Continuation War, day by day.

[Schroeder]

I think the allied must have had a jedi among them. He went to Hitler on the 6th and to Laatikainen on the 9th and told them: This isn't the invasion you're looking for.

[Dowly]

10 June 1944

The general offensive of the Leningrad Front begins on the western Isthmus.

Morning on the western Isthmus begins at 4.58 with even heavier artillery bombardment than on the previous day. Over 3,000 artillery pieces and about 300 aircraft maul the Finnish positions; in key areas over 200 guns are firing for every one kilometer.
IV.AK's positions are bombarded continuously for two and half hours to a depth of 2 kilometers. Huge clouds of smoke and dust are kicked up by the shelling that destroys most fortified positions and communication lines still intact. The men and their weapons are buried as the trenches dug in the sandy soil collapse, and those who are wounded are left behind with no possibility to help them.
At 7.20 infantry and tanks of 30.Ka.AK begin their attack in the Valkeasaari sector. The defending JR 1 has three battalions against 18 Soviet battalions and over 100 tanks. Thirty minutes after the attack had started Lieutenant-Colonel Viljanen messages that the front has collapsed. The men flee in panic and attempts to regroup are difficult since most officers are either dead or wounded. By afternoon, the enemy had made a 20km wide and 15km deep breakthrough in 10th Division's sector.
Marshal Mannerheim orders IV.AK to do a fighting retreat to the Vammelsuu - Taipale line (VT-line) and reinforces it with the 3rd Division and the Cavalry Brigade (Rv.Pr.). Major-General Ruben Lagus' Armoured Division (Ps.D) is also ordered out of reserve and move from Viipuri area to the VT-line.






*

Finns shoot down 36 Soviet planes.

*

The 3rd Brigade in Salla and the 4th Division in Svir are ordered to move to the Isthmus.

Finnish daily losses: 799

[Sailor Steve]

Just posted to let you know I'm still avidly following this thread.

I've always found it fascinating that people (and nations) do what seem to be bad things for good reasons, and vice versa. I once was part of a discussion in which one person was arguing how bad he thought the Finns were for siding with the Germans during the war. I asked him what other choice he thought they had. The Soviets were threatening to overrun their country, and since the Soviets were the "good" guys because they were helping fight the "bad" guys (and the Nazis were indeed bad), the mere act of accepting help from the Germans meant that the Finns were taking the "bad" side.

I think taking that help from the Germans was the best thing Finland could have done at the time.

And thanks again for keeping this thread going.

[Dowly]

@Schroeder: Yup, a lot of criticism has been leveled against Finnish military leadership over the years for not seeing the signs of an immediate offensive.

Originally Posted by Sailor Steve

I've always found it fascinating that people (and nations) do what seem to be bad things for good reasons, and vice versa. I once was part of a discussion in which one person was arguing how bad he thought the Finns were for siding with the Germans during the war. I asked him what other choice he thought they had. The Soviets were threatening to overrun their country, and since the Soviets were the "good" guys because they were helping fight the "bad" guys (and the Nazis were indeed bad), the mere act of accepting help from the Germans meant that the Finns were taking the "bad" side.

I think taking that help from the Germans was the best thing Finland could have done at the time.

I've had the 'pleasure' to discuss with similar minded people over the years. I think the main reason for thinking like that is the unfortunate lack of written material available in really any other languages than Finnish and Swedish and what there is often glosses over much of the political side of the war, so they might not understand the reasoning of Finnish leadership to side with Germany.

I agree that Finland's best bet and really the only reasonable bet was to side with Germany after the Winter War, the pressure from the Soviet Union during the interim peace and lastly, having watched what happened to the Baltic states in 1940.

And thanks again for keeping this thread going.

[Dowly]

11 June 1944

Jaeger Brigade's counter-attack fails.

Major-General Sihvo's badly beaten 10th Division arrives at the VT-line during the evening and is immediately directed to the rear for rest to prevent panic from spreading among the reserve units. On the left flank of IV Corps, Major-General Martola's 2nd Division is still withdrawing to the Metsäkylä - Kekrola - Lappalaisenmäki line.
To find out the strength and intentions of the enemy forces, Finnish HQ sends Armoured Division's Jaeger Brigade (JPr.) to advance southwards from Kivennapa until contact. With no indirect fire or tank support, the Jaeger Brigade reaches the village of Polviselkä where they come in contact with tanks of the 30.Ka.AK, some of which the Jaegers manage to destroy. The pressure against the Finns however increases in the evening and the Jaeger Brigade is given permission to do a fighting retreat back to the VT-line. The 3,000 strong brigade suffers over 200 casualties during their mission.

*

Finland requests Germany to resume weapons transports.

Finnish daily losses: 172


During retreat to Kivennapa, Major Loimu stops near Polviselkä to give orders to his troops.


Retreating troops. (Valkjärvi-Kivennapa)


Visibly shell-shocked pair makes their way to the rear. (Valkjärvi-Kivennapa)

[Dowly]

12 June 1944

The 21.Army attempts to capture parts of the VT-line.

The 21st Army Headquarters issued an order on June 12 at 2.20 that 30.Ka.AK and 109.AK had to secure within the day bridgeheads for the main army's attack. 30.Ka.AK was to capture Kivennapa and 109.AK Kuuterselkä, Sahakylä and Metsäkylä.
In the direction of Vammelsuu, attack of two Infantry Regiments of 109.D is stopped by strong Finnish resistance. The division's units suffer severe losses in Finnish counter-attacks and artillery concentrations.
In the morning, the attack on Kuuterselkä is joined by 1.Armored Brigade (1.Ps.Pr.) which has orders to advance from Kuuterselkä to Mustamäki in west, from there the attack is to be continue on Vammeljärvi and further north-west along the road.
However, the attack of the 1.Ps.Pr. stops immediately in the morning on the VT-line at Kuuterselkä. The attack is renewed during the day together with an attack by one infantry regiment, but Lieutenant-General Alfjorov soon calls off the attack as it bogs down.





*

Lieutenant-Colonel Ehrnrooth's Infantry Regiment 7 retreats to Siiranmäki and sets up for defense.

*

The Armoured Division is subordinated to IV AK in case the VT-line breaks.

*

Hitler agrees to resume weapons transports to Finland.

*

The 17th Division and the 20th Brigade are ordered to move from Aunus to the Isthmus.

*

Finnish AA downs 15 Soviet planes.

Finnish daily losses: 120

[Dowly]

13 June 1944

Regrouping of IV AK's units at the VT-line finishes.

*

The Armored Division is split in two Battlegroups (TstOs); TstOs Puroma at Ahijärvi and TstOs Björkman at Pamppala.

*

More troops are assigned to fortify the Viipuri-Kuparsaari-Taipale line (VKT-line) from reinforcement battalions.

*

2nd Division counters multiple breakthrough attempts at Siiranmäki.

Soviet artillery fires a fierce artillery concentration on the Siiranmäki sector at 12.45. At the same time, infantry begins advancing in the direction of Saarenmaa-Palojärvi. The attack is concentrated on the seam of Fortification Battalion 4 (Lin.P 4) and Detachment Malinen (Os.M) where the terrain prevents efficient sighting and firing. However, Finns manage to fight off the attack.
The attack is renewed in short order and is able to push into Lin.P 4's right seam, but this attempt too is pushed back with a counter-attack by two Finnish platoons.
Another attack is being prepared in the afternoon on the west side of the road leading from Kekrola to Siiranmäki. The enemy has ten tanks available to support this attempt. Four Artillery Battalions of Artillery Group Aalto (Tyk.R Aalto) fire a heavy concentration on the enemy, stopping the attack before it has started.
Again, a new attack in the direction of Kekrola-Siiranmäki road takes place less than an hour after the previously failed attempt. The attack is preceded by strong artillery preparation and is supported by 14 tanks. Under the leadership of Captain Kiiskinen, the Third Company of the First Battalion of Infantry Regiment 7 is able to withstand the attack. Heavy anti-tank guns in the battalion's area destroy three Soviet tanks, the rest withdraw from the battle.
At 17.00, the strongest attack so far is launched against Siiranmäki sector. For the first time in the area, besides artillery, rocket launchers also participate in the artillery preparation. In addition, 25 tanks support the attempt with direct fire from the Suurselkä ridge about one kilometer away. The focus of the attack is on the eastern side of the Siiranmäki crossroads in Seppälä.
The situation is occasionally very unclear in the defense area of ​​the 2./JR 7, which is responsible for the defense of Siiranmäki, due to lack of radios and ground connections being cut by artillery. The use of runners is also very difficult under fire. Finnish artillery and mortars once again play a key role in pushing back the attack. Major part of the First Battalion of Infantry Regiment 7, led by Majuri Kuvaja, takes part in the battle for defending the main area of ​​Siiranmäki.
In the evening, at about 20.00, the enemy attacks again in the area of ​​Second Company of Major Kuvaja's Battalion. Now, the enemy is striving for surprise, without artillery preparation, from the east on both sides of the Vehmainen road. The enemy reaches the Finnish obstacles, but is destroyed there mainly with infantry fire. Most of the attackers are so intoxicated that they are unable to properly take cover from Finnish fire. The Finns also destroy one of the heavy tanks used in support of the attack. Last attack of the day is made with small numbers at 21:00 in the direction of Saarenmaa. The attack is fought off without difficulty.

Finnish daily losses: 100


Situation on the 2nd Division's area.


3rd Division's situation.
(Dashed arrows are planned offensives)

[Dowly]

14 June 1944

Breakthroughs at Kuuterselkä and Sahakylä.

In the morning, enemy infantry supported by tanks breaks into the VT-line at Kuuterselkä from south. The battalion commanded by Major Keravuori (II/JR 53) withdraws at approximately 9.00 to the support line at the center of Kuuterselkä village. Major Heino's battalion (I/JR 48), which was in third division's reserve, is sent to Kuuterselkä, but the Finnish troops have to retreat towards Liikola by noon.
In the direction of Sahakylä, I/JR 53 commanded by Major Jahnukainen loses its positions immediately at 8.00. Most of the lost positions are recaptured with a counter-attack by an ad-hoc detachment made out of HQ and supply troops. However, one base remains in enemy hands.
With a renewed attack, the enemy troops once again takes the positions at Sahakylä. Lieutenant-Colonel Peitsara's Jäger Battalion 6 (JP 6), which is in the reserve of IV AK, is sent to reinforce the area. One of its companies, together with Major Jahnukainen's troops, re-recaptures the positions. Subsequently, JP 6 is transferred to the Sykiälä-Mustamäki area. At noon Major Jahnukainen's battalion begins to withdraw from the VT-line. Jahnukainen justifies his decision by the events taking place at Kuuterselkä.

The Jaeger Brigade counter-attacks.

The IV AK immediately began to plan the use of the Armored Division for a counterattack, following the breakthrough at Kuuterselkä. In the discussions between the Headquarters and the IV AK, it is decided to use only a part of the division for the task. In the afternoon, the Jaeger brigade in the Pamppala area is reinforced with a battalion of Assault Guns and ordered to recapture Kuuterselkä and afterwards the positions at the VT-line.
Major General Lagus orders Jaeger Battalion 2 (JP 2) led by Major Lammetmaa to take point in the advance southwards towards Kuuterselkä. JP 2 arrives at the positions of Major Heino's battalion (I/JR 48) on the north side of Kuuterselkä at 17.00. JP 2, reinforced with two assault guns, begins its attack on both sides of the road toward Kuuterselkä. By evening, the battalion has advanced to the southern end of Onkijärvi.


Soviet 109.AK's attack in Sahakylä-Kuuterselkä area.

*

Soviet Breakthrough contained at Siiranmäki.

At 8.00 am, a very powerful enemy artillery fire began in the Siiranmäki sector, joined by several ground fighters. After an hour, the enemy's attacks began throughout the sector. The focus of the attack was initially on Detachment Malinen's (Os.M) area. The enemy made a breakthrough, but it was contained and beaten back by JR 7's Jaeger Platoon and the Third Battalion (III/JR 7).
However, the enemy reaches a new breakthrough to the east of Palomäki. Lieutenant Colonel Ehrnrooth orders Major Elovaara's II/JR 6 to attack the enemy flank from west with a company size force. Captain Vetre leads his company against the breakthrough and they force the enemy back, killing them nearly to the last man. Finnish estimated there to be the bodies of at least 200 Soviet soldiers on the battlefield.
In the afternoon, the focus of the attack switched to the east side of Kekrola-Siiranmäki road, where the enemy got into 2./JR 7's positions by the Seppälä house some 2km east of the Siiranmäki junction. Two KV tanks parked themselves to guard the gap and with their support the breakthrough grew to 600m wide and 300m deep.
Local counter-attacks failed, mainly due to the lack of efficient anti-tank weapons. Both company commanders that took part in the counter-attacks, Captain Kiiskinen (3./JR 7) and Lieutenant Walden (2./JR 7), were wounded. Walden would shortly after die as a heavy mortar grenade landed directly at the first aid station.
The attack continued to north towards Kuvaja's I/JR 7 and west towards Siiranmäki junction. Lieutenant-Colonel Varko's II/JR 49 launched a counter-attack from north towards the breach at 16.00. They had to attack head-on towards the enemy as the U-shaped line didn't allow for a flanking maneuver.
After an hour, most positions had been recaptured, but the narrow gap at the Seppälä house couldn't be plugged. The road had been left open, so Finns could use it, but now it proved to be an insurmountable obstacle for the Finnish counter-attack as the KV tanks were still operational and watching the road.
By 17.30, more heavy tanks had arrived at the breach, four of them drove through the gap and took positions on the Siiranmäki ridge. Three hours later, another ten heavy tanks arrived. Lacking personal anti-tank weaponry, Lieutenant-Colonel Varko's counter-attack had to be abandoned.
The situation got better in the evening when JR 49's anti-tank company received Panzerfausts and Panzerschrecks. Finnish Panzerschreck patrols destroyed six KV tanks, other anti-tank patrols one KV and three T-34s. Private Eero Seppänen, 19, destroyed three heavy tanks during the evening and three more on the next day with a Panzerschreck. He would be awarded the Mannerheim Cross in July. By the end of the day, four enemy tanks still remained in Siiranmäki.
Varko's counter-attack was renewed and by 23.00 the breach was closed for a short while, before the enemy managed to reopen it. The four tanks behind Finnish lines were destroyed by 01.00.
During the night, three more attempts were made to close the breach, but none of them were successful.


2nd Division's situation.


Enemy's breakthrough at Siiranmäki.


*

President Ryti offers Mannerheim the position of Prime Minister. He declines.

Finnish daily losses: 430


Wounded soldier given first aid. (Vammeljärvi)

[Schroeder]

Dowly has been sent out on a patrol behind enemy lines to find and capture hidden stashes of booze ammunition and capture nice young female officers to share the booze and have a good time with for intense interrogation. So it has fallen to me to post today's update:


15 June 1944

Jaeger Brigade's counter-attack continues at Kuuterselkä.

Colonel Puroma's Jaeger Brigade's (JPr.) attack began on 14th of June at 22.30 and was supported by a flight of 11 bombers and Artillery Group Nuolimaa's short artillery preparation.
Major Leppänen's Jaeger Platoon 4 attacked with Captain Kvikant's Assault Gun Company (1./Ryn.Tyk.P) along the Liikola-Kuuterselkä road. On the west side of the road advanced Major Hynninen's JP 3. Lammetmaa's JP 2 stayed in reserve, but was quickly called in to reinforce JP 4 as the battle progressed. Elements of these two battalions reached the VT-line to the east of Kuuterselkä in the early hours of 15th.
Kvikant's 1st Assault Gun Company opened the road to the clearings north of Kuuterselkä, destroying a number of enemy tanks as they advanced. At 1.00, Kvikant's company was relieved by Captain Kumlin's third company (3./Ryn.Tyk.P), which started it's attack at 3.00. On the west side of the road, JP 3 and one of the assault guns reached the support line (Tukilinja), but a strong enemy counter-attack forced them to withdraw just an hour later.
By 6.30, JP 3 had been reinforced with elements from JP 5 and Pioneer Battalion 2 and was able to recapture most of their lost positions on the support line. Kumlin's company was called back after losing five of their six assault guns, the area was reinforced by few StuG's from the Second Company.
Order came at 10.50 from IV AK for the Armoured Division's troops to disengage and withdraw to the Suulajärvi-Onkijärvi line due to the breakthrough at Sahakylä to the west.
The Jaeger Brigade's casualties in the counter-attack of 14th-15th were 624 men. In their 'baptism of fire' the Assault Gun Battalion destroyed 17 enemy tanks with a loss of 5 of their own.


Jaeger Brigade's counter-attack at Kuuterselkä.

*

Soviet attempts to widen the breach at Siiranmäki is stopped by Finnish counter-attacks. (Soviet POV)

Order for the day's objectives was given in the morning at 281. Division's headquarters; the attack was to widen the breakthrough to the Vuottaa-Kauksamo road and then advance west. 1066.JR, supported by 46th Separate Guards Heavy Tank Breakthrough Regiment (46.Er.Ka.Rs.Ps.Lm.R) and 938. Assault Gun Regiment (938.Ryn.Tyk.R) was ordered to capture the Vuottaa junction. 1064.JR would follow up the advancing forces.
1066.JR's attack was planned to start at 7.30 after a short artillery preparation, but was immediately stopped by a Finnish counter-attack at 7.20.
The Division's units were grouped for a new attack by 15.00, this time with two infantry regiments; 1066.JR on the right and 1064.JR on left. The attack was to commence at 15.55, after a 45 minute artillery preparation.
Finnish counter-attack came at 15.10, just before the Soviet artillery was about to begin their preparation fire. This counter action was thrown back in close combat. On the left wing, 1064.JR suffered heavy losses under Finnish artillery fire already at their staging area and couldn't begin their attack at all. 1066.JR managed to advance about 300 meters and capture two trenches from the Finns.
Another counter-attack launched by the Finns at 17.15 at first pushed the 1066.JR back, but they could soon recover their positions.
Battalion from 1066.JR had advanced another 200 meters by 18.50. The 1066.JR had fought off seven Finnish attacks by nightfall. On the left wing, 1064.JR dug in for the night with two KV-1 tanks on the northwest slopes of Siiranmäki and at the junction. According to 281.Division's report, it had suffered 408 casualties during the day.
Attempts elsewhere had not been any more successful; 483.JR had began their attack at 7.40 on the right flank of 281.D, but after advancing 200-300 meters increasing Finnish resistance had halted them.
Finns made several counter-attacks in the Siiranmäki junction area against the 483.JR, which by nightfall had only managed to advance a couple of hundred meters. The regiment's living force had been depleted and their objective became unachievable. 483.JR had lost 230 men according to unconfirmed reports.
All attacks on the left wing, in 381.D's area were also unsuccessful.


98.AK's attack in Siiranmäki sector.


Finnish counter-attacks at Siiranmäki.

*

Evacuation of the entire Karelian Isthmus begins.

Finnish daily losses: 419


Exhausted Finnish soldier (Probably one of Puroma's Jaegers) searching for his unit. He had got behind enemy lines during a counter-attack, was captured and then escaped during the night. (Liikola, north of Kuuterselkä)


Knocked out Soviet tank burning in Palokangas.

[sublynx]

Nice that the battle continues on despite losses. I'm sure Dowly will make it back safely!

By the way 14th to 15th June 1944 was a pretty important day for me, as my grandfather was wounded lightly during an air raid against the train that was carrying JR 25 (Infantry Regiment 25, from the 4th Division) to the front. Because of the wound he spent the regiments worst days of the war in hospital, and when he got back to his unit his platoon was led by a Private First Class. All the higher ups had been killed or wounded and a platoon of 30 something was now 8 men. This was another blessing as the unit was almost incapable of any serious fighting anymore and the mini-platoon had been given a task of defending a swamp, so no tank attacks. Grandpa was lucky there and that is why I am now happily sipping a shot of whisky lying on my sofa

[Dowly]

Thanks Schroeder.


Sorry about the delay, I needed some R&R after that patrol. Unfortunately, this week might be a bit slow on updates, Midsummer and all that here.


*********************


16 June 1944

Detachment Ehrnrooth defeats two weak attacks at Siiranmäki. The 2nd Division has achieved a defensive victory in their sector and thus prevented the enemy from getting in the rear of III AK which is holding out on the eastern Isthmus. Finnish casualties at Siiranmäki were 873 men, of them 164 KIA, 760 WIA and 49 MIA. The Red Army in turn had lost 3,784 men, 887 of them dead.

*

Finnish troops in Maaselkä and Svir are ordered to begin withdrawing to the 1939 border.

*

Lieutenant-General Oesch, commander of the troops on the Isthmus, gives order to abandon the VT-line and do a fighting retreat to the Viipuri-Kuparsaari-Taipale line (VKT-line).

*

German weapon deliveries resume; nearly 11,000 Panzerfausts arrive within the first ten days.

Finnish daily losses: 256


Situation on the central & eastern Isthmus.


Captain Nykänen with two of his men. The trio had had to make their way back from behind enemy lines earlier. (Uusikirkko)

***

17 June 1944

Major-General Vihma's 6th Division begins to withdraw from Maaselkä isthmus.

IV AK's troops withdraw to the Muolaanjärvi line on the western isthmus.

Gefechtsverband Kuhlmey arrives at Immola with 32 Ju-87 Stukas, 30 FW-190s and a small number of Me-109s.

Finnish daily losses: 255


Knocked out 'Iosif Stalin' at Summa.

***

18 June 1944

Finnish delaying actions towards the VKT-line continue; 4th Division and 3rd Brigade withstand Soviet attacks at old Winter War battlefield at Summa-Leipäsuo.

15th Division (III AK) begins to withdraw to the north side River Vuoksi on the eastern isthmus.

Finnish daily losses: 192


Soviet planes over Summa.

***

19 June 1944

Detachment Kuhlmey downs 24 Soviet planes during their first day of combat sorties, losing three of theirs.

Aunus Group begins to withdraw from the south side of River Svir.

Soviet naval infantry occupies the island of Narvi on the eastern Gulf of Finland.

Finnish daily losses: 319

[Dowly]

20 June 1944

Finns lose Viipuri nearly without a fight. The defense of the city has given to Colonel Kemppi's 20th Brigade who have been mostly in the rear doing fortification works and building roads.
Troops from the 10th Division and the Cavalry Brigade are allowed to withdraw through the city, and they tell the defenders horror stories of what lies ahead.
The enemy's attack begins at noon from east towards Ristimäki where Major Bäckman's Second Battalion is in defense. A rumour begins to circulate among the Finns that a withdrawal order has been give and some troops begin to leave their positions. The panic soon spreads to the whole of Second Battalion. Colonel Kemppi tries to plug the gap with his reserves, but without intact communication lines leading the defense becomes impossible.
Last Finnish troops, Colonel Kemppi among them, leave the city at 16.45 across the Linnasaari bridge towards Tienhaara.

*

II AK withdraws to the Liistepohja positions in Maaselkä.

*

Mannerheim appeals to his commanders to hold the VKT-line at all cost.


Soviet 21st Army's attacks on the western isthmus.



Withdrawal of Aunus Group from the south side of Svir.

Finnish daily losses: 350


Colonel Kemppi

[Dowly]

21 June 1944

Soviet 7th Army begins its offensive across River Svir. Finnish positions around Lotinapelto and Ohtajärvi can't hold, and the order is given for all 5th Division troops to begin withdrawing to the Enemajoki-Karjala line. Eighth Division is ordered to withdraw from the south side of the river.


7th Army's attack across Svir.

*

STAVKA orders the Karelian offensive to reach the Imatra-Lappeenranta line on the Finnish border by 28 June.



Situation on the Karelian Isthmus.

Finnish daily losses: 322

[Schroeder]

It's getting ugly...

[Dowly]

Originally Posted by Schroeder

It's getting ugly...

What do we say to Soviet occupation?
(It's uh... Game of Thrones joke)


(Another map added to last update)