Finlands Winter War 1939-40

[Stellan Bojerud (RIP)]

Simo Häyhä (1905-2002) was a farmer. He made his compulsory service in 1925 and joined the Territorial Army (or National Guard). On mobilization in 1939 he was a Corporal with 6th Coy 34th Inf Regt at Kollaa.

He was WiA on 6th March 1940 and thus served for 98 days. During that time he was as a sniper credited with 505 confirmed kills (other source 542) using a standard M 28 Pystikorva rifle with open sights (i e no telescope) and sometimes a M 31 Suomi sub-machinegun.

He was promoted directly from Corporal to Lieutenant. Another Finnish sniper - Suko Kolkka - is credited with 400 kills.

Photo:
Col Antero Svensson (Mannerheim Cross nr 5 16th Aug 1941) is giving Simo Häyhä a new Swedish Mauser rifle with telescope. Häyhä however preferred using his old Pystikorva with serial number 60974.