Finlands Winter War 1939-40

[Stellan Bojerud (RIP)]

When the Soviet offensive began Finland asked Germany for help. The Germans sent a o some assault guns (Sturmgeschutz) and Stukas, 9.000 Panzerfausts e t c. The condition was that Finland signed a declaration not to seek peace with the Soviet Union. President Risto Ryti signed.

The nazis knew nothing of democracy. On 1st August 1944 President Ryti and his Government resigned. On 4th August 1944 Marshal Mannerheim was elected President.

The new Finnish Government declared that President Ryti had signed the declaration with the Germans on his own (He was post WW 2 sentenced to 10 years in jail). President Ryti was aware of this - he had sacrified himself for his country.

On 2nd September 1944 the Parliament accepted the Soviet peace terms with 108 votes for and 45 against.

The war ended on 5th September 1944 followed by a peace treaty on 19th September 1944. One condition was that German troops should leave Finland within 14 days.

Photo:
Newly elected President Mannerheim leaving Helsinki Cathedral 4th August 1944. In the middle General Heinrichs and ADC. Right Prime Minister Edwin Linkomies (8th August replaced by Antti Hacksell - ex Foreign Min and ex- Ambassador to USSR).