Hola. Since my time will be limited (went back to school), I'll be going back to posting once a week from now on.
This post will be updated with photos later over the weekend/today.
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3 August 1944
Finns launch an counter-attack in Rukajärvi to dislodge an enemy battalion that is trying to get to the rear of the 14th Division in Ontrosenvaara.
Ilomantsi: Fighting continues as Finnish troops manage to weakly encircle Soviet 176. and 289. Divisions.
Finnish daily losses: 124
Private Toivo Ilomäki poses with his AT-gun with which he has destroyed 21 tanks. (Ladoga Karelia)
Ilomäki was later promoted to Private First Class and received the Mannerheim Cross on 2 October 1944.
His final tally of 21 destroyed tanks remains a record in Finnish military history.
The AT-gun used (75 K/40) can be seen today at the Parola Tank Museum.
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4 August 1944
Using their emergency powers, Finnish parliament names Mannerheim the new president as Ryti resigns.
Detachment Vehniäinen's long-range patrol returns to Finnish lines after operating for 51 days behind enemy lines on the Karelian Isthmus. The patrol has not suffered any losses.
Ilomantsi situation 31.7-4.8
Finnish daily losses: 121
Machinegunner at Ontrosenvaara bridge, Rukajärvi.
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5 August 1944
At Ihantala the enemy has set up an outpost in the cover of the many disabled tanks on the battlefield 200 meters from Finnish positions. Decision is made to destroy this outpost.
Assault group formed from 6th Division troops attack the outpost after it is first bombed from air and shelled with artillery. Nine of the tanks are destroyed with satchel charges.
6th Division's commander, Major-General Vihma, is killed in artillery fire as he is observing the attack from the front lines.
Ilomantsi: Soviet 3. Naval Infantry Brigade (3.Merijv.Pr.) tries to open the way to 289.D by attacking Finnish I/21.Pr. from east at Miikkulanvaara.
Finnish daily losses: 131
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6 August 1944
Rukajärvi: Finnish troops encircle and destroy the enemy battalion operating in the Ontrosenvaara area.
Ilomantsi: Soviet 289. Division breaks out of the Lutikkavaara encirclement.
69. and 70. Naval Infantry Brigades start their attacks against the Finns to help 176.D break out on Group Raappana's left flank.
Finnish daily losses: 101
Finnish guns firing a volley in the autumn night. (Ladoga Karelia)
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7 August 1944
No entry.
Finnish daily losses: 124
Surprise attack ended the war for these Soviet soldiers. (Ilomantsi area)
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8 August 1944
Ilomantsi: Soviet 176.Division begins to break out from the encirclement.
Finnish daily losses: 95
Surrendering Soviet soldier crawls out from a dug-out. (Ilomantsi area)
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9 August 1944
Battle of Ilomantsi ends as both Soviet divisions withdraw from the Finnish border. Soviet losses are about 5,000 men, 1,500 killed. Finns suffered 2,500 casualties during the battle.
Fighting in Ladoga Karelia comes to an end on the following day as Soviet 32. Army regroups for defense.
Withdrawal of Soviet troops 5.-9.8
Finnish daily losses: 88