The time has come the walrus said . . .

[Stellan Bojerud (RIP)]

Since 1809 Finland was a part (Grand Duchery) of Russia.

Following the revolution in Russia Finland declared independence on 6th December 1917.

This declaration did however not mean freedom. There were still large Russian forces in Finland and the communists began organizing Red Guards.

In the rural areas anti-communist pesants began organizing Skyddskårer (Swedish) or Suojeluskunnat (Finnish) meaning "Protection Corps" or Home Guard (see picture).

There were allmost no arms. Just hunting rifles and some army rifles bought from demoralized Russian soldiers for a bottle of vodka.