Fighting at Tihveri 29/6 -44

[Lotvonen]

JR4, HQ WD continued. =(Jalkaväkirykmentti 4. esikunta )

Date 24.6.44 PM

01.15hrs Lt. Ekman +4+12 of 5D Kss.K. reported to close range AT duties. (no gas attack imminent?Tr.rem.) Sent to Maj. Holopainen.
03.20hrs Lt. Hagelberg Battle group 23 close range AT platoon 1+3+28 was sent to I/JR4.
04.55hrs Order by radio to Hannila to withdraw due to intense enemy pressure, and as Holopainen already had withdrawn, to proceed delaying behind Sammatus line
05.00hrs Lt. Lindman left on motorcycle to relay a message to Hannila: III Btn. To march to the terrain of Lampero – Trinnitsa road.
05.05hrs Lt Hagelberg was ordered to return to his unit.
05.20hrs Maj. Holopainen reported. Last parts of I Btn arrived at Sammatus line rear about 04.30hrs and at the same time a Russki patrol was spotted at Sammatus line
Appendix no.17: map 1:20000 Sammatus, Karjalankylä, Enemajoki terrains
Appendix no.178: map on Sammatus line field fortifications.
(New page)
24.6. 00.25hrs
Situation report to 5.D HQ
“I Btn situation as before. 2 pcs T-34 destroyed. Tough pressure.
III Btn has withdrawn to the first “cutoffpoint” below pt 27.6”
01.00hrs Lt Olsson out getting in contact with III Btn and to report on the situation of III Batn to Rgt. HQ.
02.10hrs. report to 5.D HQ: Largish enemy outfit found moving on Saarimaa marsh bearing NW. Lt. Olsson/Lt. Kallio.
04.55hrs III Btn was ordered to pull back behind Sammatus line while delaying the enemy.
Capt. Paarma/Capt. Hirsto
06.00hrs Russki started a constant shelling at Sammatusmäki hill
(New page)
24.6._08.00hrs Regimental HQ outfit moved from Sammatus village to the forest N of the village and the Commander to 5D. HQ at 13.00hrs.
08.30hrs The last parts of III Btn crossed Sammatus line at the main road and JR4 subjection to 5.D. Ended and Btn. Was now subjecrted to VI AC JR 2 had then manned Sammatus line.
12.10hrs Regimental cHQ outfit moved from the forest N of the village.
Regiment had been ordered to march to the terrain of Lampero – Ylöinen road.
12.15hrs Report to Maj. Holopainen:
Since the Battalion had been fighting heavy battles at Sammatusjoki line the Btn. CO was allowed to decide whether to start at once during the day or in the evening.
Lt. Kannas, K I/JR4 posted from 68 to 5 (sic!)
15.00hrs Commander reported at 5D.HQ to Gen. Tapola
15.20hrs Commander received order from VI AC to immediately start marching for Nurmoila.
16.15hrs Commander's briefing: subject abovementioned order.
Marching column led by Maj. Hannila includes III bBt, HQ/JR4, 13.Coy, 14. Coy. Its first units started at 17.30hrs
16.30hrs Maj. Holoainen was ordered to immediately leave the terran N of Sammatuskylä
16.30hrs Commander left with Paarma, Kivinen, Olsson, Seilamo and Aspirant Siro in advance to Nurmoila to get detailed instructions.
23.00hrs Commander's briefing:
Present HQ officers and Capt. Hannila, Maj. Holopainen, Capt. Laakso, Lt.Tyrni
(new page)
24.6.23.00hrs Subject:
Building the Nurmoila crossroads into a delaying position.
Date: 25.6.
10.25hrs Commander's briefing:
Present the same as yesterday.
Subject: Enemy has managed to break through in the terrain between Ladoga and Pisi.
JR4 is tasked to receive in their positions the troops coming from the front and delay in the direction of Äänislinna road and with smaller force at Säntämäki direction.
5D . shall withdraw in the direction of Säntämäki
8D . including JR4 after disengaging from Nurmoila shall withdraw in the direction of Äänislinna road via Varloi.
III Btn. Shall man the W approaches to Nurmoila crossroads . 7.Coy is subjected to III Batn.
I Btn. Shall man in the direction of Äanislinna road.
Half of 14. Coy shall be subjected to III Batn and the other half to I Btn. Mortar Coy. Likewise.
(new page)
25.6._10.25hrs
10.25hrs II Btn – 1Coy. Shall man the roads E from Novinka village
5D to withdraw as follows:
JR44 to withdraw to Kukrijärvi terrain via Säntämäki
JR2 via Lampero after JR 44 has passed and as we are ready. Same route as JR44 to Vitele.
8D shall withdraw via Suurselkä, Pienselkä. Takes positions between Ulvana and Novinka, disengages at the same time as our I Btn and III Btn from Nurmoila.
Dert. Hanninen shall withdraw delaying bypassing by W and securing at the brook line the march of the last units of 8.D.
JR 45 to delay S of Torajärvi through which I and III/JR 4 shall withdraw. Delaying also N of the lake situated at the level of vs.94 (?). Both flanks must be secured.
Next delay positions for JR 45 at the level of vs.02 (?) and II/JR4 at VS10
(new page)
23)

To be continued. 19)

[subskipper]

Excellent Lotvonen!

[Lotvonen]

JR4, HQ WD continued. =(Jalkaväkirykmentti 4. esikunta )

Date 25.6.44
(Continued briefing)
In initial positions we are supported by Rask.Psto2. In the next position supported by II/KTR11 (Noko).
Btn.Karttunen shall withdraw via Tsilmi village. Withdrawing units shall leave strong battle patrols in the village.
Rgt. Command post 3 kms NW of Novinka village.
Supply: ETP in Torasjärvi, III Batn. Shall get their supplies from 5D ETP
Vehicles can be sent in advance. Empty vehicles must be reserved for the wounded.
D. Command post in Torasjärvi, shall move to Varloi village
I and III Btns shall maintain contact with units marching through (officer)
Extra horses of all units are collected on 26.6.44 at 12.00hrs at pt. 52.9 where they shall leave as one column led by 2nd Lt.Kukkonen . (end of briefing, tr.rem)
(new page)
14.30hrs Col. Saure JR2 CO visited Col. Simelius. Having been informed about our situation he set forth to man Aunuksenjoki river line
15.00hrs Maj. Aki and Capt. Soikkonen reported to Col. Simelius
Capt Soikkonen, 8D. Gun Coy. CO agreed with col Simelius on the placement of his guns on the road cutoff manned by JR4.
15.30hrs Lt. Halme, 8D HQ messenger officer contacted the Commander giving him the status of troops fighting in the direction of Kuittinen ,
20.25hrs Report to 8D.HQ:
Delaying positions ordered to JR4 at Nurmoila in the direction of roads have been manned at 19.00hrs Olsson/Vermala
II/JR4 arrived to be cantonned in Korpela barracks, two Coys had a chance to replace some of their gear from the stores abandoned there.
20.35hrs Col Simelius received report from 5D HQ:
JR2 has manned Aunuksenjoki line. Tanks have been seen. Russki has shipped infantry to the front line with lorries.
20.40hrs Lt. Vainionmäki set out to take instructions to III Btn while the phone connections were cut off, also he explained the situation on the front.
21.30hrs Rgt command units moved from previous VI AC HQ to 4km N of Novinka village.

26.6.44
02.45hrs JR 4 subjected to 5D.
06.35hrs Report from Maj. Aki (or Ahi?) to Col Simelius requesting permission to withdraw a field stronghold since it is situated at a distance of about six hours by runner.
06.40hrs Report on our situation to Btns and to Hannila that Btn Väänänen is still in front of Elomaa.
(new handwriting style starts)
07.25hrs. Report from Maj. Ahi: In suurselkä village 7 tanks. Russki are patrolling in quantity.
Maj. Ahi received permission from Commander to do whathever he wants with his field stronghold.
07.35hrs Lt. Lahti and Lt. Rantala were ordered to organise patrolling and AT securing.
08.30hrs Capt. Soikkonen reported. Command post moved off from Torasjärvi crossroads. To direction of Saarimäki abt. 3Kms.
Col. Simelius moved with Capt. Paarma to Nurmoila to command the Regiment (less II Btn)
Same AM Russki cut off the road between Novinka and Torasjärvi so the command was cut in two; Commander and Paarma remain with III and I Btns the rest of HQ officers subjected to JR45 CO at Saarimäki.
(New page)
25.6._(Sic!) The lorry laden with Rgt Communications platoon, radio station and communications gear disappeared somewhere having arrived at Nurmoila. HQ had to borrow a radio station from II/JR4 for their use.
Surgeon Capt. Silvennoinen R., Rask.Psto21 posted to III/JR4.
26.6._09.00hrs Regimental lorry column led by Maj. Kivinen set out for Vieljärvi. Marching route: Kotkatjärvi, Pyhäjärvi, Vieljärvi.
14.30hrs. Phone contact with Vainionmäki(I Btn) Saure just disengaging. Expected to get contact with III Btn abt at 17.00hrs. I Btn left wing had some contact with enemy.
09.30hrs I/JR45 subjected to JR4.
16.30hrs Capt Luoto ordered by Col Kotilainen (JR45CO) that JR4 HQ shall join the marching column of II/JR4. EK/JR4 column shall jin JR45 column.
Delaying road (sic!) is Nurmoila-Säntämäki-Kuksunmäki-Niiniselkä.
Warning about Russki patrols reported to moving close to the marching route.
19.30hrs Lt. Vaulo contacted Col. Kotilainen who gave marching order to the commanding units.
Marching column included HQ officers, runners, Jaeger platoon and Lt. Lahti's close range AT platoon ( total 6 horses)
20.00hrs 5/JR45 subjected to II/JR4.
22.00hrs I and III Bts still delaying at Nurmoila crossroads were given the following message delivered via indirect means: (airdrop, Tr.rem)
"To Holopainen and Hannila:
Disengage and withdraw to Säntämä narrows and from there both of you while delaying, to Niiniselkä. Report on withdrawal via Saure to Aura. _Inform Saure about your task.
Aura CO.
Wave your hand at the airman having found the message."
--
23.00hrs Marching break 2km N of Saarimäki village. Route extremely hilly and muddy. During the break the commanding units joined HQ.
20.30(sic!)hrs I/JR45 subjection to JR4 ended
(new page)
26.6.23.45hrs HQ set out and camped again 2100 hrs abutr 4km SE of Puskuselkä.
2nd Lt. Vallenius from I/JR4 transferred to 7.SotaS ( field hospital)

Date: 27.6.
08.00hrs HQ continued marching.
10.30hrs Marching column arrived at the crosssroads S of Niiniselkä where it was stopped to wait for the Regiment CO fron Säntämäki direction. 2nd Lt Siro set out to contact the CO.
15.45hrs Col. Simelius and Capt. Paarma arrived at the crossroads.
Present situation:
I Btn holding positions and delaying at the road S fom Niiniselkä , about 15 km in distance.
II Btn in Saarimäki village in positions blocking the roads both S and E.
7./JR4 subjected to II Btn on their section.
Coy. Co.Lt Tikka KIA yesterday by ground attack plane cannon shell in Saarimäki village. Hard pressure.
III Btn in positions 12km SW of Niiniselkä. Coy. Kettunen in positions 3 km S of “Teppoila” village on an isthmus between lakes.
Present supply communications extremely lbad E.G. wounded were transported from villages Saarimäki and Kuksunmäki by horses as far as Paunila village on a very miserable village road.
09.00hrs 5/JR45 subjection to II/JR4 ended.
15.30hrs II/JR45 subjected to JR4

To be continued. 28 )

[subskipper]

Talk about a whole new level of detail in this. I'm able to track battalions and even companies on the maps now.

[Lotvonen]

JR4, HQ WD continued. =(Jalkaväkirykmentti 4. esikunta )
Now we are getting to Tihveri!

Date 27.6.44
19.35hrs Order to III and I Btns
III Btn to disengage. Start 27.6. at 2300hrs for the last delay line. Must leave strong battle patrols also in the direction of the E road to Holopainen. Battle patrols must withdraw delaying.
(Should withstand until 28.6.17.00hrs)
19.25hrs Report from I Btn: Russki has managed to pierce the delay positions.
19.50hrs Report from II Btn: Russki has managed to pierce the delay line in Saarimäki village. Btn. Moving to Puskuselkä village. Commander reported this to 8.D HQ and obtained permission for Hannula to disengage immediately and move to Tihveri village. Must leave delaying for the crossroads S of Niiniselkä.
19.55hrs 2nd Lt. Siro set out to deliver this message to Capt. Hannila, also informing Maj. Holopainen.
19.00hrs Col .Simelius asked 8D. HQ chief to orientate 5D. HQ on withdrawal.
20.30hrs Runner from III Btn arrived with message:
Kettunen has started disengaging at 16.15hrs and delaying still going on. Pressure has been hard. Russki has tried to outflank from the right. Ahead of us 2 tanks that are firing at our positions. Russki arty btry also firing. Russki have not come from Nurmoila but from the coastal direction. Korkeavuori, 10.Coy, ready to receive. Radio broken thus no contact with Rgt. HQ.
21.10hrs Runner report from 14.Coy, Capt. Laaksonen:
I/24.Tyk.K. Was in defence at Vitele crossroads. As the road to Vitele was cut off the lorry-equipped platoon drove along the road Säntämä – Kuksunmäki – Niiniselkä and reported when passing. I took the platoon in my command and set it to support the section of the Btn. Platoon Commander SSgt. Nurmi enquired about chances to join his Coy. Shall I keep the platoon in my command or shall I send it to the rear
Capt. J. Laakso
Answer to the aforementioned:
Send the platoon to the rear. Destroy lorries and guns. On this same road there is the staff car of our CO, one ambulance and one motorcycle. Both cars to be destroyed. Motorcycle to be evacuated. The is in the most miserable condition.
21.30hrs One Finnish and one German transport aircraft escorted by Finnish fighters dropped proviant and ammunition at Niiniselkä and to II/JR4 at Puskujärvi shore.
Seeing friendly aircraft after numerous Russki planes had a happy effect on our lads.
21.30hrs Commander moved to a new command post in terrain S of “Varloi” village
23.00hrs Runner report from III Btn (written 30.30hrs):
At 20.00hrs Coy. Korkeavuori was engaged in a heavy firefight at their delay line. Russki attempted a frontal attack but was beaten back. At the same time 2 tanks outflanked W of the lake isthmuses with 30 to 40 men (on decks?) 10.Coy securing was not able to beat the attack.
2nd Lt. Korpela, V. [transferred from II/JR4 to military hospital]

28.6.44
04.15hrs Capt Laakso reported that yesterday one tank has definitely been destroyed and one uncertrain case.
08.10hrs Report to 8.D: HQ:
Hannila has manned the river line yesterday night. One tank destroyed (T.34) and one unconfirmed. Holopainen's Southerly road visited by our patrol abt 1 km in front of us and they saw lively motor traffic in Kuksunmäki village. Holopainen has spread more to the right. Contact with the road on their right. Brook line on II Batn section still manned. Some contact exist. Else all right. Simelius/Pietarinen
08.40hrs. II Btn again subjected to JR4 having been subjected to JR45.
09.00hrs Jaeger Platoon/JR4 was ordered to secure the rivers joining at Pt 94-00N – 84-00E. Platoon equipped with “Kyynel” radio (long distance patrol transceiver, tr.rem) and food for 5 days.
10.35hrs Lt. Forss 7./JR4 CO was ordered to get ready for a Sissi command for his company.
(New page)
28.6._14.15hrs Order from Commander to the adjutant of III Btn : Coy. Leskinen must join Maj. Ahi (?)
At the same time III Brn war ordered to establish contact with Ahi (?) and a guide outfit that receives messages from Ahi and relays them to Capt. Hannula who re-relays them by phone to the Rgt. CO.
14.25hrs Report from Col.Lt. Airila: at the moment calm. Airila was ordered to patrol to the left to find out about the intentions of the Russki.
14.30hrs. III Btn. Was ordered to send an officer patrol to the hills on the left to spot Russki movements.
14.45hrs Col Lt. Airila reported from Puskuselkä village that he, while it is calm and the Russki enegaged in building two bridges over the river, is expecting an attack.
14.55hrs Maj. Noko, II/KTR10 CO reported to Col. Simelius
15.45hrs CO of Int./8.D. Lt. Heikkilä was ordered to report in JR4 as soon as possible.
15.50hrs Report from I Btn: 3 tanks broke into 3.Coy positions.
18.00hrs According to D. order the Regiment shall take defensive positions on Tihverinoja line with two Btns (I and III)
I Btn subjected to Aun.R.
18.00hrs I and II Btn were permitted to pull back N of Tihverinoja.
19.00hrs Lt Rautala reconnoitred Varloi-Kukroila (?) road and he considers it passable by horse vehicles. Motor vehicles may possibly be able to pass but with difficulty.
19.30hrs Lt Seppälä I/Pion P.23 CO (engineers, tr.rem) reported to Col.Simelius. Coy subjected to JR4.
20.00hrs Report. As I and II Btns were disengaging Russki attacked Niiniselkä village with 16 tanks.
20.05hrs Col. Simelius phoned directly the CO of Aunus group about the aforementioned since Gen Kääriäinen, CO of (.D. was not available to answer the phone.
21.30hrs Situational report from III Btn.
Ar 20.45 hrs three more tanks, in addition to the previously reported, appeared and fired at Tenho's positions (10.Coy.) The tanks carried abt 60 men. Coy. Korkeavuori disengaged then and well managed using small roads to pass Tenho Coy positions. Tenho in firefight with Russki.
Capt. Hannila

To be continued. (Report on 28.6. enemy breakthrough S of Niiniselkä)
33)

[subskipper]

Kiitos! Trying to draw out positions on the old maps from the archive. Excellent!

[Lotvonen]

JR4, HQ WD continued. =(Jalkaväkirykmentti 4. esikunta )

Date 28.6.44
Report on Russki breakthrough S of Niiniselkä, basing on the reports Col.Lt. Airila and Maj. Holopainen.28.6.44 18.30hrs:
I Btn: In the morning tank noise was hear on “Ymoeta” (? SIC!) road but since the corduroy road at the bog about 2km S of the crossroads had been dismantled (due to lack of explosives) the tanks made a full turn and vanished. Also during the morning very lively motor traffic was observed in the direction of “Kuoskala” road. In the afternoon there were again on “Kuoskala” road tanks with men on deck . Abt. 18.00hrs as the Btn was to move to new delaying positions the Russki launched an intense tank attack. A number of tanks managed to break through but the men on top of them were all shot. At the same time a Russki patrol penetrated in the terrain between the roads. Yet the Btn managed to salvage their equipment mainly throught forest. Several hundreds of Russkies were destroyed, among others 300 in the E positions.

II Btn: Russki tried all day to build bridges to replace the ones we had broken on the E shore of Puskuselkä, but these attempts were thwarted. In the evening it was found that a strong (enemy) patrol was trying to get to the isthmus between “Holopainen” and Puskuselkä.
At abt. 18.00hrs it was found that Russki had cut the Puskuselkä road S of Niiniselkä. The “gang” scraped together at the spot tried to break through but did not succeed. At the same time Russki cut the road on both sides of the command post that was situated 2km from Puskuselkä village to Niiniselkä. Consequently as the HQ were scattered the Btn could not be controlled. Companies were scattered. Battle baggage train was surrounded. Fortunately all field kitchen vehicles had just left the “motti” area.
Russki attack was timed at the same moment on both sides and they obviously had wiretapped our phone conversations thus finding out that the battalion was about to be shifted to the next delay position.

23.00hrs Maj. Mattila, Pion.P.22 CO, reported to Col. He had received orders to repoert to all disengaging units in JR4 at their disposal.
(Margin remark: Maj. M. was tasked to secure on the right wing of III Btn the brook running SE to prevent enemy from surprising from the direction of Säntämäki.)
23.50hrs Hannila reported: 7 tanks destroyed of which 4pcs with 75mm gun, the rest with Pz.Schreck.
III Btn destroyed 2 of those.
2nd Lt. Kataja Aimo posted on this date from III/JR4 to 38.SotaS. (=hospitalized, tr.rem.)

29.6.44
00.45hrs Lt. Rautala's runner arrived equipped with report sent at 21.00hrs
Message contents:.
At abt. 20.30hrs I met Russki head on in the bog narrows abt 1,5km off from our target.
We tried to attack but there were such a lot of Russkies that their fire stopped us. Russki tried to surround us on both flanks so my outfit had to withdraw. The outfit panicked a little. Now I am in positions at the road.
Coordinates 03-00, 8-20.
Low on ammunition.
Waiting for orders.
“Kyynel” broken.
At least one Company of Russkies.
Lt. Rantala

03.15hrs Tel.message on suggested decorations by Terho3 for tank destroyers.
14/JR4:
Pvt. Tommiska, Heikki
Destroyed two tanks. Sugg. VM2, has no decorations.
Pfc. Svedlin, Gustav
Destroyed one tank; 2 unconfirmed. Sugg. VM2, has no decorations.
Cpl. Holopainen
Destroyed 2 tanks. Suggested VR4, has VM1 and 2.
24.Tyk.K.
Pz.Jaeger Ilomäki, Toivo
Destroyed one tanks. Sugg. VR4, has VM1 and 2
Pz.Jaeger Rask, Kalle
Good loader, sugg. VM2
Pz.Jaeger Salmela, Vilho
Destroyed one tank with “psk”(45mm AT gun?)
Sugg. VM2
Pz.Jaeger Onkki
Gun assistant. Sugg.VM2
Pz.Jaeger Hämäläinen Martti
Eager and fearless. Sugg. VM2
49.Tyk.K.
Staff Sgt. Haliseva, Lauri
Destroyed 2 tanks, sugg. VR4, has VM1 and 2

03.30hrs. II /JR45 subjection to JR4 ended.
(new page)
04.45hrs Commander moved to the new command post abt 3km W of varloi village
05.30hrs Commander contacted Col Kotilaine in Varloi village
06.10hrs Commander arrived at the new command post.
06.10hrs Cpl. Jokinen of Jaegr Platoon /JR 4 reported, he had with him maps and documents obtained from Russki. Jaegers would have brought the said Russki as prisoner but when it was transported the enemy opened intense fire and to make it to the own lives unscathed they had to shoot the said Russki.
(New page)
29.6._ On our sector the AM relatively calm. Maj. Mattila the temporary CO of our right wing started reconnoitring terrain and retaking the terrain taken by an enemy battle patrol.
10.25hrs Maj. Ahi, our neighbour on our left, reported by phone to Col. Simelius that he has pulled back a little. Therefor our extreme left wing Coy (11.Coy) had to pull their left wing back a little.
12.00hrs Report to D. on the location of the prisoner found in the morning from whom maps and other documents were obtained.
In the appendix 8.D. HQ order no. 65/II/20/b.sal./28.6.44 as no. 18./44
(new page)
List of lost equipment in the battle of 28.6.44, I and II Btns
( Tr. Rem: If interested in finding out e.g. how many bicycles or SMG magazines were lost by each Coy., let me know.)

To be continued.
37

[subskipper]

Thanks Lotvonen! If it's not too bothersome it would be interesting to see what they lost.

[Lotvonen]

List of lost equipment in the battle of 28.6.44, I and II Btns
HQ/II 5Coy 6Coy 7Coy8Coy I Btn Sum
Rifle 24 14 64 0 0 0 102
SMG 1 4 11 0 0 7 23
LMG 0 3 8 4 0 8 23
MG 0 0 0 0 7 4 11
LMG mag 0 31 165 30 0 0 226
SMG mag 0 19 105 0 0 0 124
p. Parabellum 0 0 1 0 0 0 1
pistol FN 0 0 1 0 0 0 1
Mortar 81mm 0 0 0 1 0 0 1
MG tripod 0 0 0 0 12 0 12
MF belts 0 0 0 0 110 0 110
Belt fillers 0 0 0 0 10 0 10
Spare barrels 0 0 0 0 7 4 11
Horses 1 0 0 0 0 0 1
Carts 2 0 0 0 0 0 2
Bicycles 0 0 0 0 0 8 8

However no list of personnel losses .

[Lotvonen]

JR4, HQ WD continued. =(Jalkaväkirykmentti 4. esikunta )

Date 29.6.44
15.00hrs 8.D. “EP” phoned Capt Paarma that the Rgt. Supply should move to Varloi-Novinka road.
15.25hrs Col Simelilus phoned Col.Lt. Pietarinen and asked for a plan for withdrawal plan of the Division, if there is any, during the same day, including the withdrawal route for JR4 .
15.40hrs Order to Maj. Mattila:
Reconnoitring road connections from the village L situated NE of Pitkäjärvi to the Suurmäki-Vieljärvi major road ( fron S to N). Aslo road connection past Pitkäjärvi (SW side) to the same major road .
16.00hrs Lt Siro returned the signalling squad that had got lost 26.6.,with lorry and radios. The squad had in Nurmoila by mistake joined 5.D and ended up in Pitkäranta.
Situation report to 8.D HQ:
III Btn section all day small action, 2 to 3 tanks shown up, shooting every now and then at our positions.Tenho Coy front E wing shifted a little N. In the wilderness front to the right of III Btn the enemy patrol detected yesterday is being sought. Our patrol has checked the terrain abt 10km SW of Kukoinmäki. Terrain free of Russkies. I andII Btns reorganising to be in battle readiness in the evening.
Olsson/Ränkipohja
15.30hrs Maj. Mattila was ordered to shift from the right two Engineer platoons for JR45 disposal.
16.45hrs Col.Lt. Airila received order: II Btn must be in battle readiness today at 20.00hrs in the E perimeter of Varloi village.
18.30hrs Mah Sirola I/KTR2 CO reported to Col. Simelius. I/KTR2 shall be the support artillery Btn for JR4.
19.15hrs Marching order to Maj. Holopainen: Start marching 20.00hrs for the terrain E of Vieljärvi. I Btn to act as the reserve for 8.D.
19.25hrs II Btn march start delayed until I Btn has passed II Btn to their camping area.
20.15hrs
Report from III Btn:
Russki managed to create breakthrough in the direction of the road. Battle raging in the village. Tanks have not participated in the battle but they keep firing at our positions from the opposite shore. Rocket guns involved in fighting. Lt. Rummukainen, 10.Coy has been killed.
20.50hrs Capt Hannula reported that it has not been possible to stop the breakthrough.
20.50hrs Col Simelius informed Col.Lt. Pietarinen of the abovementioned.
20.55hrs II Btn elements on their way down. Must try to hold the enemy on the lake isthmus behind Hannila's line. If that does not hold they must be stopped at least on the S perimerter of Varloi village.
21.45hrs Lt. Vainionmäki set out to take an order to Airila to get positions on the said lake isthmus.
21.45hrs Maj. Mattila was ordered to assemble the troops there and secure the terrain point abt. 4km W of Varloi village. Tied.os/8D and Jaeger Platoon/JR4 stay to secure.
In extenuating case shall withdraw to NE using the Vieljärvi road .
Maj. Mattila shall contact the neighbour to the right and inform them on the grouping changes on this sector.
21.45hrs Col. Simelius reported on the abovementioned action taken to 8.D HQ. (EP)
23.50hrs Russki attaked with great force at so called “ lake breakoff point” III Btn yielded. 5. and 6. Coys of II Btn that had started the march to aid III Btn were ordered during the march to turn back at once to the S perimeter of Varloi village and set up defence there.
III Btn withdrew delaying through the defence (line) of II Btn.
The reason of III Btn yielding after yesterday's valiant battling when they saved the day after I and II Btns had become confused can said to be that the men had been continuously marching and fighting nights and days. One must wonder how the men have withstood it this well.
Surgeon Lt. Vuorinen, E transferred on 29.6.form III/JR4 to 5. SotaS
2nd Lt Niemenlehto transferred from HTK 3 to II/JR4

30.6.44
02.45hrs Commander arrived at the next command post about 16 km N of Varloi village from the temporary command post ( N perimeter of Varloi village)
A little before moving he gave Kapt. Hannila personally spoken order that he should assemble III Btn and march them to the S perimeter of Paunila village where the Btn is to set up defences.
03.30hrs Col.Lt. Airila reported to Col. Simelius that II Btn was grouped and ready.
08.00hrs Command units moved to Regimental supply area abt 10km W of Vieljärvi village.
12.00hrs Report from II Brn: 5 tanks destroyed at the S perimeter of Varloi village.
13.00hrs Col Simelius was ordered by Gen.Lt. Kääriäinen to report in the Aunus Group HQ . The commander took along Capts Seilamo and Luoto and Lts. Lindman and Kuhlefelt. He handed over the command of JR4 to Col.Lt. Airila.
Russki air attacks on Äänislinna road.
Weather very warm and oppressive.
10.00hrs Varloi village almost entirely in Russki hands. 6.Coy holding delay positions on the N perimeter of the village.
13.00Command units mofed to the terrain E of Palalahti village

15.00hrs Capt. Pontus returned from his work furlough.
23.30hrs Col.Lt. Airila arrived at the new command post to be the deputy commander.
2nd Lt Leppänen transferred on 30.6.from III/JR4 to (20?) SotaS
24.00 II/JR45 subjected to JR4.

To be continued.
37

[subskipper]

Back home after a looooong day, and seeing your post; Excellent!

[Lotvonen]

JR4, HQ WD continued.

SECRET
JR 4 strength 30.6.44
Oufit* HQ/JR4 * 13./JR4 * 14./JR4 * I/JR4 * II/JR4 * III/JR4 * JR4 total*
Nominal 20.58.185. _6.31.116. *6.26.115. *35.127.796. *32.134.763. *32.136.726. *131.512.2699=
In rolls 19.52.179. _5.31.109. *5.19.104. *33.111.682. *26.110.678. *28.112.639. *116.435.2391=
Fighting 12.35.155. _5.26.94. *5.13.68. *33.85.563. *26.73.559. *28.78.487. *109.310.1926=

The right edge of the table was cut off in the original. Hoping you are able to decipher the data. Of course the key is Off.+NCO+men.

Date 1.7.44
06.30hrs Tech. Maj. Aho of Aun.R. (Aunus Group) relayed a message from the Commander ordering the Rgt to build a par of the cart road to Kolatselkä ( protected road ) (??)
II, III,(Btns) , 13.Coy and 14.Coy started road work after breakfast
14.00hrs Furious Russki air attack against a column on the main road. In this attack were wounded among others from our 15.Coy 3 man among whom Lt. Pellinen.
Due to Col.Simelius being posted (out) Col.Lt. Airila took over the duties of CO. II Btn CO Capt. Tenko, 11.Coy CO Capt. Salmi and 5.Coy CO Capt. Pöntys.
23.00hrs I Btn battle units arrived at their camp area 3km from Palalahti village to Suurmäki.
24.00hrs The protected road to Kolatselkä completed.
Apt. Touko, R. transferred from III/JR4 to II/JR4
2nd Lt. Kero, E. from I/JR4 to 10. SotaS (=hospitalized).

Date 2.7.44
02.30hrs Capt. Hannila received instrucrtions from CO concerning the III Btn moving tomorrow.
05.10hrs Recived 8.D. Ordesr no. 682/III/1.7.44 including e.g. the future grouping of JR4 at Suurmäki-Palalahti direction. Order as appendix to the diary.
02.00hrs Rgr. Command units arrived at the new command post situated abt 6km S of Palalahti at the road to Suurimäki.
04.00hrs Report to 8.D: HQ:
I Btn fighting parts arrived at the defined area at 23.00hrs
Rgt. Command units arrived at the defined place 02.00hrs
14.30hrs Aerial recce results from 8.D:
Period 09.55-10-35hrs
Road Orusjärvi- Murtojärvi: at Murtojärvi 3 lorries full of men heading NW.
Road Orusjärvi- Kanatro – Suurmäki 2km NW from Niemenkylä leading units of infantry heading NW. 7km NW from Niemenkylä leading tanks. From inf. Leading units to tank leading units plenty of campfire smokes.
Road Suurijärvi – Palalahti between Ruokokoski and Mätöset 3 truck full of men heading N.
02.00hrs Posting of Col. Simelius and his officers ended . The Commander took over the regiment from Col. Lt. Airila who was given the command of I/JR8, Er.P. 18 constituting Os. Airila.
14.45hrs Radiophone call from Capt. Pöntys (5.Coy) that are on the E shore of Pertjärvi lake in “Muk” terrain. When “Muk” terrain was being taken over Russki attacked the same terrain. Capt. Pöntys asked for supoort which Col Simelius promised, and told to hold the positions.
Kev.Psto10 loaned 4 lorries to transport 7.Coy to assist 5.Coy.
16.00hrs Situation report to 8.D: HQ:
“14.45hrs battle in terrain manned by 5.Coy, N12-50, E66-20
7.Coyo sent to assist
IIIBtn arrived at 15.00.”
16.30hrs (Enemy! Tr.rem.) Patrol shipped in two boats landed in the terrain of N78-50 S of the lake next to the road. Women included in the patrol. 5 Russkies destroyed. The rest are being pursued.
17.00hrs Maj. Holopainen reported to the Commander.
17.15hrs More information of the battle in Pöntys' direction
Russki patrol equipped ith a MG penetrated in the “Muk” promontory and was destroyed.
At abt. 16.30-17.00hrs a Russki patrol penetrated ober the Pöntys w waterway in terrain Pt 76-40. Patrol repulsed.
Abt 17.15hrs another Russki patrol penetrated in NE of “Muk” terrain. Pöntys' Coy losses incl. 3 KIA and 5 WIA.
17.55hrs Capt Honkala relayed the following order to Capt. Tenho:
Rest of II Btn to march to “Punainen raja” village (=” red limit”).
8.D: HQ order no. 682/III/1.7.44. In the appendix as no. 19.
(new page)
and to secure the W flank of the Rgt. Sector. Bridges must be blown up. Oen Engineer platoon will be subjected to Tenho. Securing to “Kanatro” direction. Also one platoon of 14.Coy shall be subjected to II Btn.
19.15hrs Capt. Väisänen of Pion.P.22 reported to the Commander. His Coy is subjected to JR4.
20.00hrs Supply commander reported that the Regiment has received weapons material as follows: To 11.Coy 112 belt cans and 10 LMG mag cans to offset the losses of 28.6. battles
21.20hrs Det. Airila reports:
Russki cut the road in pt. 78,5 terrain by abt one Coy. Airila has ordered his outfit (sic!)
Capt. Pöntys, A. from Oulu CG district (“SKP”) to III/JR8
(new page)

3.7.44
00.50hrs Report fron II Btn:
“Pöntys has been forced by the Russki pressure to withdraw to the forest line abt 3km N of rthe promontory tip. Manning at the moment:
Pöntys: from the E edge of the promontory along the forest line to SW (unclear)
Forss: on the same forest line via pt 76.4 to NW across the brook about 700m veering N along the W edge of the ridge. Patrolling to the directions of the “Kanabro”(?) and N up to Konkala securing positions W of the lake line.
Konkala: Securing Karmelitsa village at the roads from W and SW with fixed battle foreposts situated about 4km off. Also patrolling to the direction of Kanabro . Dug in positions W and N of Karmelitsa village.
Russki advance for now S of the promontory is stopped. Russkis have not been found in other places.
No contact with Elomaa yet.
04.00hrs Capt Tenhola reported:
Our patrol found Russkies in Kanabro village.
Patrolling to be continued effectively. Else the Btn is all right except radio connection is very poor, equipment too weak for a distance this long.
In the appendix JR4 4 TT (?) report no. 812 date 16.6.-30.6.44 Appendix no, 20


To be continued.
46)

[John Hilly]

Pz.Jaeger Salmela, Vilho
Destroyed one tank with “psk”(45mm AT gun?)

Psk is Panssarinkauhu, Panzerschreck.

With best, J-P

[subskipper]

Thank you Lotvonen! And J-P for the clarification.

[Lotvonen]

JR4, HQ WD continued.

(New page)

21.20hrs Det. Airila reports:
Russki cut the road off in pt. 78,5 terrain by abt one Coy. Airila has ordered his outfit (sic!)
withdraw through (rough) terrain.
3.7.(44)03.00hrs
Capt Hannula reported:
Abt a Coy of Russkies attacaking W of the main road. Attack repulsed.
4.50hrs Situation report to 8.D HQ:
Pöntys front line now N pf Pertjärvi on line pt.76.4 in terrain
Tenho on the “red line”, reconnoitring both SW and SE to a distance of 3 to 4 km.
Elomaa section quiet.
In front of Hannila's positions there is lively movement in the direction of the main road. Sounds of tank heard.
05.35hrs Report from III Btn:
2 tanks showed up at main road. They were fired at and they left. Immediately after that Russki attack started.
06.20hrs Capt Hannila requested rifle and SMG ammo that was delivered with an AJp lorry that was in Rgt. HQ. 81 mm shells unavailable in the AJp .
06.45hrs According to an artillery report breakthrough is a fact. There ares Russkies “like sand on a beach.”
06.50hrs Col. Simelius reported this to Gen. Kääriäinen.
07.00hrs 2 tanks destroyed.
Btn Elomaa's 2 platoons preparing to counterstrike in Hannila's direction.
07.30hrs Due to tough pressure had to withdraw in the direction of the main road to the brook line running through the village.
07.55hrs Capt. Hanniola reported that he is unable to hold the present positions. The Btn has withdrawn N of the village open. There is an extremely large number of Russkies.
08.00hrs Col .Simelius reported this to Gen. Kääriäinen.
Col.Lt. Airila was ordered via Lt. Vainionmäki to assemble whatever men he can take out of his both Btns and try to stop the Russki advance at Hannila's section.
12.00hrs Russki stopped at Koivuselkä on the forest line that crosses the main road from W to E.
14.05hrs Report from front line that more than a Btn of Russkies marching W from Koivuselkä village.
14.06hrs Report from I/JR4:
Leading units S of the word “Muk”NE of Koivuselkä. Contact with Russki.
I requested artillery fire and got it.
Artillery shelled the enemy marching columns in Koivuselkä village.
14:55hrs Engineers 1+1+15 reported to the Commander. Ordered to set up a block at the main road .The bridge at “Muk” word to be blown up and firewood piles along the road to be torched.
15.00hrs General situation of Btn Tenho (II/JR4) and Btn Elomaa(II/JR4):
5./JR4 securing at “red line”. Two of Elomaa's Coys to outflank: at first (marching) 1 ½ km N of Tienhaara , from therer 2 ½ km E where the Coys split from each other, one heading right to S. To attack the rear of the Russkies that are facing Coy. Forss (Forss 7./JR4 fighting on the high hill at the road). The other Coy to continue SE to strike in Koivuselkä village.
16.00hrs Situation report to 8.D HQ on the present grouping and action.
Lt. Olsson/Lt. Kannus
Weather has during the last days been very hot and suffocoating. No rain for several days.
17.00hrs Radioed message from II/JR4:
Abt. 1 ½ km W of Koivuselkä village “tsasovna” Russki columns. Artillery fire was directed at them.
Forss in battle in the previous place.
Lt. Gallen 1./JR4 CO KIA, Lt. Survo ordered to replace hm.
3.Coy crossed the brook and headed for Koivuselkä village. 1.Coy following them. In terrain N of the bridge there are bush Russkies which II Btn swept.
18.30hrs Maj. Holopainen reported that he is unable to advance any more S of the bridge. Russki have strongly secured N side of Koivuselkä village.
18.50hrs Report from II/JR4:
Abt. 60 Russki crossed the waterway from W to E at “Red line” . There is a Russki patrol in the rear of the II/JR4 Coy that is outflanking.
19.15hrs Gen. Kääriäinen gave permission to JR4 troops to disengage at Col. Simelius' request.
19.25hrs Report from I Btn:
Russki battle outfit crossed the brook NE of Koivuselkä and advancing in the direction of Pt. 75,8
19.50hrs Runners set out to deliver disengaging orders. To Col.Lt. Airila, Maj. Holopainen and Capt. Hannila.
Airila was ordered to disengage without delaly and withdraw toward Kolatselkä on the cart road.
Hannila was ordered to follow Airila on the same road.
Holopainen was ordered to remain delaying at the main road direction.
(new page)
Each Btn must independently take care of the artillery and heavy mortar F.O.O. Teams and all subjected weapons.
19.55hrs Disengagement order transmitted by radio to Maj. Elomaa and Capt. Tenho.
20.30hrs Order from 8.D HQ EP concerning disengagement:
II/JR4 and Er.P.18 are subjected to JR45. I/JR8 to join their own Division.4
19.55hrs Disengagement order to Maj. Elomaa and Capt. Tenho was this:
Tenho and Elomaa shall withdraw to line 30-00, from there Elomaa to continue N. Tenho stays to delay starting from the said line.
20.45hrs Elomaa reports:
As the Coy arrived at the terrain N of Koivuselkä there was a strong Russki presence that had to be engaged. About 25 Russkies fell.
22.30hrs II/JR4 1.Coy passed receiving positions S of Palalahti village.
22.30hrs Er.P.18/8 passed JR8 receiving positions at the main road.
22.40hrs I/JR8 passed the said positions.
21.30hrs Command post moved from Suurmäki roadside to Palalahti village

To be continued.