Finlands Winter War 1939-40

[Stellan Bojerud (RIP)]

Originally posted by David_Hayward
Am I right in suggesting that the Germans also pressed the Finns to seek a peace with the USSR, given that the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact had parcelled-up Poland, and that after the partition folowing the Soviet invasion of Poland the resolution of the Winter War was essential?

Yes David, I think so.

But Germany changed foot summer 1940 and secretly began giving aid to Finland. With equipment delivered from Germany the Finnish Army was expanded from 12 to 16 Divs and the number of Arty Bns increased from 34 to 77.

On 30th Jan 1941 the Finnish Chief of General Staff, LtGen Heinrichs, visited Berlin. This was followed up by a conference in Salzburg 25th May 1941.

Finland mobilized on 20th June 1941. The Finns wanted to wait a week before joining "Barbarossa" but the German troops in N Finland created a fait accompli by assaulting in direrction Petsamo on June 22nd 1941.

Photo:
Mobilization in Helsinki 20th June 1941.