärvi.
The Division's first task is to capture Repola and then advance eastward.
Independent detachment Petsamo advances to the area near Hulkko, where the attack towards Murmansk halts.
Ind.Det.Petsamo retreats back to the border soon after.
Finnish daily losses: 126
http://i.imgur.com/7bNyslUl.jpg (http://imgur.com/7bNyslU)
Aarne "Terror of Morocco" Juutilainen, famous for commanding IR/34 in Kollaa during the Winter War.
***
5 July 1941
No entry in the book for this day.
Finnish daily losses: 119
http://i.imgur.com/acWVrGFl.jpg (http://imgur.com/acWVrGF)
Armored train in Tohmajärvi.
Finland had two armored trains; Panssarijuna 1 and Panssarijuna 2.
6 July 1941
VI AK attacks towards Värtsilä to get better starting positions for the upcoming general offensive of the Karelian Army.
Colonel Heiskanen's 11.Division manages to break through the Russian 71.Division's lines northeast of Värtsilä and advance to the isthmus between Suolampi and Salmilampi.
Finnish daily losses: 79
http://i.imgur.com/RRVmlxyl.jpg (http://imgur.com/RRVmlxy)
Lieutenant-Colonel Susitaival interrogates POW in Värtsilä.
http://i.imgur.com/kRiw21el.jpg (http://imgur.com/kRiw21e)
Two ladies bathing in the sun at Lake Bodom.
7 July 1941
The Parliament start its summer break (because screw war, right?).
On the left wing of the Karelian Army, Group O(inonen) attacks over the border to get better starting positions for the upcoming general offensive.
Orders given on 3/7 state that Group O must advance to Tolvajärvi and Kuolismaa.
Group O is divided into three battlegroups; Group S, group E and group H.
After crossing the border Group E tries to capture the village of Ontrovaara (http://i.imgur.com/NAUT7Yw.jpg), but stiff resistance repulses them back by evening.
Group S fares no better getting bogged down for several days in Peurujoki and Melaselkä (http://i.imgur.com/Ul90DA5.jpg).
60 Soviet planes strike Kotka.
Finnish daily losses: 164
!Graphic image!
http://i.imgur.com/hhDVuPGl.jpg (http://imgur.com/hhDVuPG)
Russian trenches captured in battles in the Repola area.
Catfish
07-07-16, 03:06 AM
7 July 1941
The Parliament start its summer break (because screw war, right?).
:rotfl2:First things first..
And ladies sunbathing .. in Finnland :huh:
p.s. Hope you're feeling better.
p.s. Hope you're feeling better.
Yep, all good now. :salute:
Dowly, my friend! Do not forget to write about the siege of Leningrad. I'm interested in your opinion on this terrible page of history of the war between the two nations.
Dowly, my friend! Do not forget to write about the siege of Leningrad. I'm interested in your opinion on this terrible page of history of the war between the two nations.
Hey Susexx,
There won't be much on SoL, it is not terribly relevant to the Continuation War.
As for my opinion? It doesn't matter. I rather stick to the facts we have.
8 July 1941
In Berlin, Finnish national socialist Erkki Räikkönen "demands" Leningrad to Finland.
Declaration is given to the people living in the areas occupied by Finns.
It is a set of instructions on how the people should behave; people should remain where they live and continue to work as normal.
The civilians can also be called to specific work duties when needed.
Any civilian who opposes or in any way does harm to the Finnish Army is seen as a criminal and is condemned to death.
Adolf Hitler states that both Leningrad and Moscow need to be destroyed.
German 169.Division and SS-Nord attacking towards Salla break the Russian lines and the enemy retreats to the Kairala line. The Finnish 6.Division reaches the southern end of the line.
Finnish daily losses: 102
http://i.imgur.com/S0Fsn84l.jpg (http://imgur.com/S0Fsn84)
Grave of a Finnish soldier at the border in Ilomantsi.
(I think it might actually be a signpost -D)
9 July 1941
In the early morning, 20 enemy bombers strike Helsinki. 21 people are killed.
Air battle over Gulf of Finland results in 8 enemy planes being shot down by Squadron 24's Brewster Buffalos.
First saboteurs of the so called 'Erna group' leave for Estonia. These saboteurs have been trained in Finland to harass Soviet troops in Estonia.
VI AK begins its main offensive at 2340hrs with objective of achieving a breakthrough in Värtsilä and east side Korpiselkä.
Major-General Talvela's VI AK was supposed to wait for the general offensive, starting on the 10th, but Talvela decided to start the attack early.
The attack bogs down quickly and VI AK cannot advance to its objectives before the general offensive begins.
Major-General Talvela is probably best described as the Patton of Finland. He was extremely stubborn, had strong views on how the Finnish Army should work, was quick to anger and generally was very hard to work with.
Good example of his personality is when the first Mannerheim Cross was awarded. Not to him, but to Ruben Lagus. Reportedly, he screamed in anger "The *bleeping* Russkie gave it to the *bleeping* Swede!".
Capable commander though. :yep:
Finnish daily losses: 149
http://i.imgur.com/AxUN9NSl.jpg (http://imgur.com/AxUN9NS)
"Mascot" of a certain artillery unit.
10 July 1941
General offensive of the Karelian Army begins at 1500hrs.
Mannerheim gives his so-called Order of the Day of the Sword Scabbard (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sword_Scabbard_Declaration).
The German troops in the north reach the heavily defended Kairala line. The Finnish 6.Division is stopped at the line as well.
German Army Group North begins its attack towards Leningrad.
Finnish daily losses: 289
http://i.imgur.com/kJuveSVl.jpg (http://imgur.com/kJuveSV)
Finnish "Ghost plane". These dummy planes were used during the Winter War to fool Soviet bombers to strike bogus targets.
***
11 July 1941
Lieutenant-General Oesch (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Lennart_Oesch)'s IV AK receives its attack orders.
VI AK punches through the Russian lines in Värtsilä and Korpiselkä.
Finnish IR/14 is sent to help out the Germans in Petsamo.
Finnish daily losses: 369
http://i.imgur.com/h6BsnTgl.jpg (http://imgur.com/h6BsnTg)
Finnish troops march through Värtsilä.
12 July 1941
Detachment Lagus (IR/44) captures Tolvajärvi.
On the Isthmus, 15.Division begins to capture terrain that lies in-front of the Soviet lines in Koitsansalo and Änkilänsalo.
VI AK's new objective becomes the Suistamo-Loimola line.
http://i.imgur.com/Rn4B6Fnm.jpg (http://imgur.com/Rn4B6Fn)
The Anglo-Soviet agreement (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglo-Soviet_Agreement) is signed in Moscow.
Finnish daily losses: 314
13 July 1941
VI AK captures Uuksu and Muuanto.
Due to its rapid advance, VI AK's objective now becomes the Koirinoja-Käsnäselkä line.
http://i.imgur.com/eWhK6ebm.jpg (http://imgur.com/eWhK6eb)
The German Gebirgs-Korps Norwegen continues its attack towards Murmansk from Petsamo.
Faced with continuous counter-attacks and threats to the flanks, the advance bogs down.
Finnish daily losses: 318
14 July 1941
1.Jaeger Brigade (1.JPr.) of Detachment Lagus captures Loimola, cutting the Soviet troops in the west from railroad access to east.
http://i.imgur.com/pm0Oe9vm.jpg (http://imgur.com/pm0Oe9v)
After regrouping, Group F (III AK) starts its attack again towards Uhtua.
Finnish daily losses: 258
http://i.imgur.com/mcUDhgBl.jpg (http://imgur.com/mcUDhgB)
Anti-tank gun firing on enemy positions.
15 July 1941
11. Division captures Soanlahti.
19. Division breaks the Soviet lines in Niinisyrjä.
http://i.imgur.com/OsWopsLm.jpg (http://imgur.com/OsWopsL)
Lieutenant-Colonel Väinö Kotilainen is chosen as the head of East Karelia's military administration.
Finnish daily losses: 234
http://i.imgur.com/o89F2DVl.jpg (http://imgur.com/o89F2DV)
Finns advancing in Kollaanjoki. (Light Detachment 4)
HunterICX
07-16-16, 05:44 PM
Dowly is somewhere drinking his brains numb this weekend so we'll be taking over.
but sorry for the late entry, was having a very busy day at work and a party I had to attend to later in the afternoon till midnight
16 July 1941
5. Division reaches Lake Ladoga as it captures Koirinoja.
http://i.imgur.com/AmTYx3Im.jpg (http://imgur.com/AmTYx3I)
In a surprise attack, Soviet troops capture the island of Morgonlandet (https://www.google.fi/maps/place/Morgonlandet/@59.7664987,22.6346782,9.89z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x468ce70e063c8ca1:0xdbbe48d8e01c4 b23!8m2!3d59.7596733!4d22.7023612).
The attack towards Murmansk by German Gebirgs-Korps Norwegen and Finnish IR/14 halts in Litsajoki.
German Army Group Centre captures Smolensk.
Finnish daily losses: 229
http://i.imgur.com/cdMf70nl.jpg (http://imgur.com/cdMf70n)
View from the positions of 4/II/IR43. Soviet tanks destroyed by an anti-tank rifle on the road.
For a little old Ferret can sink and lot of booze! :eek:
HunterICX
07-17-16, 08:49 AM
17 July 1941
Battlegroup Järvinen crosses the old border near Käsnäselkä.
http://i.imgur.com/xXOQDQem.jpg (http://imgur.com/xXOQDQe)
Finnish daily losses: 183
http://i.imgur.com/oC6rSpFl.jpg (http://imgur.com/oC6rSpF)
Execution of a desant.
18 July 1941
No entry
Finnish daily losses: 350
http://i.imgur.com/JoTHJEMl.jpg (http://imgur.com/JoTHJEM)
Captured Russian trenches. (Hanko peninsula)
***
19 July 1941
Mannerheim gives praise to the swift advance of the two Jaeger brigades fighting in Ladoga Karelia.
Finnish daily losses: 349
http://i.imgur.com/VNgOwUPl.jpg (http://imgur.com/VNgOwUP)
Submarine Vesikko
***
20 July 1941
Soviet partisans destroy a railroad bridge near Kontiomäki.
III AK: Group J attacking towards Kiestinki reaches Sohjananjoki.
Group F advancing towards Uhtua forces Russian troops to retreat from Pistojoki.
Finnish daily losses: 243
21 July 1941
Near Rukajärvi, Finns attack Omelia in the morning.
Finnish troops attacking from the south cut the Omelia-Rukajärvi road, leaving the Russian IR/337 encircled in Omelia.
5.Division captures village of Salmi, 1.Division captures the 'Hyrsylä bend' area.
Finnish daily losses: 236
http://i.imgur.com/EbAMDOgl.jpg (http://imgur.com/EbAMDOg)
Lieutenant-Colonel Laaksonen with 'Molotoffi' & 'Tiltu'
***
22 July 1941
Commander of 5.Division Colonel Ruben Lagus (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruben_Lagus) becomes the first recipient of the Mannerheim Cross.
Finnish daily losses: 225
http://i.imgur.com/VqsU8Anl.jpg (http://imgur.com/VqsU8An)
Finnish advance 10.-22.7. (as close as I could get it)
HunterICX
07-23-16, 03:50 AM
'Molotoffi' & 'Tiltu' :rock:
Also Welcome back mate, took you a while though.:D
Now that is what I call shoulder pads, Molotoffi' & 'Tiltu. :)
Also Welcome back mate, took you a while though.:DOh, I was home on Tuesday already, but spent couple of days on the couch as I may or may have not busted my ankle a bit.
23 July 1941
Detachment K (later Brigade K) is formed from Ingrians and those from Viena and Aunus Karelia.
Russian 7.Army tries to counter-attacks in Vieljärvi-Kolatselkä area.
Russian marines land on the island of Lunkulansaari.
http://i.imgur.com/7tnZrunt.jpg (http://imgur.com/7tnZrun)
Finnish daily losses: 261
http://i.imgur.com/N4NkOWel.jpg (http://imgur.com/N4NkOWe)
Wounded soldier being treated at the first aid station.
Oh, I was home on Tuesday already, but spent couple of days on the couch as I may or may have not busted my ankle a bit.
Booze can do that you know. :O:
Joking aside get well. :)
24 July 1941
Detachment Lagus captures Vitele and continue to Tuulos.
Karelian Army halts its advance in this direction and digs in on the Vitele-Vieljärvi line.
http://i.imgur.com/qkcZDuKt.jpg (http://imgur.com/qkcZDuK)
Kar.A's northern flank has still not managed to advance much due to stiff resistance.
The German 163.D especially suffers heavy casualties.
Finnish daily losses: 229
http://i.imgur.com/hWdWF7Ol.jpg (http://imgur.com/hWdWF7O)
Russian gas masks used as light-dimmers
25 July 1941
Russian forces land on Mantsinsaari island.
http://i.imgur.com/IVLcSNVt.jpg (http://imgur.com/IVLcSNV)
Colonel Karhu takes command of 5.Division from Colonel Lagus.
General Talvela had put Lagus in command without Mannerheim's permission.
Finnish daily losses: 199
http://i.imgur.com/Xf7UB4nl.jpg (http://imgur.com/Xf7UB4n)
Lahti L/39 anti-tank rifle (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahti_L-39)
Schroeder
07-25-16, 09:52 AM
http://i.imgur.com/hWdWF7Ol.jpg (http://imgur.com/hWdWF7O)
Russian gas masks used as light-dimmersThat must look really spooky at night.:o
HunterICX
07-25-16, 10:09 AM
http://i.imgur.com/Xf7UB4nl.jpg (http://imgur.com/Xf7UB4n)
Lahti L/39 anti-tank rifle (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahti_L-39)
From the Wiki-link:
The gun was also widely used in the Cold Charlie counter-sniper (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Counter-sniper_tactics) technique, where the Finns would use a mannequin posing as an officer sloppily covering himself. Soviet snipers would fire upon the mannequin, and the Finns would then return fire at the Soviet snipers with the Lahti L-39.
:o Would there be anything left of the guy if they landed a hit with that thing?
26 July 1941
Strike force of more than 60 Russians land on the Bengtskär lighthouse island (https://www.google.fi/maps/place/59%C2%B043'24.1%22N+22%C2%B029'54.6%22E/@59.722432,22.494265,1680m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x0!8m2!3d59.723376!4d 22.498496) just after midnight.
The 38 defending Finns retreat inside the lighthouse and begin to direct artillery fire from the nearby Örö fort (https://www.google.fi/maps/place/59%C2%B048'23.7%22N+22%C2%B020'09.3%22E/@59.80661,22.3345891,490m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x0!8m2!3d59.806589!4d 22.33591) on the attacking enemy.
Finnish reinforcements arrive during the morning and by 1845hrs the island is clear of enemies.
Finns lost 21 men, while the enemy's casualties were 36 KIA + 28 POW.
Finnish daily losses: 165
http://i.imgur.com/ULjnWRDl.jpg (http://imgur.com/ULjnWRD)
Finnish pioneers assault a machine gun position. (Somewhere in 2.D's area)
27 July 1941
Combined effort by German and Finnish troops to cross Ristisalmi by boats in Tolvajärvi direction fails.
http://i.imgur.com/bEfHBz1t.jpg (http://imgur.com/bEfHBz1)
Finnish daily losses: 211
http://i.imgur.com/nYwMlFXl.jpg (http://imgur.com/nYwMlFX)
Russians have scored a direct hit to a Finnish ammo dump. (Ristisalmi area)
28 July 1941
Foreign minister Rolf Witting (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolf_Witting) informs British ambassador Sir Gordon Vereker that Finland will break off diplomatic relations with Great Britain.
Finnish daily losses: 168
http://i.imgur.com/hYlx2Kwl.jpg (http://imgur.com/hYlx2Kw)
Lieutenant-General Hjalmar Siilasvuo (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hjalmar_Siilasvuo) and an unnamed SS-Standartenführer
Finland and the UK had the best war..Not a shot fired. :ping:
29 July 1941
Two Russian divisions attack against VII AK on the northwest side of Sortavala.*
http://i.imgur.com/ubmGDcPt.jpg (http://imgur.com/ubmGDcP)
Finnish daily losses: 157
http://i.imgur.com/DXKfLP9l.jpg (http://imgur.com/DXKfLP9)
Patrol boat 5
*: I am not sure which "two divisions" 'Jatkosota Kronikka' means. Neither it nor 'Sotatoimet - Suomen sotien 1939-1944 kulku kartoin' mentions or shows on map any other division in the are than the 168th.
30 July 1941
Karelian Isthmus: II AK receives its attack orders.
The British Fleet Air Arm unsuccessfully raids Petsamo (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raid_on_Kirkenes_and_Petsamo).
LRRP Detachment Kuismanen's patrol to Lotinapelto returns by driving through 60km of checkpoints in a captured truck wearing partial Russian uniforms.
Upon crossing the frontline, they recapture a lost strongpoint from the enemy.
Finnish daily losses: 228
http://i.imgur.com/TeOYDC1l.jpg (http://imgur.com/TeOYDC1)
Piggies!
Schroeder
07-30-16, 02:09 AM
Finland and the UK had the best war..Not a shot fired. :ping:
30 July 1941
The British Fleet Air Arm unsuccessfully raids Petsamo (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raid_on_Kirkenes_and_Petsamo).
So much for that....:88)
So much for that....:88)
Well I never..:huh:
Well I never..:huh:
From Jatkosota - Kronikka:
"Five people area killed in the raid, a ship carrying rum is sunk and the pier is damaged."
You monsters... :nope:
From Jatkosota - Kronikka:
"Five people area killed in the raid, a ship carrying rum is sunk and the pier is damaged."
You monsters... :nope:
On behalf of my Government, we are so sorry about that and compensation is on the way. We will send you Snowdonia's mountain and rail line.
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/06/12/article-1192538-05525AF1000005DC-955_634x360.jpg
Excuse me Dowly..
On behalf of my Government, we are so sorry to Wales for pinching one of your mountains and giving it to Finland.
31 July 1941
Karelian Isthmus: Major-General Laatikainen's (http://www.ww2incolor.com/finnish_forces/Laatikainen_Taavetti.html) II AK begins its general offensive. Its objective is to first capture the Elisenvaara - Ilmee - Hiitola terrain and after that continue southwards to river Suvanto.
The Finns are facing the well fortified positions of the Russian 142. and 115. divisions.
http://i.imgur.com/IArzFq7t.jpg (http://imgur.com/IArzFq7)
German Army Group North reaches Lake Ilmen to the south of Leningrad.
Finnish daily losses: 457
http://i.imgur.com/lEX81Ayl.jpg (http://imgur.com/lEX81Ay)
Wounded soldier being dragged away from the front during a battle in Änkilä (II AK sector).
Schroeder
07-31-16, 03:47 AM
457 losses....:88)
In case no one has noticed yet: War sucks!
1 August 1941
Squadron 15 is used for the first time to fly LRRP men behind enemy lines.
The plane type used is Junkers W 34.
Finnish daily losses: 424
http://i.imgur.com/q1Mof3Nl.jpg (http://imgur.com/q1Mof3N)
Assault team storms forwards.
2 August 1941
German liaison officer to Mannerheim's HQ, Waldemar Erfurth, asks Finns to support the German offensive in Soviet Union by advancing to Lotinapelto(Lodeinoje Pole) in Svir river.
Soviet Union starts receiving material aid from the USA.
Finnish daily losses: 324
http://i.imgur.com/422QrXgl.jpg (http://imgur.com/422QrXg)
Machine gun position on Hanko front
3 August 1941
Karelian Isthmus: II AK's units break through Russian lines in Änkilänsalo, Tyrjä and Karjalainen.
http://i.imgur.com/6PBjtcNt.jpg (http://imgur.com/6PBjtcN)
Major-General Paavo Talvela (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paavo_Talvela), Colonel Erkki Raappana (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erkki_Raappana) and Private Vilho Rättö (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vilho_R%C3%A4tt%C3%B6) receive the Mannerheim Cross.
Finnish daily losses: 308
http://i.imgur.com/brrLEYyl.jpg (http://imgur.com/brrLEYy)
Private Vilho Rättö
A little aside, if I may, that I discovered while researching a song from (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9FL9IMr9kg) an anime (http://video.genfb.com/1070719392992345), a bit early in this narrative but I'd probably forget next month.
Whilst Soviet forces were withdrawing from Vilpuri they left scattered hundreds of radio-controlled mines which were controlled by a specific three chord audio being played over the radio which made three tuning forks vibrate at the same time. They were a major pain for Finnish forces, until someone discovered that playing the Säkkijärven Polkka over the radio would make the nearby mines detonate. After this a mobile radio transmitter was brought in and the famous accordionist and composer Viljo Vesterinens recording of the Polkka (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZx1zl_sVTI) was played some 1,500 times during September 1941 until alternative jamming equipment was brought in to continue the work up to Feburary 1942.
Hah, yep. I remember reading about it for the first time couple of years ago. :)
They were a major pain for Finnish forces, until someone discovered that playing the Säkkijärven Polkka over the radio would make the nearby mines detonate.
I take this was a typo? The point was to not make them detonate.
***
4 August 1941
10.D is subordinated under II AK to cut the road from Ilmee to Hiitola.
http://i.imgur.com/FmYrQdSt.jpg (http://imgur.com/FmYrQdS)
Colonel Pajari (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaro_Pajari)'s 18.D enters the town of Ilmee.
http://i.imgur.com/VYjS5Vqt.jpg (http://imgur.com/VYjS5Vq)
Stalin writes to President Roosevelt:
The U.S.S.R. attaches great importance to the matter of neutralising Finland and her dissociation from Germany. The severance of relations between Britain and Finland and the blockade of Finland, announced by Britain, have already borne fruit and engendered conflicts among the ruling circles of Finland. Voices are being raised in support of neutrality and reconciliation with the U.S.S.R.
If the U.S. Government were to threaten Finland with a rupture of relations, the Finnish Government would be more resolute in the matter of breaking with Germany. In that case the Soviet Government could make certain territorial concessions to Finland with a view to assuaging her and conclude a new peace treaty with her.Finnish daily losses: 282
[Graphic image]
http://i.imgur.com/yCWJK6il.jpg (http://imgur.com/yCWJK6i)
Finns near Tyrjä.
Oh? Could be, I must admit I wasn't aware of that part, I thought the idea was to detonate them when infantry were not near them, like how mine-flail tanks set them off deliberately to clear a path. :hmmm: I thought that since the mines were detonated by making the three tuning forks vibrate and that the Polkka had notes in it which included those three notes. So the Finns could essentially take control over when the mines detonated away from the Soviets.
I could be wrong though, I was just going from wikipedia. :yep:
Oh? Could be, I must admit I wasn't aware of that part, I thought the idea was to detonate them when infantry were not near them, like how mine-flail tanks set them off deliberately to clear a path. :hmmm: I thought that since the mines were detonated by making the three tuning forks vibrate and that the Polkka had notes in it which included those three notes. So the Finns could essentially take control over when the mines detonated away from the Soviets.
I could be wrong though, I was just going from wikipedia. :yep:
The song was chosen because it had a fast tempo which would likely not let a clear enemy signal through.
September 3 - 2300hrs
Called to IV AK to inquire the situation in Viipuri. Captain Ääri had not heard of any new explosions, so it is likely our radio jamming (playing the Polkka -D) is working.
September 4 - 1800hrs
First enemy detonation signal was heard on the public radio. The signal was much stronger than before. Seems like they are trying to get past our radio jamming to detonate the rest of the mines.-War diary of Headquarters' Signals Detachment 1
:salute:
EDIT: Also, Viipuri was important city to the Finns, so destroying parts of it intentionally was out of the question. Oh and Finns didn't know where most of the mines were, so not a good idea to start blowing them up in random. :)
5 August 1941
Karelian Isthmus: 15.D reaches the outskirts of Hiitola by nightfall.
2.D cuts the Hiitola-Sortavala railway.
http://i.imgur.com/g0N9XJJt.jpg (http://imgur.com/g0N9XJJ)
Soviet troops begin a general withdrawal from the northwest area of Sortavala.
Colonel Bondarev's 168.D remains behind to cover the withdrawal.
1st Battle of Smolensk ends in German victory.
Finnish daily losses: 345
http://i.imgur.com/zE25aril.jpg (http://imgur.com/zE25ari)
Scars of the previous war. (Kollaa)
***
I'm taking this weekend off. Not sure, if I have time to write anything for anyone else to post. I shall return on monday/tuesday. :salute:
EDIT: ^Scratch that. Change of plans.
6 August 1941
Combined German-Finnish offensive reaches Aittojoki in Ladoga Karelia.
Commander of the III AK, Major-General Siilasvuo, orders Group F to take defensive positions near Uhtua.
http://i.imgur.com/pjKBsFbt.jpg (http://imgur.com/pjKBsFb)
German Army Group North reaches the southern shore of Gulf of Finland.
Finnish daily losses: 227
http://i.imgur.com/8PqBIR2l.jpg (http://imgur.com/8PqBIR2)
'Anti-boredom battery' performing in Haapajärvi.
Showing some bottom cheek there! :huh: :) :woot:
7 August 1941
2. Division captures Lahdenpohja and by doing so cuts the last land based withdrawal route from the Russian troops in the surrounding area of Sortavala.
Colonel Bondarev's 168.D and parts of 115.D are now encircled with Lake Ladoga being the only way out.
I AK (2.D, 7.D, 19.D) is formed to deal with the Sortavala 'motti'.
http://i.imgur.com/l7RD9zCt.jpg (http://imgur.com/l7RD9zC)
Northern Finland: III AK's Group J captures Kiestinki. SS-Nord takes credit of it by informing Berlin it was they who captured the town.
http://i.imgur.com/AYTWSyvt.jpg (http://imgur.com/AYTWSyv)
Rumours of deserters begin to circulate on the home front. The wildest rumours speak of over 40,000 deserters armed with machine guns and other armaments given by Russians roaming the woods.
Finnish daily losses: 383
http://i.imgur.com/2N7SjqRl.jpg (http://imgur.com/2N7SjqR)
Close call for Colonel Pajari.
Typical Waffen SS always wanting a Iron Cross..Hey Berlin we took Kiestinki. :rolleyes:
8 August 1941
After capturing Ilmee, parts of Colonel Pajari's 18.D are ordered to advance south towards Kirvu and Sairala.
Their objective is to capture the towns and the Sairala - Hiitola railway.
Kirvu and Inkilä are captured without a fight on the 8th of August.
Attacks towards Sairala are repulsed by the enemy.
http://i.imgur.com/UBPK9rAt.jpg (http://imgur.com/UBPK9rA)
Finnish daily losses: 317
http://i.imgur.com/us3eNANl.jpg (http://imgur.com/us3eNAN)
Two Jaegers of Jaeger Battalion 1 carrying the so called Marski's SMGs.
For their actions during the tough 'motti' battles of the Winter War, Mannerheim bought 10 Suomi KP/31 SMGs from the Tikkakoski factory with a silver plaque on the stock which read: "To Jaeger Battalion 1, 1940, Field Marshal C.G.E. Mannerheim"
The weapons were given to the unit in the summer of 1941 and as Mannerheim wished, they were given to the best soldiers of the unit to be used in combat.
All but two of the KP/31s survived the war.
9 August 1941
Karelian Ishtmus: 2.Division captures Elisenvaara.
http://i.imgur.com/MsAU6eWt.jpg (http://imgur.com/MsAU6eW)
Commander of the Navy orders mines to be laid to east side of Tallinn.
Finnish daily losses: 256
http://i.imgur.com/z4CWlNMl.jpg (http://imgur.com/z4CWlNM)
Russian POWs in Nastola.
10 August 1941
Infantry Regiment 30 (7.Division) attack over Karmalansalmi on the west side of Sortavala.
http://i.imgur.com/qjFVLnyt.jpg (http://imgur.com/qjFVLny)
15.Division enters Kurkijoki.
http://i.imgur.com/h255f2Ut.jpg (http://imgur.com/h255f2U)
Finnish daily losses: 282
http://i.imgur.com/hxWySnKl.jpg (http://imgur.com/hxWySnK)
Finns marching towards Kurkijoki.
***
This was uploaded yesterday to the official FDF youtube channel, so I'll just leave it here:
Inheritance of the Veterans (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFtcERLYbDA)
11 August 1941
East Karelia: 11. Division takes front responsibility in Hyrsylä.
Karelian Isthmus: Last Soviet covering forces retreat from Hiitola to the Kilpola archipelago in preparation for evacuation across Lake Ladoga.
http://i.imgur.com/1Hx6b9Ut.jpg (http://imgur.com/1Hx6b9U)
Finnish daily losses: 292
http://i.imgur.com/pA743Zbl.jpg (http://imgur.com/pA743Zb)
Finnish artillery softening suspected enemy positions near Hiitola.
12 August 1941
18.Division continues to advance towards Jääski, Kirvu and Sairala.
2. and 19. Divisions attack against the encircled Soviet 168.D in Lahdenpohja - Sortavala area.
http://i.imgur.com/UxwnICRt.jpg (http://imgur.com/UxwnICR)
Over Kirvu, Captain Jorma Karhunen's flight of six Brewsters engage 20 enemy I-153s and one I-18(I-16?).
Nine Soviet I-153s are shot down and another four unconfirmed with no own losses.
First issue of "Vapaa Karjala" (="Free Karelia") weekly paper is released.
Finnish daily losses: 291
http://i.imgur.com/U4rAXJ3l.jpg (http://imgur.com/U4rAXJ3)
Treating a hoof injury.
13 August 1941
I AK takes front responsibility in the area of Sortavala.
Karelian Isthmus: Mannerheim orders Colonel Pajari's 18.Division to take the northern shore of river Vuoksi between Enso and Pölläkkälä and establish bridgehead on the west side of the river.
IV AK receives orders to start preparing for an attack.
http://i.imgur.com/oxhReHRt.jpg (http://imgur.com/oxhReHR)
Finnish daily losses: 327
http://i.imgur.com/rcUdZwsl.jpg (http://imgur.com/rcUdZws)
Machine gun nest inside a childrens' hospital in Sortavala
14 August 1941
18.Division's forces surround Enso and Jääski.
Antrea is captured after heavy fighting lasting the entire day.
I AK attacks against the Soviet 168.D in Lahdenpohja - Sortavala area.
http://i.imgur.com/y6T7NJut.jpg (http://imgur.com/y6T7NJu)
Finnish daily losses: 349
http://i.imgur.com/cSYQ0dql.jpg (http://imgur.com/cSYQ0dq)
Soldier from assault company with messenger dog 'Taru'
15 August 1941
At 1510hrs, IR30 headquarters receives message from II./IR30:
"The city (Sortavala) has been taken and the blue cross flag flies over the city hall. Own losses: 1 KIA, 3 WIA. Enemy losses number dozens."
Majority of the defending Russians (168.D) have left the city earlier during the day.
Of those Russians who remained in the city, 540 were taken prisoner.
Finnish 10.Division repulses Soviet 265.Division's counter-attack in Timoskala.
VII AK takes front responsibility in Tulemajärvi sector.
http://i.imgur.com/jYcYTGht.jpg (http://imgur.com/jYcYTGh)
Finnish daily losses: 256
http://i.imgur.com/pnjMT96l.jpg (http://imgur.com/pnjMT96)
Russian prisoners asking their comrades holed up in a cellar to surrender. (Sortavala)
Finnish newsreel of the battle of Sortavala:
http://www.elonet.fi/fi/elokuva/638072
In Finnish naturally, but there's some nice footage there that might interest some.
16 August 1941
Northern Finland: Finnish IR53 (III AK) is encircled near Kiestinki.
IR37 reaches Lake Ladoga in Melloistenlahti, south of Sortavala.
7.Division's commander Colonel Svensson becomes Knight of the Mannerheim Cross #5 for leading the attack on Sortavala.
Colonel Pajari orders his 18.Division to attack across river Vuoksi in Hopeasalmi.
http://i.imgur.com/zrTn8DQt.jpg (http://imgur.com/zrTn8DQ)
Finnish daily losses: 255
http://i.imgur.com/mIMSUJhl.jpg (http://imgur.com/mIMSUJh)
Colonel Svensson (center) and General Heinrichs (right) in Sortavala.
17 August 1941
Karelian Isthmus: 18.Division's vanguard battalion crosses river Vuoksi in Hopeasalmi at 2300hrs.
"The order to capture the north shore of the river from Enso to Pölläkkälä and to establish a bridgehead on the south side had been received on the 13th of August.
The purpose was to get behind the enemy troops defending the western part of the isthmus and so make the upcoming attack of the IV AK easier in that direction.
The first men of IR27 rowed across the river in complete silence. The surprise was near perfect, only resistance they met was a 10-man patrol which was quickly destroyed.
By first light, almost the entire regiment had moved across and a couple kilometers deep bridgehead had been established."
10.Division attacks towards Räisälä.
http://i.imgur.com/GqPYarxt.jpg (http://imgur.com/GqPYarx)
Swedish Volunteer Battalion takes front responsibility in Hanko sector.
Finnish daily losses: 294
http://i.imgur.com/VxVCQeKl.jpg (http://imgur.com/VxVCQeK)
2nd Lieutenant Lehtonen from Jaeger Battalion 1 receives the Iron Cross 2nd class.
His patrol destroyed a Russian 6-inch gun battery on 4th of August in Kotasuo.
18 August 1941
Stalin offers peace to Finland.
Finnish ambassador in Washington, Hjalmar Procopé (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hjalmar_J._Procop%C3%A9), is informed confidentially by US Under Secretary of State Sumner Welles (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumner_Welles) of Stalin's readiness to start peace talks with Finland.
Due to the success by both Finnish and German armies in the east, Finland sees no reason to make a separate peace with Soviet Union.
Sergeant-Major Oiva "Oippa" Tuominen (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oiva_Tuominen) becomes Knight of the Mannerheim Cross #6. He has shot down 18 enemy planes by this time.
After two days of fighting, Finnish 10.Division breaks through to Räisälä and routs the Soviet 265.Division.
http://i.imgur.com/anABAUbt.jpg (http://imgur.com/anABAUb)
Finnish daily losses: 209
http://i.imgur.com/7QR86WAl.jpg (http://imgur.com/7QR86WA)
Russian POWs taken in Räisälä.
***
King B. Ooze has summoned me to his court, so I will return to this on Monday/Tuesday unless I find time to write something for the weekend.
19 August 1941
East Karelia: Group O begins attempting a breakthrough in Aittojoki towards Suojärvi.
11. Division attacks from Hyrsylä to Tsalkki.
http://i.imgur.com/9bqop2Gt.jpg (http://imgur.com/9bqop2G)
Northern Finland: German 36.AK restarts its offensive on the east side of Salla.
Finnish daily losses: 224
http://i.imgur.com/go4jdEml.jpg (http://imgur.com/go4jdEm)
Finnish soldier walking past a burning building in Kiviniemi.
***
20 August 1941
Ladoga Karelia: Fighting ends on the southeast side of Sortavala. The remaining Russian forces withraw from the Rautalahti encirclement over Lake Ladoga to Valamo and Leningrad Front.
http://i.imgur.com/rCwmRH6t.jpg (http://imgur.com/rCwmRH6)
Karelian Ishthmus: Russian forces are ordered to withdraw to the Viipuri - River Vuoksi - Pyhäjärvi line.
http://i.imgur.com/72RYH4At.jpg (http://imgur.com/72RYH4A)
Hitler orders Waldemar Erfurth to inform the Finns, that Hitler wishes them to surround Leningrad from the north.
After talking with Mannerheim, Erfurth informs to Berlin that Finland is reluctant to take part in the attack on Leningrad.
Finnish daily losses: 183
http://i.imgur.com/0sAHJSOl.jpg (http://imgur.com/0sAHJSO)
21 August 1941
IV AK's attack on the west side of River Vuoksi begins.
11.Division captures Suvilahti.
KevPrT* advances to Kuparsaari during the morning
(*Light Brigade Tiiainen)
The retreating Russians burn the village of Käkisalmi, which is captured by 15.Division by evening.
http://i.imgur.com/Kir1oVCt.jpg (http://imgur.com/Kir1oVC)
Hitler halts the attack on Moscow and concentrates on Ukraine and Leningrad.
Finnish daily losses: 263
http://i.imgur.com/TBAUzSGl.jpg (http://imgur.com/TBAUzSG)
War material left behind by retreating Russians in Rautalahti.
***
22 August 1941
8.Division reaches Säkkijärvi - Vahviala line by evening.
http://i.imgur.com/kN2gdkwt.jpg (http://imgur.com/kN2gdkw)
Germany takes Estonia.
Finnish daily losses: 179
http://i.imgur.com/VpJrxkXl.jpg (http://imgur.com/VpJrxkX)
Knocked out Russian tank in Suvilahti.
23 August 1941
10. and 15. Division reach river Vuoksi - river Suvanto line.
Russian forces encircled in Kilpola island withdraw across Lake Ladoga.
http://i.imgur.com/LvYImEKt.jpg (http://imgur.com/LvYImEK)
Finnish daily losses: 226
http://i.imgur.com/QDYiPBOl.jpg (http://imgur.com/QDYiPBO)
Machine gun dugout
***
24 August 1941
Units of 8. Division cross Gulf of Viipuri unopposed to Lihaniemi.
http://i.imgur.com/kKBxpF8t.jpg (http://imgur.com/kKBxpF8)
Finnish daily losses: 307
http://i.imgur.com/7atQtWCl.jpg (http://imgur.com/7atQtWC)
Wartime drawing.
***
25 August 1941
East Karelia: 11.Division's attack to the Säämäjärvi-Suotjärvi isthmus begins at 1500hrs.
Karelian Isthmus: 12.Division cuts the Viipuri-Leningrad railway near Kämäri.
Russian counter-attack on the east side of Viipuri against 18.Division's bridgehead west of river Vuoksi is repelled.
KevPrT's commander Colonel Matti Tiiainen is mortally wounded when his tent is hit by a artillery shell.
Units from 8.Division capture the railstation at Sommee on the southwest side of Viipuri and Tienhaara to the northwest of the city.
http://i.imgur.com/S75hQyft.jpg (http://imgur.com/S75hQyf)
Finnish daily losses: 320
http://i.imgur.com/Ed8dCTdl.jpg (http://imgur.com/Ed8dCTd)
Last war's scars in Taipale.
20 August 1941
Hitler orders Waldemar Erfurth to inform the Finns, that Hitler wishes them to surround Leningrad from the north.
After talking with Mannerheim, Erfurth informs to Berlin that Finland is reluctant to take part in the attack on Leningrad.
One good thing came out of this for Finland because they would not seal off Leningrad from their end they were spared being over run by the Russia at the end of the war.
sublynx
08-26-16, 08:11 AM
Cool thread, a huge effort :)
IIRC, I-18 is a Polikarpov I-16 type 18.
One good thing came out of this for Finland because they would not seal off Leningrad from their end they were spared being over run by the Russia at the end of the war.
Oh, most definitely. Had Finland taken part in the siege, I doubt the Red Army would have been ordered to stop after the summer battles of 1944.
Cool thread, a huge effort :)
IIRC, I-18 is a Polikarpov I-16 type 18.
Thanks, sublynx. I sometimes think "Why did I start it?!" :)
The I-18 is likely a typo in the unit war diary. The variants were typically not mentioned and often even nicknames of planes/tanks were used in the combat reports. For example the I-153 was called 'Tsaikka' and T-34 'Sotka' (='Duck').
26 August 1941
Three Russian Divisions (43., 115., 123.) in and around Viipuri are quickly being surrounded by the advancing Finnish 8., 4. and 12. Division.
Finnish daily losses: 247
http://i.imgur.com/TqbGhJsl.jpg (http://imgur.com/TqbGhJs)
Well deserved rest.
27 August 1941
Group of deserters who have been hiding in the woods try to destroy an ammo dump in Helsinki.
Number of officers are killed when a timed mine blows up a bridge they are on near Antrea.
Mannerheim gives order to prepare the Karelian Army to advance to river Svir and Petroskoi (Petrozavodsk).
http://i.imgur.com/ElZbgWmt.jpg (http://imgur.com/ElZbgWm)
A lone bomber strikes Porvoo, killing 27 and wounding 60.
Mannerheim gives a negative answer to the Germans' proposal regarding Leningrad. (20 August)
Finnish daily losses: 284
http://i.imgur.com/JFsS4yPl.jpg (http://imgur.com/JFsS4yP)
Viipuri
28 August 1941
Soviet 23rd Army HQ gives order to withdraw from Viipuri area.
43.Division withdraws south, towards Koivisto while 115. and 123.Division fight their way towards Summa.
The main roads are controlled by Finns which forces the retreating Russians to leave their heavy equipment behind as they fight through the forests and smaller roads.
http://i.imgur.com/VLGOkuEt.jpg (http://imgur.com/VLGOkuE)
Finnish daily losses: 235
http://i.imgur.com/zGxat64l.jpg (http://imgur.com/zGxat64)
Unknown Finnish submarine.
29 August 1941
12.Division reaches Gulf of Finland on the south side of lake Kuolemajärvi, completing the encirclement around the three withdrawing Russian divisions who now try to get to the Koivisto island.
(Fittingly, Kuolemajärvi literally means "Lake Death")
First Finnish troops enter Viipuri.
http://i.imgur.com/zNCxviJt.jpg (http://imgur.com/zNCxviJ)
Finnish daily losses: 138
http://i.imgur.com/shHbLpul.jpg (http://imgur.com/shHbLpu)
Swedish volunteers practise storming a bunker. Hanko front.
Mannerheim Cross recipient(s):
Lieutenant Juho Pössi
- For leading his company against a fortified enemy position, personally capturing the first two bunkers.
30 August 1941
Commander of the Karelian Army gives order to continue the attack towards river Svir.
In a discussion with Mannerheim, Waldermar Erfurth reveals Germany's plan to level Leningrad. Mannerheim is not pleased.
Finnish daily losses: 180
http://i.imgur.com/gHNf2qUl.jpg (http://imgur.com/gHNf2qU)
Viipuri's railstation.
31 August 1941
Russian divisions south of Viipuri become trapped in Yläsommee - Porlampi 'motti' after Finnish 8.Division cuts the way to Koivisto.
http://i.imgur.com/fFCzoPct.jpg (http://imgur.com/fFCzoPc)
18.Division's artillery fires the real 'Mainila shots'.
President Ryti gives Mannerheim permission to extent the Karelian Isthmus offensive couple of kilometers past the pre-Winter War border.
The decision is partly to appease the Germans, who offered Finland 25,000 tons of grain and partly strategic; to straighten the defensive line.
Russian POW reveals that there are "300" radio detonated mines in Viipuri.
Finnish daily losses: 265
http://i.imgur.com/5ZiVIdol.jpg (http://imgur.com/5ZiVIdo)
Correct address is written on a shell (to Mainila).
http://i.imgur.com/QOv0OsUl.jpg (http://imgur.com/QOv0OsU)
Military parade in Viipuri.
1 September 1941
The Yläsommee - Porlampi 'motti' surrenders.
Over 9000 Russians are taken prisoner, among them the commander of 43.Division Major-General Kirpitsnikov.
Some 7000 Russian bodies are found on the battlefield.
Finns also capture huge amounts of material from the 'motti', these include:
- 306 various types of artillery/field guns
- 19 000 shells
- 246 mortars
- 46 000 mortar rounds
- 272 machine guns
- 10 000 rifles
- 3.4 million bullets
- 55 tanks
- 673 trucks
- 300 tractors
- 154 000 litres of gasoline
- 159 000 litres of oil
- 4500 horses
Soviet 23rd Army is ordered to withdraw to the pre-Winter War border on the Karelian Isthmus.
Finnish daily losses: 193
Finnish losses in August: 8570
Finnish losses in the war (so far): 15 395
http://i.imgur.com/adsQsTZl.jpg (http://imgur.com/adsQsTZ)
Situation in East Karelia.
http://i.imgur.com/Jo6poLCl.jpg (http://imgur.com/Jo6poLC)
Commander of IR 50, Major Aho, watches as KV-1 burns.
Mannerheim Cross recipient(s):
Corporal Valde Sorsa
- For successfully leading a number of combat patrols.
2 September 1941
Russian forces that escaped from the Yläsommee-Porlampi 'motti' withdraw to the Koivisto island just as Finns reach the port area of Koivisto.
http://i.imgur.com/YbLqn8dt.jpg (http://imgur.com/YbLqn8d)
Finnish units that have reached the old border begin to push the enemy further back.
Northern Finland: Russians launch a counter offensive near Kiestinki against Division J (previously named Group J).
Military Administration announces that civilians are not yet allowed to return to Viipuri or other recaptured areas on the Karelian Isthmus.
Finnish daily losses: 192
http://i.imgur.com/NlJ6nS1l.jpg (http://imgur.com/NlJ6nS1)
Left: Major-General Oesch (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Lennart_Oesch) Right: Major-General Kirpichnikov (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vladimir_Kirpichnikov_(general))
3 September 1941
Finns begin to play Säkkijärven Polkka in Viipuri to prevent the radio mines from being detonated.
(see posts #136 - #139 for previous discussion on this)
Soviet partisans strike village of Kuosku in Savukoski leaving 6 civilians dead.
Squadron 30's Curtiss fighters down seven Russian I-153s over Siestarjoki - Valkeasaari.
Another three I-153s and two I-16s are downed over Säntämä-Aunus by Squadron 26.
First mass gassing tests using Zyklon B are conducted in Auschwitz.
Finnish daily losses: 255
http://i.imgur.com/FP3LJU3l.jpg (http://imgur.com/FP3LJU3)
Yläsommee - Porlampi 'motti'
4 September 1941
Karelian Army begins to advance towards river Svir and Petroskoi in East Karelia.
General Jodl arrives to Finland to talk about Finland's stance on Leningrad.
Mannerheim repeats what he said to Waldemar Erfurth: Finland will not attack against Leningrad.
Long range patrol is for the first time extracted by a plane from behind enemy lines.
Ingrians in Finland send a letter to the prime minister, wishing Ingria to be annexed by Finland.
Finnish daily losses: 308
http://i.imgur.com/uAHm0C2l.jpg (http://imgur.com/uAHm0C2)
General Jodl & Mannerheim
5 September 1941
Detachment Lagus captures the town of Aunus (Olonets) in East Karelia.
http://i.imgur.com/FAsCSGet.jpg (http://imgur.com/FAsCSGe)
Finnish daily losses: 243
http://i.imgur.com/H7YO0wkl.jpg (http://imgur.com/H7YO0wk)
Finnish artillery softens enemy positions in Tuulos (NW of Aunus).
6 September 1941
Northern Finland: 14.Division reaches lake Rukajärvi.
Finnish and German forces withdraw in Kiestinki area.
Finnish daily losses: 242
http://i.imgur.com/Exr7b3yl.jpg (http://imgur.com/Exr7b3y)
Motorcycle in Aunus.
sublynx
09-06-16, 11:19 PM
Where do you find all these photographs from? The one with the tank, the motorcycle and the submachine gun is a thing of incredible beauty!
Where do you find all these photographs from? The one with the tank, the motorcycle and the submachine gun is a thing of incredible beauty!
Hey sublynx
They are official Finnish Army photos that have been digitized and can be found here (https://sa-kuva.fi/). :salute:
7 September 1941
North Finland: Reinforced Gebirgs-Korps Norwegen tries to attack and encircle Murmansk, but the attack stops near lake Kuirkjärvi.
East Karelia: Detachment Lagus reaches river Svir nort of Lotinapelto.
http://i.imgur.com/1fRmWvht.jpg (http://imgur.com/1fRmWvh)
Finnish daily losses: 302
http://i.imgur.com/BNPazdql.jpg (http://imgur.com/BNPazdq)
Frequent sight on the Karelian Isthmus these days; Seemingly endless columns of enemy POWs marching towards prisoner camps.
sublynx
09-07-16, 08:35 AM
Hey sublynx
They are official Finnish Army photos that have been digitized and can be found here (https://sa-kuva.fi/). :salute:
Hats off to you Sir! That's a lot more work dor you,, picking the photos for every day :)
It does add a bit more work, but on the other hand, I'd probably never see all those photos normally that I do when picking one for the day's post. :yep:
8 September 1941
Detachment Marttinen captures Syväri railstation and cuts the Murmansk track.
Finns capture Prääžä in East Karelia.
German Army Group North captures Pähkinälinna (Petrokrepost).
The siege of Leningrad begins.
http://i.imgur.com/6dZ3zztt.jpg (http://imgur.com/6dZ3zzt)
Finnish daily losses: 149
http://i.imgur.com/7UQIjzGl.jpg (http://imgur.com/7UQIjzG)
Russian tank that struck a mine has flipped upside down by the force of the explosion. (Prääžä)
Mannerheim Cross recipient(s):
Captain Eero Kivelä
- For showing personal bravery by leading IR 27 into battle numerous times from the front.
9 September 1941
East Karelia: After capturing Prääžä the day before, VII AK continues its offensive towards Pyhäjärvi to cut the Prääžä - Aunus road.
http://i.imgur.com/L86wkcLt.jpg (http://imgur.com/L86wkcL)
Karelian Isthmus: Finnish forces reach their objectives and are ordered to stop approximately on the pre-Winter War border.
http://i.imgur.com/u8CKT0Mt.jpg (http://imgur.com/u8CKT0M)
Finnish advance on the Karelian Isthmus 21.8. - 9.9.
Separate prisoner camps are to be set up for those POWs who speak Finnish.
Finnish daily losses: 137
http://i.imgur.com/9JUIo2zl.jpg (http://imgur.com/9JUIo2z)
Colonel Lagus explains the current situation. (River Svir)
10 September 1941
Mannerheim visits troops on the river Svir front.
Finnish daily losses: 136
http://i.imgur.com/KVxgMwfl.jpg (http://imgur.com/KVxgMwf)
"First aid station at 2005hrs. First Finnish KIA of the battle." (East Karelia)
11 September 1941
Colonel Erkki Raappana (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erkki_Raappana)'s 14.Division captures the town of Rukajärvi.
Mannerheim gives order to the Karelian Army to capture Petroskoi.
Foreign Minister Witting informs US ambassador that Finland will not attack against Leningrad.
President Ryti discusses about Finland's future borders with German ambassador Wipert von Blücher.
In Ryti's opinion, short and easily defensibly borders would be ideal to Finland.
Finland wishes the rivers Neva and Svir to become the new borders in the south.
Finnish daily losses: 148
http://i.imgur.com/Tp64Xdhl.jpg (http://imgur.com/Tp64Xdh)
"The youngest soldier in the Finnish Army."
Juhani Utkin, a 10yo Karelian orphan who is being taken care of by IR 56.
12 September 1941
200 men of IR 48 refuse to cross the Rajajoki river (river Sestra) at the pre-Winter War border.
Officials estimate that 10% of the Winter War evacuees can return to their homes in Karelia before winter.
Finnish daily losses: 129
http://i.imgur.com/kq5aLZul.jpg (http://imgur.com/kq5aLZu)
Young Dragoon on his horse in East Karelia. (Possibly Jaeger Battalion 6)
Mannerheim Cross recipient(s):
Lieutenant Olli Remes
- For showing personal bravery by returning back to the front lines in three occasions when he was wounded.
13 September 1941
Coastal Defence ship Ilmarinen sinks after hitting a mine on the southwest side of Utö.
The two Finnish coastal defence ships (Ilmarinen & Väinämöinen -D) participated in Operation Nordwind on 13 September 1941, in which German forces were to take the Estonian islands of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. A group of Finnish and German ships were to be used in a diversionary operation to lure the Soviet fleet into battle – away from the real invasion force coming up from the south. Another German fleet, including the cruisers Emden, Köln, and Leipzig, waited further away to join the battle if the Soviets turned up; however, the northern fleet remained unnoticed and an order was given to turn around when they had reached a point some 25 nautical miles (46 km; 29 mi) south of Utö. The formation was led by minesweepers, but some mines had escaped being swept. The crew of Ilmarinen failed to take proper notice of the dragging paravane cable. It is likely that the ship had caught one or two sea mines in the paravane, and when the ship turned, the mines struck the bottom of the hull and exploded. The explosion blew a large hole in the ship, which soon developed a strong list and keeled over. The ship sank in just seven minutes. Only 132 men of the crew survived, and 271 were lost, most of them trapped inside the hull. Fifty-seven were rescued by the patrol boat VMV 1, which had maneuvered to the capsized hull and took on as many of Ilmarinen's crew as she could. During this time she too was at great risk of being obliterated if Ilmarinen's magazines had ignited.
The survivors were later known as Ilmarisen uimaseura (Ilmarinen's Swimming Team). Among the survivors were Ilmarinen's captain, Commander Ragnar Göransson, and the Commander of the Finnish Navy, Commodore Eero Rahola, as well as Lieutenant Viljo Revell, later a renowned architect.
Northern Finland: German and Finnish troops attacking in the Kantalahti area punch through the Soviet defenses.
East Karelia: German 163.Division takes front responsibility in Kuuttilahti in western Svir.
Pyhäjärvi crossroad is captured.
http://i.imgur.com/XQogNiet.jpg (http://imgur.com/XQogNie)
Hitler considers Finland one of Germany's best allies in the war and as such he is willing to give Kola Peninsula to Finland.
Finnish daily losses: 385
http://i.imgur.com/04LuXrVl.jpg (http://imgur.com/04LuXrV)
Ilmarinen photographed from the bridge of Väinämöinen during Operation Nordwind.
14 September 1941
Large explosion of unknown origin sinks three German minesweepers and kills over 60 in military harbour of Katajanokka, Helsinki.
Finnish daily losses: 164
http://i.imgur.com/q4yN0l7l.jpg (http://imgur.com/q4yN0l7)
Fires caused by the explosion in Katajanokka.
Mannerheim Cross recipient(s):
Colonel Aarne Blick
- For leading the swift attack of the 2.Division to the Old Border.
sublynx
09-14-16, 01:59 PM
14 September 1941
Large explosion of unknown origin sinks three German minesweepers and kills over 60 in military harbour of Katajanokka, Helsinki.
Sabotage or accident?
According to this: https://fi.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katajanokan_r%C3%A4j%C3%A4hdys_1941
An accident likely: the explosion happened at night time and a hand with a working glove and a captain's insignia on the sleeve was found. Probably a captain of one of the mine sweepers was working overtime. If so, leading to the death of himself and his mates.
Sabotage or accident?
According to this: https://fi.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katajanokan_r%C3%A4j%C3%A4hdys_1941
An accident likely: the explosion happened at night time and a hand with a working glove and a captain's insignia on the sleeve was found. Probably a captain of one of the mine sweepers was working overtime. If so, leading to the death of himself and his mates.
Interestingly, the wiki mentions four minesweepers as having been sunk by the explosion.
I am only aware of R-boats 60, 61 and 62. :hmmm:
15 September 1941
Commander of the Karelian Army gives preparatory order for the attack towards Petroskoi.
IR 23 captures the Svir power plant.
http://i.imgur.com/Nhxpyn6t.jpg (http://imgur.com/Nhxpyn6)
Finnish daily losses: 112
http://i.imgur.com/isyYxKzl.jpg (http://imgur.com/isyYxKz)
Fighting at the Svir power plant.
http://i.imgur.com/JziWUwVl.jpg (http://imgur.com/JziWUwV)
Russian internees in Rautjärvi.
16 September 1941
No entry for this day.
Here's a story from Kansa Taisteli (8/1958) instead. Translated by user named 'Lotvonen' over at AxisHistoryForum, so all credit to him.
Kuokkala village was a hot spot
Urpo Arhosuo
Journal Kansa Taisteli vol.08, 1958
(Long distance recce patrol to Kuokkala in the Carelian Isthmus in 1941. )
As our Continuation war started and the army was waiting for attack order we the long distance patrolmen engaged the enemy without any delay. In fact we engaged the enemy in their rear. We had already carried out some patrols to find out about enemy troop locations, strength, artillery etc. Our journeys were not long, just two to three days, but enough to get familiar with the counteractions of the enemy to catch us. What we found out proved to be of great importance as we later had to stay for long periods behind the enemy lines
After we had gained some experience we had to do a longer patrol in early July. Our mission was to spend one month in the enemy rear. Our aim was to cross the old national border at Mainila, the famous place, and to observe enemy defence lines and structures on our way. Very interesting detail was mining railway lines and derailing trains, also included in our tasks.
We were six men who crossed the front lines, heading for Vuoksi river. We found that it was the more simple to proceed in the enemy rear the deeper we penetrated, and we did not encounter any surprises. Crossing the Vuoksi river was easy using boats we borrowed from the enemy but did not return, those were Finnish boats abandoned after the Winter War. We headed for Perkjärvi on the Viipuri-Rajajoki(Byeloostrov) rail line. When there we split into two teams to speed up our work.
The enemy obviously was aware of our movements since already at Vuoksi we had been spotted by civilians. We also had been seen on our way here because near the Perkjärvi station village we by chance happened to overhear a lecture by a Politruk to the troops on manners of liquidating “white bandits”. It was very instructive to us, leaving no doubts about our fate should we be caught. Of course that was the very thing we did not want. The lecturer could not guess that the very “bandits” were sitting no farther than one hundred meters away, listening his rant.
His paroles and threats at us were reeking of brimstone, they could be hear far in the quiet summer evening. Inspired by the Politruk's lecture we decided to give a reminder of our existence the same night. Fot that purpose we proceeded to N of Lounatjoki where the second half of our patrol would return after completing their tasks. There were guards walking along the rail line, seldom only, but it proved that the enemy was alerted. We decided to plant our mine as close to the station as possible to discredit the Politruk's claims. He had said that we just are hiding in the forest, bothering single passers-by in the manner of bandits.
The weather favoured us. The light July night became cloudy and dusk fell, then it started raining a little. At midnight we sneaked carefully toward the station as far as the first switch where we planted a double charge under one rail. Then we set the fuse, camouflaged everything assisted by the rain and everything was ready for the next train. We managed to get in the cover of the forest as a three man patrol set out from the station walking along the rail line. We stayed to see if they would spot our mine. They did not, but went on while chattering lively. We withdrew deeper in the forest to seek rain shelter. We hoped that no train would arrive before next morning so that our job should not be found out by chance to provide our Politruk with more material for lectures.
It had finished raining and we headed for the rallying spot. Having marched for a couple of kilometers we heard sounds of a train from the direction of Lounatjoki. We stopped to listen and waited if everything would happen according to the plan. Minutes were long, and we already had doubts about our success as there was a lightning-like flash in the direction of the station, then we heard a loud explosion followed by tremendous crash and crunching as the waggons piled on the derailed locomotive.
We had done a good job and were satisfied as we continued our journey, guessing what the enemy were thinking and what kind of countermeasures we could expect.
The enemy reacted with an astonishing rapidity. The very next day the rail line had been secured by standing and mobile sentries. Now it was better not to head for the railway in a reckless manner but we had to observe the patrols to find out their schedules, which did not include much slack. Mostly we succeeded by acting fast, but there were also surprises. The enemy patrols were small, two to three men, so we were equal in strenght. The enemies were always on the receiving side if they stumbled upon us, which added to their list of casualties. The trains did no more traffic carefree, but each train was preceded by a loco pushing sand-laden waggons in order to trigger any mines. With good luck we sometimes managed to mine the rails between the securing loco and the actual train. That made the train traffic even more uncertain and tied huge numbers of men as guards. The prisoners taken told that the loco crews feared mines so much that they actually had to be forced to do their work. Six men are able to cause a lot of nuisance to the enemy and engage troops, so now we understood better than ever the rants of the Politruk.
We had been in our task for nearly three weeks both at the main line (Viipuri-Rajajoki) and the Koivisto line. Our journey went on deeper in the isthmus. Airmen took care of supplying us with proviant and explosives. We had not suffered any losses and were in high spirits. South of Kivennapa village we split into two teams. One team headed for Mainila while the other one had the task of mining the rail line Kuokkala-Rajajoki. We agreed to rally at Lintulanjoki three days later.
I belonged to the rail mining team. Sgt. Juvonen led us, he had grown up in Kuokkala and he knew the terrain. He also absolutely wanted to visit his ancestral village, to “revenge the robbers”. It must have been his home that made this courageous and fearless man into a reckless one. We used to march in nighttime because days were tooo hot to carry heavy backpacks, also the dense civilian population had to be taken into account. The civilians had a nasty habit to report what they had seen to the military, who then wanted to get in contact with us despite having experienced our reluctance.
It was easy for us to move about because Sgt. Juvonen knew the places and we did not need neither maps nor compass. The closer to Kuokkala we came the more confidently we made use of all possible roads. At times we found it appropriate to remark Juvonen that we should use safer passages. “ One never had to fear anything in Kuokkala” was his answer and we had to accept it.
One night we were marching on the road from Haapala to Kellomäki as we heard the noise of an approaching horse cart. We prepared to hide in the roadside as Juvonen saw our intentions. “Why dodge, this is a wide road, one single Ivan has enough space to pass us, just follow me.” A single horse cart met us and then Juvonen told the driver in plain Finnish:
Now get going and do not stop before Moscow, Finns are here already.
I wonder if the driver understood him, but he did leave as one pursued by the Devil.
Did he stop before arriving at Moscow?
We reached the railway early in the morning, 0400 hrs. We had plenty of time to find a good observation spot next to the line. We intended to count the traffic during daytime and mine the rails next night. At the same time we were able to verify the sentries and patrols that according to the prisoners were not there, but one cannot ever trust the enemy. It was best to verify.
There was a very dense copse between the train stop of Kanerva and the station of Kuokkala. It was almost impassable and reaching next to the railway embankment. We thought we had found an ideal spot for observation, but it proved to be anything but calm as we found out some hours later.
We had some breakfast and made plans for mining next night, then turned in. We made our beds among the saplings while our third man, Cpl. Vainikka stayed awake to count the traffic and be our guard.
We had just fallen in the deepest sleep at 0700 hrs as our sentry came and said that we were surrounded, there were enemies all around us. He also cursed Juvonen who had betrayed us by marcing on roads. We listened, quite right, there was crunching every where as if someone had been breaking branches. We felt quite exposed, three men are not able to fight a trench war for any longer period. Sgt. Juvonen interrupted the silence by telling us what a boring place Kuokkala had been, except the Casino, and it was nice change that something interesting should be going on here. Then he gave us a decent order:
- Let them get closer, in this dense copse they won't spot us until at an arm's length. Be ready to shoot, don't spare ammo, every man must send as many of them to the Paradise, there are routes to reach Piter (Leningrad) if necessary, I know this district, just follow me.
We were ready to act and our confidence to Juvonen was complete. But the sounds did not get any closer. We kept waiting but the crunching stayed at the same distance. We decided to find out what was going on. Carefully we sneaked to the direction we had arrived here and soon got wiser. The enemy had tasked a group of soldiers to cut down the copse we found ourselves in. They had left their rifles behind at the edge of the copse. We retreated to consider. We were surrounded but so far the enemy was ignorant of our existence. It was not posible to cross the railway because there were wide open fields beyond the line. The actual rail line was patrolled by the enemy. There was more open field on this side of the rail line and the station was no farther away than one kilometer.
We had arrived in the copse over sparse pine forest that would expose us to enemy fire before we would have been able to cover the three to four hundred meters to the denser forest. Neither could we wait that the enemy would leave, because the area to be cleared would be done before evening – almost two hundred men were at work, we estimated.
Our situation was grim but not hopeless, as Juvonen commented. He knew the terrain and he had a plan. Without him we would have been in a really tough spot.
We set out to the direction we had arrived from, having dodged some of the working men we encountered a shallow old ditch. By creeping along it quietly and staying low we might be able to escape from the blockade unnoticed if the ditch were long enough.
We started our advance, which was time-consuming but we had all the time in the world. Our every movement had to be considered because one quiet crack of a breaking twig could have been fatal: the closest enemies were just a few meters from us, fortunately not facing us and making noise. Officers and NCOs leading them were walking about and it was them that we had to fear most.
Sgt. Juvonen consoled us saying that if we are spotted the Red Army shall have several vacancies to fill. It was a poor consolation, because our nerves were quite tight. We had proceeded 60 to 70 meters as the ditch ended in a piece of wetland overgrown with wild rosemary. It was not a large area, less than ten meters in diameter, but enough to provide us with cover from prying eyes. We decided to stay there for the day.
Isn't it fun to watch the Russkies work, Juvonen said.
We kept watching the toil of the enemies, but it was still forenoon and we decided to continue our interrupted sleep. Vainikka promised to stand guard. Our day had started with a quick reveille and soon another followed. At noon our sentry poked our ribs whispering that women were heading right at us. Carefully we put up our heads and saw that there was a woman with two young girls coming right at us. She could not pass us without seeing us, and next the soldiers would be informed. Juvonen alone stayed calm, he commented complaining how old the woman was and the girls very young, it they had been of the right age we could have had a nice afternoon.
We could not help being amused despite the serious situation. The soldiers, too, had seen the passers-by and kept looking at them. We tried to lie as flat as possible among the wild rosemary, hoping that the ladies would alter their course. Now there was the risk that suddenly spotting three bearded men in front of them they would scream and then we would have to sprint to the forest before the enemy reacts.
But a Russian woman must have been used to worse surprises because spotting us they did not make any sound. The girls did start and took a few running steps but their mother's rebuke cut their run short. The woman was at once orientated in the situation. She began simulating berry-picking with her hands. The soldiers must have wondered what made the girls jump as they kept staring.
Now we started a discussion that was not very deep as our Russian skills were limited to a few dirty words. Juvonen, however, understood some. Talking with your hands was not possible when lying flat on the ground. The communication was smoothed by a ten-rouble banknote that Juvonen gave the woman, she at once slipped it in her skirt. Juvonen found out that the soldiers had been assigned to clear shooting sectors at the railway line because a Finnish invasion was possible. There were lots of soldiers in Kellomäki, she told, but could not give any figures. She swore not to talk about us and she promised to keep the girls quiet, too. Not until now she checked the banknote she had received and asked if we had any smaller values as she did not dare to pass such a valuable banknote to anybody because it would mean a tough interrogation to find out where she had got it.
But having been told it was all we had she kept the banknote. Finally she asked us to visit her home which was visible to us and have some tea. In our predicament we agreed to do that, and she crossed herself, then went on at the soldiers
Now nerve-racking moments followed: would she keep her promise or would she betray us? We kept watching the ladies until they vanished from our view. The soldiers went on working. But what would the ladies do now that they were out of our sight? With that in our mind we decided to get out of the place despite the risks. If the enemy would succeed in surrounding us here on the open ground we would be finished.
Making use of the terrain and moving carefully we managed to get in the denser forest unnoticed. The enemy did not give any clues of having seen anything. It is difficult to spot a terrain coloured man who is immobile.
Now we were ready to go deep in the forest to avoid any further surprises. We asked Sgt. Juvonen about his plans and begged him to hurry up. But he told us that now we do not have no hurry any more, we must check if the woman betrayed us, and it would be great fun to watch the enemy surrounding the wetland and finding nothing. His idea was a disappointment for the rest of us, but we did not tell him, because we had seen how he was able to maintain his good sense of humour and clear thinking in the most difficult situations.
We stayed there to wait what would happen. Two hours later we were sure that the woman had kept her promise. Nothing happened. It was 1500 hrs and the enemy had done their job, the copse had been thinned. The soldiers left.
We set out and proceeded past the station to a place between villages Ollila and Kuokkala, about two kilometers from Kuokkala. There we stayed to find out about possible enemy patrols on the railway line, because we had wasted our day from the point of vies of our mission. We kept observing for the rest of the day without seeing any guards. Train traffic was quite lively in both directions.
At midnight we left our extra gear in the cover of the forest about one km from the rail line while one of us stayed behind to guard them. Two of us headed for the railway to carry out our duty. The night was cloudy and enough dusky. Making use of a wooded stretch of land between open fields we arrived at the railway. It was an ideal spot for a mine due to the high embankment. We had scarcely started our job as we heard the sounds of a larger enemy unit marching on the rail line from Kuokkala. We took cover in the bushes nearby to see who is coming. A company of enemies marched past to the direction of Rajajoki. We wondered where they were going at 2300 hrs, because it was not us they were after, marching in a big closed formation.
The sounds of boots died out and we climbed up the embankmen to complete our job. We had learned to work soundlessly while keeping all our senses open. A faint whiff of mahorka (Soviet tobacco) smell made us alert at once. We heard nothing, everything was quiet although we knew that there were enemies nearby.
Our last mine had been planted now and we hastily camouflaged and covered our tracks.
Then we started crossing the field to get back to our gear. We had proceeded about 30 m as a flare was fired from the edge of the forest. We dropped in a ditch, wondering what on earth was going on. Soon we found that the enemy was doing a night fighting training. The company that passed us was acting as the aggressor, approaching the defender at the edge of the forest. So that had been the source of the mahorka smell, we patted ourselves in the back for acting silently at the railway although we had not been aware of the presence of the enemy before the betraying smell of mahorka.
Flares were fired more and more often, we did not have any chance to escape the attacking unit. We decided to let them pass us, they had blank cartridges only, so they could not threaten us. We could use our SMGs in case it was necessary.
But the enemies passed us, shooting profusely and ignoring us. We soon found our gear where our nervous sentry was waiting for us. He had already thought we were done for judging by the lively shooting.
The enemy was still shooting equally lively as we heard sounds of an approaching train from Rajajoki. We opined that the night exercise will have a live ending as the train approached our mine. After the explosion the shooting stopped as if by the order of a referee. After terrible crunching and crashing ended there was a total silence. Finally we heard the voices of enemies approaching the scene of destruction.
We did not stay there to wait for another train because the rest of our mines were delayed for four hours. We thought of the woman, would she have any use for the ten roubles, or would she share the fate of the man from whom we had taken it?
It was a bad luck banknote, Juvonen said, fortunately we got rid of it in time.
At our rallying point we began to plan how to get home. We would not have to cross the Vuoksi because our troops were already advancing on the near side of it: Vuoksi was on Finnish territory again. Our mission had been completed and we would wait for the next show.
Finnish daily losses: 124
http://i.imgur.com/ylHhPLkl.jpg (http://imgur.com/ylHhPLk)
Machine gun at river Svir.
Mannerheim Cross recipient(s):
Private 1st Class Onni Mantere
- For destroying seven enemy tanks and further damaging one in a single battle.
(Away for the weekend)
sublynx
09-16-16, 10:59 AM
Quite a story and a very clever old lady :)
Just bookmarking as I'm off for a break, will pick up reading after this post. :03:
17 September 1941
Over 70 men from a penal Battalion (dubbed "Pärmi's Battalion") defect to the enemy side during fighting in Vuohtjärvi.
Northern Finland: Finnish-German attack towards Kantalahti halts at the heavily fortified Vermanjoki-line.
Finnish daily losses: 104
http://i.imgur.com/GaU1oL5l.jpg (http://imgur.com/GaU1oL5)
Wounded Swedish volunteer Sergeant-Major Kolthoff, who passed away later the same day. (Hanko)
***
18 September 1941
17.Division captures the town of Podporoze.
http://i.imgur.com/TkUMkizt.jpg (http://imgur.com/TkUMkiz)
Mannerheim visits Karelian Isthmus.
Radio Moscow announces that every male between age 16 and 50 must begin military training on October 1st.
Finnish daily losses: 71
http://i.imgur.com/VsqNeFcl.jpg (http://imgur.com/VsqNeFc)
Russian medical staff in Miehikkälä workcamp.
19 September 1941
Owners of more than 15 ares of potato culture are required to sell some of the produce to the state.
Feeding potatoes to farm animals is also forbidden.
Jews are forced to start wearing the Star of David on their clothing in German controlled areas.
Finnish daily losses: 143
http://i.imgur.com/fFjiogyl.jpg (http://imgur.com/fFjiogy)
Advance guard. (Valkeasaari)
***
20 September 1941
11.Division's attack from Prääžä towards Petroskoi begins.
http://i.imgur.com/BFtHTlIt.jpg (http://imgur.com/BFtHTlI)
Finnish daily losses: 135
http://i.imgur.com/0NtQNrRl.jpg (http://imgur.com/0NtQNrR)
Rocket filled with propaganda leaflets is launched. (Hanko)
sublynx
09-20-16, 09:57 AM
17 September 1941
Over 70 men from a penal Battalion (dubbed "Pärmi's Battalion") defect to the enemy side during fighting in Vuohtjärvi.
That's a way to get rid of criminals :) I wonder how many of the defectors died in the prison camps.
I wonder how many of the defectors died in the prison camps.Good question. The database only lists 7 as having died as POWs from that unit. Most likely the defectors were listed as MIA.
It's worth pointing out that Independent/Separate Battalion 21 (the unit's official name) had a very good war record overall.
It was often ordered to attack against tough enemy resistance which earned it one of its many nick names: Pärmin Pirut (Pärmi's Devils).
sublynx
09-20-16, 11:05 PM
The battalion really did fight well after the former political prisoners were put back in jail.
I guess Pärmi being a convicted killer himself made it easier for him to understand his underlings.
According to this great story about him he welcomed a murderer to his unit with the words: "I see that you are a convicted murderer. That's great. In fighting a war professionals like you are sorely needed".
21 September 1941
Tarsepol, Latva and Villavaara are captured.
Finnish daily losses: 157
http://i.imgur.com/CVfPTccl.jpg (http://imgur.com/CVfPTcc)
Wreath on top of the ruins of 'Million Bunker' (SJ5) in Summa, placed in memory of Lieutenant Uolevi Mannerhovi who died there during the Winter War.
22 September 1941
British government demands Finland to withdraw her forces behind the pre-Winter War border.
Finnish MTB "Syöksy" sinks Russian minesweeper T-41/Sergey Kirov in Suursaari harbour.
Commander of the German forces in North Finland, Generaloberst von Falkenhorst, visits Mannerheim in Mikkeli.
Falkenhorst comes across as a pompous and brutish man, leaving generally negative impression on both Mannerheim and General Tuompo.
Finnish daily losses: 141
http://i.imgur.com/y8mqkA3l.jpg (http://imgur.com/y8mqkA3)
Mannerheim and Generaloberst von Falkenhorst in Mikkeli.
23 September 1941
Soviet counter-attack in Latva area is repulsed by the Finnish 7.Division.
The advance towards Petroskoi reaches Petäjäselkä in the south (Det.Lagus) and Matrossa in the west (11.D).
http://i.imgur.com/AE1YHCUt.jpg (http://imgur.com/AE1YHCU)
German Luftwaffe sinks the Soviet battleship Marat near Kronstadt.
Finnish daily losses: 138
http://i.imgur.com/eCh9sSfl.jpg (http://imgur.com/eCh9sSf)
20 ITK 40 VKT (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20_ITK_40_VKT)
24 September 1941
Detachment Lagus captures the village of Derevjannoje.
IR 50/11D. captures Polovina.
http://i.imgur.com/TX0aBgft.jpg (http://imgur.com/TX0aBgf)
North Finland: Gebirgs-Korps Norwegen withdraw in the Petsamo area after suffering over 10 000 casualties since the start of the operation on September 7th.
Sweden's Prince Gustaf Adolf visits Mannerheim.
Finnish daily losses: 92
http://i.imgur.com/lMWomfLl.jpg (http://imgur.com/lMWomfL)
Graves of fallen Germans along the Alakurtti-Kantalahti road.
25 September 1941
Mannerheim writes a letter to the German leadership explaining extensively and in detail the situation in Finland. The letter is in response to an earlier letter sent to Mannerheim by Wilhelm Keitel on behalf of Hitler. In this letter Wilhem Keitel implicitly recognizes the deterioration of the German forces.
Mannerheim emphasizes the difficulties produced by the war in Finland. Business and industry calls for demobilizing of older age groups from the army. However, Petroskoi and Karhumäki are going to be captured before the onset of winter, but on the Isthmus and Svir further advance will not be possible.
Finnish daily losses: 114
http://i.imgur.com/7cgTqVhl.jpg (http://imgur.com/7cgTqVh)
Lotta using an old aircraft fuel pump to pump water from a well.
26 September 1941
The President decides to give Parliament a bill for the purchase of livestock to uprooted people who are in need of 50 000 cows. People with six or more cows would be required to sell some of their livestock.
Finnish daily losses: 148
http://i.imgur.com/pOosCV8l.jpg (http://imgur.com/pOosCV8)
German camp in Alakurtti.
Mannerheim Cross recipient(s)
Private Emil Pasanen
- For holding an enemy counter-attack of around 200 men alone during the battle of Prääžä.
Corporal Veikko Vehviläinen
- For showing bravery and resourcefulness as a squad leader in a number of battles.
27 September 1941
Detachment Lagus advances to Orsega, 10km south of Petroskoi.
Prince Gustaf Adolf visits Svir.
In spite of the official policy of neutrality, the Swedish royal family follows
with interest and compassion the Finland's struggle. Prince Gustaf Adolf,
who has visited Finland often before, was received at the Karelian Army as
a guest to follow the ongoing military forays. The Prince visits Lotinapelto,
where he comes under Soviet artillery bombardment. Swedish military
attache Colonel von Stedingk points out that this is the first time for 150
years, when a member of the Swedish royal family is under enemy fire.
Finnish daily losses: 132
http://i.imgur.com/FwzMdB8l.jpg (http://imgur.com/FwzMdB8)
Lake Ladoga's guard
28 September 1941
No entry for this day.
Instead, here is translation of the war diary entry of Field Post Office 1.
28/9 - Nothing to report.-SPK 14467, pg.16
Finnish daily losses: 139
http://i.imgur.com/DS6mDGNl.jpg (http://imgur.com/DS6mDGN)
Kuorilahti.
sublynx
09-28-16, 07:34 AM
Nothing to report and yet 139 losses, almost as bad as during most of 1941 in the front...
Nothing to report and yet 139 losses, almost as bad as during most of 1941 in the front...I go by what's written in Jatkosota - Kronikka. Fighting was definitely going on yesterday, but the book chose not to mention it.
29 September 1941
East Karelia: Group O(inonen) is ordered to halt its advance on the northern flank of VII AK due to lack of progress.
Finnish daily losses: 114
http://i.imgur.com/pEAWKtkl.jpg (http://imgur.com/pEAWKtk)
Colonel Malm, veteran of the Aunus Expedition (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aunus_expedition) of 1919.
sublynx
09-29-16, 07:53 AM
I go by what's written in Jatkosota - Kronikka. Fighting was definitely going on yesterday, but the book chose not to mention it.
That might be a reflection of the situation on the front as well. The advance was halting so there was no successes to report. Back at the day there probably was not much reported in the magazines or radio either. "Nothing new in the western front"
That might be a reflection of the situation on the front as well. The advance was halting so there was no successes to report. Indeed. Not too much happening other than the push to Petroskoi.
30 September 1941
Soviet forces begin to withdraw from Petroskoi.
11.Division cuts the city's railway and road connections to north.
Finnish daily losses: 102
http://i.imgur.com/36xsfuQl.jpg (http://imgur.com/36xsfuQ)
Finnish tanks on the road to Petroskoi.
1 October 1941
Petroskoi is captured:
The attack towards Soviet Karelia's capital continued on 25.9. It was joined by the rested, but understrength 1.Division, which was reformed as Battlegroup Paalu. It began to advance towards Petroskoi from Lake Jandri to the Southwest.
The 11.Division which bore the main responsibility of the attack didn't participate in the capture of the Petroskoi, but instead continued to the north of the city to Suolusmäki.
Approaching from the south Detachment Lagus' and 7.Division's attack got stuck on 29.9. in Orsega, where Soviet troops made fierce counter-attacks. The exhausted Finns were not able to continue until the next day and by the evening progressed about one kilometer from the town.
Around midnight, Soviet troops were seen leaving the city and blowing up buildings as they went. Early in the morning, at 4.30 am, Light Detachment 8 entered the city center from the southwest without encountering resistance. Advancing from the south Detachment Lagus arrived in the morning at 10.00 am.The Karelian Army is ordered to continue its attack towards Karhumäki.
http://i.imgur.com/mhGYfLDt.jpg (http://imgur.com/mhGYfLD)
Finnish daily losses: 61
Finnish losses in September: 4949
Finnish losses in the war (so far): 20 344
http://i.imgur.com/x9JUB6sl.jpg (http://imgur.com/x9JUB6s)
Petroskoi
Mannerheim Cross recipient(s):
2nd Lieutenant Pentti Iisalo
- For leading his platoon behind the enemy during the battle of Tiuri and holding the position until reinforcements arrived.
***
2 October 1941
VII AK's attack towards Karhumäki begins.
7.Division reaches eastern Svir.
Finnish daily losses: 83
http://i.imgur.com/dtjW9VFl.jpg (http://imgur.com/dtjW9VF)
Horses were of great help in getting supplies to areas inaccessable by vehicles.
***
3 October 1941
US Foreign Minister Cordell Hull congratulates Finnish ambassador Procopè for Finnish army's success on recapturing Karelia.
Finnish daily losses: 72
http://i.imgur.com/yTdpcY2l.jpg (http://imgur.com/yTdpcY2)
At-gun in position. (4.Division's area)
Mannerheim Cross recipient(s)
Major-General Taavetti Laatikainen
- For leading the II AK.
4 October 1941
Battlegroup Kuistio, formed from elements of 7.Division, refuses to cross River Svir at Voznesenye.
The men are exhausted after fighting almost constantly for three months and cannot understand why they should advance further east.
http://i.imgur.com/3CjYzVlt.jpg (http://imgur.com/3CjYzVl)
The age limit on driver's license is dropped to 17 years.
Finnish daily losses: 53
http://i.imgur.com/Jv38ijtl.jpg (http://imgur.com/Jv38ijt)
Young Karelian boy and his kitten.
***
5 October 1941
4.Division's attack towards Kontupohja begins.
http://i.imgur.com/26ZWRPQt.jpg (http://imgur.com/26ZWRPQ)
Crossing River Svir fails again, as 7.Division's troops refuse to advance.
Finnish daily losses: 74
http://i.imgur.com/V6FaKhFl.jpg (http://imgur.com/V6FaKhF)
Award ceremony for German soldiers.
6 October 1941
The twice failed crossing of the Svir will be tried for the third time at 14.00. This time the battlegroup commander, Colonel Kuistio, has ordered the artillery group to support the crossing.
After artillery fire preparation the troops move across the river under a smokescreen without much difficulty and the attack can continue.
The strongly fortified Voznesenye is captured by midnight. At the crossroads south of the town, the battlegroup is divided into two parts: IR 9 continues to the southeast and IR 51 to the west.
Finnish daily losses: 72
http://i.imgur.com/VP8GIbul.jpg (http://imgur.com/VP8GIbu)
First snow falls on Summa.
7 October 1941
Group O reaches the village of Munjärvi.
http://i.imgur.com/UmFn4Nht.jpg (http://imgur.com/UmFn4Nh)
President Ryti awards Mannerheim with the 1. and 2. class Mannerheim Cross.
Others who received the Mannerheim Cross on this day:
Medical Colonel Simo Brofeldt (#19)
- For organising the evacuation of Detachment Lagus' wounded soldiers by air in East Karelia.
Sergeant Eino Mallila (#20)
- For leading his MG section out of encirclement, fighting through three enemy lines.
Colonel Kaarlo Heiskanen (#21)
- For successfully leading the 11.Division through operations with minimal own losses.
Finnish daily losses: 54
http://i.imgur.com/kr5X7KKl.jpg (http://imgur.com/kr5X7KK)
Camouflaged AT-gun.
Schroeder
10-07-16, 07:44 AM
7 October 1941
http://i.imgur.com/kr5X7KKl.jpg (http://imgur.com/kr5X7KK)
Camouflaged AT-gun.
It won't be long and that thing will get a new name: The tank knock on device.:dead:
Posts #166 (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=2430451&postcount=166), #169 (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=2431134&postcount=169), #180 (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=2432794&postcount=180), #184 (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=2433719&postcount=184), #186 (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=2434234&postcount=186), #190 (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=2434692&postcount=190), #203 (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=2437302&postcount=203)and #212 (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=2438875&postcount=212) updated with Mannerheim Cross recipients.
8 October 1941
Supply & Service ministry urges building managers and janitors to make sure windows are kept closed to save fuel on heating.
Finnish daily losses: 71
http://i.imgur.com/CXISnlpl.jpg (http://imgur.com/CXISnlp)
Sergeant Skyttä leading an assault on enemy positions in Honkaselkä.
***
9 October 1941
The prolonged war begins to cause growing problems in the national economy and the livelihood of the population.
Finnish daily losses: 86
http://i.imgur.com/I0CGTJAl.jpg (http://imgur.com/I0CGTJA)
Pommiansa M/41
Pommiansa m/41 (bomb trap m/41) was first presented in 14th of May 1941 and Engineer Office II of Finnish Armed Forces General Headquarters ordered 5,000 of them only two months later. Production started swiftly and the first batch was issued to Finnish troops in autumn of 1941, but already by October of that year complaints about reliability of the mine started so surface. The early tests done in 1st Army Corps revealed that only about 30 % of the mines worked as intended and once larger tests were organised by Pioneeripataljoona 14 (Engineer Battalion 14) their reliability rate proved to be only staggering 20 %. Around 1,500 - 2,000 mines were manufactured before the production was halted. The investigation that followed revealed obvious neglect - while fuses used in the mines had been tested and manufactured mines quickly inspected for visible flaws, neither manufacturer nor organisation responsible acquiring them had properly tested the complete mines for quality and reliability. The already manufactured mines were returned to Tekko Oy, who tried to fix the problem, but failed to reach the now appearing unrealistically high quality demands. While the small scale testing of the fixed mines done in January of 1941 suggested that after fixing 60 % of the mines worked exactly as intended (exploded at correct height) and that about 87 % detonated, this still fell short of the now demanded 99 % reliability rate. The reasons for reliability problem proved to be a multitude. Many of the mines either failed to "bounce", or didn't explode at correct height, but also air bubbles in cast steel body of the mine, dud percussion caps and even stiffened felt gaskets caused dud mines. Since Tekko Oy failed reaching the demanded reliability rate, Finnish military decided to withhold payment of the already existing mines and cancelled rest of the order. Since both parties were somewhat guilty of neglecting the proper testing process, there doesn't seem to have been other ramifications.
http://www.jaegerplatoon.net/landmines2.htm
sublynx
10-09-16, 10:15 AM
That picture about a sergeant leading his men in an attack is a harrowing one. The one man every rifle is pointed at at that moment and if he gets shot right there, the attack might stall immediately. No wonder officer and underofficer mortality was especially high.
That picture about a sergeant leading his men in an attack is a harrowing one. The one man every rifle is pointed at at that moment and if he gets shot right there, the attack might stall immediately. No wonder officer and underofficer mortality was especially high.
Would be interesting to know the NCO casualty figures for Continuation War. I believe about 3,500 NCOs died during the Winter War.
sublynx
10-09-16, 02:20 PM
Would be interesting to know the NCO casualty figures for Continuation War. I believe about 3,500 NCOs died during the Winter War.
Here's some numbers from "Jatkosodan pikkujättiläinen":
Combat deaths during the whole of Continuation War:
Officers 6,2 % of the total
NCO's 18 % "
The grunts 75,7 %
Here's some numbers from the battle of Vuosalmi in July 1944 for the Jääkäriprikaati (JaegerBrigade of the Finnish Armoured Division). The numbers are from Lauri Jäntti's book "Kannaksen suurtaisteluissa kesällä 1944". Jäntti served in the Finnish Armoured Division.
At the beginning of the battle the brigade had a combat strength of 144 officers +479 NCO's +2712 men = 3335 altogether
- about 25 officers and 100 NCO's per battalion
The losses after the first day of battle at Vuosalmi (the unit counterattacked the attacking Red Army) were 25 officers, 64 NCO's and 309 men. After four days of battle the unit had on third of its strength left, 1093 combatants. Jääkäriprikaati was always thrown into the worst places, and it was 1944, not 1941, but maybe the numbers are still indicative.
According to "Taktikens utveckling i sovjetarmén under det Stora Fosterländska Kriget 1941 - 1945" (edited by Lieutenant General K.S. Kolganov from the Red Army) the Red Army of 1941 had its leaders leading by example which led to big losses among the officers and NCO's. By the winter of 1941 the opposite was the truth, the leaders were giving orders to the men and then following if any advance was made. This led to communication breakdowns, which was fixed by an order in the autumn of 1942, where it stated that leaders should stay in a place where there would a good balance of being able to observe the battlefield, and lead.
The lesson of all this: to maximise the chance of survival one should be a grunt in the beginning of a war, and at end of it an officer :)
Thanks for the info, sublynx. Much appreciated. :salute:
10 October 1941
The Finnish Army offers to transfer those buried in field cemeteries to their home regions, if it is the wish of the relatives.
AOK Norwegen's attack towards Murmansk railway is halted by order of Hitler.
Finnish daily losses: 81
http://i.imgur.com/b8YRIO7l.jpg (http://imgur.com/b8YRIO7)
Brewster with engine heater.
11 October 1941
Of the ~38 million marks in the President Kallio Fund, 37,8 millions have so far been given to a total of 22 412 families.
Finnish daily losses: 51
http://i.imgur.com/hGPdmZwl.jpg (http://imgur.com/hGPdmZw)
Panoramic view of Lahdenpohja.
12 October 1941
Victory parade is held in Petroskoi. Major-General Talvela notes on his diary:
"I was very touched when I saw our brave Jaegers drive past us on their
bicycles. Their struggle has been nothing less than a hero story. In their
dirty and worn summer uniforms, the remnants of these brave troops
drove past us - more than half of them have fallen or are wounded. Now
they can have a little break, but soon new heroic deeds await them."
Brigade K(uussaari) captures Porajärvi.
http://i.imgur.com/9hbrOxVt.jpg (http://imgur.com/9hbrOxV)
Finnish daily losses: 61
http://i.imgur.com/GLnSryOl.jpg (http://imgur.com/GLnSryO)
German tank advancing. (East of Kiestinki)
Mannerheim Cross recipient(s):
Colonel Einar Vihma
- For successfully leading his troops during the Battle of Viipuri
Corporal Antti Sokka
- For using his AT-rifle to destroy numerous tanks and trucks in a number of battles.
Pfc. Tauno Savolainen
- For showing personal bravery and cool-headedness while being alone and surrounded by enemy forces not once, but in two occasions. Both times, he drove the enemy away capturing some of them as prisoners of war.
13 October 1941
No entry for the day.
Finnish daily losses: 35
http://i.imgur.com/GW0h589l.jpg (http://imgur.com/GW0h589)
Men climbing up the Munakukkula (lit. Egg-hill).
Recording from the hill during a firefight, exact date not given, but late 1941.
https://youtu.be/Lrgd-fVfJDI?t=192
14 October 1941
Soviet 114.D begins a counter-attack against the advancing Finnish 7.D near Lake Orenskoje in Eastern Svir.
http://i.imgur.com/fWOY4jQt.jpg (http://imgur.com/fWOY4jQ)
Finnish daily losses: 73
http://i.imgur.com/VXE54Nol.jpg (http://imgur.com/VXE54No)
General Feige handing out Iron Crosses to soldiers of the Finnish 6.Division.
Schroeder
10-14-16, 05:11 AM
http://i.imgur.com/VXE54Nol.jpg (http://imgur.com/VXE54No)
BTW did the Finnish forces receive German helmets or is it just a coincidence that they look remarkably similar to the ones the Germans used?
BTW did the Finnish forces receive German helmets or is it just a coincidence that they look remarkably similar to the ones the Germans used?
- German m/16, m/17 and m/18 : Over 80000 bought by late 1920's. Finnish main helmet type in Winter War, also used during Continuation War.
- Austro-Hungarian m/17: Small amount arrived with German helmets, similar use as with German m/17.
- German (Hungarian made also included) m/35 (actually m/35, m/35-40 and m/35-42): 25000 bought just before Continuation War and 24000 more at summer of 1943.
- Hungarian m/38 (Hungarians had developed it from German m/35): 75000 bought at February of 1940, most numerous helmet type in Finnish use during Continuation War.
- Italian m/33: 30000 bought during Interim Peace (1940 - 1941)
- Czech m/34: 50000 bought at spring of 1940
- Swedish m/21 and m/26: 8000 in Finnish use during Continuation War (probably left in Finland by Swedish volunteer force of Winter War)
- Swedish m/37: 20000 bought, arrived at summer of 1941
- Finnish m/40: 75000 manufactured 1940 - 1944
- Soviet m/40: Some 34700 captured, 20000 of them issued to Finnish non-frontline troops.
So says the admin of JaegerPlatoon.net
Schroeder
10-15-16, 01:21 PM
Thanks.:salute:
I see Dowly is in the brig, anyone standing in or do we have to wait until his parole?
I see Dowly is in the brig, anyone standing in or do we have to wait until his parole?
Well, in the meantime here's some pictures:
http://sa-kuva.fi/neo
sublynx
10-22-16, 12:56 PM
I guess we'll just have to wait for Dowly to escape from the encircling Russian battalions.
In the meanwhile I'll post a list on the losses suffered by the Finnish Air Force in October 1941.
October
2nd
BL-143 (https://fi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bristol_Blenheim) from No. 42 Bomber Squadron shot down by AA while making a recce flight Kendjärvi - Mundjärvi. Corporal T.E. Purmonen and 2nd Lieutenant J.J.A. Ampiala died, 2nd Lieutenant E.O. Joutsen managed to use a parachute and walked back to friendly lines by the 4th of October
7th
FR-91 (https://fi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fokker_D.XXI) from No. 12 Reconnaissance Squadron shot down by AA at Ojatjoki while making a recce flight. 2nd Lieutenant P.K. Elo died. The plane was lost.
9th
FRw-120 (https://fi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fokker_D.XXI - Wasp version) from No. 35 Training Squadron, plane lost due to tailspin. 2nd Lieutenant J.I. Kalliomäki survived the crash by using a parachute. The plane was lost.
27th
VI-15 (https://fi.wikipedia.org/wiki/VL_Viima) from Flying. Regiment 2 crashed due to a low-level flying mistake while making a transit flight. Lieutenant A.H.A Nissinen and Airplane Inspector T.K. Kolhonen died. The plane was lost.
29th
FA-4 (https://fi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiat_G.50) from No. 26 Squadron got lost during a transit flight Sakkola - Immola and crash landed in Parikkala. Corporal K.J. Alakoski got wounded. The plane was lost.
30th
FK-88 (https://fi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fokker_C.X) from No. 16 Reconnaissance Squadron caught fire during pre-heating in Petroskoi airfield. The plane was destroyed by the fire. The plane was lost.
Dowly old bean any new posts?
Waaaay to busy procrastinating with other stuff.
How about a free bottle of Bucks Fizz?
https://groceries.morrisons.com/productImages/269/269082011_0_640x640.jpg?identifier=990896329517402 26c9812e7ea0cb802
The search function on SA-kuva.fi appears to not work, so unfortunately there will be no photos. I'll update the post when and if the site ever begins to work again.
***
15 October 1941
Major General Laatikainen's II AK, relocated from the Isthmus, is reformed on the Karelian Army's left flank. Its new OoB consists of 8. and 4. divisions, Group O and Brigade Kuussaari.
Finnish daily losses: 61
http://i.imgur.com/5FyghnJm.jpg (http://imgur.com/5FyghnJ)
Infantry attacks through soviet mortar fire. (Kiestinki)
***
16 October 1941
Near Lake Orenskoje, the attacking Soviet forces manage to breakthrough into 7.division's positions.
http://i.imgur.com/jsldEnYt.jpg (http://imgur.com/jsldEnY)
Soviet officials begin to leave Moscow.
Finnish daily losses: 77
http://i.imgur.com/cCxVyIBm.jpg (http://imgur.com/cCxVyIB)
Destroyed tank in Salla. Wooden cross marks the grave of its driver.
***
17 October 1941
Due to growing food shortages, people are asked to take every measure to try and preserve their root vegetables.
Finnish daily losses: 67
http://i.imgur.com/zfIbabrm.jpg (http://imgur.com/zfIbabr)
Doing woodworks was a popular way to pass time.
***
18 October 1941
IR 30 launches counter-attack at Lake Orenskoje.
http://i.imgur.com/jsldEnYt.jpg (http://imgur.com/jsldEnY)
Finnish daily losses: 71
http://i.imgur.com/NAqXJO9m.jpg (http://imgur.com/NAqXJO9)
Wrestling a naval mine that had washed ashore in Önskärni.
***
19 October 1941
II AK is ordered to attack towards the Käppäselkä – Karhumäki – Maaselkä line.
http://i.imgur.com/rzSHK8tt.jpg (http://imgur.com/rzSHK8t)
Colonel Kaarlo Heiskanen's 11.D is subordinated to the German 163.D. They are ordered to prepare to attack south from Svir, towards Tikhvin to complete the siege of Leningrad.
Brigade Kuussaari captures the town of Paatene on the shore of Lake Seesjärvi.
http://i.imgur.com/nNsDxhPt.jpg (http://imgur.com/nNsDxhP)
Farmers are required to give 1/4 of their grain and oats to the state.
Finnish daily losses: 70
!!GRAPHIC IMAGE - CHILD WARNING!!
http://i.imgur.com/up7G6Aem.jpg (http://imgur.com/up7G6Ae)
"Ship of death" in Paatene. The ship was targeted by Finnish cannons as it was leaving the pier.
After the town was captured, Finns saw it had been carrying civilians.
Thanks Dowly. :Kaleun_Applaud:
Photos added to previous post.
20 October 1941
4.division's forces begin to advance towards Mäntyselkä – Karhumäki.
8.division is ordered to advance south of Lake Seesjärvi towards the Maaselkä isthmus.
http://i.imgur.com/gL7jeHDt.jpg (http://imgur.com/gL7jeHD)
Milk portions are reduced to 0.1 litres per coupon. Children and the sick retain their previous portions.
Finnish daily losses: 72
http://i.imgur.com/KF7I0kwm.jpg (http://imgur.com/KF7I0kw)
Finnish soldier watches as Pyhälahti burns.
***
21 October 1941
IR 30's counter-attack at Lake Orenskoje results in it becoming encircled by Soviet forces.
8.division begins its attack towards Maaselkä.
Finnish daily losses: 84
http://i.imgur.com/I2xkCiUm.jpg (http://imgur.com/I2xkCiU)
Suomen Joutsen (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suomen_Joutsen) as supply ship.
***
22 October 1941
IR 30 breaks out of the encirclement at Lake Orenskoje.
Former president of Finland, Pehr Evind Svinhufvud visits the HQ in Mikkeli. In his opinion, Finland should aim to take the Kola Peninsula and more. His advice to the military leadership is short and simple: ”Eteenpäin!” (”Forwards!”).
Finnish daily losses: 71
http://i.imgur.com/8QCR3fNm.jpg (http://imgur.com/8QCR3fN)
Rocket filled with propaganda leaflets is launched.
***
23 October 1941
Eastern Svir quiets down as 7.division is ordered to halt its offensive at Lake Orenskoje. The division regroups to defend the Gora – Osta – Kimjärvi line.
On the Hanko front, Soviet assault team lands on the Sommarö island. Finnish artillery prevents more Soviet troops from landing on the island, and after receiving reinforcements the Finns retake the island. Soviet losses are nearly hundred, Finns lose 30 men.
Finnish daily losses: 87
http://i.imgur.com/maKVPqbm.jpg (http://imgur.com/maKVPqb)
Winter is coming. (Petroskoi)
***
24 October 1941
Concentration/work camp is built in Petroskoi to house Russian populace still in the area. For reasons of security, all men born between 1891 – 1924 are placed in the camp.
Finns estimate that around 10,000 people will be housed in the camp.
Finnish daily losses: 117
http://i.imgur.com/iaMiFRbm.jpg (http://imgur.com/iaMiFRb)
The war flag is raised over the town of Paatene.
***
25 October 1941
Soviet Baltic Fleet receives orders to prepare to evacuate the Hanko peninsula.
Finnish daily losses: 107
http://i.imgur.com/MSFP9Zjm.jpg (http://imgur.com/MSFP9Zj)
Grave of 16 Finns, whose remains were found and buried here.
The cross reads: ”1939 – 1940. Winter War's sixteen unknown heroes of Taipale.”
(Taipale)
26 October 1941
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 83
http://i.imgur.com/QgQ97JIm.jpg (http://imgur.com/QgQ97JI)
Machine gun firing. (Saidoma)
***
27 October 1941
IR 45 captures the town of Käppäselkä and its train station, cutting Soviet train traffic to the north from Kontupohja.
Group O begins to cross river Suunujoki to Kontupohja.
http://i.imgur.com/jI8m2cEt.jpg (http://imgur.com/jI8m2cE)
Finnish daily losses: 104
http://i.imgur.com/gd4hzVZm.jpg (http://imgur.com/gd4hzVZ)
http://i.imgur.com/U5VNV38m.jpg (http://imgur.com/U5VNV38)
http://i.imgur.com/SBHQQWrm.jpg (http://imgur.com/SBHQQWr)
During IR 45's fight over Käppäselkä, a company strength force was sent behind the frontlines to blow up the rail tracks between the town and the station.
(Must be nerve-racking to go through those snowy pine forests, where you can only see as far as the next tree. :doh:)
***
28 October 1941
Two ambulance planes donated by the Danish Red Cross arrive to Helsinki.
Finnish daily losses: 76
http://i.imgur.com/Mvf0dmPm.jpg (http://imgur.com/Mvf0dmP)
I have no idea. The caption is in swedish.
***
29 October 1941
4.division attacks towards Tsopina.
http://i.imgur.com/VIUGfMvt.jpg (http://imgur.com/VIUGfMv)
Finnish daily losses: 50
http://i.imgur.com/r8yxqJDm.jpg (http://imgur.com/r8yxqJD)
”Has Soviet Union ran out of men, instead sending children to war?”
***
30 October 1941
No relevant entry. (Just stuff about education, state police looking for a deserter etc.)
Finnish daily losses: 60
http://i.imgur.com/YNwbyz4m.jpg (http://imgur.com/YNwbyz4)
Graves of over 400 fallen Germans. (Alakurtti)
***
31 October 1941
8.division's forces (strenghtened IR 4) attacks to the town of Maaselkä.
http://i.imgur.com/Hac0fZUt.jpg (http://imgur.com/Hac0fZU)
Soviet forces retreat from the Koivisto islands on Gulf of Finland.
Finnish daily losses: 110
http://i.imgur.com/ykYfajJm.jpg (http://imgur.com/ykYfajJ)
Kristjan Palusalu (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristjan_Palusalu), an Estonian Olympic gold medalist wrestler, after deserting to the Finnish side.
***
Here endeth the spam. Now, I shall a beer or 18. Continuing on Monday.. ish.
1 November 1941
North Finland: III AK attacks towards Louhi in Kiestinki area.
IR 4 (8.D) captures the town of Maaselkä.
http://i.imgur.com/kLS6w30t.jpg (http://imgur.com/kLS6w30)
Soviet troops begin to evacuate the Hanko peninsula.
Finnish daily losses: 209
Finnish losses in October: 2294
Finnish losses in the war (so far): 22 628
http://i.imgur.com/b0DlUZam.jpg (http://imgur.com/b0DlUZa)
Mechanics working on a fighter in Tiiksjärvi.
***
2 November 1941
Soviet forces retreat from Kontupohja. Group O enters the town during the morning.
http://i.imgur.com/ssQ6UGnt.jpg (http://imgur.com/ssQ6UGn)
Finnish daily losses: 103
http://i.imgur.com/b6syakcm.jpg (http://imgur.com/b6syakc)
Engineer Lieutenant Valjus with bloodied face after mine he was disarming blew up.
***
3 November 1941
IR 26 (4.D) enters the town of Tsopina.
http://i.imgur.com/XVZ86HKt.jpg (http://imgur.com/XVZ86HK)
Finnish daily losses: 78
http://i.imgur.com/o3XDdy8m.jpg (http://imgur.com/o3XDdy8)
Soviet POW tries to persuade his comrades, still inside the command dug-out, to surrender.
***
4 November 1941
IR 35 (4.D) attacks from Tsopina towards Karhumäki.
IR 60 reaches the Murmansk tracks on the southside of Käppäselkä.
http://i.imgur.com/Ewir1vVt.jpg (http://imgur.com/Ewir1vV)
Finnish daily losses: 72
http://i.imgur.com/2GX6CJmm.jpg (http://imgur.com/2GX6CJm)
Finnish 10-inch gun in as it was left near the end of the Winter War when Finns retreated off the Koivisto island.
***
5 November 1941
In a letter to Mannerheim, President Ryti draws attention to the heavy casualties suffered by III AK trying to reach the Murmansk railway in Louhi. He suggests that perhaps it would be better to abandon the operation.
Arndt Pekurinen, a long time member of the peace movement, is executed in Uhtua for repeatedly refusing to pick up a weapon.
Finnish daily losses: 93
http://i.imgur.com/09aj8ycm.jpg (http://imgur.com/09aj8yc)
Patrol heading out.
***
6 November 1941
Mannerheim orders Karelian Army to stop once the Maaselkä train station and Karhumäki have been captured.
Finnish daily losses: 80
http://i.imgur.com/8RvAvVVm.jpg (http://imgur.com/8RvAvVV)
The bow of a Finnish minesweeper ”Kuha” that hit a Russian mine.
7 November 1941
IR 26 tries to flank behind the enemy's positions east of Tsopina.
Finnish artillery begins to fire on Karhumäki at 2350hrs.
http://i.imgur.com/oLkcHbQt.jpg (http://imgur.com/oLkcHbQ)
Finnish daily losses: 124
http://i.imgur.com/uXIpj96m.jpg (http://imgur.com/uXIpj96)
There's always time for fishing.
***
8 November 1941
German forces capture Tikhvin.
Finnish daily losses: 100
http://i.imgur.com/SAh15NLm.jpg (http://imgur.com/SAh15NL)
Leipäsuo in Karelian Isthmus, stage of intense battles during the Winter War.
***
9 November 1941
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 70
http://i.imgur.com/WUB7jphm.jpg (http://imgur.com/WUB7jph)
Knocked out Soviet tank in Käppäselkä.
***
10 November 1941
Group O cuts the Murmansk railway south of Karhumäki, in Perälahti (Perguba).
http://i.imgur.com/0BGjiVst.jpg (http://imgur.com/0BGjiVs)
Finnish daily losses: 38
http://i.imgur.com/a5FUmvNm.jpg (http://imgur.com/a5FUmvN)
Finns have spotted activity on the enemy side. (Munakukkula)
***
11 November 1941
Commander of III AK, Major General Siilasvuo, halts the Louhi offensive.
Finnish daily losses: 79
http://i.imgur.com/BPbyIxhm.jpg (http://imgur.com/BPbyIxh)
Soldier returns from no man's land. (Lempaala)
***
12 November 1941
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 52
http://i.imgur.com/LCZwOOYm.jpg (http://imgur.com/LCZwOOY)
Cemetery of heroes. (Salmi)
***
13 November 1941
Finns capture 41 ships of various size on Lake Onega that were used to evacuate Petroskoi.
Finnish daily losses: 45
http://i.imgur.com/qEMCMVNm.jpg (http://imgur.com/qEMCMVN)
Lieutenant Ruohola being interviewed after sinking his third Soviet ship. (Suulajärvi)
***
14 November 1941
4.division's offensive towards Karhumäki stalls. The men are exhausted and many refuse to continue the attack.
Finnish daily losses: 48
http://i.imgur.com/cne6N7Sm.jpg (http://imgur.com/cne6N7S)
Marching towards Karhumäki.
15 November 1941
German offensive towards Moscow resumes as the mud begins to freeze.
Finnish daily losses: 25
http://i.imgur.com/x2Mxhlkm.jpg (http://imgur.com/x2Mxhlk)
Recruits giving their oath. (Utti)
***
16 November 1941
The burned village of Käkisalmi is ready to house 500 civilians who wish to return. Of the 600 houses, 550 were burned by the retreating Soviets.
Finnish daily losses: 57
http://i.imgur.com/u1eSUNEm.jpg (http://imgur.com/u1eSUNE)
Petroskoi wrapped in snow.
***
17 November 1941
Major General Siilasvuo officially ends the operation to capture Louhi.
Group O is ordered to capture Karhumäki. The offensive stalls under heavy enemy resistance.
Finnish daily losses: 42
http://i.imgur.com/FUNXAaUm.jpg (http://imgur.com/FUNXAaU)
Two kids come to greet the passing Finns. (East Karelia)
***
18 November 1941
4.division's main force advances to the northwest of Karhumäki.
The Germans request Mannerheim to be more aggressive on the Svir front. They hope that Finns would support Army Group North. The request is answered in the negative.
People living in cities have began to stockpile foodstuffs from relatives living on the countryside.
Finnish daily losses: 34
http://i.imgur.com/p0HcwuCm.jpg (http://imgur.com/p0HcwuC)
Captured guns. (Kiestinki area)
***
19 November 1941
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 24
http://i.imgur.com/OJ7Vi1nm.jpg (http://imgur.com/OJ7Vi1n)
Dug-out for horses.
20 November 1941
Rationing of coffee and tea begins.
Vineyard owners in southern Spain donate 5000kg of wine and cognac to Finland.
Finnish daily losses: 28
http://i.imgur.com/TKLJt8Gm.jpg (http://imgur.com/TKLJt8G)
View towards the enemy side. (Rukajärvi)
***
21 November 1941
8.division attacks southeast of Lake Seesjärvi and captures the Kriv station.
http://i.imgur.com/8sjfc08t.jpg (http://imgur.com/8sjfc08)
Finnish daily losses: 57
http://i.imgur.com/wdbutWVm.jpg (https://imgur.com/wdbutWV)
Lieutenant Olli Remes. (Vilmajoki)
(Wonderful shot, I must colorize that at some point.)
During the Winter War, Remes led a detachment in Independent Battalion 17 (ErP 7), a guerrilla unit whose missions often took them behind enemy lines.
In the Continuation War he served first as a platoon leader and later as company commander in Infantry Regiment 54, before taking on company commander's duties in the 12th Brigade.
He was awarded the Cross of Freedom 4th class w/ swords, CoF 3rd class w/ swords, Winter War medal and he was the 10th recipient of the Mannerheim Cross (2nd class).
Remes was killed by a sniper's bullet two days after being promoted to the rank of Captain, on December 31st 1942 in Kriv at the age of 33.
He left behind a wife and two children.
Remes' final resting place is at Vieremä war heroes' cemetery (grave #113).
***
22 November 1941
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 37
http://i.imgur.com/26U5DoUm.jpg (http://imgur.com/26U5DoU)
Attack has been repulsed, time for a cigarette! (Lempaala)
***
23 November 1941
German forces capture the town of Klin on the northwest side of Moscow.
Finnish daily losses: 36
http://i.imgur.com/3lNR2xNm.jpg (http://imgur.com/3lNR2xN)
Machine gun nest. (3,5km northwest of Karhumäki)
***
24 November 1941
Lottas in Helsinki begin to request christmas gifts for 'unknown soldiers'. These gifts can range from clothing sent to a random soldier, to books and games sent to military hospitals.
Finnish daily losses: 33
http://i.imgur.com/HRywT27m.jpg (http://imgur.com/HRywT27)
Sauna dugout.
***
25 November 1941
Finland signs the Aanti-comintern pact in Berlin.
Väinö Tanner, Foreign Minister during the Winter War, writes a letter to President Ryti in which he criticizes the military operations conducted beyond the pre-Winter War border.
Finnish daily losses: 27
http://i.imgur.com/mfL9sqom.jpg (http://imgur.com/mfL9sqo)
Ukrainian POWs. (Tali)
***
Taking a break tomorrow I think. Independence and possible hangover day.
26 November 1941
Great Britain demands Finland to cease its offensive operations.
Finnish daily losses: 59
http://i.imgur.com/RxPzn8cm.jpg (http://imgur.com/RxPzn8c)
Bodies of some of the 600 Soviet soldiers who tried attacking to Finnish positions north of Karhumäki.
***
27 November 1941
4.division takes positions on the northside of Karhumäki in preparation to attack the town.
Finnish daily losses: 46
http://i.imgur.com/afAGBRlm.jpg (http://imgur.com/afAGBRl)
Refugees returning to their homes. (Käppäselkä)
***
28 November 1941
8.division takes defensive posture on the Liistepohja-Suurlahti-Maaselkä-Kriv line. This marks the beginning of the trench war phase in this sector.
1.D and 4.D(+1.Jäger Brigade) begin their attack on Karhumäki. The aim is to encircle the town.
http://i.imgur.com/aQpUin2t.jpg (http://imgur.com/aQpUin2)
Finnish daily losses: 84
http://i.imgur.com/AVIwv9pm.jpg (http://imgur.com/AVIwv9p)
Captain Viiri, having just received the Mannerheim Cross. (Lempaala)
***
29 November 1941
Winston Churchill sends a personal letter to Mannerheim, urging Finland to cease offensive operations.
Finnish daily losses: 44
http://i.imgur.com/A8eMi1gm.jpg (http://imgur.com/A8eMi1g)
Battery firing. (Kiestinki)
***
30 November 1941
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 74
http://i.imgur.com/Ocfnz5Em.jpg (http://imgur.com/Ocfnz5E)
Patrol leaving a village in Salla region.
1 December 1941
Finnish 1.D and 4.D link-up on the east side of Karhumäki.
Decision is made to begin rationing milk and edible fats.
According to the military administration, 63,000 Karelians have returned home thus far.
The Parliament votes unanimously to join the recaptured areas back to Finland.
First schools open in Petroskoi.
Finnish daily losses: 20
Finnish losses in November: 1898
Finnish losses in the war (so far): 24 536
http://i.imgur.com/IxbkOq2m.jpg (http://imgur.com/IxbkOq2)
War dog ”Ruli”.
***
2 December 1941
Last Soviet troops evacuate the Hanko Peninsula.
Mannerheim replies to Churchill's letter, explaining that it is impossible for Finland to stop the attack before suitable defensive positions have been reached.
(Mannerheim speaks of the three ishtmuses; Karelian Isthmus, the Svir isthmus and the Maaselkä-Karhumäki isthmus. -D)
Finnish daily losses: 20
http://i.imgur.com/tThlG5im.jpg (http://imgur.com/tThlG5i)
Finnish tank near Karhumäki.
***
3 December 1941
6. Squadron reconnaissance flight over Hanko finds it empty of Soviet troops.
Finnish daily losses: 47
http://i.imgur.com/Gzrtmrsm.jpg (http://imgur.com/Gzrtmrs)
Can't have Christmas without a Christmas tree. (Termola)
***
4 December 1941
Swedish volunteer battalion (Svenska frivilligbataljonen) occupies Hanko.
Finnish daily losses: 53
http://i.imgur.com/E3Uzc0km.jpg (http://imgur.com/E3Uzc0k)
Russian trench in Hanko.
***
5 December 1941
Final assault on Karhumäki begins.
Finnish daily losses: 77
http://i.imgur.com/mWxQfMom.jpg (http://imgur.com/mWxQfMo)
Soldiers of the ”Ace” regiment (IR 26) posing for a photo with what I assume is Karhumäki in the background.
***
6 December 1941
Great Britain declares war on Finland.
1. Jäger Brigade captures Poventsa to the East of Karhumäki.
http://i.imgur.com/FttBRlut.jpg (http://imgur.com/FttBRlu)
Finnish daily losses: 84
http://i.imgur.com/V0QFkfSm.jpg (http://imgur.com/V0QFkfS)
Street fighting in Karhumäki.
***
7 December 1941
Japan attacks Pearl Harbor.
Finnish daily losses: 43
http://i.imgur.com/N5zbhdIm.jpg (http://imgur.com/N5zbhdI)
Karhumäki
***
8 December 1941
Soviet troops blow up the locks of the ”Stalin's canal” near Poventsa.
Karhumäki is captured.
The Finnish offensive phase of the war ends.
Finnish daily losses: 37
http://i.imgur.com/6cTsmQHm.jpg (http://imgur.com/6cTsmQH)
Flooding in Poventsa.
9 December 1941
The Red Army drives Germans out of Tikhvin.
During the offensive phase of the war, Finns haven taken an estimated 56,000 Soviet POWs.
Finnish daily losses: 20
http://i.imgur.com/q0JjXE9m.jpg (http://imgur.com/q0JjXE9)
Macabre ice ”sculpture”. (Poventsa)
Southern Finland in December 1941.
Only division level units marked.
http://i.imgur.com/RHaFFho.jpg
10 December 1941
The Ministry of Transport urges civilians to avoid using trains when travelling, so all available trains can be used for the war effort.
Finnish daily losses: 21
http://i.imgur.com/qXNRGv7m.jpg (http://imgur.com/qXNRGv7)
Crash landed Soviet I-16 with a Finnish AF Blackburn Ripon flying overhead. (Riiska)
***
11 December 1941
Germany and Italy declare war on USA.
Finnish daily losses: 14
http://i.imgur.com/yXrMCKFm.jpg (http://imgur.com/yXrMCKF)
Tank barriers built by the Soviets in Hanko.
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