[Dowly]

Originally Posted by Buddahaid

Didn't I read the Russians dropped some troops into the snow during WW2? I can't remember the story now.

Unfulfilled Promise: The Soviet Airborne Forces, 1928-1945 by Leroy Thompson, page 46-47

Later in 1939 on 30 November, Soviet paratroopers had the distinction of making the first combat jump in history when they dropped at Petsamo and other points behind the Finnish lines during the Soviet invasion of Finland. Due to poor navigation on the part of pilots and quick action on the part of Finnish snipers who picked off many as they landed, few of these paratroopers actually made it into combat. Those who did fought with courage, and many had even jumped without parachutes into deep snow drifts.
At least two Soviet airborne brigades fought in the Winter War although not all of them made combat jumps. Another batallion-sized jump was made later against the Mannerheim Line, also with little success, the poor navigation competency of the transport pilots combined with the weather causing the parachutists to be scattered over a large area.

Liberal use of salt recommended.