31 July 1944
Group Raappana's attack begins in Ilomantsi. The plan is a double envelopment aiming to encircle the two Soviet divisions in two "mottis"; 176.D in Vellivaara-Lehmivaara area and 289.D in Lutikkavaara.
Group Raappana's plan of attack.
*
President Ryti signs his resignation and the Parliament is notified.
Finnish daily losses: 92
Finnish losses in July: 7,142
Finnish losses in the war so far: 60,954
Men of the Cavalry Brigade crossing a stream in the Ilomantsi wilderness.
***
1 August 1944
Ilomantsi: Elements of the Cavalry Brigade reach the Lehmivaara-Kuolismaa road, cutting the supply and withdrawal route of the Soviet 176. Division. Finnish troops have also made progress to the north and east of the division.
Finnish daily losses: 104
Last farewell on her brother's grave. (Suistamo)
***
2 August 1944
Ilomantsi: Soviet 289.D is becoming surrounded as the troops of 21st Brigade cut their road connections back east in Lehtolampi.
Attempts by Soviet 70. Naval Infantry Brigade to reopen the road to 176.D fail.
Finnish daily losses: 99
Downed Il-2 somewhere in Ladoga Karelia.