I wonder what has happened to the Finnish conveys? Did they run out or are your subs just missing them?
-
We have updated our Community Code of Conduct. Please read through the new rules for the forum that are an integral part of Paradox Interactive’s User Agreement.
10th of March 1940, Winter War Report #10
The 10th of March 1940, near Vologda, -0,7°C, 10am Moscow Time,
Report on the Finnish war for the ten days between 10am on the 28th of February, and 10am on the 10th of March,
Report on the Finnish war for the ten days between 10am on the 28th of February, and 10am on the 10th of March,
"With milder temperatures around the freezing point and clear skies, everything seems to move more quickly; planes, men, even the bullets seem to fly faster. Spring is coming and I'm liking it already"
Maj. General Dement'ev overheard by one of our agents as he takes command of his 4th battle in 10 days (Kouvola 2)... (not an actual quote...)
The weather on the Southern Finnish Front, the ground is no longer a thick frozen crust and your breath doesn't freeze instantly in your beard anymore.
Hamina 7, Kotka 2&3
At 11am on the 28th of February, another Finnish Attack was mounted on Hamina. Maj. General Blick SK3, OD, WS was in charge again with 17.920 men of 23 Divisioona (Infx3), and 5 Divisioona (Infx3) charging out of Lappeenranta. Defending the woods were 39.822 men from 14 SD, 8 SD, 23 SD, 67 SD, led by Maj. General Trofimenko SK3. At 3pm the Finns halted all hostilities, with 36 / 84 casualties.
At 7pm Maj. General Dement'ev SK2, FB went on the offensive, with a 3 Division Assault on Kotka, under his command were 29.825 men from 23 SD, 67 SD, and 8 SD. Maj. General Valve SK3 ordered Ambushes to be set up, using his own 4. DIvisioona (Infx4) and 1. ErRTPsto (Gar), a total of 14.342 men. I didn't take very long for the Red Army to gain the upper hand, by 4am 1. ErRTPsto withdrew, and at 6am Kotka was ours for the taking, 44 Russians and 114 Finns paid the price.
Even these mildly impressive trenches couldn't stop the Maj. General Dement'ev from taking Kotka. (Actual Finnish trenches in Kotka, picture dated February 1940)
A soon as the 29.992 men of 23 SD, 67 SD, and 8 SD had arrived in Kotka on the 7th of March at 6am, they were under fire from 4. DIvisioona (Infx4), again, but the 11.410 tired Finns quickly stopped shooting as they realised the futility of what they were doing, in these 15 minutes of skirmishes 6 Russians and 37 Finns lost their lives.
Hamina 8
Maj. General Blick SK3, OD, WS was back for more on the 4th of March at 7pm, launching another Attack on Hamina with 23 Divisioona (Infx3), and 5 Divisioona (Infx3), now 17.997 men. Maj. General Trofimenko SK3 lead defensive operations, using 14 SD, 8 SD, 23 SD, and 75 SD, 39.987 men in total, to execute an Elastic Defence.
On the 5th, the Russians switched tactics and set up Ambushes, and on the 6th at 3pm the Finnish pulled back into Lappeenranta, leaving behind 676 of their comrades in arms, and having killed 327 Russian riflemen. This probably had something to do with the Red Army attack on Lappeenranta started earlier that morning.
Antrea 3
On the 6th at 1am, Maj. General Kurasov SK3 decided to taken another shot at Antrea. 39.970 Russian Riflemen, from 4 Divisions ( 38 SD, 4 SD, 142 SD, and 78 SD) in Käkisalmi, charged at the Finnish lines in an all out Shock attack. Maj. General Snellman SK2, WS, FB, Defending with only his own 5.999 man Erilliset Pataljoonat (Infx2) (the original... actually these Divisions do have different numbers, but they are at the end of their name, and thus invisible in both battle reports and battle screens, so I just gave them numbers myself), knew his men didn't stand a chance against the overwhelming odds and the violence of the onslaught. At 4pm the Finnish were routed, with 86 / 497 casualties.
The Red Army rolled over the Finnish Defences in Antrea, just like a Steam train, with an abundance of violence, noise, speed and firepower. Here is one arriving at Antrea station the day before the Attack.
Lappeenranta 2
The 6th of March was a day filled with Red Army initiative, and in Viipuri, Maj. General Chernyak SK2, decided that this was his chance to take Lappeenranta, a province filled with Finnish soldiers. He had six Divisions at his disposal, but the width of the front initially allowed only 4 of them to go on the offensive. At 7am 39.978 men from 54 SD, 104 SD, 31 SD and 191 SD, rushed into Lappeenranta , hoping to Shock the Defenders. In Lappeenranta, 32.027 Finns were present from 5 different units and 11 regiments ( Erilliset Pataljoonat (2) (Infx2) and (3) (Infx2), 23 and 5 Divisioona (both Infx3), and RT3 (Gar) ), two of which were busy attacking Hamina ( 23 and 5 Div.). They were lead in their Defence by Maj. General Vihma SK1. It was a tough battle, especially after 23, and 5 Divisioona halted their attack on Hamina.
On the 7th, Maj. General Chernyak found a way to make his numbers really count. Through several attacks on the flanks, he managed a partial Encirclement, lengthening the front to the point where 73 SD could join the fight, and at 10am it did, adding another 9.990 men on the Russian side of the battle. This proved too much for the Finns, and units started to retreat from Lappeenranta: At noon, RT3, at 1pm both 23, and 5 Divisioona, and at 2pm the remaining Finns broke rank and fled in disarray. This had been an expensive battle for both sides with 573 Russians, and 671 Finns Killed in Action.
Lappeenranta under intense bombardment, fires raging everywhere, it wasn't pretty, but the Red Army won in the end. The picture was taken by the rear gunner of a Yak-4 of II BAK.
Kouvola & Kouvola 2
The official objective for XXIII SK, Kouvola was a significant prize with it's Air Base, and capturing it would also safeguard Kotka from enveloping attacks. Maj. General Dement'ev SK2, FB, while not part of XXIII SK, saw his chance when he noticed the province was guarded by a single Garrison Regiment. On the 7th of March at 10am, only 4 hours after Kotka 3 ended, his 23. SD launched a 10.000 man Reckless Assault on the 2.999 Finns of RT1 (Gar), who tried hopelessly to Delay the inevitable. A mere 3 hours later, at 1pm, the Finns ran, and Kouvola was to be ours. The battle was one sided and short, resulting in only 6 Russian casualties for 37 dead Finns.
On the 9th at 10pm, hours before the Red Army would have taken possession of Kouvola, another Finnish unit blocked the way...
Retreating the wrong way after the carnage in Lappeenranta, the 5.967 exhausted men of Erilliset Pataljoonat (2) found themselves in the way of 3 Russian Divisions, on their way to occupying the province, when Maj. General Svanström SK1 decided it was a good idea to stand and fight, Maj. General Dement'ev SK2, FB, was almost happy to oblige. Moving into Kouvola was his own 23 SD, on it's way from Kotka, but also 75 SD, and 138 GSD, on their way from Hamina, the Finns were faced with a 28.995 man Assault from two sides, the battle is still ongoing 12 hours later, with the Defending Finns close to breaking and preliminary reports of very one-sided casualties.
The VVS in all this
Without having to worry about freezing windshields and frozen fuel dumps and engine oil, the VVS's efficiency improved dramatically. (As soon as the temperature shot up to over -5°C the -20% weather modifier was gone (with clear skies))
A photograph taken by a daring scout at Ruokolahti Air Base. Here we see some of Air Maj. General Sarko's Gloster Gladiators taking off. The province is currently void of Finnish ground troops (that's how the scout got so close...).
Will the Red Army act on this intelligence and force the Finns to rebase their biplanes? No one knows.
In support of Hamina 7, I BAK flew a single mission on the 28th of February, losing 1 plane out of 200 Yak-4's and killing 125 out of the 35.552 Finns on the ground.
In support of the battle of Kotka, I BAK flew 2 missions over the province, ending at 5am on the 1st of March, losing no planes and killing 148 out of the 14.333 Finns on the ground.
In support of Hamina 8 and Lappeenranta 2, II BAK, now equipped with 200 Yak-4's flew a total of 12 missions, starting on the 4th and ending on the 7th of March, losing 8 Aeroplanes, and killing 1.054 out of the 35.982 Finns on the ground in Lappeenranta.
In support of Antrea 3, I ShAD flew 3 missions on the 6th with it's 200 Il-2's and 100 La-5's, losing no Aeroplanes, and killing 175 out of the 5.989 Finns on the ground.
In support of the Battle of Kouvola, I BAK flew a single mission on the 7th, losing no Aeroplanes, and killing 80 out of the 2.988 Finns on the ground.
In support of Kouvola 2, II BAK started flying missions on the evening of the 9th, the 200 Yak-4's, lead by Air Lt. General Yakovlev SK3, TB, were intercepted on the very first mission by Lentorykmentti 1, the everlasting Finnish interceptor wing lead by Air Maj. General Sarko SK3, now composed of 99 Gloster Gladiators. At midnight I IAD joined the fight with it's 400 LaGG-3's and by 2am the fight was over, only 2 Yak-4's and no LaGG-3's had been shot down. After a second mission over the province, 162 out of 5.952 Finns were killed.
To sum things up:
Soviet Union:
Men sent into Battle: 1.099.679 (+268.559), ground combat casualties for finished battles: 4.676 (+1.082) men,
Planes sent into Battle: 5.098 (+600) (Air Battles only), 128(+11) planes lost (64(+11) Yak-4's, 2 DB-3's, 22 SB-2's, 9 CAG's, 4 Il-2, 8 La-5's, 23 Su-2's, 5 I-16's)
Finland:
Men sent into Battle: 560.713 (+108.661), ground combat casualties for finished battles 9.581 (+2.107) men, Bombing Casualties: 12.976 (+1.744)
Planes sent into Battle: 930 (+99) (Air Battles only), at least 1/4 planes lost.
Finland on the 10th of March, significant advances have been made south of lake Ladoga.
That's it for now, things are moving along nicely, let's hope this rhythm can be maintained and we will be in Helsinki in no time...
Greetings,
'Odin'
Maj. General Dement'ev overheard by one of our agents as he takes command of his 4th battle in 10 days (Kouvola 2)... (not an actual quote...)
The weather on the Southern Finnish Front, the ground is no longer a thick frozen crust and your breath doesn't freeze instantly in your beard anymore.
At 11am on the 28th of February, another Finnish Attack was mounted on Hamina. Maj. General Blick SK3, OD, WS was in charge again with 17.920 men of 23 Divisioona (Infx3), and 5 Divisioona (Infx3) charging out of Lappeenranta. Defending the woods were 39.822 men from 14 SD, 8 SD, 23 SD, 67 SD, led by Maj. General Trofimenko SK3. At 3pm the Finns halted all hostilities, with 36 / 84 casualties.
At 7pm Maj. General Dement'ev SK2, FB went on the offensive, with a 3 Division Assault on Kotka, under his command were 29.825 men from 23 SD, 67 SD, and 8 SD. Maj. General Valve SK3 ordered Ambushes to be set up, using his own 4. DIvisioona (Infx4) and 1. ErRTPsto (Gar), a total of 14.342 men. I didn't take very long for the Red Army to gain the upper hand, by 4am 1. ErRTPsto withdrew, and at 6am Kotka was ours for the taking, 44 Russians and 114 Finns paid the price.
Even these mildly impressive trenches couldn't stop the Maj. General Dement'ev from taking Kotka. (Actual Finnish trenches in Kotka, picture dated February 1940)
Hamina 8
Maj. General Blick SK3, OD, WS was back for more on the 4th of March at 7pm, launching another Attack on Hamina with 23 Divisioona (Infx3), and 5 Divisioona (Infx3), now 17.997 men. Maj. General Trofimenko SK3 lead defensive operations, using 14 SD, 8 SD, 23 SD, and 75 SD, 39.987 men in total, to execute an Elastic Defence.
On the 5th, the Russians switched tactics and set up Ambushes, and on the 6th at 3pm the Finnish pulled back into Lappeenranta, leaving behind 676 of their comrades in arms, and having killed 327 Russian riflemen. This probably had something to do with the Red Army attack on Lappeenranta started earlier that morning.
Antrea 3
On the 6th at 1am, Maj. General Kurasov SK3 decided to taken another shot at Antrea. 39.970 Russian Riflemen, from 4 Divisions ( 38 SD, 4 SD, 142 SD, and 78 SD) in Käkisalmi, charged at the Finnish lines in an all out Shock attack. Maj. General Snellman SK2, WS, FB, Defending with only his own 5.999 man Erilliset Pataljoonat (Infx2) (the original... actually these Divisions do have different numbers, but they are at the end of their name, and thus invisible in both battle reports and battle screens, so I just gave them numbers myself), knew his men didn't stand a chance against the overwhelming odds and the violence of the onslaught. At 4pm the Finnish were routed, with 86 / 497 casualties.
The Red Army rolled over the Finnish Defences in Antrea, just like a Steam train, with an abundance of violence, noise, speed and firepower. Here is one arriving at Antrea station the day before the Attack.
The 6th of March was a day filled with Red Army initiative, and in Viipuri, Maj. General Chernyak SK2, decided that this was his chance to take Lappeenranta, a province filled with Finnish soldiers. He had six Divisions at his disposal, but the width of the front initially allowed only 4 of them to go on the offensive. At 7am 39.978 men from 54 SD, 104 SD, 31 SD and 191 SD, rushed into Lappeenranta , hoping to Shock the Defenders. In Lappeenranta, 32.027 Finns were present from 5 different units and 11 regiments ( Erilliset Pataljoonat (2) (Infx2) and (3) (Infx2), 23 and 5 Divisioona (both Infx3), and RT3 (Gar) ), two of which were busy attacking Hamina ( 23 and 5 Div.). They were lead in their Defence by Maj. General Vihma SK1. It was a tough battle, especially after 23, and 5 Divisioona halted their attack on Hamina.
On the 7th, Maj. General Chernyak found a way to make his numbers really count. Through several attacks on the flanks, he managed a partial Encirclement, lengthening the front to the point where 73 SD could join the fight, and at 10am it did, adding another 9.990 men on the Russian side of the battle. This proved too much for the Finns, and units started to retreat from Lappeenranta: At noon, RT3, at 1pm both 23, and 5 Divisioona, and at 2pm the remaining Finns broke rank and fled in disarray. This had been an expensive battle for both sides with 573 Russians, and 671 Finns Killed in Action.
Lappeenranta under intense bombardment, fires raging everywhere, it wasn't pretty, but the Red Army won in the end. The picture was taken by the rear gunner of a Yak-4 of II BAK.
The official objective for XXIII SK, Kouvola was a significant prize with it's Air Base, and capturing it would also safeguard Kotka from enveloping attacks. Maj. General Dement'ev SK2, FB, while not part of XXIII SK, saw his chance when he noticed the province was guarded by a single Garrison Regiment. On the 7th of March at 10am, only 4 hours after Kotka 3 ended, his 23. SD launched a 10.000 man Reckless Assault on the 2.999 Finns of RT1 (Gar), who tried hopelessly to Delay the inevitable. A mere 3 hours later, at 1pm, the Finns ran, and Kouvola was to be ours. The battle was one sided and short, resulting in only 6 Russian casualties for 37 dead Finns.
On the 9th at 10pm, hours before the Red Army would have taken possession of Kouvola, another Finnish unit blocked the way...
Retreating the wrong way after the carnage in Lappeenranta, the 5.967 exhausted men of Erilliset Pataljoonat (2) found themselves in the way of 3 Russian Divisions, on their way to occupying the province, when Maj. General Svanström SK1 decided it was a good idea to stand and fight, Maj. General Dement'ev SK2, FB, was almost happy to oblige. Moving into Kouvola was his own 23 SD, on it's way from Kotka, but also 75 SD, and 138 GSD, on their way from Hamina, the Finns were faced with a 28.995 man Assault from two sides, the battle is still ongoing 12 hours later, with the Defending Finns close to breaking and preliminary reports of very one-sided casualties.
The VVS in all this
Without having to worry about freezing windshields and frozen fuel dumps and engine oil, the VVS's efficiency improved dramatically. (As soon as the temperature shot up to over -5°C the -20% weather modifier was gone (with clear skies))
A photograph taken by a daring scout at Ruokolahti Air Base. Here we see some of Air Maj. General Sarko's Gloster Gladiators taking off. The province is currently void of Finnish ground troops (that's how the scout got so close...).
Will the Red Army act on this intelligence and force the Finns to rebase their biplanes? No one knows.
In support of the battle of Kotka, I BAK flew 2 missions over the province, ending at 5am on the 1st of March, losing no planes and killing 148 out of the 14.333 Finns on the ground.
In support of Hamina 8 and Lappeenranta 2, II BAK, now equipped with 200 Yak-4's flew a total of 12 missions, starting on the 4th and ending on the 7th of March, losing 8 Aeroplanes, and killing 1.054 out of the 35.982 Finns on the ground in Lappeenranta.
In support of Antrea 3, I ShAD flew 3 missions on the 6th with it's 200 Il-2's and 100 La-5's, losing no Aeroplanes, and killing 175 out of the 5.989 Finns on the ground.
In support of the Battle of Kouvola, I BAK flew a single mission on the 7th, losing no Aeroplanes, and killing 80 out of the 2.988 Finns on the ground.
In support of Kouvola 2, II BAK started flying missions on the evening of the 9th, the 200 Yak-4's, lead by Air Lt. General Yakovlev SK3, TB, were intercepted on the very first mission by Lentorykmentti 1, the everlasting Finnish interceptor wing lead by Air Maj. General Sarko SK3, now composed of 99 Gloster Gladiators. At midnight I IAD joined the fight with it's 400 LaGG-3's and by 2am the fight was over, only 2 Yak-4's and no LaGG-3's had been shot down. After a second mission over the province, 162 out of 5.952 Finns were killed.
To sum things up:
Soviet Union:
Men sent into Battle: 1.099.679 (+268.559), ground combat casualties for finished battles: 4.676 (+1.082) men,
Planes sent into Battle: 5.098 (+600) (Air Battles only), 128(+11) planes lost (64(+11) Yak-4's, 2 DB-3's, 22 SB-2's, 9 CAG's, 4 Il-2, 8 La-5's, 23 Su-2's, 5 I-16's)
Finland:
Men sent into Battle: 560.713 (+108.661), ground combat casualties for finished battles 9.581 (+2.107) men, Bombing Casualties: 12.976 (+1.744)
Planes sent into Battle: 930 (+99) (Air Battles only), at least 1/4 planes lost.
Finland on the 10th of March, significant advances have been made south of lake Ladoga.
Greetings,
'Odin'
Last edited:
The northern and central parts of the frontline don't seem to have shifted much, but the south, the arguably most important sector, is ever progressing at a slow but steady pace. With a bit of luck and skill the Soviets might reach Helsinki in a month.
10th of March 1940, 'Odin', 10-day report #116
The 10th of March 1940, near Vologda, -0,7°C, 10am Moscow Time,
Report on the state of the Soviet Union for the ten day period between the 1st and the 10th of March 1940,
by 'Odin'
Report on the state of the Soviet Union for the ten day period between the 1st and the 10th of March 1940,
by 'Odin'
Army:
'Odin'
No changes in the Army for the last 10 days
Officers: 64.704 + / 73.990 needed / 87,450 %
Air Force:Officers: 64.704 + / 73.990 needed / 87,450 %
No changes to the Air Force, nor the Navy Air Fleet for the last 10 days
Navy:
No changes in the navy for the last 10 days
Politics / International:
No legislative changes for the last 10 days, nothing of note on the international scene.
Industry:
Industry Numbers:
Intelligence:3 Industrial complexes have been delivered in Nizhnaya Tura, Berezniki, and Uray. They have started gearing up and have just reached 1/3 of full production output.
Construction of 2 new Industrial Complexes has started in Berezniki and Uray.
The Air Base of Novomoskovosk now has a second hardened runway (Level 4).
The Air Bases in Minsk and Kaunas have been expanded with maintenance hangars and a concrete control tower (Level 3).
Work has started on a new runway (Level 4) in both Minsk and Kaunas.
Construction has started on a new Air Base in Lwow.
The Air Bases in Demjansk and Vitsyebsk are being expanded again, with more hangars and a full scale mess with kitchens to feed about 500 pilots, 500 gunners, and at least 1.000 ground crew members. (Level 5).
Working Industrial Capacity / available capacity: 233 (+1) / 314 (+1)
IC Usage: ( Allocated IC / Need )
Construction of 2 new Industrial Complexes has started in Berezniki and Uray.
The Air Base of Novomoskovosk now has a second hardened runway (Level 4).
The Air Bases in Minsk and Kaunas have been expanded with maintenance hangars and a concrete control tower (Level 3).
Work has started on a new runway (Level 4) in both Minsk and Kaunas.
Construction has started on a new Air Base in Lwow.
The Air Bases in Demjansk and Vitsyebsk are being expanded again, with more hangars and a full scale mess with kitchens to feed about 500 pilots, 500 gunners, and at least 1.000 ground crew members. (Level 5).
Working Industrial Capacity / available capacity: 233 (+1) / 314 (+1)
IC Usage: ( Allocated IC / Need )
Upgrades: 37,46 / 38,06
Reinforcement: 2,36 / 2,36
Supplies: 17,15 / 31,92
Production: 228,77 / 228,77
Consumer Goods: 28,26 / 28,26 (+0,09)
Stockpiles:Reinforcement: 2,36 / 2,36
Supplies: 17,15 / 31,92
Production: 228,77 / 228,77
Consumer Goods: 28,26 / 28,26 (+0,09)
Energy: 99.736 tonnes -
Metal: 78.262 tonnes +
Rares: 28.085 tonnes +
Crude: 81.230 barrels +
Supplies: 28.896 tonnes -
Fuel: Maximum barrels +
Money: 1.897 -
Metal: 78.262 tonnes +
Rares: 28.085 tonnes +
Crude: 81.230 barrels +
Supplies: 28.896 tonnes -
Fuel: Maximum barrels +
Money: 1.897 -
Spy numbers, spies in (active / added / lost / caught by us)
Research:France (Tech Espionage / Counterespionage): 10 / 0 / 0 / 0
Spy training leadership expenditure: 0,5
Nothing at all happened, that's odd, even as the GRU is saying the detect foreign spy activity, no one was caught, nothing was stolen,... all these spies at work, and nothing happened.
{ Germany (/): 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 }
{ Japan (/): 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 }
{ UK (/): 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 }
Other: 0 / 0 / 0 / 0{ Japan (/): 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 }
{ UK (/): 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 }
Total: 10 / 0 / 0 / 0
Reserves: 5Spy training leadership expenditure: 0,5
Nothing at all happened, that's odd, even as the GRU is saying the detect foreign spy activity, no one was caught, nothing was stolen,... all these spies at work, and nothing happened.
An improved Small Fuel Tank (Level 1) design will increase the range of most of the VVS and all of the Navy's planes. The most valuable gain here is an increase in the ridiculously low range of the Il-2 Shturmovik to a whopping 230 km.
Experience from Finland highlighted the need for better Light Bombs to the VVS, and thus the next project is the development of a better line-up of Light Bombs for our light Aircraft, increasing the damage they can do to land and sea targets.
No changes to LS distribution
Statistics:Experience from Finland highlighted the need for better Light Bombs to the VVS, and thus the next project is the development of a better line-up of Light Bombs for our light Aircraft, increasing the damage they can do to land and sea targets.
No changes to LS distribution
National Unity: 82,783 (+0,01)
Neutrality: 0,00 =
Dissent: 0,00 =
Manpower:
Convoy Raiding:Neutrality: 0,00 =
Dissent: 0,00 =
Manpower:
Available: 1.982.000 Men
To reinforce(need): 780 Men
To mobilise(need): See above
Monthly gain: 43.800 Men (1 fully mobilised Infx3, AT Division every 7,8 days)
Party PopularityTo reinforce(need): 780 Men
To mobilise(need): See above
Monthly gain: 43.800 Men (1 fully mobilised Infx3, AT Division every 7,8 days)
- Communist Party: 55 (+2)
- Trotskyite: 15 (+5)
- Bukharinite: 2 =
- Octobrist: 7 (-1)
- Social-Revolutionary: 11 (+1)
- Trudoviks: 2 (-2)
- Kadets: 1 =
- Tsarists: 3 =
- NTS: 2 (-2)
- POA: 3 (-3)
The people seem to be coming back to the left, with a total of 70% popularity for the Governing Parties. The opposition has consolidated as the Social-Revolutionary faction's unexpected (0% Organisation) popularity still lets them claim a seat in government, which is thus still fractured. At least things are moving in the right direction again.
Party Organisation:- Trotskyite: 15 (+5)
- Bukharinite: 2 =
- Octobrist: 7 (-1)
- Social-Revolutionary: 11 (+1)
- Trudoviks: 2 (-2)
- Kadets: 1 =
- Tsarists: 3 =
- NTS: 2 (-2)
- POA: 3 (-3)
The people seem to be coming back to the left, with a total of 70% popularity for the Governing Parties. The opposition has consolidated as the Social-Revolutionary faction's unexpected (0% Organisation) popularity still lets them claim a seat in government, which is thus still fractured. At least things are moving in the right direction again.
- Communist Party: 63,1 (+0,1)
- Trotskyite: 12,40 (-0,1)
- Bukharinite: 7,50 (-0,1)
- Octobrist: 8,00 (-0,1)
- Trudoviks: 4,80 (-0,1)
- Social-Revolutionary: 0,00 =
- Kadets: 0,00 =
- Tsarists: 1,30 (-0,1)
- NTS: 2,30 (-0,1)
- POA: 0,00 =
- Trotskyite: 12,40 (-0,1)
- Bukharinite: 7,50 (-0,1)
- Octobrist: 8,00 (-0,1)
- Trudoviks: 4,80 (-0,1)
- Social-Revolutionary: 0,00 =
- Kadets: 0,00 =
- Tsarists: 1,30 (-0,1)
- NTS: 2,30 (-0,1)
- POA: 0,00 =
4 Finnish merchant vessels and 1 Escort Vessel were sunk in last ten days
It seems they just launched a new set of 10 convoys, we'll see how long it takes to sink all of them...
This Information is accurate on the morning of the 10th of March 1940, I hope it serves you well in fine-tuning your possible suggestions.It seems they just launched a new set of 10 convoys, we'll see how long it takes to sink all of them...
'Odin'
10th of March 1940, 'Tri', call about German DOW on Norway
The 10th of March 1940, Vologda Air Base, -0,5°C, 5pm Moscow Time
I had planned to hitch a ride on a Yak-4 being delivered to Leningrad, to go and see things up close, the plane had been sent north through Vologda, instead of following the usual route through Demjansk to pick me up, but it didn't say that on the manifesto of course.
Having these planes flying around is very useful to move about discreetly, bombers don't need gunners deep inside our own Air Space, so there are empty seats on board, and when I say empty I mean that from time to time a Secret Committee operative is on board, or even the Secretary General on his way to Vologda... The pilot was a young recruit, finishing his training by flying empty planes to the front until he has enough flight hours to join his comrades on actual bombing missions. He was also told not to ask any questions...
Now to the matter at hand, the Yak-4 was still refuelling when I got to the Air Base, and the guard at the gate was waving at me with a telephone, it seems 'Tri' had rung the place I was going to be a minute in advance in his excitement:
Now off to Finland, let's hope that I can go visit Helsinki before the end of the month,
Greetings,
'Odin'
Having these planes flying around is very useful to move about discreetly, bombers don't need gunners deep inside our own Air Space, so there are empty seats on board, and when I say empty I mean that from time to time a Secret Committee operative is on board, or even the Secretary General on his way to Vologda... The pilot was a young recruit, finishing his training by flying empty planes to the front until he has enough flight hours to join his comrades on actual bombing missions. He was also told not to ask any questions...
"What do those Germans think they are doing?! They haven't made any advance into France, and now they have declared war on Norway. The Norwegians, estimating that they were in a better position to help with their navy, as well as being closer tot them politically, immediately joined the Allies. How the Germans will attack remains a mystery, they have military access to Sweden, but they need Swedish Steel, so starting a war from their soil seems like a bad way to stay in their good graces. Will they attempt an amphibious landing, in defiance of both French and British Navies? It looks like a crazy plan, and I think it could work, because no one is expecting it, and once their troops are on Norwegian soil, there will be no stopping them, unless the Brits redeploy their BEF in France, so Hitler seems to be giving the Allies a short term choice, save Norway or keep France. Or the RN could just sink the German transports... to be continued."
In the middle of all those Diplomats in Moscow, 'Tri' seems to have a pretty good read on the situation.
Now off to Finland, let's hope that I can go visit Helsinki before the end of the month,
Greetings,
'Odin'
I don't think the Germans will have a problem with Norway. In fact, I think it is dangerous to create any future plans without assuming Norway will be occupied by the Germans within a six month period of them landing troops in Norway.
And yes, Sweden is important to the Germans. But a Soviet occupied Finland might force them to take measures to secure Sweden to protect Swedish steel.
And yes, Sweden is important to the Germans. But a Soviet occupied Finland might force them to take measures to secure Sweden to protect Swedish steel.
And a Soviet occupied Sweden wouldn't be giving any steel to Germany
. But I guess that may be too hard to do in the time available ...
Hmm, I don't know what game-unfolding you seek but I wonder if you tagged to Finland, if you could make them do the cede? Maybe a save and a test? Unless of course you want all of Scandinavia but in that case I would think taking Sweden would ensure the game does not go off the rails but I don't know if Sweden can be dow'd?
I think I would opt for the typical unfolding and try to get the concession, I'd rather defend smaller vital chokepoints than a large unseen border. Just thinking out loud, maybe you desire a world-conquest.
I think I would opt for the typical unfolding and try to get the concession, I'd rather defend smaller vital chokepoints than a large unseen border. Just thinking out loud, maybe you desire a world-conquest.
As soon as I see a successful landing by Germany, I know Norway is doomed.
I tagged to Finland on the 20th of March, there is no way to make peace with the Soviet Union. Our Finnish campaign has had a breakthrough, so it should be over in a month or so (see next update, whenever I finish writing it, probably this week-end).
The initial plan was taking all of Scandinavia, but with Norway in the Allies, that's not happening anytime soon, I was thinking of just annexing Finland and manning the northern border with a couple pf Mountaineer Divisions...
And a Soviet occupied Sweden wouldn't be giving any steel to Germany
This is a long term advantage, but if (when) the Germans annex/puppet Norway it would give me a long extra border to man, with mostly Mountaineers. Of course we could take Sweden and just wait for the Germans to take it, fighting a retreat to the Finnish border, or the Malmbanan Railway, taking Narvik, where if all goes well some fresh troops are already dug in, but I don't know if it would be worth it, and if we have the time...
The advantage with Sweden is that, for now it's pretty neutral in diplomatic terms, so if the war is not too long they won't be able to join any faction before we're done with them.
I think I would opt for the typical unfolding and try to get the concession, I'd rather defend smaller vital chokepoints than a large unseen border. Just thinking out loud, maybe you desire a world-conquest.
Running the Army on AI, I don't know if that's still valid, will the Army guard the right chokepoints the right way? A world conquest sounds nice, but after beating the Allies, Japan, and maybe the Chinese, it would become a bit boring towards the end, if we ever manage to get that far...
20th of March 1940, Winter War Report #11
The 20th of March 1940, near Vologda, -0,7°C, 10am Moscow Time,
Report on the Finnish war for the ten days between 10am on the 10th, and 10am on the 20th of March,
Report on the Finnish war for the ten days between 10am on the 10th, and 10am on the 20th of March,
"What is it with these Generals, where were my reinforcements, why do they always need the enemy to attack before they even think of sending up their reserves, I've seen it happen to my colleagues before me. A single Division grabs some territory, and as soon as it arrives, General Kolpakchi just cancels all movement towards the province by the other units that helped win the battle. Then he sits on his behind, and reacts slowly to what his commanders are doing, what will happen when we face a tougher enemy than these Finns. They don't even have any heavy guns, and still command just lets our men die needlessly, what do they hold the reserves back for? Stopping an imaginary Finnish 2nd Army? The road to Helsinki, and now 23 SD is stuck here recuperating from a needlessly tough battle"
Maj. General Dement'ev overheard by yours truly while explaining why the disappointing casualty list from Kouvola 3 was a symptom of a larger problem ... (not an actual quote...)
"Those were some exhausted Finnish soldiers, they could barely lift their rifles to shoot back, that wasn't a breakthrough, that was a walkthrough..."
Maj. General Tiulenev, overheard by one of our agents after winning the battle of Mäntyharju in less than two hours.
Kouvola 2
A postcard showing the paper factory in Kouvola, just before the war.
Maj. General Dement'ev SK2, FB won his second battle of Kouvola a mere three hours after my last report was sent out. At 1pm the battle ended, and soon 23 SD, 75 SD, and 138 GSD found out why the Finns had stopped shooting back, Eriliset Pataljoonat (3) was entirely out of supplies. The battle ended in 336 Finnish and 67 Russian casualties, with about five times as many Russians as Finns, it was almost surprising not more Finns had been killed.
Salmi 2
20 Days after his first attempt, Maj. General Eremenko SK3 decided to have another go at taking Salmi for mother Russia. This time he had an extra Division ( 36 MSD(Motx3, Eng)), in addition to 15 MSD, and 61 MSD. The weather was also a lot better (-9,9°C at the time of Salmi 1). The Finns on the other hand hadn't changed a thing, and when, at 4pm on the10th of March 29.981 Russians drove into Salmi in a high speed Shock Attack, the same 22 Divisioona was Defending with mostly the same 8.994 men and the same commander, Maj. General Airo SK2. This time the battle quickly turned in our favour, and the next day at noon, we were victorious. 93 Russians, and 206 Finns died in the Forests of Salmi.
Kouvola 3
In Kouvola, Maj. General Dement'ev SK2, FB was the first to arrive (at 4pm on the 10th) with his 9.948 man 23 SD, an hour after arrival they were already under Attack from a fresh Finnish Division, 8 SD (Infx3), counting 8.986 men and lead by Maj. General Kaita SK1, OG, WS. With his men tired from Kouvola 2, Maj. General Dement'ev rounded up the men most fit for battle and launched a violent Counter-Attack. This was very effective, and even seems to have fooled the Finns into overestimating the Russian fighting strength, making them overly cautious and buying time for 1ya Armiya to send up fresh reserves.
The reinforcements were not coming, as 1ya Armiya seemed to have decided that 23 SD could handle this on it's own, this would prove to be a costly assessment.
On their own, 23 SD executed an Elastic Defence on the 11th.
On the 12th, after a Delaying action by the Russians, the Finns were finally turned back at 7pm. With 291 dead Russians for 281 dead Finns, this was hardly a celebration, the men were relieved that it was finally over, 23 SD would move away from the front the next day when a fresh Division replaced it in Kouvola.
Civilians running around at Kouvola station, no trains with reinforcements would arrive during the entire battle, much to the frustration of Maj. General Dement'ev
Savitaipale & Mäntharju
After resting a few days in Lappeenranta, increasingly frustrated by the news from Kouvola, Maj. General Tiulenev SK3, and his 104 SD were itching for some action, and together with 43 SD, they went for 8 DIvisioona's base in Savitaipale. The Finnish were lead by Lt. General Malmberg SK2, who's Lappland Group (***HQ) was also present in Savitaipale. The 19.992 man Russian Attack started at 1am on the 13th, and with only the 8.223 tired men of 8 Divisioona to Defend, the outcome wasn't really in question.
On the 14th, and feeling really confident, Maj. General Tiulenev ordered a Reckless Assault, this was to be the final straw for the Finns, and at 3pm they retreated towards Mäntharju, leaving 354 of their men behind, the Russians, in their recklessness, lost 235 men.
Not ready to leave it at that and consolidate his position in Savitaipale, Maj. General Tiulenev decided to send his own 104 SD after what was left of 8 Divisioona in Mäntharju. On the 17th of March, at 4pm, the 9.995 Russians attacked the 7.564 Finns in a very concentrated manner, trying to force a Breakthrough in the line of Defending Finns. Like a hot knife through butter, the Russians sliced through the defences set up by Maj. General Kaita SK1, OG, WS, all he could do was watch as his exhausted men broke rank and ran at the sight of the approaching Russians. In two hours it was all over, Mäntharju was ours, at the cost of 21 Russians, and 219 Finnish lives.
Russian riflemen of 43 SD, inspecting a Finnish bus converted into a field hospital for use with 8 Divisioona in Savitaipale.
Ruokolahti & Rautjärvi
At 1am on the 12th, Maj. General Rodin A.G. SK3, BM, launched an Assault into Ruokolahti with just his own 9.992 man 78 SD. Having just finished retreating from the slaughter at LappeenrantaI, Erilliset Pataljoonat (3) (Infx2), was not really in a position to Defend the Air Base properly, so the 5.825 Finns, lead by Maj. General Vihma SK1, did what they could, but at 2pm, the Soviets had won. Casualties 76 / 93.
The retreat of Erilliset Pataljoonat (3) was to be a tough one, as once they got to Rautjärvi, the 5.422 Finns were immediately under Attack from 9.992 Soviet riflemen. 4 SD's Maj. General Firin SK1, WS, had hoped to take control of Rautjärvi without firing a shot, by just chasing out the two HQ's in the province. Now with Erilliset Pataljoonat (3) under his command, General Martin-Wetzer SK2, OG, DD of Kannaksen Armejia (****HQ) thought Defending the province was after all possible, he was wrong, and by 3pm the Finns turned tail. 65 Russians and 77 Finns had died.
Hiitola
Finnish civilians leaving the church in Hitola on a Sunday, this small town would be the setting for one of the bloodier battles of the war.
On the 14th Maj. General Tjernjakovskij SK3 teamed up with Maj. General Vatutin to launch a violent concentrated push from two sides to force a Breakthrough into Hiitola. At 11am 142 SD attacking from Antrea, and 43 SD attacking from Käkisalmi, 19.985 Russians were bearing down on 13 Divisioona. Maj. General Palmroth SK1, OG, WS had just 8.999 men Defending the province, despite this he managed to prevent a catastrophic Breakthrough from happening.
On the 15th, the Russians changed tactics to a full-on Assault on the Finnish lines, this was to prove too much for the Finns, and they retreated at 9am on the 16th.
It was a pretty bloody battle for this war, with 347 dead Russians, and 510 dead Finns.
Orimattila & Loviisa
On the 15th, 8 SD arrived in Orimattila, without firing a single shot. This was of great strategic importance, as this was a beachhead on the East side of the Kymijoki river. It was thus entirely reasonable that when, at 4am, 8 SD came under attack, no reinforcements would be forthcoming... The now infamous 4. DIvisioona (Infx4), 11.998 fully rested men lead by Maj. General Valve SK3 undertook an Assault on the 9.992 Soviet Riflemen lead by Maj. General Povetkin SK3 and attempting to Ambush the enemy.
On the 16th both commanders reverted to the traditional Attack and Defend tactics.
On the 17th another Finnish Assault was now countered with Delaying actions.
On the 18th Attack / Defend was back , with all those involved increasingly tired, and after the battle for Loviisa, 4. DIvisioona's base started, Maj. General Valve halted all offensive operations.
Considering the numbers involved, and the duration of the battle, this was probably the bloodies battle yet for the Red Army in Finland. 593 Russians, and 458 Finns lost their lives in this struggle and the only reason 8 SD won was because 4 Divisioona was itself attacked, it didn't feel like a victory, and Maj. General Dement'ev had another example to complain about.
Officers enjoying a great meal in Orimattila, they deserve it, holding back a more experienced, better rested and more numerous enemy for four days. This meal was mostly taken in silence, as it was also vicious and every man at the table is still getting to grips with the scale of the losses.
Seeing the bloodshed in Orimattila, Maj. General Bogdanov SK3, took the initiative, and without requesting confirmation or support from 1ya Armiya, he ordered his veterans of Viipuri, 67 SD, to Assault 4 Divisioona across the river Kymijoki. This was a very risky proposition, as although tired, the 10.477 Defending Finns outnumbered the 9.995 Soviet riflemen. The Soviets were well-rested and one of the more experienced units in the Red Army, and even in 1ya Armiya. After a full 24 hours of battle the Finns ran, exhausted, and a bit demoralised at the fact that, no matter how many Soviets they killed, there would always be more... 132 Soviets, and 79 Finns died in this daring attack.
Lahti
On the 16th at 4am, 75 SD, lead by Maj. General Ptuhin SK3, encoutered 5.505 retreating Finns of Erilliset Pataljoonat (2), while they were moving into Lahti,. The 9.991 riflemen were soon fighting the same Finnish soldiers they had fought only days ago in Kouvola. The battle was short, and by 10am the Soviet Union had won another victory, the Finns lost 34 and we lost 18 good men.
Prisoners of War
During the rapid advances of the Red Army surrendering Finnish soldiers had been sent to temporary POW camps without much interrogation, as those capturing them had better things to do, like fighting the war. Now the Army released a list of Divisions which are believed to have been entirely overrun:
For the VVS these were a record 10 days:
Lt. General Golovanov SK3, CB 's I BAK flew 29 missions with it's 200 Yak-4's:
Soviet Union:
Men sent into Battle: 1.239.542 (+139.863), ground combat casualties for finished battles: 6.614 (+1.938) men,
Planes sent into Battle: 5.697 (+599) (Air Battles only), 143(+15) planes lost (78(+14) Yak-4's, 2 DB-3's, 22 SB-2's, 9 CAG's, 4 Il-2, 9(+1) La-5's, 23 Su-2's, 5 I-16's)
Finland:
Men sent into Battle: 642.706 (+81.993), ground combat casualties for finished battles 12.228 (+2.647) men, Bombing Casualties: 17.302 (+4.326), POW: ca. 38.860 (+30.840)
Planes sent into Battle: 1.029 (+99) (Air Battles only), at least 1/4 planes lost.
Finland on the 20th of March 1940.
Note how Maj. General Popov M.M. has sneaked his 57 MSD back into Vokhtozero, how long until the Finns notice?
They have bigger fish to fry anyway, as their entire Southern front is collapsing rapidly.
Well, that's it for these last 10 days, with the Finnish Army decimated, or worse, Helsinki 68 km away, and our own army in good shape, I have trouble seeing how this campaign could take more than another month before it is wrapped up.
Greetings,
'Odin'
Maj. General Dement'ev overheard by yours truly while explaining why the disappointing casualty list from Kouvola 3 was a symptom of a larger problem ... (not an actual quote...)
"Those were some exhausted Finnish soldiers, they could barely lift their rifles to shoot back, that wasn't a breakthrough, that was a walkthrough..."
Maj. General Tiulenev, overheard by one of our agents after winning the battle of Mäntyharju in less than two hours.
Kouvola 2
A postcard showing the paper factory in Kouvola, just before the war.
Salmi 2
20 Days after his first attempt, Maj. General Eremenko SK3 decided to have another go at taking Salmi for mother Russia. This time he had an extra Division ( 36 MSD(Motx3, Eng)), in addition to 15 MSD, and 61 MSD. The weather was also a lot better (-9,9°C at the time of Salmi 1). The Finns on the other hand hadn't changed a thing, and when, at 4pm on the10th of March 29.981 Russians drove into Salmi in a high speed Shock Attack, the same 22 Divisioona was Defending with mostly the same 8.994 men and the same commander, Maj. General Airo SK2. This time the battle quickly turned in our favour, and the next day at noon, we were victorious. 93 Russians, and 206 Finns died in the Forests of Salmi.
Kouvola 3
In Kouvola, Maj. General Dement'ev SK2, FB was the first to arrive (at 4pm on the 10th) with his 9.948 man 23 SD, an hour after arrival they were already under Attack from a fresh Finnish Division, 8 SD (Infx3), counting 8.986 men and lead by Maj. General Kaita SK1, OG, WS. With his men tired from Kouvola 2, Maj. General Dement'ev rounded up the men most fit for battle and launched a violent Counter-Attack. This was very effective, and even seems to have fooled the Finns into overestimating the Russian fighting strength, making them overly cautious and buying time for 1ya Armiya to send up fresh reserves.
The reinforcements were not coming, as 1ya Armiya seemed to have decided that 23 SD could handle this on it's own, this would prove to be a costly assessment.
On their own, 23 SD executed an Elastic Defence on the 11th.
On the 12th, after a Delaying action by the Russians, the Finns were finally turned back at 7pm. With 291 dead Russians for 281 dead Finns, this was hardly a celebration, the men were relieved that it was finally over, 23 SD would move away from the front the next day when a fresh Division replaced it in Kouvola.
Civilians running around at Kouvola station, no trains with reinforcements would arrive during the entire battle, much to the frustration of Maj. General Dement'ev
After resting a few days in Lappeenranta, increasingly frustrated by the news from Kouvola, Maj. General Tiulenev SK3, and his 104 SD were itching for some action, and together with 43 SD, they went for 8 DIvisioona's base in Savitaipale. The Finnish were lead by Lt. General Malmberg SK2, who's Lappland Group (***HQ) was also present in Savitaipale. The 19.992 man Russian Attack started at 1am on the 13th, and with only the 8.223 tired men of 8 Divisioona to Defend, the outcome wasn't really in question.
On the 14th, and feeling really confident, Maj. General Tiulenev ordered a Reckless Assault, this was to be the final straw for the Finns, and at 3pm they retreated towards Mäntharju, leaving 354 of their men behind, the Russians, in their recklessness, lost 235 men.
Not ready to leave it at that and consolidate his position in Savitaipale, Maj. General Tiulenev decided to send his own 104 SD after what was left of 8 Divisioona in Mäntharju. On the 17th of March, at 4pm, the 9.995 Russians attacked the 7.564 Finns in a very concentrated manner, trying to force a Breakthrough in the line of Defending Finns. Like a hot knife through butter, the Russians sliced through the defences set up by Maj. General Kaita SK1, OG, WS, all he could do was watch as his exhausted men broke rank and ran at the sight of the approaching Russians. In two hours it was all over, Mäntharju was ours, at the cost of 21 Russians, and 219 Finnish lives.
Russian riflemen of 43 SD, inspecting a Finnish bus converted into a field hospital for use with 8 Divisioona in Savitaipale.
At 1am on the 12th, Maj. General Rodin A.G. SK3, BM, launched an Assault into Ruokolahti with just his own 9.992 man 78 SD. Having just finished retreating from the slaughter at LappeenrantaI, Erilliset Pataljoonat (3) (Infx2), was not really in a position to Defend the Air Base properly, so the 5.825 Finns, lead by Maj. General Vihma SK1, did what they could, but at 2pm, the Soviets had won. Casualties 76 / 93.
The retreat of Erilliset Pataljoonat (3) was to be a tough one, as once they got to Rautjärvi, the 5.422 Finns were immediately under Attack from 9.992 Soviet riflemen. 4 SD's Maj. General Firin SK1, WS, had hoped to take control of Rautjärvi without firing a shot, by just chasing out the two HQ's in the province. Now with Erilliset Pataljoonat (3) under his command, General Martin-Wetzer SK2, OG, DD of Kannaksen Armejia (****HQ) thought Defending the province was after all possible, he was wrong, and by 3pm the Finns turned tail. 65 Russians and 77 Finns had died.
Hiitola
Finnish civilians leaving the church in Hitola on a Sunday, this small town would be the setting for one of the bloodier battles of the war.
On the 15th, the Russians changed tactics to a full-on Assault on the Finnish lines, this was to prove too much for the Finns, and they retreated at 9am on the 16th.
It was a pretty bloody battle for this war, with 347 dead Russians, and 510 dead Finns.
Orimattila & Loviisa
On the 15th, 8 SD arrived in Orimattila, without firing a single shot. This was of great strategic importance, as this was a beachhead on the East side of the Kymijoki river. It was thus entirely reasonable that when, at 4am, 8 SD came under attack, no reinforcements would be forthcoming... The now infamous 4. DIvisioona (Infx4), 11.998 fully rested men lead by Maj. General Valve SK3 undertook an Assault on the 9.992 Soviet Riflemen lead by Maj. General Povetkin SK3 and attempting to Ambush the enemy.
On the 16th both commanders reverted to the traditional Attack and Defend tactics.
On the 17th another Finnish Assault was now countered with Delaying actions.
On the 18th Attack / Defend was back , with all those involved increasingly tired, and after the battle for Loviisa, 4. DIvisioona's base started, Maj. General Valve halted all offensive operations.
Considering the numbers involved, and the duration of the battle, this was probably the bloodies battle yet for the Red Army in Finland. 593 Russians, and 458 Finns lost their lives in this struggle and the only reason 8 SD won was because 4 Divisioona was itself attacked, it didn't feel like a victory, and Maj. General Dement'ev had another example to complain about.
Officers enjoying a great meal in Orimattila, they deserve it, holding back a more experienced, better rested and more numerous enemy for four days. This meal was mostly taken in silence, as it was also vicious and every man at the table is still getting to grips with the scale of the losses.
Lahti
On the 16th at 4am, 75 SD, lead by Maj. General Ptuhin SK3, encoutered 5.505 retreating Finns of Erilliset Pataljoonat (2), while they were moving into Lahti,. The 9.991 riflemen were soon fighting the same Finnish soldiers they had fought only days ago in Kouvola. The battle was short, and by 10am the Soviet Union had won another victory, the Finns lost 34 and we lost 18 good men.
Prisoners of War
During the rapid advances of the Red Army surrendering Finnish soldiers had been sent to temporary POW camps without much interrogation, as those capturing them had better things to do, like fighting the war. Now the Army released a list of Divisions which are believed to have been entirely overrun:
RT1 (Gar), RT3 (Gar), 1. ErRTPsto (Gar), 1. ErRTPsto (Gar), Erilliset Pataljoonat (Infx2), Erilliset Pataljoonat (3) (Infx2), and 5. DIvisioona (Infx3). The final tally is of approximately 30.840 new POW's from 11 Regiments in the last 10-15 days.
The war from the Air
For the VVS these were a record 10 days:
Lt. General Golovanov SK3, CB 's I BAK flew 29 missions with it's 200 Yak-4's:
From the 10th to the 14th, 15 missions were flown over Savitaipale in support of Kouvola 3, killing 1.259 out of 9.986 Finns, 2 downed Aeroplanes.
From the 15th to the 18th, 14 missions were flown over Loviisa, killing 1.285 out of 11.991 Finns, 4 downed Aeroplanes, excluding the Air Battle.
The last of these missions was intercepted by Lentorykmentti 1, and it's 99 Gloster Gladiators now based out of Helsinki, on the 18th at 5am. I IAD scrambled it's 400 LaGG-3's to help, and Air Lt. General Sarko SK3 had to call a retreat to the relative safety of Helsinki Air Base at 7am, this little skirmish cost us another 6 Yak-4's.
Air Maj. General Sarko was the last to take off from Ruokolahti Air Base, this picture was taken by a scout of 78 SD, the first man to get to the Air Base after the Finns had left.
Lt. General Yakovlev SK3, TB 's II BAK flew 17 missions with it's 200 Yak-4's:From the 15th to the 18th, 14 missions were flown over Loviisa, killing 1.285 out of 11.991 Finns, 4 downed Aeroplanes, excluding the Air Battle.
The last of these missions was intercepted by Lentorykmentti 1, and it's 99 Gloster Gladiators now based out of Helsinki, on the 18th at 5am. I IAD scrambled it's 400 LaGG-3's to help, and Air Lt. General Sarko SK3 had to call a retreat to the relative safety of Helsinki Air Base at 7am, this little skirmish cost us another 6 Yak-4's.
Air Maj. General Sarko was the last to take off from Ruokolahti Air Base, this picture was taken by a scout of 78 SD, the first man to get to the Air Base after the Finns had left.
On the 10th, 1 mission was flown in support of Kouvola 2, killing 132 out of 5.535 Finns, 0 downed Aeroplanes.
On the 12th, 3 missions were flown over Ruokolahti, killing 301 out of 5.819 Finns, 0 downed Aeroplanes.
From the 14th to the 16th, 8 missions were flown over Hiitola, killing 783 out of 8.984 Finns, 1 downed Aeroplane.
On the 17th, 1 mission was flown over Mäntyharju, killing 58 out of 7.533 Finns, 0 downed Aeroplanes.
On the 18th and the 19th, 4 missions were flown over Loviisa, killing 349 out of 10.292 Finns, 0 downed Aeroplanes.
Lt. General Zhigarev SK3, TB 's I ShAK flew 4 missions with it's 200 Il-2's, and 100 La-5's,On the 12th, 3 missions were flown over Ruokolahti, killing 301 out of 5.819 Finns, 0 downed Aeroplanes.
From the 14th to the 16th, 8 missions were flown over Hiitola, killing 783 out of 8.984 Finns, 1 downed Aeroplane.
On the 17th, 1 mission was flown over Mäntyharju, killing 58 out of 7.533 Finns, 0 downed Aeroplanes.
On the 18th and the 19th, 4 missions were flown over Loviisa, killing 349 out of 10.292 Finns, 0 downed Aeroplanes.
all of them over Salmi on the 10th, killing 159 out of 8.980 Finns, 1 downed La-5.
To sum things up:
Soviet Union:
Men sent into Battle: 1.239.542 (+139.863), ground combat casualties for finished battles: 6.614 (+1.938) men,
Planes sent into Battle: 5.697 (+599) (Air Battles only), 143(+15) planes lost (78(+14) Yak-4's, 2 DB-3's, 22 SB-2's, 9 CAG's, 4 Il-2, 9(+1) La-5's, 23 Su-2's, 5 I-16's)
Finland:
Men sent into Battle: 642.706 (+81.993), ground combat casualties for finished battles 12.228 (+2.647) men, Bombing Casualties: 17.302 (+4.326), POW: ca. 38.860 (+30.840)
Planes sent into Battle: 1.029 (+99) (Air Battles only), at least 1/4 planes lost.
Finland on the 20th of March 1940.
Note how Maj. General Popov M.M. has sneaked his 57 MSD back into Vokhtozero, how long until the Finns notice?
They have bigger fish to fry anyway, as their entire Southern front is collapsing rapidly.
Greetings,
'Odin'
Last edited:
Sorry man, good grief, I keep forgetting you are using the A.I.
Regarding A.I. defense, all I can say is it does a good job at defending small areas for me, when I do not want to bother with partisans or easy invasions, etc.
Just for general conversation and not an current-game suggestion; since I have had good success with small A.I. Defensive-assignments, maybe since the Soviet-Finnish border, iirc has two chokepoints, possibly 2 small separate A.I. commands, 1 for each? Just curious, if any of your readers have ever tried themselves or read such a trial using the A.I.?
The smaller the theatre the better the HQ assigned to it will be able to handle it.
That number of prisoners captured is a HUGE blow to the Fins. They were NOT going to recover from that.
That number of prisoners captured is a HUGE blow to the Fins. They were NOT going to recover from that.
An action-packed update. I liked those quotes at the start - I hope (given the only recently finished Stalin Purges) that Dement'ev isn't taken aside by the Commissars for a little re-education Makarov 9mm style!
Also, that postcard of the paper factory in Kouvola: priceless. Are you sure they weren't already looking to join the Worker's Paradise? I can imagine it being staffed with implacable Stakhanovite workers fairly soon. To a centralised bureaucratic monolith like the Soviet Union, I imagine paper is an even more important war resource that oil or tungsten!
It will be interesting to see how the AI copes will such a deadly adversary as the Wehrmacht: and how you cope with the AI! If the generals are getting frustrated by it whilst winning in Finland, one can only imagine the recriminations once the fighting retreat starts in the Motherland!
Also, that postcard of the paper factory in Kouvola: priceless
. Are you sure they weren't already looking to join the Worker's Paradise? I can imagine it being staffed with implacable Stakhanovite workers fairly soon. To a centralised bureaucratic monolith like the Soviet Union, I imagine paper is an even more important war resource that oil or tungsten! It will be interesting to see how the AI copes will such a deadly adversary as the Wehrmacht: and how you cope with the AI
! If the generals are getting frustrated by it whilst winning in Finland, one can only imagine the recriminations once the fighting retreat starts in the Motherland! 
RoverS3,
I just started reading this. A very interesting premise, and more original than many stories of the type.
I wonder if you've ever read the novel Child 44. Don't bother with the movie, which was badly done - read the book. I have a feeling you'd enjoy the inside view of the NKVD.
Rensselaer
I just started reading this. A very interesting premise, and more original than many stories of the type.
I wonder if you've ever read the novel Child 44. Don't bother with the movie, which was badly done - read the book. I have a feeling you'd enjoy the inside view of the NKVD.
Rensselaer
Well defending small areas is sort of the opposite of defending the Soviet Union... Unless the front is extremely short, I don't think we will have AI's below Army Level, as giving each corps objectives just doesn't seem realistic. Also I'm maybe a bit of a masochist, as I find that the AI messing up makes for a more exciting and interesting campaign, as you don't know what's going to happen next.... I (the Author) like watching the Army I put together mess up badly, then scramble to give it more units, and maybe win. I have expressed this sentiment earlier. Remember that the frustration is often mostly that of the characters of the story: 'Odin', Generals, Stalin,...
That's interesting to note, maybe we should increase the number of Theatres on the Western Front before Barbarossa.
I'm sure they won't
An action-packed update. I liked those quotes at the start - I hope (given the only recently finished Stalin Purges) that Dement'ev isn't taken aside by the Commissars for a little re-education Makarov 9mm style!
Well only yours truly and some aides overheard him, the NKVD doesn't have to know, this report's circulation is very limited, and the Committee only works if feedback is uncensored...
Also, that postcard of the paper factory in Kouvola: priceless
All we have to do is take down the Finnish flag, put up a nice hammer and sickle affair and we're good to go...
Thank you for stopping by, I would love to have you as an external member of the Secret Committee
Thanks for the reading suggestion, I'm sure I will enjoy reading it.
20th of March 1940, 'Odin', 10-day report #117
The 20th of March 1940, near Vologda, -0,7°C, 10am Moscow Time,
Report on the state of the Soviet Union for the ten day period between the 11th and the 20th of March 1940,
by 'Odin'
Report on the state of the Soviet Union for the ten day period between the 11th and the 20th of March 1940,
by 'Odin'
Army:
'Odin'
Our first four (Gdsx3, AT) Guards Rifle Divisions (1, 72, 76, and 77 Gvardeskaya Strelkovaya Diviziya) have been deployed to Minsk, XXIX GvSK, a new special Guards Rifle Corps was formed, and placed, for now, in the 2nd Army Group, STAVKA.
Army numbers (Brigades/Personnel) Reserves included (these numbers don't include regiments being upgraded):
Talented new commanders were selected for command in and of the new XXIX GvSK:
New Lt. General Muzich SK3, DD, OD has been given command of XXIX GvSK, 2nd Army Group, STAVKA.
Air Force:Army numbers (Brigades/Personnel) Reserves included (these numbers don't include regiments being upgraded):
Front line troops: 539 / 1.617.000
Support troops: 158 / 158.000
Total fighting troops: 697 / 1.775.000
Headquarters: 53 / 53.000
Total Army Personnel: 750 / 1.828.000
Officers: 64.945 + / 75.690 needed / 85,804 % The officer requirement for the new GvSK are very high, and thus our Army's officer ratio has dipped quite a bit...
Active Leaders: 218 / 130 Reserve
Production has started on 2 new Infx3, AT, Art Rifle Divisions.
Guns for 4 new Art Regiments have started production.
2 Regiments of Guards Engineers have started training, they will be added to the Guards Rifle Divisions.
Army Leadership:Support troops: 158 / 158.000
Total fighting troops: 697 / 1.775.000
Headquarters: 53 / 53.000
Total Army Personnel: 750 / 1.828.000
Officers: 64.945 + / 75.690 needed / 85,804 % The officer requirement for the new GvSK are very high, and thus our Army's officer ratio has dipped quite a bit...
Active Leaders: 218 / 130 Reserve
Production has started on 2 new Infx3, AT, Art Rifle Divisions.
Guns for 4 new Art Regiments have started production.
2 Regiments of Guards Engineers have started training, they will be added to the Guards Rifle Divisions.
Talented new commanders were selected for command in and of the new XXIX GvSK:
New Lt. General Muzich SK3, DD, OD has been given command of XXIX GvSK, 2nd Army Group, STAVKA.
New Maj. General Zhadov SK3, Cdo has been given command of 1. GvSD, XXIX GvSK, 2nd Army Group, STAVKA.
New Maj. General Rostmistrov SK3, BM has been given command of 72. GvSD, XXIX GvSK, 2nd Army Group, STAVKA.
New Maj. General Barinov SK3, OD has been given command of 76. GvSD, XXIX GvSK, 2nd Army Group, STAVKA.
New Maj. General Badanov SK3, BM has been given command of 77. GvSD, XXIX GvSK, 2nd Army Group, STAVKA.
New Maj. General Rostmistrov SK3, BM has been given command of 72. GvSD, XXIX GvSK, 2nd Army Group, STAVKA.
New Maj. General Barinov SK3, OD has been given command of 76. GvSD, XXIX GvSK, 2nd Army Group, STAVKA.
New Maj. General Badanov SK3, BM has been given command of 77. GvSD, XXIX GvSK, 2nd Army Group, STAVKA.
Another 100 LaGG-3 Interceptors forming 41. IAD have been deployed, they have joined IV IAK lead by now Air Lt. General Rychagov SK2, SAT
Airplane Numbers (Wings/Planes):
Navy:Airplane Numbers (Wings/Planes):
Interceptors: 18 / 1800
Multi-Role Fighters: 1 / 100
Close Air Support: 2 / 200
Carrier Air Groups: 4 / 400
Production continues, on another 100 LaGG-3's, they will form 54. IAD and also join IV IAKMulti-Role Fighters: 1 / 100
Close Air Support: 2 / 200
Carrier Air Groups: 4 / 400
Single Engined: 25 / 2.500
Tactical Bomber: 4 / 400Total Bombers: 6 / 600
Total VVS: 25 / 2.500
Total Navy: 4 / 400
Total Airplanes: 29 / 2.900
Active Leaders: 11 / 19 ReserveTotal VVS: 25 / 2.500
Total Navy: 4 / 400
Total Airplanes: 29 / 2.900
No changes in the navy for the last 10 days
Politics / International:
No legislative changes for the last 10 days.
Germany declared war on Norway, there have been no German landings yet.
Norway joined the Allies
Finland cancelled Norway's transit rights.
Industry:Germany declared war on Norway, there have been no German landings yet.
Norway joined the Allies
Finland cancelled Norway's transit rights.
Industry Numbers:
Intelligence:The 3 Industrial complexes in Nizhnaya Tura, Berezniki, and Uray have reached 2/3 of full production output.
Our 2 first Radar Stations have been deployed to Leningrad.
Production of 3 more Radar Stations has started.
Working Industrial Capacity / available capacity: 234 (+1) / 315 (+1)
IC Usage: ( Allocated IC / Need )
Our 2 first Radar Stations have been deployed to Leningrad.
Production of 3 more Radar Stations has started.
Working Industrial Capacity / available capacity: 234 (+1) / 315 (+1)
IC Usage: ( Allocated IC / Need )
Upgrades: 23,19 / 24,76
Reinforcement: 4,90 / 4,90
Supplies: 20,57 / 34,60
Production: 237,99 / 237,99
Consumer Goods: 28,35 / 28,35 (+0,09)
Stockpiles:Reinforcement: 4,90 / 4,90
Supplies: 20,57 / 34,60
Production: 237,99 / 237,99
Consumer Goods: 28,35 / 28,35 (+0,09)
Energy: 99.615 tonnes -
Metal: 78.253 tonnes -
Rares: 28.080 tonnes -
Crude: 82.208 barrels +
Supplies: 29.034 tonnes +
Fuel: 99.795 barrels -
Money: 1.900 +
Metal: 78.253 tonnes -
Rares: 28.080 tonnes -
Crude: 82.208 barrels +
Supplies: 29.034 tonnes +
Fuel: 99.795 barrels -
Money: 1.900 +
Spy numbers, spies in (active / added / lost / caught by us)
Research:France (Tech Espionage / Counterespionage): 10 / 1 / 1 / 0
Total: 10 / 1 / 1 / 2
Reserves: 4
Spy training leadership expenditure: 0,3 (-0,2)
Spy training expenditure has been decreased as there is a more pressing need for more officers, and wartime laws in Britain and France mean that it has become too costly to send spies down thereto steal technology. We will prioritise reserves for now, and maybe replace one or two spies in France, but that's about it...we just don't have the leadership to spare for more...
{ Germany (/): 0 / 0 / 0 / 1 }
{ Japan (/): 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 }
{ UK (/): 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 }
Other: 0 / 0 / 0 / 1{ Japan (/): 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 }
{ UK (/): 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 }
Total: 10 / 1 / 1 / 2
Reserves: 4
Spy training leadership expenditure: 0,3 (-0,2)
Spy training expenditure has been decreased as there is a more pressing need for more officers, and wartime laws in Britain and France mean that it has become too costly to send spies down thereto steal technology. We will prioritise reserves for now, and maybe replace one or two spies in France, but that's about it...we just don't have the leadership to spare for more...
Our Army theorists have made an important breakthrough, they have managed to develop a new Divisional framework allowing a Division to have 5 Regiments instead of 4, thereby giving it Superior Firepower on the battlefield. We will be adding Art Regiments to a few Infx3, AT Divisions on the Western Front, but especially our Guards, Tank, and Motorised Divisions will be getting extra Regiments.
Now our theorists are figuring out more efficient Tank formations allowing our Tank Regiments to take up less space on the front line, while remaining just as deadly. This should be perfect for the formation of Spearheads made up of Tank Divisions, highly concentrated in one place, and able to force a breakthrough past the enemy's front line, into his supply lines, and allowing possible encirclements...
LS DIstrubution:
Statistics:Now our theorists are figuring out more efficient Tank formations allowing our Tank Regiments to take up less space on the front line, while remaining just as deadly. This should be perfect for the formation of Spearheads made up of Tank Divisions, highly concentrated in one place, and able to force a breakthrough past the enemy's front line, into his supply lines, and allowing possible encirclements...
LS DIstrubution:
Research: 17,80 =
Espionage: 0,30 (-0,2)
Diplomacy: 0,02 =
Officers: 5,20 (+0,2) (26 officers / day)
Total: 23,32 =
Espionage: 0,30 (-0,2)
Diplomacy: 0,02 =
Officers: 5,20 (+0,2) (26 officers / day)
Total: 23,32 =
National Unity: 82,793 (+0,01)
Neutrality: 0,00 =
Dissent: 0,00 =
Manpower:
Party Organisation:
Convoy Raiding:Neutrality: 0,00 =
Dissent: 0,00 =
Manpower:
Available: 1.964.000 Men
To reinforce(need): 10.300 Men
To mobilise(need): See above
Monthly gain: 43.800 Men (1 fully mobilised Infx3, AT Division every 7,8 days)
No changes to Party PopularityTo reinforce(need): 10.300 Men
To mobilise(need): See above
Monthly gain: 43.800 Men (1 fully mobilised Infx3, AT Division every 7,8 days)
Party Organisation:
- Communist Party: 63,6 (+0,5)
- Trotskyite: 12,40 =
- Bukharinite: 7,50 =
- Octobrist: 8,00 =
- Trudoviks: 4,80 =
- Social-Revolutionary: 0,00 =
- Kadets: 0,00 =
- Tsarists: 1,30 =
- NTS: 2,30 =
- POA: 0,00 =
- Trotskyite: 12,40 =
- Bukharinite: 7,50 =
- Octobrist: 8,00 =
- Trudoviks: 4,80 =
- Social-Revolutionary: 0,00 =
- Kadets: 0,00 =
- Tsarists: 1,30 =
- NTS: 2,30 =
- POA: 0,00 =
5 Finnish merchant vessels and 2 Escort Vessels were sunk in last ten days
This Information is accurate on the morning of the 20th of March 1940, I hope it serves you well in fine-tuning your possible suggestions.
'Odin'
Last edited:
That works for me too. The stories you will be forced to report should be very interesting.
Yes, and probably quite realistically shambolic, especially in the desperate early days of the German onslaught. I don't think the description "finely tuned and well-oiled war machine" was ever applied to the Red Army, at the best of times. Brutal, effective with numbers, determined etc yes.That works for me too. The stories you will be forced to report should be very interesting.
I am positively surprised by the recent triumphs, particularly the capture of so many Finnish soldiers. Reviewing the last ten days I find it very possible that the vanguards can reach Helsinki within the closest ten-days period. Though, there is of course the AI...
And I agree with @markkur and @Bullfilter that the AI's failures would make for an interesting as well as more realistic story.
And I agree with @markkur and @Bullfilter that the AI's failures would make for an interesting as well as more realistic story.
30th of March 1940, Winter War Report #12
The 30th of March 1940, near Vologda, -0,7°C, 10am Moscow Time,
Report on the Finnish war for the ten days between 10am on the 20th, and 10am on the 30th of March,
Report on the Finnish war for the ten days between 10am on the 20th, and 10am on the 30th of March,
"Well, here we go again,... what was that old theist expression? Something with the devil and playing with horns?.. that's not it... At least this time a second wave is extremely improbable. We will not be responsible for the loss of the same Soviet Forest twice in 40 days, and we will assuredly not go quietly."
Maj. General Popov M.M. after being notified of 12. Divisioona approaching 57 MSD's positions in Vokhtozero.
"They think they can Attack us just like that, well let's attack them right back. Wait until they're close, then charge right at them, they won't know what hit them."
Maj. General Rodin A.G. was onto something when he uttered these words in the first minutes of the battle of Kitee, his staff, was terrified, but this being the Soviet Union, they didn't even try to question his orders, the phrase was transmitted verbatim to and executed by every man of 31 SD, to great success. It was also published in every newspaper yesterday, and the battle's significance and size blown out of all proportion by our relentless propaganda press.
Maj. General Popov M.M. after being notified of 12. Divisioona approaching 57 MSD's positions in Vokhtozero.
"They think they can Attack us just like that, well let's attack them right back. Wait until they're close, then charge right at them, they won't know what hit them."
Maj. General Rodin A.G. was onto something when he uttered these words in the first minutes of the battle of Kitee, his staff, was terrified, but this being the Soviet Union, they didn't even try to question his orders, the phrase was transmitted verbatim to and executed by every man of 31 SD, to great success. It was also published in every newspaper yesterday, and the battle's significance and size blown out of all proportion by our relentless propaganda press.
Vokhtozero 3
This Finnish improvised military hospital will have it's work cut out after the bloody Finnish defeat in Vokhtozero, and an intensive bombing campaign on the province.
Maj. General Popov SK4, DD may have thought he snuck his 9.994 man 57 MSD (Motx3, Eng) back into Vokhtozero unnoticed, but Maj. General Oinonen SK2, WS, Eng did notice, and by 11am, (1 hour after the last upgrade), he was under Assault from the 8.997 men of 12. DIvisioona. Having snuck into the province, his men were ideally positioned to set up Ambushes in the muddy forest.
On the 21st the Finns calmed down a little and settled down into a conventional Attack, Maj. General Popov now showed his superior skill by orchestrating a slow motion Masterful Delay. On the 22nd his Delay became less Masterful. On the 23rd Ambushes were set up again and after a final Delay on the 24th, the Finns withdrew at midnight from what was essentially a drawn out game of lethal hide and seek. 374 Russians, and 665 Finns were found dead in the muddy forests.
Sortavala
An Finnish ambulance in Sortavala rushing to help the victims of the latest Aerial bombardments by I ShAK
At noon on the 20th, Maj. General Tjernjakovskij SK3 rushed his 142. SD counting 10.000 men into the fortified province of Sortavala. The Enemy was 13. Divisioona (Infx3), 7.850 men, but a full General, General Walden SK3, was in charge, as his 1st Army HQ was present in Sortavala. Tactics were conventional, with a Russian Attack being held off by Defending Finns. Fighting conditions were bad, especially for the attacker, but 13. Divisioona was tired, while the Soviet Riflemen were well rested. At 4pm the next day, the Finns ran as their organisation and unit cohesion collapsed to their exhaustion, they had fought bravely, while they could, and 147 dead Russians, and 134 dead Finns were left on the battlefield.
Mikkeli, Juva & Mikkeli 2
Beside a few buildings destroyed in a short Soviet Bombing run, not much was damaged in Mikkeli, the province is now in our hands.
On the 22nd Maj. General Tiulenev SK3 and his 104 SD followed 8. Divisioona (Infx3) into Mikkeli. The 7.587 Finns, lead by Maj. General Kaila SK1, OG, WS, were exhausted from previous battles, and Maj. General Tiulenev received support from 31 SD, giving him a total Breakthrough force of 19.989 to throw at the Finns. And at 4am, after only 3 hours of very low intensity Battle, the Finns ran towards Juva having lost 16 of theirs and killed only 10 of ours.
A day later, 38 SD, lead by Maj. General Kurasov SK3, cut off 8. DIvisioona by arriving in Juva before them, and in the confusion 2 Soviet Riflemen and 9 Finnish Infantrymen lost their life before the Finns turned tail again.
This change of direction meant that the now 7.571 Finns got caught up in a Shock Attack on Mikkeli, they tried desperately to Delay the 20.000 Soviet Riflemen of 104 SD and 31 SD, still lead by Maj. General Tiulenev SK3, before they northwards at 5am, 10 more Russians, and 11 more Finns had died.
Suomussalmi 2 & Kuusamo
Finnish soldiers planning an Ambush in the forests of Suomussalmi.
With temperatures on the rise and some repositioning, the northern front came alive at 1pm on the 22nd with a Soviet Shock attack on Suomussalmi. Maj. General Gorbatov SK3 now had 2 Mountain Rifle Divisions (18 GSD, 28 GSD) at his disposal, a total of 17.991 men. Unsurprisingly, 9. DIvisioona (Infx3) had not been reinforced since the first battle of Suomussalmi, and even worse for them, they were running low on supplies, Maj. General Sundman SK3, LW thus ordered his 8.997 men to Ambush the Mountaineers, using as little ammunition as possible. At 9am the next morning the Finns retreated quietly and organised, the lack of bullets seems to have become too severe, and with 76 Soviet Mountaineers, and 128 Finnish Infantry men dead, casualty numbers were consequently not in the Finns' favour.
With his confidence bolstered by the win in Suomussalmi, Maj. General Susaikov SK3, sent his own 9.000 man 28 GSD after 9. Divisioona, now 8.698 men in Kuusamo. With little supplies at his disposal Maj. General Sundman SK3, LW, had ordered Ambushes to be prepared in case an Soviet Attack were to come, and before the Finns were done digging foxholes the Russian Mountaineers were spotted, the first shot was fired at 4am on the 29th, the battle is still ongoing, but it's not looking very good for our comrades...
Lammi
75 SD and 177 SD were marching into Lammi when, at 1pm on the 22nd, Erilliset Pataljoonat (2) retreated into their path. The 5.784 tired Finns lead by Svänstrom SK1, FB suddenly had to Defend against a Breakthrough attempt by Maj. General Ptuhin SK3's 19.985 Riflemen. By 2pm the next day, the Finns were limping away, having lost 81 men to our 31.
The Tornilinen family home was a landmark of Lammi with it's 'Coffee pot' tower.
Suonenjoki
At 2pm on the 28th 23. DIvisioona, 8.289 men, lead by Maj. General Blick SK3, OD, WS, out of supply and still tired from Lappeenranta 2, was Shocked by the 9.992 advancing Russians. Lead by Maj. General Parkhomenko SK2, the Russian riflemen mostly impressed their Finnish counterparts with the speed of their advance, and the fact that they were carrying more than 5 rounds per man. Through clever Elastic Defence tactics, the better lead and more experienced Finns briefly evened the odds before retreating at 6pm, when every man had, sparingly, fired his 5 rounds, 23 Russians and 22 Finns were killed.
Kitee & Värtsilä
As soon as 31 SD's 10.000 men, and their Maj. General Rodin A.G. SK3, BM arrived in Kitee(North-West of Sortavala), they found themselves under Attack from a well-rested, but out of supply, 11. Divisioona; 8.995 men lead by Maj. General Hanell SK2, DD. In a stroke of genius, Maj. General Rodin ordered a Counter-Attack, this put the initiative, and the advantage, on the side of the Soviets, and at 6am on the 28th, only 12 hours after the start of their attack, the Finns retreated. 38 Russians died along with 75 Finns.
11. Divisioona could probably have kept up the Attack on Kitee a little bit longer, but at 4am on the 28th, their base in Värtsilä came under Attack from both 43 SD. Lead by Maj. General Vatutin SK3, the 9.992 riflemen were in good spirits and well supplied. The now 8.808 Finns still hadn't manage to get more supply, and were Defending with conservation of ammunition as the number 1 priority, after winning the battle. In the dense Forests, after 2 days, the Finns still bravely hang on, using extremely close combat tactics and the trees for cover, making every round count, but will it be enough for them to defeat the odds?
An Aerial photograph of the town of Juurila, in the province of Värtsilä, taken by a Yak-4 gunner of I BAK.
The war from the Air
Lt. General Yakovlev SK3, TB 's II BAK flew 29 missions with it's 200 Yak-4's based out of Leningrad:
Soviet Union:
'Odin'
This Finnish improvised military hospital will have it's work cut out after the bloody Finnish defeat in Vokhtozero, and an intensive bombing campaign on the province.
On the 21st the Finns calmed down a little and settled down into a conventional Attack, Maj. General Popov now showed his superior skill by orchestrating a slow motion Masterful Delay. On the 22nd his Delay became less Masterful. On the 23rd Ambushes were set up again and after a final Delay on the 24th, the Finns withdrew at midnight from what was essentially a drawn out game of lethal hide and seek. 374 Russians, and 665 Finns were found dead in the muddy forests.
Sortavala
An Finnish ambulance in Sortavala rushing to help the victims of the latest Aerial bombardments by I ShAK
Mikkeli, Juva & Mikkeli 2
Beside a few buildings destroyed in a short Soviet Bombing run, not much was damaged in Mikkeli, the province is now in our hands.
A day later, 38 SD, lead by Maj. General Kurasov SK3, cut off 8. DIvisioona by arriving in Juva before them, and in the confusion 2 Soviet Riflemen and 9 Finnish Infantrymen lost their life before the Finns turned tail again.
This change of direction meant that the now 7.571 Finns got caught up in a Shock Attack on Mikkeli, they tried desperately to Delay the 20.000 Soviet Riflemen of 104 SD and 31 SD, still lead by Maj. General Tiulenev SK3, before they northwards at 5am, 10 more Russians, and 11 more Finns had died.
Suomussalmi 2 & Kuusamo
Finnish soldiers planning an Ambush in the forests of Suomussalmi.
With his confidence bolstered by the win in Suomussalmi, Maj. General Susaikov SK3, sent his own 9.000 man 28 GSD after 9. Divisioona, now 8.698 men in Kuusamo. With little supplies at his disposal Maj. General Sundman SK3, LW, had ordered Ambushes to be prepared in case an Soviet Attack were to come, and before the Finns were done digging foxholes the Russian Mountaineers were spotted, the first shot was fired at 4am on the 29th, the battle is still ongoing, but it's not looking very good for our comrades...
Lammi
75 SD and 177 SD were marching into Lammi when, at 1pm on the 22nd, Erilliset Pataljoonat (2) retreated into their path. The 5.784 tired Finns lead by Svänstrom SK1, FB suddenly had to Defend against a Breakthrough attempt by Maj. General Ptuhin SK3's 19.985 Riflemen. By 2pm the next day, the Finns were limping away, having lost 81 men to our 31.
The Tornilinen family home was a landmark of Lammi with it's 'Coffee pot' tower.
At 2pm on the 28th 23. DIvisioona, 8.289 men, lead by Maj. General Blick SK3, OD, WS, out of supply and still tired from Lappeenranta 2, was Shocked by the 9.992 advancing Russians. Lead by Maj. General Parkhomenko SK2, the Russian riflemen mostly impressed their Finnish counterparts with the speed of their advance, and the fact that they were carrying more than 5 rounds per man. Through clever Elastic Defence tactics, the better lead and more experienced Finns briefly evened the odds before retreating at 6pm, when every man had, sparingly, fired his 5 rounds, 23 Russians and 22 Finns were killed.
Kitee & Värtsilä
As soon as 31 SD's 10.000 men, and their Maj. General Rodin A.G. SK3, BM arrived in Kitee(North-West of Sortavala), they found themselves under Attack from a well-rested, but out of supply, 11. Divisioona; 8.995 men lead by Maj. General Hanell SK2, DD. In a stroke of genius, Maj. General Rodin ordered a Counter-Attack, this put the initiative, and the advantage, on the side of the Soviets, and at 6am on the 28th, only 12 hours after the start of their attack, the Finns retreated. 38 Russians died along with 75 Finns.
11. Divisioona could probably have kept up the Attack on Kitee a little bit longer, but at 4am on the 28th, their base in Värtsilä came under Attack from both 43 SD. Lead by Maj. General Vatutin SK3, the 9.992 riflemen were in good spirits and well supplied. The now 8.808 Finns still hadn't manage to get more supply, and were Defending with conservation of ammunition as the number 1 priority, after winning the battle. In the dense Forests, after 2 days, the Finns still bravely hang on, using extremely close combat tactics and the trees for cover, making every round count, but will it be enough for them to defeat the odds?
An Aerial photograph of the town of Juurila, in the province of Värtsilä, taken by a Yak-4 gunner of I BAK.
With the Finnish Army in the south a shadow of it's former self, and the weather warming up, the northern front is where Air Support can still sway a battle, so I BAK was sent up to Murmansk, and it's absence in the South was not felt by the units in the south...Lt. General Yakovlev SK3, TB 's II BAK flew 29 missions with it's 200 Yak-4's based out of Leningrad:
From the 20th to the 24th, 18 missions were flown over Suojärvi in support of Vokhtozero 3, killing 1.975 out of 17.979 Finns, 8 downed Aeroplanes.
From the 27th to the 30th, 11 missions were flown over Värtsilä, killing 1.112 out of 8.993 Finns, 3 downed Aeroplanes.
Lt. General Zhigarev SK3, TB 's I ShAK flew 7 missions with it's 200 Il-2's, and 100 La-5's based out of Leningrad:From the 27th to the 30th, 11 missions were flown over Värtsilä, killing 1.112 out of 8.993 Finns, 3 downed Aeroplanes.
On the 20th and the 21st, 5 missions were flown over Sortavala, killing 294 out of 9.840 Finns, 2 downed Il-2 Shturmovik Aeroplanes.
On the 22nd and 23rd, 2 missions were flown over Lammi, killing 106 out of 5.747 Finns, 1 downed Il-2 Aeroplane.µ
Lt. General Golovanov SK3, CB 's I BAK flew 5 missions with it's 200 Yak-4's, rebasing from Tallin to Murmansk Air Base on the 22nd.On the 22nd and 23rd, 2 missions were flown over Lammi, killing 106 out of 5.747 Finns, 1 downed Il-2 Aeroplane.µ
On the 22nd, 1 mission was flown over Mikkeli, killing 72 out of 15.958 Finns, 1 downed Aeroplane.
Ater rebasing to Murmansk,
On the 22nd and the 23rd, 2 missions were flown over Suomussalmi, killing 166 out of 8.938 Finns, no downed Aeroplanes.
On the 29th and the 30th, 2 missions were flown over Kuusamo, killing 117 out of 8.693 Finns, no downed Aeroplanes.
To sum things up:Ater rebasing to Murmansk,
On the 22nd and the 23rd, 2 missions were flown over Suomussalmi, killing 166 out of 8.938 Finns, no downed Aeroplanes.
On the 29th and the 30th, 2 missions were flown over Kuusamo, killing 117 out of 8.693 Finns, no downed Aeroplanes.
Soviet Union:
Men sent into Battle: 1.386.485 (+146.943), ground combat casualties for finished battles: 7.325 (+711) men,
Planes sent into Battle: 5.697 = (Air Battles only), 158 (+15) planes lost (90(+12) Yak-4's, 2 DB-3's, 22 SB-2's, 9 CAG's, 9(+3) Il-2, 9 La-5's, 23 Su-2's, 5 I-16's)
Finland:Planes sent into Battle: 5.697 = (Air Battles only), 158 (+15) planes lost (90(+12) Yak-4's, 2 DB-3's, 22 SB-2's, 9 CAG's, 9(+3) Il-2, 9 La-5's, 23 Su-2's, 5 I-16's)
Men sent into Battle: 731.862 (+89.156), ground combat casualties for finished battles 13.369 (+1.141) men, Bombing Casualties: 21.144 (+3.842), POW: ca. 38.860
Planes sent into Battle: 1.029 = (Air Battles only), at least 1/4 planes lost.
Supply shortages are getting more common especially on the Finnish side with half of the roads to Helsinki in Soviet hands. The Red Army had only a single supply issue, Maj. General Bogdanov I.A.'s 67. SD, which had been marching into a, for now, unguarded Helsinki from the East, but ran out of supply with the City centre in sight, they are now regrouping and waiting for supplies... If it wasn't for this small hiccup, the city would have been ours, it's just a matter of days now...
Well, that's it for these last 10 days, the next report will probably be coming from Soviet Helsinki. We're almost there, but with Divisions outrunning supply lines, and very muddy roads, it is hard to predict when Finland will be taken for the people. The clock is ticking...Planes sent into Battle: 1.029 = (Air Battles only), at least 1/4 planes lost.
Supply shortages are getting more common especially on the Finnish side with half of the roads to Helsinki in Soviet hands. The Red Army had only a single supply issue, Maj. General Bogdanov I.A.'s 67. SD, which had been marching into a, for now, unguarded Helsinki from the East, but ran out of supply with the City centre in sight, they are now regrouping and waiting for supplies... If it wasn't for this small hiccup, the city would have been ours, it's just a matter of days now...
'Odin'
Last edited: