Fighting at Tihveri 29/6 -44

[subskipper]

Thanks a bunch Lotvonen!

What does this mean?

Patrols have not been able to find the seam securing detachment set by JR9.

Could they not establish contact with the neighbouring unit (JR9)?

[Lotvonen]

JR4, HQ WD continued.
New diary Tulo 9104

12.7.44
01.00hrs Replacements were received: 30 NCO + 148 men, born 1904.
They were evenly distributed in Btns.
02.15hrs Recce patrol 1+5 set out from III Btn.
Target forest covered ridges and roads E of Himatsuo bog
04.00hrs Situation report to 8.D HQ:
Abovementioned details since 15.00hrs
Olsson/Varmala
07.50hrs Radio message from II Btn:
Russki has shelled extremely intensely our front line and our rear. All connections are cut off both to the front and to the rear.
Marttinen/Olsson
08.15hrs Report from 8.D HQ:
5./JR4 disengaged from the line and is ready for transport to their own Btn.
09.30hrs Report from III Btn Hannila/Olsson:
Russki patrol of some 30 men advanced toward hill 112 which was dispersed. 15 Russkies killed. 3 wounded were caught of which 2 later died. One prisoner taken.
10.15hrs Radio message fron II Btn:
Russki barrage at the section Niinilampi – Sammallampi
One of Saikkonen's gun towing lorries shot up W of the main road.
Marttinen/Olsson
10.30hrs 2 tanks rolling W of the main road. Shelled by our artillery whereby one of the tanks was hit, one track was broken, the tank remained there. The second tank tried to tow it away but being subjected to further shelling withdrew leaving the first tank there.
13.05hrs Report from II Btn:
Russki attacked at the section Niinilampi – Sammallampi with abt. one Battalion. The attack was repelled. In the terrain E of Sammallampi abt. One Coy attempted a probing attack. Between the road and this terrain kept attacking abt 2 platoons. All attempts were repelled. Obvious larger probing.
16.00hrs The prisoner taken by III Btn on 11.7. at 21 hrs was escorted to the Rgt HQ. The prisoner's name is Tajik (Tadzik?) Abdraschitov.
15.30hrs The prisoner was sent to 8.D HQ.
16.00hrs Situation report to 8.D HQ:
Details since 04.00 and prisoner information
Olsson/Norovuori
15.00hrs Capts Ojajärvi and Sihvonen reported in the HQ having been posted to JR4. They were posted as Hq Coy CO s in III and I Btns.
Lt Lahti 14.Coy CO was wounded this morning as a stone was flung in a tent at the command post of II Btn. Lt. Saarinen took over the duties of 14.Coy CO.
Today and yesterday the weather has been coldish, windy and rainy.
17.00hrs Report from III Btn Hannila/Paarma:
Basing on auditory observations a Russki marching column is on the move about 2 km E of Uomaslampi.
20.50hrs Report from III Btn Hannila/Paarma :
JR9 on our left has set a securing of two platoons in the patch of forest W of Himatlampi lake.
19.30hrs Rgt received 4 replacement officers who were posted as follows:
Capt. Laisto as 14./JR4 CO
Lt. Grönqvist to II Btn
Lt. Haapaoja to II Btn
Lt. Reinikainen to III Btn
22.40hrs Report from II Btn:
According to patrol observations Russkies are camping “ in the patch of forest E of Himatlampi lake and there were campfires on the forest isthmus 1km S of “Ha” (sic!) of Kaakkosuo (sic!). NNW of this spot a “shuttle patrol” is moving. “
22.50hrs Reported the abovementioned to 8.D HQ.
Ohlsson/Kemmo

To be continued .

[subskipper]

Another interesting entry. Thanks!

[Lotvonen]

JR4, HQ WD continued.
Diary Tulo 9104

13.7.44
01.50hrs By the road S of Luopusjärvi lake was found a campsite of 3 men, recently occupied. Lt. Vainionmäki and 10 men set out to investigate and follow tracks if any.
04.00hrs Situation report to 8.D HQ:
At midnight at the road a small outfit tried to penetrate into our positions. Arty and inf. fire repelled the outfit. Else calm on every section.
Our artillery struck at 24.00-02.00 hrs at Russian accommodations 40 shells at a time.
Battle forepost at pt.112 pulled back to the Main defence line.
Heikkilä¨s long range patrol still out.
Olsson/Kemmo
10.15hrs Capt Hakulinen Er.P.17 CO reported to the Commander.
Btn is camping in the terrain N of Luotojärvi as reserve for Aun.R.
Capt Pöntys 5./JR4 CO transferred to 8./JR4 as the CO.
Lt. Rautiala transferred fron E/II/JR4 to 5./JR4 as the CO.
Lt Reinikainen who arrived at the Rgt on 12.7. has been transferred as Messages Officer of III/JR4, previous M. officer 2nd Lt. Halmevirta has been transferred to 10./JR4 as the CO.
11.45hrs Lt. Vainionmäki returned from pursuit of enemy patrol. They were not caught. Terrain Siira crossroads – Mainula – Pyörittäjä was swept.
13.45hrs Lt Kallonen 18.KrhK CO reported to the Commander. The Coy subjected to JR4
14.10hrs Reoport from II Btn Marttinen/Olsson:
At 13.40hrs abt 3 Russki platoons were moving about on no-man's land at Sammallampi.
2 direct fire guns between the road and Varpajärvi were shooting at our positions.
Mortar positions have been detected near the road W of “V” of “Varpajärvi” word.
After 14.00 hrs again movement on no-man's land at Sammallampi..
At 16.00 abt 100 to 200 Russkies moving in the direction of the road.
16.20hrs Situation report to 8.D HQ:
Abovementioned
Aerial activitiy less than usual.
Olsson/Norovuori
Weather: Sunny, fresh air after several suffocoating hot days.
Annexed to the war diary:
Report concerning the Russki attempt to cut off the Varpajärvi road on 10.7 (a) Appx. no.22
8.D HQ order on wider reconnoitring on th area Varpajärvi – Uomaa – Käsnäselkä (b) Appx. no.23
14.00hrs Lt Kallonen 18.Krh.K CO, is also the acting CO of the 120mm mortars in the sector, placed in the Rgt HQ, and Lt. Tyrni, 13.Coy. CO, as the acting CO of the fire positions.
3 tubes aimed at the III Btn section the remaining 8 tubes at the II Btn section.
At the moment the Rgt Russian interpreters are placed as follows:
HQ Sgt. Knorring
Cpl. Kovaljov
I Btn Pvt. Tolonen
II Btn Pfc. Kustola
III Btn Pvt. Nieminen
Since our AT Coy has lost during withdrawal all their guns except one AT gun the Coy was reorganised as a close range AT Coy equipped with Pz. Fausts and Pz.Schrecks. Its order of battle:
1.Ptn
1 AT gun squad (45mm)
2 Pz.Schrecks 1+5 each
2 Pz. Fausts 1+5 each
2.Ptn
2 Pz.Schrecks 1+5 each
2 Pz. Fausts 1+5 each
3.Ptn
2 Pz.Schrecks 1+5 each

(new page)

19.20hrs Radio message from Lt Heikkilä at Mylläri, III Btn:
On path 99/110/109 thin manning, getting denser to N
Shall try crossing next night.
Heikkilä

Date 14.7.44
01.00hrs Rgt command post moved to new location : 1,5 km direction Varpajärvi in the Loimola -Varpajärvi crossroads terrain
03.15hrs Situation report from II Btn.
At 16.30hrs A herd of 100 – 200 Russkies was seen moving about in the forest W of the road near it. Arty gave the place an area covering strike
04.00hrs Situation report to 8.D HQ:
Abovementioned, III Btn section calms
Olsson/Virmala
05.30hrs Report from I Btn :
2nd Coy moved during the night 13.7.44 from the Btn camping area in Luotojärvi terrain to the terrain W of Ahvenjärvi, abt. 1,5 km NE of the lake. The Coy shall start building a support line for the Rgt (K-line).
L. Salonen/Olsson
11.00hrs 3.Coy moved to the section of III Btn for field fortification work
11.30hrs Maj. Mattila and Capt Hakulinen visited the Commander to discuss the building of the K line
11.30hrs Battle forepost withdrew from pt. 114 under enemy pressure.
11.50hrs Radio message from Heikkilä:
“My command post 4900, 9725. Path 99/100/109 not used by vehicles. Pt 5400 S, road manned weakly N of it. Patrols sent to S and E, I shall move on next night to 23-00
Heikkilä”
20.30hrs Gen. Kääriäinen and Col.Lt Pietarinen visiting our HQ to familiarize with the defence of the Rgt. Advised us to get prisoners.
20.50hrs Report from III Btn Hannila/Paarma:
Strong battle patrol penetrated in the terrain at Pt 114. No contact. Securing remains in that terrain. From this point a prisoner taking patrol shall be sent out next night.
Also the battle forepost on the Viinijärvi – Kaakkosuo isthmus has been returned to its previous location.
21.35hrs Report from II Btn Tenho/Paarma :
Prisoner taking patrol led by Lt. Rautiala shall try to catch a prisoner at 21 to 22 hrs in the terrain Niinilampi – Sammallampi.

(To be continued)

[subskipper]

Thank you Lotvonen!

[Lotvonen]

JR4, HQ WD continued.
Diary Tulo 9104

15.7.44 was a busy diary day, former part below

04.30hrs Situation report to 8.D HQ:
At 22.30 hrs II Btn prisoner catching attempt failed (1+0+4)
At 22.30hrs battle forepost pushed on the Valkamajärvi-Himatsuo istmus, up to the pond there
at 23.00hrs battle forepost pushed in the Pt.114 terrain up to the line on the isthmus from NW so SE
Olsson/Kurkela
Annexed to the war diary: TT report no.12 date 16.6.-30.6.1944.
10.30hrs CO of Pion.P.22 Jaeger platoon repored to the Commander
The Platoon is set to dig close AT foxholes along Siira road.
10.30hrs Report to 8.D HQ on losses inflicted to the enemy on 20.6.-15.7.1944
Ohlsson /Nurmela
11.15hrs The attempt by II Btn to catch a prisoner failed last night. The patrol was posted as a battle forepost. In the morning theyt shall advance as ordered by the Commander until they contact the enemy.
(Extra page in the diary, a table:
Phone msg. To "Este 4" on 15.7.1944 at 10.00hrs
Losses inflicted to the enemy
Unit Date Location Enemy unit No. of KIA Prisoners Tanks Other material
JR4 23-.24.6. Karjalaiskylä- Enemajoki ? 470 0 4 (3 x T-34 + 1 Vickers T-7)
D:o 25-.28.6. Nurmoila-Niiniselkä ? 520 0 2 T-34 *
D:o 28-.29.6. Tihveri ? 550 0 2 T-34 *
D:o 2.-3.7. Pultsoila-Koivuselkä ? 330 0 2 lorries, Arty fire control gear, 7 pcs 82 mm mortars, 200 pcs 82 mm mortar ammo, 2 AT rifles
D:o 08.7. - Varpajärvi (Motti) JR304 30 2 - *
D:o 08.7. - 11.7. Sääksjärvi -Siirantie rd. JR304 500 0 1 T-34 *
D:o 21.06._ Shemenski road Border Guards 100 0 - *
D:o 24.6._- Uutujärvi Rd. ? 150 0 - *
D:o 27.6._ Saarimäki ? 150 0 - *
D:o 28.6._ Puskuselkä ? 100 0 - 3 tel. Sets, 3 MG, 50 SMG (destroyed)
D:o 2.-3.7._ Karmelitsa ? 50 0 - *
D:o 11.-15.7. _ Main defence line ? 90 0 - *
Total * * * 3040 3 * *
29 tanks by our units and subjected ones
Lt. Olsson/2nd Lt. Vermala
11.30hrs Report from II Btn :
Lt. Raustiala's patrol has made contact. Documents found on a fallen man.
Observation balloon in air to the direction of the main road between Lavajärvi and Lemetti
12.00hrs Report from III Btn Hannila/Paarma:
Patrol from Battle forepost has checked the ridge on the Div. Seam via Pt.112. The battle forepost on Kiimajärvi – Himatsuo isthmus is now on the level of Pt.5260
12.30hrs Rgt Jaeger platoon led by Ssgt. Parkkali set out to III Btn where reported to Capt. Hannila. The platoon was given a task to patrol S and E of III Btn with reconnoitring purpose.
12.45hrs Order to I Btn:
According to received information Russki has disenganged some troops in front of us for the direction of Pitkäranta to support the attack going on there. Therefore 2.Coy shall advance from Sammallampi direction to S, first objective Varpaoja. Rest of I Btn shall prepare to advance in the same direction.
Simelius/Holopainen
13.35hrs Commander ordered II Btn that entire 2.Coy shall start rolling, taking over hill 98 and from there they shall reconnoitre E to the road and S to the N tip of Pyhäjärvi lake.
Simelius/Tenho
reported to the Commandr. TheCoy subjected to JR4
14.55hrs Order from 8.D HQ:
Only 2.Coy shall start their mission. The rest of the troops/I Btn are rallied in the actual camping area of the Btn.
Pietarinen/Simelius
15.05hrs Order from 8.D HQ:
15.10hrs Abovementioned forwarded to I Btn.
Simelius/Leppänen
16.00 Situation report to 8.D HQ:
At 06.30 arrived the patrol that set out last night. Route 114, 112, then to E to Uomaanjoki river and up it via Himatsuo . No contact.
11.00hrs Battle forepost on Kiimajärvi isthmus pushed on to p 5260 level
12.00hrs Battle forepost set in terrain of N 5350, E 9070
III Btn section is calm.
Jaeger patrol 4+19 to set out abt 16.20hrs via pt 114, 112 then E of Latvajärvi to Mustalampi where they shall report for the first time.
From there they shall divide in two, one patrol to the road and to S
The other one to the isthmuses of Ruokokivijärvi .
11.20 Observation balloon between Lemetinjärvi – Latvajärvi.
11.30hrs Patrol 2+0+4 set out about 500m SE of Niinilampi and from there to E to the terrain of Pt.89. 200m W from there Russki securing
At the same time patrol 1+2 set out from the same place to S.
200m S of the bend in the brook Russki securing. The patrol was involved in a firefight and withdrew.
There are about 100 Russki foxholes at the bend of the river
Forest fire seen from Pt. 117.6 bearing 20-00 width abt 700m.
Sounds of intermittent shooting at the direction of the road.
No artillery activity during the reported period
One Platoon of 2.Coy ready for the task, the other platoons are being assembled
Ohlsson/Kemmo
The following officers reported as replacements to the Rgt:
Capt. Heinonen
Lt. Poutanen

(new page)

To be continued

[subskipper]

Thanks Lotvonen! Formatting sucks and it's a bit out of order but this is the table I threw together based on your figures above. Will fix later:

[Lotvonen]

JR4, HQ WD continued.
Diary Tulo 9104

15.7.44
16.45hrs Report from Capt. Honkala:
The enemy in the direction of the road was found to have retreated.
Our patrol set out to investigate and also torched the previously immobilized tank .
16.50hrs Report from III Btn : Hannila/Olsson
Jaeger patrol set out at 16.10hrs
16.55hrs Capt .Tenho reported that Honkala's patrol made it as far as the tank. Russki positions are situated behind it. Patrol withdrew.
17.05hrs Capt. Paarma relayed Commander's orders to Capt. Tenho.
Contact must be maintained with the Russki both at the road and every othr place.
The patrol sent to Niinilampi direction brought documents found on dead indicating that 1./I/JR304 was on our right flank.
I Btn prepared to be moved on lorries in the direction of Lemetti road.
17.55hrs Report from Lt. Vainionmäki :
1.Coy set out on lorries in their entity.
17.57hrs Abovementioned reported to 8.D HQ.
Paarma/Mattila
18.05hrs Long range patrol Heikkilä has not been able to be contacted because the radios are so weak that their message could not be read. He made an attempt to contact at 15.00hrs but his message could not be understood
18.35hrs Rest of I Btn set out on lorries. Reports relayed by Lt. Vainionmäki.
18.38hrs Abovementioned reported to 8.D HQ.
Paarma/Pietarinen
18.25hrs Coy. Survo set out to roll the enemy positions in the terrain between Sammallampi and Niinilampi.
18.25hrs Contact with Russki on Kiimajärvi – Varpajärvi isthmus and again at the merging point of Saarijärvi isthmuses .
19.00hrs Report from III Btn :
Our patrol has found that the Russki positions are on the isthmus Kiimajärvi – Himatsuo at pt.5240 level
Reinikainen / Olsson
(new page)
20.15hrs Report from II Btn : Tenho/Simelius
Target Hill 98 has been reached, from there reconnoitring to the N tip of Pyhäjärvi lake and S and E. Several Russkies have been killed ( “kaadettu” which is a hunting term for big game, tr.rem.)
20.20hrs Russki ground attack plane raided at low level the Rgt command post terrain and the road by firing and bombing.
22.00hrs Report from II Btn : Marttinen/Olsson
Survo's attack route included altogether 7 Russki delay points. Abt.30 to 40 Russkies destroyed
War booty includes 1 MG, 1 LMG, infantry weapons, 1 telephone set, 40 pcs direct fire cannon shells.
Coy Survo lost 2 KIA nad 4 WIA.
Capt. Heinonen's recce patrol returned at 21.00hrs. They had found Russki positions about 1km W of the road. Part of the positions were abandoned. Yet there are Russkies there.
22.20hrs Order to II Btn : Simelius/Tenho
Btn Ahi shall push forward.
II Btn shall leave basic manning and push on to Varpaoja, line Suurijärvi – Mustajärvi. Having reached here must be prepared to advance 1 km (?)
Must be in readiness at 24.00hrs.
Artillery F.O.O are following them.
22.35hrs The Commander briefed Hannula and told him to disengage Coy. Salmi (11Coy) if possible and start sweeping the isthmus Kiimajärvi – Himatsuo and from there start reconnoitring S and E.
23.20hrs Report to 8.D HQ
Coy Survo in their initial target.
Ohlsson/Kemmo
Documents were retrieved from the Russkies killed by Coy Survo indicating that their unit was 3./340TkkP (?), code number 77612 ж
It is likely that the 1/I/Ka.JR304 has been transferred, code 34595.

(To be continued)

[subskipper]

Thank you! I think I once again found a place for one of my grandfather stories.

[John Hilly]

Documents were retrieved from the Russkies killed by Coy Survo indicating that their unit was 3./340TkkP (?), code number 77612 ж
It is likely that the 1/I/Ka.JR304 has been transferred, code 34595.

340 TkkP is 340 gun and Machine Gun Battalion.

Whole 37. KaAK, = 37 Guards Army Corps was transferred to rest at that time. KaJR 304 was one of those units.
Pressure to JR 4 eased up from this time.

With best, J-P

[Lotvonen]

JR4, HQ WD continued.
Diary Tulo 9104

16.7. (former part)
02.40hrs 5.Coy and 7.Coy set out. Delay caused by artillery F.O.O.being late.
Intense Russki mortar fire at the Main defence line on Tenho's right wing

02.30hrs Coy Salmi set out

04.00hrs Situation report to 8.D HQ:
At 16.45_our patrol penetrated in the main road direction to the previously immobilized tank and torched it.
At 18.25 hrs 2.Coy set out from Niinilampi – Sammallampi isthmus, bearing SSE, target hill 98 that was reached AT 20.15HRS. Russki delayed in seven different places and suffered losses of 30 to 40 killed. War booty 1 MG, 1 LMG, 1 tel.sert, 40 pcs direct fire gun shells. Recce directed at N tip of Pyhäjärvi, E and S.
At 18.00 hrs Our patrol found Russki entrenchments on the Kiimajärvi – Himatsuo isthmus, at pt.5240 level.
At 02.30hrs 11.Coy set out, tasked to outflank via pts 114, 122 to the abovementioned isthmus
At 02.40hrs 5.Coy and 7.Coy set out from the isthmus Sammallampi - pond 91, tasked to outflank to E and man the Varpaoja line. Their start was delayed by F.O.O. Being late.
Heavy mortar fire at terrains Niinilampi – Sammallampi.
At 02.30hrs GHQ long distance patrol crossed our line at III Btn to our side. Patrol leader 2nd Lt. Norrgård.
At 20.20 hrs two ground attack planes raided at Siirantie road direction.
Olsson/Nihtilä
04.25hrs Report from II Btn : Marttinen/Olsson
7.Coy made contact in terrain at N5080, E8940, crossing open bog after artillery softened up the far side. One wounded prisoner taken.
Raustiala gained the patch of forest abt 1km SE of Sammallampi.
05.15hrs Report from II Btn : Tenho/Simelius
Taken 3 prisoners. Heinonen gained the Sausage hill at P5050, E8960. Tough resistance.
Raustiala gained Salmilampi E, continuing to E. Survo supporting.
One platoon of Honkala's trying at the direction of the road to go to help Heinonen.
Survo meeting tough resistance.
06.00hrs Report from II Btn : Tenho/Olsson
7.Coy cut off the road at the clear-cutting level.
One AT gun taken. One of Honkala's platoons coming to support.
The terrain between Heinonen and the Main defence line has been swept.
Rautiala (5.Coy) has cut off the road at the brook line, one AT gun taken, one prisoner caught.
Unknown quantity of Russkies between Heinonen and Raustiala.
06.15hrs Report from III Btn : Hannila/Olsson
Kiimajärvi – Himatsuo isthmus: Securing pushed to level 5230.
No reports from the Jaeger patrol nor from Salmi.
07.30hrs Jaeger patrol returned, the patrol route via pts 114, 112 E of Latvajärvi to the terrain of P4800, E9400 and then back. Russkies found NW of Latvajärvi.
07.35hrs Abovementioned reported to 8.D HQ.
Olsson/Mattila
07.45hrs Report from II Btn : Tenho/Simelius
The Motti between Heinonen and Raustiala has been cleaned, Russkies escaped E of the road via Pt 106.
09.30hrs 3 prisoners sent by III Btn, one of which wounded. They told that only 340TkkP is standing against us.
Prisoners were sent on to 8.D HQ for interrogation.
10.55hrs Report from II Btn : Hannila/Olsson
Capt. Salmi's rolling reached 2nd Lt Uusitalo's grouping at N side of Kiimajärvi – Saarijärvi isthmus. Russki withdrawing S along the isthmus.
13.00hrs Order to II Btn: Simelius/Tenho
Present II Btn positions shall be a battlr forepost manned by a reinforced Coy (2.Coy) . The rest shall withdraw to the Main defence line where F.F work shall be started immediately, including e.g. the wire.
13.30hrs Order to III Btn: Simelius/Hannila
Start disengaging 11.Coy and return them to their own position and restart F.F. Work.
Battle foreposts to remain on the Kiimajärvi – Saarijärvi and Varpajärvi isthmuses (S of merging point) and in the patch of forest on the NE shore of Saarijärvi lake and in the terrain of P.112. Else as previously. Btn to determine themselves on the strength.
At the same time III Btn reported war booty: 1 AT rifle, 2 SMG, 2 tel.sets and phone cable.

(List of) Prisoners taken in the battle of Varpajärvi on 15.-16-7.1944
Rank Unit Name
Lt. 2/340TkkP Pivovarof Pjotr
Pvt. “ Lvov Timofei
“ “ Penin Aleksander
“ “ Tsitovitsch Jegor
“ “ Kolivarov Pjotr
“ “ Borisoff Afanasij
“ “ Markoff Anatoli
“ “ Sirebrakov Maksim
Pfc. “ Krikov Nikolai
Pvt “ Schnikov Nikolai
“ “ Goloviachkin V.
Cpl. 1./” Ornatski Aleksander
Pvt 4./” Gardefii Nikolai
“ ” Kuhtin Pjotr
Cpl. “ Nosejev Tosan
Tota 16 prisoners. One wounded prisoner.

(To be continued)

[subskipper]

Documents were retrieved from the Russkies killed by Coy Survo indicating that their unit was 3./340TkkP (?), code number 77612 ж
It is likely that the 1/I/Ka.JR304 has been transferred, code 34595.

340 TkkP is 340 gun and Machine Gun Battalion.

Whole 37. KaAK, = 37 Guards Army Corps was transferred to rest at that time. KaJR 304 was one of those units.
Pressure to JR 4 eased up from this time.

With best, J-P

Thanks J-P! Any good sources on the Soviet force dispositions during this time period?

[Lotvonen]

JR4, HQ WD continued.
Diary Tulo 9104

16.7.1944_Latter part
16.00hrs Situation report to 8.D HQ:
Attack by Coy.Heinonen was directed E past the “Pond 91” by S, in the terrain of P5080, E8940 where they met heavy resistance, yet they took over the terrain and cut off the road at 0600hrs at pt 5060
5.Coy advance proceeded well and they reached the E tip of Salmilampi at 05.15, from there the attack continued E cutting off the road at the brook line at the same time as 7.Coy cut the road at their section.
5.Coy remained there and 7.Coy began to push S and they established contact at 07.30hrs.
7.Coy met hard resistance whereas 5.Coy less hard.
Russkies used their mortars in a smart manner.
Russkies suffered casualties about 100 KIA.
At 02.30hrs 11.Coy launched their attack from pt 5470, 9060 heading via pts 114, 112 to the forest N of Saarijärvi and from there for the isthmus between K-järvi and S-järvi. At the same time one Platoon of 10.Coy was advancing SE along the isthmus K-järvi H-suo and joined 11.Coy at about 10.00hrs whereafter they pushed the enemy S to the “merging point” of the K-järvi and S-järvi isthmus, securing it.
II Btn losses: 7 KIA+ 29WIA
II Btn losses: 1 KI_A + 9 WIA
War booty caught as follows:
4 mortars (82mm), 3 AT guns, 3 Mgs, LMGs, SMGs, AT rifles, 1 broken lorry, 4 telephone sets, all not totally listed yet.
Prisoners taken totally 16 pcs of which 15 on II Btn sector and 1 on III Btn sector.
Present battle foreposts:
II Btn posted for now one Coy reinforced with a rifle platoon and MG on the brook line.
III Btn is placing battle foreposts on the Varpajärvi – Saarijärvi isthmus, in the forest N of Saarijärvi and in the terrain of Pt. 112.
Reconnoitring directed at Mustalampi lake terrain and E to the road Uomaa – Uuksujärvi.
Olsson/Vermala
16.55hrs Maj Noko reported (via arty) that Russki is attacking at the road direction against Tenho's foreposts.
16.40hrs Capt Paavola reported to 8.D HQ that Russki is exerting pressure at the direction of Siira road at our battle foreposts.
17.00hrs Capt Honkola reported that our troops are withdrawing from the Varpaoja line.
17.50hrs Arty has reported that at the direction of Siira road a Russki outfit of about two Platoons was attacking about 200 m from our positions. Our artillery strafed the location, repelling the outfit.
17.50hrs Report from III Btn Hannila/Paarma:
Jaeger patrols have returned.
Patrol no.1 set out from the terrain of pt.112 right for S as far as Latvajärvi – Saarijärvi terrain, returning via the forest patch E of Saarijärvi where they found 2 Russki corpses, one LMG and documents. They returned directly from there. No living Russkies encountered.
Patrol no.2 set out from the terrain of pt.112 via E of Latvajärvi to the Pt. 105 hill which they reconnoitred. Return ia W of Latvajärvi. No Russkies encountered.
Russki securing spotted from the SW tip of Saarijärvi to Varpajärvi (via pt.102) and a camping area behind it judging by smokes.
18.00hrs Arty reported that II Btn companies have withdrawn to the Main defence line.
18.55hrs Lt. Laamanen reported as transferred to JR4. Posted to II Btn.
19.05hrs The last units of II Btn have withdrawn to the Main defence line.
21.00hrs Capt Wuorenheimo reported having returned from hospital.
22.30hrs Capt. Paarma contacted II Btn and his right wing neighbour Btn and agreed on seam securing.
22.45hrs III Btn report at 17.50hrs forwarded to 8.D HQ.
Olsson/Virmola

(To be continued)

[subskipper]

Thanks Lotvonen!

[John Hilly]

Thanks J-P! Any good sources on the Soviet force dispositions during this time period?

Actually, the 37. KaAk was the principal opponent of JR 4 throughout this whole period.

Its divisions 98. 99. and 100. Guards Divisions were originally Airborne Divisions from Moscow area.