Finlands Winter War 1939-40

[Stellan Bojerud (RIP)]

When Field Marshal Mannerheim assumed command as C-in-C the peacetime Army Cdr LtGen Österman became CO of the Karelian Army (2nd and 3rd Army Corps).

The overall strenght:

SOVIET UNION - FINLAND
Divisions: 30 - 9
Tanks: 2.000 - 40
Aircraft:800 - 150

But LtGen Österman also had another problem. He was squized between the strong Field Marshal and also the strong will of LtGen Öhqvist who knew the Isthmus by heart.

After clashes with these two officers he gave up command and was replaced by LtGen Heinrichs. LtGen Österman deserved a better fate.


Photo:
LtGen Hugo Österman (1892-1975, left) and COS Col K.A. Tapola (right).