Finlands Winter War 1939-40

[Stellan Bojerud (RIP)]

Petsamo was defended by reinforced 10th Independent Inf Coy (Cpt Pennanen) wich was the only Finnish unit north of Rovaniemi (500 km south of Petsamo).

The Soviets assaulted with two Divisions beginning 3rd December 1939. The assult was driven back. On 12th December the Soviet attack was repeated and the Finns fought delaying operations direction south. The attack was repulsed 19th - 21st December.

In medio January 1940 the Soviets attacked again and reached Nautsi on 28th February 1940. The Finns - now reinforced to Bn size - threw the Soviets back and on 7th March established a defence at Nautsi wich was held until the peace 13th March 1940.

The Soviets had captured Petsamo but nothing more. The ground south of Petsamo held by the Soviets was an artic landscape without villages.

Photo:
Captain Pennanen who sucessfully halted two Soviet Divisions. He was promoted Major.