Fighting at Tihveri 29/6 -44

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Re: Fighting at Tihveri 29/6 -44

#121

Post by subskipper » 14 Feb 2017, 20:59

John Hilly wrote:
Henric Edwards wrote: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.
Thanks!

Found this thread very enlightening.

http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=162462

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Re: Fighting at Tihveri 29/6 -44

#122

Post by Lotvonen » 15 Feb 2017, 07:36

JR4, HQ WD continued.
Diary Tulo 9104
Another table included.
17.7.1944_
04.00hrs Situation report to 8.D HQ:
At 16.35 hrs Russki started an intense arty and mortar barrage and after that launched an attack at our battle foreposts on Varpaoja line.
Our battle forepost at the road withdrew.
Soon thereafter Russki launched an attac now on the Suurijärvi-Salmilampi isthmus where we had to withdraw due to overwhelming pressure. Our troops withdrew to the Main defence line and the last ones were there at 19.05 hrs.
About two Russki platoons tried to attack the Main defence line but arty dispersed the outfit and they withdrew.
Contact with Russki is established on the entire section of II Btn.
Russki has been firing at the direction of the main road at our positions with a direct fire cannon.
At midnight Russki fired about 30 light mortar bombs on the right wing of the sector.
At 01.30hrs two men of Hiekkilä's long distance patrol returned and reported as follows:
Heikkilä's base is situated 1,5 km S of Haahkajärvi lake.
Reconnoitring directed at the main road Varpajärvi – Sääksjärvi and Loimola – Uomaa road.
On 15.07. one Btn was marching S on that road.
The airfield is being used.
The main road is busy with supply transports.
Olsson/Kemmo
09.30hrs The Jaeger patrol that set out last night returned to III Btn. The Russki camp S of Saarijärvi was empty. Pt.102 in that terrain was not secured.
07.39hrs Radioed message from Lt. Heikkilä:
On the night 14/15 line troops eschanged on all roads, traffic heading to the rear. In Uomaa there was a Btn and a column marching E. Supply traffic on all roads very busy.
16.00hrs Situation report to 8.D HQ:
At II Btn section some rifle fire on the right wing and in the middle. At the direction of the road Russki direct fire cannon fire at our positions. Russkies have manned their previous positions.
The patrol that set out at 24.00hrs has returned.
They had found abandoned fir bough huts on the SW shore of Saarijärvi.
They managed to shoot one lone Vanya S of Saarijärvi. The area of ponds S of the lake is free of enemies. The patrol returned via W of Saarijärvi.
At 09.45hrs Russki arty and mortar fire on the isthmuses Varpajärvi-Kiimajärvi and Saarijärvi.
At 13.45 hrs about ½ platoon was moving about on the isthmus Varpajärvi-Kiimajärvi firing at our battle forepost. There was another outfit behind it judging by the noise.
Our artillery fired about 40 shells at this spot.
Calm on the left section
Olsson/Nihtilä
15.00 - 17.00hrs Commander, Rgt. Officr and Adjutant were distributing decorations in II and III Btns and greeting the men.
19.30hrs III Btn reported, Hannila/Olsson:
Patrol 1+2 set out at 19.00hrs from the terrain of Pt. 112 to SE heading for the terrain 500 to 800m N of the N tip of Haahkajärvi lake, Pt. 110 where they shall hide and observe the traffic.
Our patrol spotted Russki securing on the forested ridge E of Latvajärvi at the level of Pt.5150.

War booty taken by JR4 during the attack 15.-16.7.1944:
Material II Btn III Btn Total
45K/37-40 3 0 3
MG M/09 2 0 2
AT rifle 13.7mm 5 0 5
Mortar 82mm 4 0 4
Dektarjev (sic!) LMG4 2 6
Rifle 7,62 10 9 19
SMG 7,62 4 11 15
Mortar ammo 82mm 60 0 60
MG ammo belt with cans 9 0 9
Dirct fire cannon ammo (75mm) 24 0 24
45mm AT ammo 33 0 33
Rifle cartridges 7,62 2500 0 2500
SMG cartridges 7,63 (sic!) 2000 0 2000
Spent 75mm cases 82 0 82
Spent 45mm cases 37 0 37
MG belts 0 19 19

21.15hrs Report from II Btn: Marttinen/Olsson
During withdrawal yesterday one AT gun and one MG were destroyed.
Losses caused to Russkies include at least 100 men.
10.25hrs Report from II Btn:
Prisoner taking patrol is setting out strenght 1+5 tonight.


(To be continued)


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Re: Fighting at Tihveri 29/6 -44

#123

Post by subskipper » 15 Feb 2017, 19:08

Thank you kindly! I'll try and upload a formatted table later tonight!

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Re: Fighting at Tihveri 29/6 -44

#124

Post by Lotvonen » 16 Feb 2017, 07:31

JR4, HQ WD continued.
Diary Tulo 9104

18.7.1944_
04.00hrs Situation report to 8.D HQ:
At 21 hrs Russki started F.F. Work on the Niinilampi – Sammallampi isthmus
At 21 hrs movement detected between Pond 91 and the road
At the direction of the road a direct fire cannon fired at our positions, from the right at 0100hrs a 3” Platoon fired a few shells at our positions
At 18.30hrs our patrol found that Russki is carrying our F.F. Work on the ridges E of Latvajärvi on level pt.5150
Russki securing on the Saarijärvi – Varpajärvi isthmus is situated across pt 89 via the small pond.
At 19.00hrs a patrol of 1+2 set out from the terrain of Pt.112 for the Pt.110 terrain N of Haahkajärvi to observe any traffic there.
At 01.10hrs Lt. Heikkilä's long distance patrol returned via the promontory W of Himatlampi
The patrol had set out on 13.7
Olsson/Kemmo
Lt. Heikkilä's patrol report of the abovementioned mission has been annexed to the war diary.

09.30hrs Report from III Btn Reinikainen / Olsson
Yesterday at 19hrs a patrol set out and returned at 09.00. They had spotted on the Metsoinlampi isthmus an outfit of about 60 men camping, then continuing for S. The outfit included three vehicles. The patrol went on and arrived at the terrain N of Haahkajärvi. They observed traffic on the road as follows:
3 lorries (laden) for S
14 horse carts for S
1 artillery tractor for S
2 empty lorries for N
1 car for N
This traffic took place 02.30 to 04.00hrs
As a Russki dog had caught wind of them the patrol had to retreat.
On their way back no Russkies were spotted.

10.30hrs Lt Heikkilä reported to the Commander on his patrol mission.
11.00hrs Patrol findings reported to 8.D HQ.
Olsson / Vermola
11.00hrs Lt. Tiilikainen, reporter of Carelian Radio visited the Rgt and made a recording on the life of a front line regiment.

16.00hrs Situation report to 8.D HQ:
Enemy fire activities:
'Kangas 3” arty 10 shells
-”- 82 mortar 10 rds
-”- 45mm 15 shells
Road 82 mortar 10 rds
On II Btn section minimal inf. Weapons fire. III Btn section no firing activities.
At 0400 – 05.00hrs loudspeaker transmission at Siira road, programme included amont other things exhortations to join the “forest guards” (=desert), they pay you 400FIM a day in Swedish Kroner. They mentioned that it does not pay to attempt anything rash.
They said that I/JR23 was in the front opposite to them.
At 13.15hrs 10 Russkies were moving N on the E shore of Varpajärvi.

17.7.at 2.30hrs Col.Lt. Pietarinen informed that I/JR4 - 2.Coy had moved during the night to the terrain of Ruhtinanmäki, to be the reserve of VI AC.
2./JR4 stays where they now are as the reserve for 8.D.
JR9 has been subjected to 8.D.

The Regiment has been building the “K-line” in the rear with the forces they are able to use. This work has been planned and led for the Rgt by Maj. Gahnström.

(To be continued)

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Re: Fighting at Tihveri 29/6 -44

#125

Post by Lotvonen » 17 Feb 2017, 07:16

JR4, HQ WD continued.
Diary Tulo 9104

19.7.1944_
04.00hrs Situation report to 8.D HQ:
Enemy fire activities:
At “Puro” and “Saapas” 22 pcs 82mm mortar
At the direction of the road 10 pcs 82mm mortar
At 19.05 four men wre wounded by a mortar bomb at the road.
Karhunpää promontory 10 pcs 82mm mortar.
At 21.30 hrs our patrol 1+6 tried to catch a prisoner in the terrain S of Sammallampi without success. Russki have secured the E side of the ridge S fo Sammallampi.
the direction of the road a direct fire cannon fired at our positions, from the right at 0100hrs a 3” Platoon fired a few shells at our positions
At 22.10hrs loudspeaker transmission at the direction of the road. It was mentioned that JR4 was standing against them.
Battle forepost pushed to N4970 E8850, three men there. N of it at pt N5000 E8850 securing E with two men.
Olsson/Kemmo

11.50hrs VI AC CO Gen.Maj. Martola and Maj. Rantasaari of VI AC HQ visited our command post. They familiarized themselves with the grouping of the Rgt and the present situation. The General found that the Rgt was all right.
12.45hrs Maj. Gahnström, the planning officer of the Rgt and Capt.Linna the F.F. Officer of 15.Pr informed the Commander on the new support line .

17.00hrs Situation report to 8.D HQ:
Enemy fire activities:
Road: 82mm mortar 5 bombs
Behind “Rosvo” arty 20 3” shells
Propaganda:
Loudspeaker transmission at Siira road, after repeated morning programme it included the names of the following POW:s
Pvt. Paasikivi 2./JR9
Cpl. Kunnari Er.P.19
Claim that At Vitele front 60 Finns deserted to our side. Claim that JR4 lost during the latest attack 230 KIA and 300 WIA.

Our securing has been withdrawn from the tip of “Saapas” on the side where the Russki are. It has been found that it is now manned by Russki. Next night an attempt to catch a prisoner in the said spot.

At 13.15hrs 10 Russkies were moving N at E of Varpajärvi.
Nexrt night a prisoner taking patrol shall set out from the terrain of Pt.112 to the terrains of Joutsenjärvi – Mustalampi (Intelligence detachment).
Olsson/Kemmo

19.30hrs Telephoned message from 1400, “Kettu”:
The Sissi detachment must get prepared for a three day march¨to Saarijärvi on 21.7.
“H” to visirt the Division tomorrow at daytime.
Norovuori/Olsson
20.20hrs Order to III Btn (by “Mylläri”)
A prisoner to be taken in the terrain 4900, 9300 where there is a supply road or at the mortar positions in 4940, 9260 which also must be destroyed if possible.
Ordered by Turva 4
Olsson/Reinikainen

To the left from us JR9 sector has been active all day, e.g. an attack by 3 Coys at Uuksunjoki.

In the appendis a list of the personnell gone missing during the retreat . Appx. no.24

(To be continued)

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Re: Fighting at Tihveri 29/6 -44

#126

Post by subskipper » 17 Feb 2017, 19:52

Thanks a bunch! "Mylläri"?

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Re: Fighting at Tihveri 29/6 -44

#127

Post by Lotvonen » 18 Feb 2017, 09:01

JR4, HQ WD continued.
Diary Tulo 9104

20.7.1944_
04.00hrs Situation report to 8.D HQ:
Enemy fire activities:
At “Puro” and “Saapas” 71 pcs heavy and 32pcs light mortar, 12 3”shells
At the direction of the road 16 pcs 3” shells and 53 pcs mortar
At 20.00hrs our patrol 1+6 tried to catch a prisoner in “Saappaankärki” but the enemy engaged them in a firefight. Russki received support and our patrol had to withdraw at 21.30 hrs. 2 Russkies fell.
At 22.10hrs our artillery shelled this area with abt. 43 shells.
At 23.00hrs again our patrol headed for “Saappaankärki”,met 6 Russkies on their way there.
At 22.00hrs our patrol spotted that Russki had manned the sock shaped patch of forest in the middle of Tenho.
The patrol that set out at 2300hrs yesterday returned at 23.15hrs, they had been in terrain 5400, 9380 observing traffic.
Findings:
At 05.00hrs one platoon of Russkies heading S
At 08.22hrs three Russkies heading S
At 11.00hrs five Russkies heading S
About 1 km to N a camp area judging by auditory observations.
At 23.30hrs our prisoner catching patrol set out to the terrain 4930, 9280 but they did not yet return.
Olsson/Mattila
08.05hrs Order from 8.D HQ:
Pz.Schrek squad size shall be 1+9 equipped with three Pz.S.
09.30hrs Report from III Btn:
The patrol that set out yesterday at 23.00hrs returned today at 08.30hrs. They did not reach to their objective. Russki have placed a double sentry post on the forest line 5240, 9360. They alerted the neighbouring sentry post situated in the patch of forest to W by beating together pieces of wood. The patrol watched the latter one for 5 hours but without result.

JR4 TT report no.13 dd 1.7.15.71944 has been annexed to the war diary.
Annexed is also the list of the MIA men of JR4 who likely have been taken prisoners by the enemy during the retreat from Karjalankylä to Varpajärvi sector.

16.00hrs Situation report to 8.D HQ:
Enemy fire activities:
At 04.30-05.00hrs Russki fired at Puro: 45pcs 82mm mortar, 4 shells direct fire cannon. Our artillery retaliated with 27 shells and our mortars 15 bombs.
(In the margin: Annexed to the diary a report on the action of Long distance patrol Heikkilä on 13.7.-18.7..44 Appx. no.25)
(new page)
At 07.00hrs the patrol that set out yestereday returned. They found that the Russki pulls back their securing at daytime from “Saappaankärki”. Some movement was detected in “ Square“.
III Btn patrol report ref. Previous page at 09.30hrs
Aerial activities: Several enemy overflights, no harassment
Olsson/Kurkela
Last night at Loimola road a Russki fighter shot up a trailer lorry, among other things the tires were punctured.
19.35hrs Caot Ojajärvi vron I Btn reported to the Commander for transfer to 2200. Capt. Laisto reported at 12.00hrs as tranferred to 2200. Lt. Vainionmäki was transferred as CO of Jaeger Platoon /JR4. 2nd Lt. Lankinen of III Btn was transferred as Rgt. Gas Protection Officer.
19.35hrs Lt. Poutiainen of III_ Btn reported, tranferred as CO of EK/JR4. The previous CO Capt Kettunen was transferred to 2200. Capt. Sihvonen from III Btn was transferred to 15.Pr.
19.40hrs Gen.Maj.Kääriäinen and Col.Lt. Pietarinen visited ourHq. From there Col. Simelius guides them to III Btn to familiarize themselves with 10.Coy.
Col.Lt. Pietarinen ordered Capt. Paarma to relay order to Majh. Holopainen to start without delay F.F. Work on the Uuksujärvi – Roikonkoski line.
20.10hrs Capt. Paarma relayed the order to maj. Holopainen
(In the margin: Annexed to the diary JR 4 casualty report no.13 dd 1.7.-15.7.1944 Appx.no.26)
(new page)
Coy. Survo(2./JR4) is tranferred from the terrain E of Ahvenjärvi to the terrain SW of Luotojärvi.

(To be continued)

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Re: Fighting at Tihveri 29/6 -44

#128

Post by Lotvonen » 19 Feb 2017, 08:16

JR4, HQ WD continued.
Diary Tulo 9104

21.7.1944_
04.00hrs Situation report to 8.D HQ:
Enemy fire activities:
Russki fired at Puro: 28pcs 3” shells and 32pcs light mortar bombs
Our artillery retaliated with 10 shells at the mortar positions and our mortars 20 bombs.
At the direction of the road 19 pcs 3” shells and 21 pcs light mortar.
F.F. Work in the tip of “Sukka”
At 02.30hrs loudspeaker transmission at the direction of the road, report of the programme later.'
At 15.50hrs About 400m NE of Saarijärvi 2nd “i” Russki have manned the patch of forest and started digging in. Our artillery fired 25 shells there. 30 Russkies in the said terrain.
At 21.30hrs our prisoner catching patrol set out from the terrain of pt.112 to the terrain 5250, 9360 where there are Russki secured points. No report yet.
Olsson/Mattila
09.30hrs Report from III Btn: Reinikainen /Olsson
The (prisoner catching) patrol that set out yesterday at 21.30hrs returned today at 05.00hrs. No success. They bumped on the Russki securing in the terrain of 5260, 9370.
16.00hrs Situation report to 8.D HQ:
Enemy fire activities:
At 07.55-10.32hrs Russki fired at Puro: 29pcs 3” shells and 28pcs 82mm mortar bombs.
(In the margin: Annexed to the diary the Rgt order on defence[ – the rest cut off, tr.rem])
(new page)
At 03.15 loudspeaker¨transmission at the direction of the road. The usual repertoire plus mentions that Pvt. Väänänen Arvo (III/15.pr) has surrendered and Capt. Julanni (JR9) has refused from a counterstrike. Led by Sgt. Ahvenainen lads of 15.Pr allegedly defected.
At 06.30 hrs our securing at pt.112 repelled a 15 man Russki patrol that had penetrated in the terrain. Russkies withdrew without opening fire.
At 08.30-10.oo Russki fired at the pt.112 terrain 25 pcs 82mm mortar bombs
At 09.30hrs the prisoner catching patrol that set out yestereday returned. They headed NE from the pt.112 terrain about for 1 kkm and then curved to SE. They bumped at the Russki securing in the terrain of 5260, 9370. Their purpose had been to nab a prisoner at the line below the point from the securing that had spotted one night ago. No success.
At 14.45 Lt. Reinikainen and 2nd Lt. Uusitalo hit a mine at Karhu I. They were lightly wounded.
Olsson/Kemmo.

16.30hrs Maj. Ränkipohja of 8.D HQ informed that 8.D HQ had approved the following names for strongholds on the Varpajärvi section, from right to left:
II/JR4
5.Coy “Puro” (Brook)
-”- Saapas (Boot)
7.Coy “Lampi” (Pond)
-”- “Suo” (Swamp)
6.Coy “Tie” (Road)
-”- “Kannas” (Isthmus)
-”- “Salmi” (Strait)
-”- “Nokka” (Beak)
III/JR4
10.Coy “Piste” (Point)
-”- “Halme” (Grainfield)
-”- “Mäkelä” (Hill farm)
11.Coy “Karhu I” (Bear)
-”- “Karhu II”
-”- “Karhu III”
-”- “Haka” (hasp/pasture)
9.Coy “Niemi” (Promontory)
-”- “Rosvo” (Robber)
-”- “Korpi” (Wilderness)
The map transparent drawing annexed to the war diary.

13.30-17.00hrs The Commander, Arty Cdr and Rgt. Officer inspected the section of III Btn.
19.30hrs The Commander set out to contact JR9 CO Col Ikonen in Maisula.
20.55hrs Col Kotilainen informed that next night there shall be a violent reconnaisance mission on the sector of I/JR45.
21.05hrs This reported to II and III Btns.
21.30hrs II and III Btns received orders to plan for violent reconnaisance on their sections to be carried out in the night of 22 to 23 July . Main purpose to catch a prisoner.
Paarma/Tenho, Hannila


(To be continued)

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Re: Fighting at Tihveri 29/6 -44

#129

Post by subskipper » 19 Feb 2017, 09:12

Been out sick since yesterday, but your translations certainly picked me up. :) I think my grandfather mentioned "Korpi".

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Re: Fighting at Tihveri 29/6 -44

#130

Post by Lotvonen » 20 Feb 2017, 07:44

JR4, HQ WD continued.
Diary Tulo 9104

22.7.1944_
04.00hrs Situation report to 8.D HQ:
Enemy fire activities dircted as follows:
At Puro: 15pcs 3” shells and 60pcs light mortar bombs
At Tie 10pcs - “ - and 13pcs -”-
At Kannas 60pcs light mortar bombs
At Lampi 10pcs light mortar bombs whereby one NCO was killed.
At 17.30-19.00 at Karku terrain 39 pcs light mortar
At 21.00 hrs Our patrol detected that Russki are doing F.F. Work at “Saapas” (=boot) at knee height (?). The patrol suspects that the enemy is mining the E shore of Sammallampi lake.
At 23.30 our patrol spotted a Russki tank 100mNW of the heel of “Sukka” (=sock) and another at the toe of “Sukka”
Our artillery retaliated with 10 shells at the mortar positions and our mortars 20 bombs.
At the direction of the road 19 pcs 3” shells and 21 pcs light mortar.
F.F. Work in the tip of “Sukka”. In front of “Sip” some small movement.
At 01.55hrs loudspeaker transmission at the direction of the road, nothing worth mentioning.
Olsson/Vermala

13.00hrs Capts Tenho and Hannila presented to the Commander their plans for the forced recce raids to be attempted next night.
III Btn patrol 1 officer + 25 men + Artillerly F.O.O .team. Takeoff point at pt112 terrain at 21.00hrs to SE to the terain N5200 E 9300 where they shall try to catch a prisoner. The arty F.O.O.team shall stay on the forest isthmus at the level of 5200 and shall provide support not until needed and during withdrawal if needed.
II Btn patrol 1+2+25+1 platooon as support + Arty F.O.O.team.
After the artillery has fired a barrage at “Saapas” at Sammallampi at the height of “lampi” word one Platoon of 5.Coy shall attack in the said terrain and man it and secures to S.
Immediately thereafter the prisoner catching detachment (=Jaeger platoon) shall advance to the E edge of the ridge, cross the bog and then they shall advance to the “Sukka” forest grove where they shall take a prisoner. The detachment shall withdraw directly to N. H hour atr 22.00hrs. Artillery shall fire a barrage both E and W of “Saapas” and also on detected mortar positions. (Map 1:20000). The Commander approved the plans.

16.00hrs Situation report to 8.D HQ:
Enemy fire activities:
At Puro: 3pcs 3” shells .
At Suo low intensity infantry fire from forest patch “Suunnikas”
At 04.15hrs Clonking of horse cart at the road direction
At 07.30hrs Observation balloon at pt 117.6 bearing 33-00. Balloon up for abt.10min.
At 14.55hrs Received a radio message from Lt. Heikkilä:
“My command post N5370, E10090” (code numbers 6814, 10534)
Today at 21.00hrs a prisoner catching patrol shall set out from the 112 terrain. (III Btn).
Area of action 5200, 9300. Partol strenght 1 off.+25 men.
Next night at 22.00hrs prisoner catching action in the terrain of Saapas – Sukka. Patrol strenght 1+2+25+one support platoon (II Btn).
Olsson/Ränkipohja

23.45hrs Report by II Btn on the forced recce raid:
At 2200hrs as our artillery was firing short the attempt had to be stopped and delayed by 10min. By this time the Russki had been alerted and as our detachment engaged there was a lot of Russkies against them. The field of action included also a Russki minefield. Action perioad 22.15-23.00 hrs. Our casualties 6 wounded.

23.35hrs Report by III Btn:
Enemy engaged at 22.45hrs Russki fired with inf.weapons and mortar. Action going on.
23.55hrs Abovementioned reported to 8.D HQ.
Olsson/Ränkipohja

(To be continued)

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Re: Fighting at Tihveri 29/6 -44

#131

Post by subskipper » 20 Feb 2017, 21:16

As always, much appreciated! I still find it fascinating how fast the Finnish troops seemed to be able to "gel" again after what seems to be a headlong retreat. I also feel that, reading between the lines of these diaries, not much seemed to really "surprise" the Finns in terms of the ferocity of the attacks they faced and what actions to take against them. No foolish "hold until the last man" or over-zealous bravado in terms of reckless and costly counter attacks. Measured actions is probably a good way to describe how they handled the very difficult situation? The ability to recover, dig-in and resume "normal front-line duties" in terms of using forward posts, patrols etc. indicates a high measure of composure and moral? Would this be a somewhat adequate description to those of you with access to the plethora of Finnish sources available? They seem keen to gain local initiative again, finding out what's going on and what might be coming next.

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Re: Fighting at Tihveri 29/6 -44

#132

Post by Lotvonen » 21 Feb 2017, 08:29

JR4, HQ WD continued.
Diary Tulo 9104

23.7.1944_
00.35hrs III Btn reported:
Prisoner catching did not succeed. Too strong resistance against us.
Hannila/Paarma
04.00hrs Situation report to 8.D HQ:
Patrolling:
At 21-30-01.00hrs Prisoner catching patrol 1+2+22+Arty F.O.O., startoff point terrain of pt.112, objective the patch of forest NE of Latvajärvi. The attempt did not succeed, the Russkies having too much resistance force. No casualties.
At 22.15-23.00 another prisoner catching detachment 1+2+25+Arty F.O.O. + support platoon. Startoff point stronghold Saapas. Objective the forested ridge S of it and the Sock shaped forest patch NE of it. The attempt did not succeed, casualties 6 wounded.

Enemy fire activities :
At Puro: 6pcs 82mm, 20 pcs 120mm mortar bombs,15pcs arty shells
At Saapas: 22.30-23.00hrs 25pcs mortar+ arty
At Lampi: - ” - 30 mortar+ arty
At Suo: - “ - 30 mortar+ arty
At Tie: 10pcs 82mm mortar bombs, 5pcs 3” shells
At Karhu III: 10pcs 82mm mortar bombs

06.45hrs Order from 8.D HQ:
JR4 shall take over on 23.7. by 12.00hrs the sector manned by one Btn of JR9 on their right wing. D. have issued order to Maj. Holopainen
Pietarinen/Simelius
06.35hrs Lt. Survo received order from the Commander to immediately join with his Coy. His own Btn. On his way he shall report to the Commander for detailed instructions.
06.55hrs Staff Sgt. Malinen, 2nd in command of Intelligence detachment reported that his patrol had returned at 05.30hrs. They had tried to catch a prisoner a couple of times during the two last nights, but they did not succeed. The action took place in the terrain E of Uomasranta.
06.56hrs Radio message from Lt. Heikkilä: “Find myself 5410, 9880”
07.45hrs The Commander set out to contact JR9 CO to discuss the takeover of the new section.
10.00hrs 2.Coy transport on truks started from Luotojärvi terrain on Karutjärvi section.
10.30hrs “Kalikka”/18.Krh.K was relocated to the same section.
12.00hrs Maj. Gahnström arrived at II Btn to familiarize himself with the tasks of the Btn Co. in order to later take over the task from Capt. Tenho.

13.00hrs Commander briefing for the HQ officers.
I/JR4 shal take over the sector of I/JR9. Right limit old Rgt left limit and Left limit Uuksunjoki river.
Capt Aromaa was ordered to make the AT plan for the sector
One AT gun platoon of the VI AC AT Coy. shall be subjected to JR4.
I/18.Krh.K.shall be transferred to the new sector.

14.15hrs An observation balloon in air from point Pt.117,6 bearing 33-00
17.30hrs Situation report to 8.D HQ:
Enemy fire activities:
At Puro: 29pcs 3” shells, some of them at the rear .
At Tie: 7pcs 3” shells
At Pt.112: 6pcs 3” shells, light mortar 5rds
F.F. Work:
At “Sukka” terrain in the afternoon
At 16.00-17.00 abt 8 men in “Suunnikas”
In the afternoon among other things explosions in the direction of Siira road.
Traffic:
At 06.10hrs Horse cart clanking SE of Puro.
At 05.00hrs Horse cart clanking in “Suunnikas”
At 07.20hrs Motor vehicle buzzing on Siira road
Other observations:
At 14.13-14.30hrs An observation balloon in air from point Pt.117,6 bearing 33-00. Estimated distance abt 15 km.
At 05.30hrs prisoner catching patrol Malinen of Btn. Heikkilä returned from E of Uomaslampi. No prisoner caught.
Olsson/Ränkipohja
17.30hrs Report from Maj. Holopainen:
I/JR4 has takeonover the sector of I/JR9.
18.00hrs Radio message sent to Lt. Heikkilä:
“What have you seen. Olsson”
18.25hrs Report by I Btn:
Detected movement at 15.20hrs in N6200, E 9200 intersection of path and line and SW of it about 200m the perimeter of a bog. Our artillery shelled this terrain point with two barrage strikes.
The Coys of I/JR4 have taken over the positions on the section as follows:'
1.Coy at 15.00hrs, 4.Coy at 15.50hrs, 3.Coy at 15.50hrs and 2.Coy at 17.30hrs
Lt. Salonen/2nd Lt Siro
20.45hrs Report by III Btn Tanskanen / Olsson
Prisoner catching patrol set out from 9.Coy heading E. Their task is to set up an ambush on the path 1,5 km off and catch a prisoner.
20.50hrs Report by II Btn :
Prisoner catching patrol setting out at 22.00hrs. Their task is to try to catch a prisoner in front of “Kannas”.

To be continued.

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subskipper
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Re: Fighting at Tihveri 29/6 -44

#133

Post by subskipper » 21 Feb 2017, 22:24

Thank you kindly yet again!

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Re: Fighting at Tihveri 29/6 -44

#134

Post by Lotvonen » 22 Feb 2017, 07:25

JR4, HQ WD continued.
Diary Tulo 9104

24.7.1944_

05.30hrs Situation report to 8.D HQ:
Enemy fire activities :
At Puro: 11pcs 3” shells, 9pcs light mortar bombs
At Lampi: 6pcs - ” - 4pcs - “ -
All through the sector minimal infantry fire
At Tie: 30pcs light mortar bombs
At Piste: 25 pcs - “ -
At Mäkelä: 5pcs - “ -
At Karhu : 40pcs - “ -
At pt.112: 40pcs - “ - (some in front of the trench)
Patrolling:
Our recce patrol 1+3 E of Kannas (=Isthmus). Reconnoitring for a chance to catch a prisoner at 2200hrs.
At 19.30-04.00hrs Our patrol 1+7 set out from pt.112. Reconnoitred and tried to catch a prisoner at Metsoinlampi. Did not catch anything.
I Btn section calm.
Olsson/Kemmo
02.30hrs Report from 8.D HQ:
Russki attack that was expected at 2000hrs shall take place according to received information toaday at 06.00hrs at Loimola.
Vermala/Olsson
02.35hrs Abovementioned passed on to the Battalions.
06.50hrs Radio message from Lt. Heikkilä: “All squaddies out, return at daytime”.
12.00hrs The Commander set out to inspect the new section of I Btn
13.50hrs Radio message from Lt Heikkilä, sent 13.16hrs
“Camps at N6800, E9700 and N5750, E 9850, F.F. Works between 5810, 9689, 5550, 9775”
14.10hrs Abovementioned reported to 8.D HQ.
Olsson/Vermala
According to the report of the Engineer(Sapper) Officer of the Rgt the following F.F: works are to be carried out on the sector of the Regiment
Front line:
Foxholes for riflemen and communication trenches. Squad dugout building shall be started soon. Rgt. Engineer platoon is at F.F. Work on the blocking line Valkamajärvi – Kaukojärvi.
K-line (support line)
Suuri-Koukkulampi – Luotojärvi – Ala-Vekkajärvi – Suuri Karutjärvi.
N of Luotojärvi F.F: work : Rgt. Jaeger platoon, 10 horse drivers from HQ coy and one platoon of 14.Coy.
S of Luotojärvi 20 artillrymen from II/KTR11 are building not only arty positions but also infantry positions.
3./PionP.22 are mining in the rear of the Rgt .
Rgt. Order 24.7.44 is annexed to the diary , Appx. no.27
15.15hrs Tel. Message from 8.D HQ from “Kettu”
25 tanks have been concentrated W of Korpijärvi. Their task is to support one inf. Rgt and to take over Parikanvaara, Sammallahti and Roikonkoski.
Varmala/Olsson
The abovementioned passed on tho Btns and separate detachments.
Tel.message no.1146/24.7.44
17.30hrs Situation report to 8.D HQ:
Enemy fire activities:
At Tie: 8pcs 3” shells
At Korpi: 13pcs 3” shells,
F.F. Work:
Continuous work detected in front of Saapas at 300m
At 10.00-11.00 in “Sukka” work going on as well as in “Suunnikas”
Traffic:
At 05.50hrs At Siira road buzzing of departing automobile.
At 14.45hrs At Siira road sound of cart clanking heading W.
At 15.15hrs In the same direction cart clanking heading E.
Olsson/Ränkipohja
20.05hrs According to ther Arty Cdr our artillery on our sector shall be grouped as follows:
Arty group Noko: (II and III/KTR11) in the terrains between Luotojärvi and Valkeajärvi.
Arty group Alm: (Kv.Psto10 and 18, Rask.Psto21) N and S of Uuksunjärvi
They are able to fire both at I/JR4 section and the neighbouring section to the left.
Rask.Psto21 shall move today in their new section.
20.30hrs Report by I Btn:
The Bts shall send out four patrols next night, one to catch a prisoner and three to recce
Prisoner taking shall be attempted in the terrain “Kämppä” at 5780, 9230
Holopainen/Simelius
22.00hrs Report by III Btn :
Patrol set out from the terrain of Pt.112. Their task is to reconnoitre and in case of opportunity to catch a prisoner in the terrain to SE (5200, 9300) . Patrol strenght 1+6.

To be continued.

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Re: Fighting at Tihveri 29/6 -44

#135

Post by subskipper » 22 Feb 2017, 10:39

Thank you Lotvonen!

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