Lake Ladoga and Tosno - phase 1
With the Germans securing the southern part, Mannerheim came up with the ambitious idea to make Lake Ladoga a “Finnish” lake, one of many but surely it would be the largest lake within Finland’s borders. The whole plan was depending on Germany’s progression and their ability to punch a hole in Soviet defences.
The first phase was to secure the border along the Volkhov River, east of Leningrad, meaning 1st Corps would have to take Tosno and Schlissenburg. That way 2nd Corps would be free to join 3rd Corps on the other side of Lake Ladoga and in turn 4th Corps would be free to move north to Kuhmo where one division of 4th Corps was defending the border with the Soviet Union.
Second phase would be 2nd Corps, after relocation, move towards the Svir River that runs between Lake Ladoga and Lake Onega. Meanwhile, 3rd Corps would have to cut off Soviet troops by moving towards Petrozavodsk. The Shuya River would offer enough defences against any Soviet counter attacks.
Third Phase would be securing the south-western shores of Lake Ladoga, though this phase was very much depending on any progression from German side. In Mannerheim’s plan, the German forces were to secure the southern border as Finland simply lacked the troops to do so.
The first phase was not really going as planned initially. The Soviet Union offered fierce resistance and had no intention to concede Tosno that easily. Moving forward was also not easy due to the forest and almost impassable forest roads. Combined with bad weather, the muddy roads were horrendous and close to completely useless, especially for the artillery. Eventually the Soviets retreated seeking safety of the river and their improvised fortifications.
Soldiers trying to make their way through the forest
Two major battles were fought in the forest north-west of the town of Tosno. On the 22nd of November 1st Corps attacked the troops stationed there making sure the retreated troops from Leningrad could take a breather, eat a bit and get ready for the next fight. First the Finnish troops moved in and the Soviets tactically retreated while their artillery from the fortifications could do their work. Though with the density of the trees, not many casualties were suffered on the Finnish side. Next the left flank moved in pushing the Soviets back across the small Tosna River. On the 24th the right flank tried to push the Soviets back across the river, however, the Russian Captain in charge ordered his men to stand their ground, which they did. On the 25th in the middle of the night, a few Finnish companies crossed the river punching a hole in the defences. After a day of fighting the Finnish were close to surrounding the Soviet troops and most of the Soviets fled the scene leaving about 500 brave Russians inside three fortifications. On the 28th a decisive battle was fought where over 400 out of 500 Soviets were killed. The remaining troops surrendered.
Battle in the forest north-west of the Soviet town of Tosno
The battle near Tosno on the 24th of November
The battle near Tosno on the 28th of November
