[Stellan Bojerud (RIP)]

Happy New Year Bill & others!

You are totally right - - - but the river Vouksen wich was border between 2nd and 3rd Army Corps became frozen (- 40 centigrade or even colder). It was however fortified. There were only light fortifications (concrete pillboxes or bunkers). Totally 44 elder and 22 new on a 150 km frontline. However on the flanks Coast Artillery Btys could support the line.

On the maps you see right Laatokka = Lake Ladoga. Under that the name Taipale. The Soviets tried to cross also the River Vouksen but the Finns refused to give up Taipale wich held during 105 days.

On the early 1940 map you see 21st Division as 3rd Army Corps reserve. This newly organized Div was known as Porslinsdivisionen or China Division for two reasons a) All equipment was painted white and b) these troops were fragile due to inferior training.

Anyhow the will of Col Aarne Blick and his men made Taipale remain Finnish to the end of the war.

Photo:
Col Aarne Blick, promoted MjGen and Knight of the Mannerheim Cross nr 11 14th Sept 1941.