Finnish Wartime Archive

[NoName]

wow super nice Thread!
the woman in the wolfskin fur, wow that is amazing, indeed a Fur!
the picture winterscene no. 3 is also very nice. Very progressive fighting !
Martti, were these Finish techniques, and techniques developped because smart men and groups of friends got the space to think, act and develop techniques for their own?
Also did Mannerheim also had a role here in the guerilla/modern commando techniques of the behind the enemy raids?

 

[Martti]

Martti, were these Finish techniques, and techniques developped because smart men and groups of friends got the space to think, act and develop techniques for their own?

Almost all of the techniques and strategies used by the Finnish forces during the Winter and Continuation Wars had been already developed and used since the Battle of Kivinebb/Joutselkä in 1555.

Also did Mannerheim also had a role here in the guerilla/modern commando techniques of the behind the enemy raids?

Mannerheim held no public office between 1919 and 1939. However, he did hold the title of the Chairman of the "Defence Council" from 1931 onwards. The Council decided what kind of material was bought for the Finnish Defence Forces, but it did not develop new tactics.

 

[jimbo75]

I heard that during the winter war, there was actually a battle over a field kitchen. Can anyone shed any light in it?

 

[NoName]

Thanks Martti

 

[SCOMAN]

I've watched a few films on the Winter war, The Winter War and Beyond the Front line. Both were keen to point out the woodcraft and winter skills of the soldiers involved and the benefits the reaped. Still a nasty war its quite hard to get any good books in English to explain it.

 

[Martti]

I heard that during the winter war, there was actually a battle over a field kitchen.

Before the beginning of the Battle of Tolvajärvi, Soviet troops got past Finnish main defence line in pitch-dark on 10 December 1939. The troops engaged Finnish tents, field kitchens and first-aid station near the Finnish 6./JR 16 ("6th Company of Infantry Regiment 16"). After a few hours, the Finnish troops repelled the Soviets with few losses.

The photograph below was taken a few days later in the same location where the skirmish was fought. The Soviet troops were attacking from the forest line towards the camera.

 

[jimbo75]

Amazing stuff. These guys were as hard as steel.

 

[pinewood]

regarding the field kitchen;the ruskies were attacking;the fins retreated,leaving soup at their field kitchen;the ruskies smelling the soup,ceased their attack,and went for the soup.the fins then attacked the ruskies as they devoured the soup,killing most,if not all.

 

[Martti]

Dogs in winter.

 

[Dave]

How much, do you think of this knowledge has been lost? If you were to put a platoon in the same position today, Im guessing they wouldnt have a tenth of the knowledge of these men? Even your special forces?

I mean how many would know which wood to choose, how to steam and bend it in the forest and connect it to the dogs in that fashion, and make the sled? Or make the birch bark shoes and sacks etc.

They just wont be taught that stuff anymore will they?

 

[Martti]

I mean how many would know which wood to choose, how to steam and bend it in the forest and connect it to the dogs in that fashion, and make the sled? Or make the birch bark shoes and sacks etc.

The last horses owned by the Finnish Defence Forces were replaced by motorised vehicles in 1994. Likewise, the FDF feels that dogs nor reindeer are no longer part of their doctrine and thus the conscripts do not have to know such things you're describing. However, FDF does still teach something about surviving in and living off the land to every conscript. Below is a fairly recent short film shot in the Jaeger Brigade in Northern Lapland. The Brigade is not considered to be a special force.

[video=youtube;1Skhe5Asm4Y]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Skhe5Asm4Y[/video]

 

[Twodogs]

What an interesting thread only just found it ....

I do like the cabins at the start , very nice

Twodogs

 

[Martti]

Hunting seals during the Continuation War.

Two officers talking during the Winter War. The left one is wearing traditional Finnish and the right one traditional Saami footwear.

 

[Goatboy]

Interesting stuff, but as said hard to find documentation in English. First got interested in the Winter War years ago after reading an account of Simo Häyhä (The White Death) as he was named. Not necessarily a nice subject for Saturday teatime reading but the sniper with the highest number of confirmed kills in any conflict and quite a character. Was quite a feat fighting the Russians to a standstill like that.

 

[Martti]

Skolt Sámi man in Northern Finland in April 1940. It seems he is in middle of eating reindeer jerky.

 

[Lizz]

Gosh, what amazing pictures - and people - excellent link..

 

[Martti]

Christmas tree.

Christmas sauna.

Christmas gifts.

 

[NoName]

tak Martti!
kostea!