Finlands Winter War 1939-40

[Stellan Bojerud (RIP)]

The development in the Salla-direction spelled disaster. Two Soviet Divisions attacked the 17th Bn (Maj Roininen).

The 17th Bn skillfully fought delaying operations inflicting houndreds of casualities for the Soviets. The 17th Bn was reinforced by an improvised Bn from Rovaniemi known as the A Bn.

In March 1940 the Swedish Voluntary Corps (Gen Ernst Linder, 8.700 men of wich 725 Norwegians) took over the defence of this area. The front was held. Preparations for a counter offensive were made but was not carried out before the peace on 13th March 1940.

The Soviets had not achieved much in this direction. The Swedish losses were 26 KiA, 39 wounded and 10 MiA.

Photo:
The artic landscape does not offer much protection.