17 February 1943
Bombers from LeLv46 and 48 set out to bomb a Russian airfield in Eastern Karelia. The sortie is however called back due to worsening weather conditions, but the message doesn't go through. On their return leg a blizzard hits the formation, downing seven out of the nine planes. Five men are killed and three are wounded.
Finnish daily losses: 15
Soldier and his dog. (Hämeenlinna training center)
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18 February 1943
Rukajärvi/14.D.: "Our patrol was ambushed by a strong enemy unit in blizzard at [coordinates]. We lost one man dead, one wounded and two are missing. Units sent to pursue the enemy."
Finnish daily losses: 12
Cozy looking dug-out. (Lempaala)
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19 February 1943
AOK Norwegen: "In the center sector we've encircled and destroyed a company size enemy unit. Enemy losses 54 KIA, 21 POW (including the company CO). Own losses 6 KIA, 32 WIA.
Finnish daily losses: 19
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20 February 1943
Maaselkä: "Russians attacked our positions in the Mindasjärvi area early in the morning, partly managing to get past our obstacles. The enemy withdrew after an hour of fighting leaving behind 25 (counted) KIA."
Finnish daily losses: 23
Men listening for news about the war. (Karelian Isthmus)
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21 February 1943
In a meeting with US Chargé Robert McClintock, President Ryti says outright that while the war will be long, the outcome is clear: The Soviet Union will defeat Germany. Ryti states also that in his opinion the Baltic states are already doomed, and perhaps even Finland, to fall to the Bolsheviks. He concludes that if peace is not an option then Finland rather continues to fight to the end instead of suffering the same fate as the Baltic states.
Finnish daily losses: 19
Newlyweds Helga Partti and Lieutenant Kai Jansson of IR 2. (Svir front)
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22 February 1943
Karelian Isthmus: "Our 15 man patrol attacked an enemy base on the north side of the Ohta road, killing at least 20 and taking one prisoner, further the patrol destroyed two dug-outs with satchel charges. Patrol suffered no losses."
Finnish daily losses: 15
Jägers from IR 11 have just returned back from a patrol. (Rukajärvi area)
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23 February 1943
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 13