Date 8.2.1940
04.55hrs Er.P.3 CO alerted the Company and ordered to be in standby to set out to AT action at the Summa sector.
05.35hrs The Company received orders from the CO of Er.P.3 to move to the Summa sector to the same spot on the Support line as on the 5th Feb. II and IV Platoons that were present set out led by the Coy CO on lorries to the ordered objective. The Company was again ordered in reserve on the Support line, the men were placed in the dugouts. The morning meal was brought to the Company with horses by the order of the Coy CO. The Company did not see action.
16.00hrs Situation report to Er.P.3. Several a/c in the air above the cantonment area, else nothing special. Platoon Puhtimäki was securing the first line. Platoon Pitkäpaasi was securing at the AT positions.
22.15hrs Coy CO ordered by phone to send lorries to get the Platoons back from the Summa sector.
2./Er.P.3 in the Winter War: a War Diary
Re: 2./Er.P.3 in the Winter War: a War Diary
Hours as in the original.
Date 9.2.1940
01.25hrs Platoons returned to the cantonment led by the Coy CO. Heavy artillery fire at our cantonment all day. The Platoons in the first line were in AT securing duty.
22.15hrs The Coy Co and Res.2nd Lts Pusa and Pitkämäki set out to the CP of JR8 to be instructed more in detail on carrying out “Kalastus” They also carried out terrain reconnoitering at the Support line. The Company received orders to start on the 10.2. starting at 23hrs relieving with three Platoons (One held still in AT duty in the first line) the Company at the Munasuo bog.
08.45hrs Btn CO order: Company to be in the standby for AT duty either on the Summa or Lähde sectors.
16.00hrs Situation report to Er.P.3. Several a/c in the air above our cantonment area and several artillery barrages at the cantonmen area.
21.10hrs Platoon Pitkäpaasi returned from the Merkki sector to the Coy as ordered by the 8.D.
Date 9.2.1940
01.25hrs Platoons returned to the cantonment led by the Coy CO. Heavy artillery fire at our cantonment all day. The Platoons in the first line were in AT securing duty.
22.15hrs The Coy Co and Res.2nd Lts Pusa and Pitkämäki set out to the CP of JR8 to be instructed more in detail on carrying out “Kalastus” They also carried out terrain reconnoitering at the Support line. The Company received orders to start on the 10.2. starting at 23hrs relieving with three Platoons (One held still in AT duty in the first line) the Company at the Munasuo bog.
08.45hrs Btn CO order: Company to be in the standby for AT duty either on the Summa or Lähde sectors.
16.00hrs Situation report to Er.P.3. Several a/c in the air above our cantonment area and several artillery barrages at the cantonmen area.
21.10hrs Platoon Pitkäpaasi returned from the Merkki sector to the Coy as ordered by the 8.D.
Re: 2./Er.P.3 in the Winter War: a War Diary
The enemy managed to break into the first line at Munasuo and consolidate their gain.
Date 10.2.1940
04.00hrs Coy CO returned with the Platoon leaders from terrain reconnoitering at the Support line.
05.30hr 3.D order no.19 on supplying. Appx. 28, not available.
12.35hrs By Div.order the III Platoon was sent back to the Merkki sector for AT duty.
12.45hrs Coy CO contacted JR8 CO to report on the situation whereby the JR8 CO ordered to initially carry out the "Kalastus" with one platoon. Coy CO sick (high fever).
16.00hrs Situation report. Several a/c in the air above our cantonment area, bombing at the direction of the road.
22.00hrs II Platoon set out for "Kalastus" to the Support line. At the same time IV Platoon (Pitkänen) set out to relieve I Platoon in the first line at Lähde sector.
23.00hrs Coy CO was ordered to arrive at thr CP of ER.P.3 to report on his activities. The Coy CO responded that he was in a weak condition but would be coming nevertheless.
Date 10.2.1940
04.00hrs Coy CO returned with the Platoon leaders from terrain reconnoitering at the Support line.
05.30hr 3.D order no.19 on supplying. Appx. 28, not available.
12.35hrs By Div.order the III Platoon was sent back to the Merkki sector for AT duty.
12.45hrs Coy CO contacted JR8 CO to report on the situation whereby the JR8 CO ordered to initially carry out the "Kalastus" with one platoon. Coy CO sick (high fever).
16.00hrs Situation report. Several a/c in the air above our cantonment area, bombing at the direction of the road.
22.00hrs II Platoon set out for "Kalastus" to the Support line. At the same time IV Platoon (Pitkänen) set out to relieve I Platoon in the first line at Lähde sector.
23.00hrs Coy CO was ordered to arrive at thr CP of ER.P.3 to report on his activities. The Coy CO responded that he was in a weak condition but would be coming nevertheless.
Re: 2./Er.P.3 in the Winter War: a War Diary
Enemy artillery starts an unprecedented artillery fire at 08.40hrs at the sector defended by 3.D.
At the Lähde sector the enemy creates a breakthrough and advances to the Support line. Counterattacks by Finnish reserves do not have effect.
Date 11.2.1940
01.30hrs IV Platoon relieved the I Platoon in the first line and I Platoon arrived at their protected position.
13.00hrs The Battalion reported by phone that enemy tanks had penetrated through the Main defence line and issued an order to move the I Platoon to AT duty to the Support line immediately.
14.30hrs The Battalion reported by phone that I Platoon had met between the Lähde crossroads and Support line men who told that the men in the first line have disengaged and retreating in the direction of the Kaukjärvi-Kämärä road. (Fort) Poppius has been abandoned at 11.00hrs and several MG s have been destroyed. I Platoon continued their advance to the Support line.
18.00hrs Pitkäpaasi reported: Men in AT foxholes, tanks have not been seen.
21.15hrs 50 satchel charges were sent to the platoons in the front and to the !st Coy by the order of the Battalion 35pcs. Platoon Puhtimäki was in the AT foxholes behind the support line all day.
Pitkäpaasi reported that part of his Platoon are in the AT foxholes at the level of the Mortal dugout and there are 10 tanks between Poppius and them. The tanks did not come to the Support line. Enemy artillery fire has been intense all day.
At the Lähde sector the enemy creates a breakthrough and advances to the Support line. Counterattacks by Finnish reserves do not have effect.
Date 11.2.1940
01.30hrs IV Platoon relieved the I Platoon in the first line and I Platoon arrived at their protected position.
13.00hrs The Battalion reported by phone that enemy tanks had penetrated through the Main defence line and issued an order to move the I Platoon to AT duty to the Support line immediately.
14.30hrs The Battalion reported by phone that I Platoon had met between the Lähde crossroads and Support line men who told that the men in the first line have disengaged and retreating in the direction of the Kaukjärvi-Kämärä road. (Fort) Poppius has been abandoned at 11.00hrs and several MG s have been destroyed. I Platoon continued their advance to the Support line.
18.00hrs Pitkäpaasi reported: Men in AT foxholes, tanks have not been seen.
21.15hrs 50 satchel charges were sent to the platoons in the front and to the !st Coy by the order of the Battalion 35pcs. Platoon Puhtimäki was in the AT foxholes behind the support line all day.
Pitkäpaasi reported that part of his Platoon are in the AT foxholes at the level of the Mortal dugout and there are 10 tanks between Poppius and them. The tanks did not come to the Support line. Enemy artillery fire has been intense all day.
Re: 2./Er.P.3 in the Winter War: a War Diary
Note the amended enemy tank tactics.
Date 12.2.1940
06.30hrs Capt. Oksanen gave order to his troops to retreat to the Support line, and Platoon Pitkänen was ordered to retreat behind the Support line and liaise with Col. Lt. Vaala.
10.30hrs Col. Lt. Vaala ordered the Platoons to return to the cantonment for rest.
13.00hrs Some of Pitkänen's men arrived at the cantonment. Pitkänen himself remained waiting for his missing men
15.00hrs Platoon Puhtimäki returned to the cantonment.
16.35hrs Btn CO order: Platoons at once to the support line for their AT duty. Lorries out of order, skis to be used.
17.30hrs Platoons are in the AT foxholes behind the Support line.
20.00hrs Platoon Pitkänen arrived at the cantonment by the order of Col. Lt. Vaala. 4 men were missing, one KIA, 3 most likely taken prisoners in Poppius or killed there.
21.20hrs Puhtimäki returned from the first line having fallen sick. Enemy tanks were in front of the Support line from where they fired at the positions and the road. It was not possible to approach the tanks to destroy them with satchel charges.
22.30hrs Pitkänen set out as replacement to Puhtimäki, taking with him some of the men who had returned from Field Dressing Station no.1
22.35hrs Telephone connection with Pitkäpaasi established, he reported that nothing special had happened.
During 11 to 12 February one man KIA. Missing 1 NCO, 2 men, sick 19.
Date 12.2.1940
06.30hrs Capt. Oksanen gave order to his troops to retreat to the Support line, and Platoon Pitkänen was ordered to retreat behind the Support line and liaise with Col. Lt. Vaala.
10.30hrs Col. Lt. Vaala ordered the Platoons to return to the cantonment for rest.
13.00hrs Some of Pitkänen's men arrived at the cantonment. Pitkänen himself remained waiting for his missing men
15.00hrs Platoon Puhtimäki returned to the cantonment.
16.35hrs Btn CO order: Platoons at once to the support line for their AT duty. Lorries out of order, skis to be used.
17.30hrs Platoons are in the AT foxholes behind the Support line.
20.00hrs Platoon Pitkänen arrived at the cantonment by the order of Col. Lt. Vaala. 4 men were missing, one KIA, 3 most likely taken prisoners in Poppius or killed there.
21.20hrs Puhtimäki returned from the first line having fallen sick. Enemy tanks were in front of the Support line from where they fired at the positions and the road. It was not possible to approach the tanks to destroy them with satchel charges.
22.30hrs Pitkänen set out as replacement to Puhtimäki, taking with him some of the men who had returned from Field Dressing Station no.1
22.35hrs Telephone connection with Pitkäpaasi established, he reported that nothing special had happened.
During 11 to 12 February one man KIA. Missing 1 NCO, 2 men, sick 19.
Re: 2./Er.P.3 in the Winter War: a War Diary
The enemy breakthrough is consolidated using tanks.
Date 13.2.1940
0.15hrs Pusa reported via food carrier that he had participated during the (previous) day in fighting and (trench) rolling.
07.00hrs By the order of Col.Lt. Vaala – all but one Squad of each Platoon had spent the night in the accommodation dugouts of JR13 – the men went into the AT foxholes at the road some 1 1/2 km behind the support line.
Some enemy tanks drove through the Support line, stopped and stayed there to fire at the road and its surroundings. It was not possible to get to destroy them with satchel charges.
The Platoons returned from the front line to the cantonment tired out. Pitkänen remained at disposal for Col.Lt. Vaala.
Casualties: Fallen, 1 NCO, wounded, 1 NCO.
20.00hrs Coy CO sent a patrol to liaise with Col.Lt. Vaala to learn about the situation. Platoon Pitkäpaasi could not be contacted by phone but the CO of the front section informed that there is nothing special (going on)
24.00hrs The patrol returned reporting that our troops still find themselves on the Support line. Enemy tanks did not succeed in breaching the Support line. A counterattack is being prepared. All day there were enemy a/c in the air and they bombed the cantonment area and its surroundings.
Date 13.2.1940
0.15hrs Pusa reported via food carrier that he had participated during the (previous) day in fighting and (trench) rolling.
07.00hrs By the order of Col.Lt. Vaala – all but one Squad of each Platoon had spent the night in the accommodation dugouts of JR13 – the men went into the AT foxholes at the road some 1 1/2 km behind the support line.
Some enemy tanks drove through the Support line, stopped and stayed there to fire at the road and its surroundings. It was not possible to get to destroy them with satchel charges.
The Platoons returned from the front line to the cantonment tired out. Pitkänen remained at disposal for Col.Lt. Vaala.
Casualties: Fallen, 1 NCO, wounded, 1 NCO.
20.00hrs Coy CO sent a patrol to liaise with Col.Lt. Vaala to learn about the situation. Platoon Pitkäpaasi could not be contacted by phone but the CO of the front section informed that there is nothing special (going on)
24.00hrs The patrol returned reporting that our troops still find themselves on the Support line. Enemy tanks did not succeed in breaching the Support line. A counterattack is being prepared. All day there were enemy a/c in the air and they bombed the cantonment area and its surroundings.
Re: 2./Er.P.3 in the Winter War: a War Diary
The defender evacuates the Main defence line at Summa and the Support Line at Lähde. The enemy does not press on at Lähde, allowing the defender to reorganize the troops.
Date 14.2.1940
01.00hrs Order from the Battalion to set an AT securing at the Kämärä road immediately. At the point 700m NW from the Lakusuo “L” in standby.
05.30hrs Btn CO order: Platoons at once to AT action at the main road at the level of the CP of Col.Lt. Vaala. The Coy CO fainted on the road, he was disabled, so the platoons set out led by Puhtimäki.
07.30hrs Coy CO was taken to the Field dressing station with a car.
08.20hrs The Platoons returned back to the cantonment by order of Col.Lt. Vaala. The Platoons did not engage in AT action. Res. 2nd Lt. Pitkänen also returned to the Company.
09.30hrs Order from Battalion by phone: The Company must be ready to march with the baggage train any moment.
17.15hrs Res.Lt. Puhtimäki sent a patrol to liaise with the troop in the front line.
18.30hrs The patrol returned, reporting that enemy tanks had cut the road to the CP of Col. Lt. Vaala. This information was relayed to the Battalion.
20.30hrs Company CO returned from the Field Dressing Station.
21.15hrs Coy CO sent a patrol to find out about the situation in the front line by the troop there.
21.30hrs Coy CO ordered the Sgt.-Maj. to reconnoiter a new place for the baggage train at the Huumola-Kämärä road.
22.00hrs Coy CO set out himself to liaise with the troop in the front line.
Date 14.2.1940
01.00hrs Order from the Battalion to set an AT securing at the Kämärä road immediately. At the point 700m NW from the Lakusuo “L” in standby.
05.30hrs Btn CO order: Platoons at once to AT action at the main road at the level of the CP of Col.Lt. Vaala. The Coy CO fainted on the road, he was disabled, so the platoons set out led by Puhtimäki.
07.30hrs Coy CO was taken to the Field dressing station with a car.
08.20hrs The Platoons returned back to the cantonment by order of Col.Lt. Vaala. The Platoons did not engage in AT action. Res. 2nd Lt. Pitkänen also returned to the Company.
09.30hrs Order from Battalion by phone: The Company must be ready to march with the baggage train any moment.
17.15hrs Res.Lt. Puhtimäki sent a patrol to liaise with the troop in the front line.
18.30hrs The patrol returned, reporting that enemy tanks had cut the road to the CP of Col. Lt. Vaala. This information was relayed to the Battalion.
20.30hrs Company CO returned from the Field Dressing Station.
21.15hrs Coy CO sent a patrol to find out about the situation in the front line by the troop there.
21.30hrs Coy CO ordered the Sgt.-Maj. to reconnoiter a new place for the baggage train at the Huumola-Kämärä road.
22.00hrs Coy CO set out himself to liaise with the troop in the front line.
Re: 2./Er.P.3 in the Winter War: a War Diary
In the morning the enemy has started heavy shelling at the Lähde road. In the afternoon the enemy breaks the defender's line and occupies the terrain at the Lähde crossroads. The enemy breakthrough is 2 to 3 km wide and 6km deep. II AC troops are going to be pulled back to the Intermediate position.
Date 15.2.1940
00.15hrs Coy CO returned from the first line and telephoned his situation report to the Battalion
Platoon Pitkäpaasi is out of contact, bccause they were reported to have disengaged in the direction of Kämärä.
02.00hrs The patrol returned and reported that they had liaised with Col.Lt. Vaala and the situation is as before.
05.00hrs The baggage train, except ammunition sledges and satchel charge lorries, moved to the side of the Huumola-Kämärä road.
10.00hrs Enemy a/c bombed several times the cantonment area and surroundings. Bombardment was without results.
11.30hrs Battalion order: The Company to move at once to the Btn command post where new orders shall be issued.
14.05hrs The Company (except Platoons Pusa and Pitkäpaasi) arrived at the ordered point. Enemy a/c had constantly harassed their march.
15.00hrs Platoon Puhtimäki was hastily transferred back to the Kämärä-Kaukjärvi road by the order of the Btn CO to the tank hindrance line at the level of Kultakumpu to secure the said road.
The rest of the Company was ordered to get accommodated in dugouts or tents at the road to Autio in Huumola village, about 1km N.
18.30hrs Baggage train set out to the Battalion supply point at the Huumola-Kämärä road.
19.00hrs Platoon Puhtimäki returned to the Company, they had not been in AT action.
19.05hrs The Company received spoken order from the Btn CO to set up AT positions at Autti in Huumola, and plan for AT mining which sappers shall later implement.
19.30hrs The platoons set out to the front line and the Coy CO and Platoon leaders to reconnoiter no-man's land.
21.00hrs Baggage train except ammunition sleds set out to the Rajakorpi terrain at the Summa-Viipuri road.
21.30hrs Coy CO with the Platoon Leaders returned from the terrain reconnoitering. The Platoons had in the meanwhile dug AT foxholes at the ordered places in the terrain.
AT securing was set up for the night. The rest of the men were placed in two dugouts that actually were just holes in the ground.
Date 15.2.1940
00.15hrs Coy CO returned from the first line and telephoned his situation report to the Battalion
Platoon Pitkäpaasi is out of contact, bccause they were reported to have disengaged in the direction of Kämärä.
02.00hrs The patrol returned and reported that they had liaised with Col.Lt. Vaala and the situation is as before.
05.00hrs The baggage train, except ammunition sledges and satchel charge lorries, moved to the side of the Huumola-Kämärä road.
10.00hrs Enemy a/c bombed several times the cantonment area and surroundings. Bombardment was without results.
11.30hrs Battalion order: The Company to move at once to the Btn command post where new orders shall be issued.
14.05hrs The Company (except Platoons Pusa and Pitkäpaasi) arrived at the ordered point. Enemy a/c had constantly harassed their march.
15.00hrs Platoon Puhtimäki was hastily transferred back to the Kämärä-Kaukjärvi road by the order of the Btn CO to the tank hindrance line at the level of Kultakumpu to secure the said road.
The rest of the Company was ordered to get accommodated in dugouts or tents at the road to Autio in Huumola village, about 1km N.
18.30hrs Baggage train set out to the Battalion supply point at the Huumola-Kämärä road.
19.00hrs Platoon Puhtimäki returned to the Company, they had not been in AT action.
19.05hrs The Company received spoken order from the Btn CO to set up AT positions at Autti in Huumola, and plan for AT mining which sappers shall later implement.
19.30hrs The platoons set out to the front line and the Coy CO and Platoon leaders to reconnoiter no-man's land.
21.00hrs Baggage train except ammunition sleds set out to the Rajakorpi terrain at the Summa-Viipuri road.
21.30hrs Coy CO with the Platoon Leaders returned from the terrain reconnoitering. The Platoons had in the meanwhile dug AT foxholes at the ordered places in the terrain.
AT securing was set up for the night. The rest of the men were placed in two dugouts that actually were just holes in the ground.
Re: 2./Er.P.3 in the Winter War: a War Diary
Defender's troops are being pulled to the Intermediate defence line, which is still being dug.
AT rifles mentioned. Probably British Boys weapons.
Date 16.2.1940
02.30hrs As the sappers failed to turn up the Company carried out the mining (25 box mines) and reported this to the Battalion.
03.00hrs Platoon Pitkäpaasi arrived at the Company reporting that the Platoon had on 14.2. about 18.00hrs disengaged and withdrawn with JR9 to Kiltee where on 14.2. at 23.00hrs they received orders to return to the Company. As they had learned that Kultakumpu was cut off by enemy tanks the Platoon had headed for Honkaniemi from where they left the Food delivery point together with the food supply column of an artillery battalion on 15.2. at 23 hrs for the Company. The Platoon had on 14.2. , using AT rifles, destroyed 3 tanks (light ones).
07.30hrs Company set up AT securing to E because it had been reported that enemy tanks were roving on the fields E of Majainen and at Kultakumpu.
11.00hrs Company received orders to start retreating to the terrain of Rajakorpi to the baggage train. Two Platoons were to disengage simultaneously with the main elements of JR13 and one Platoon with the rearguard of JR13.
14.00hrs Company received orders to secure the Majainen bridge on the Huumola-Kämärä road because enemy tanks had managed to break through to the Kämärä station. Platoon Puhtimäki was ordered to securing and ordered, after the troops had withdrawn over the Huumola-Kämärä road, to join the Company.
15.45hrs Ammunition sledges and Platoon Pitkäpaasi set out to withdraw to Rajakorpi.
16.00hrs Admin squad and the Company CO left for Rajakorpi.
18.05hrs Admin squad and Platoon Pitkäpaasi were in Rajakorpi where they were ordered to continue to Autio in Korpela.
19.00hrs Arrival at Autio in Korpela where houses were used for cantonment.
21.00hrs Company received orders to move to Uusisoppi next morning where they were to set up tents.
AT rifles mentioned. Probably British Boys weapons.
Date 16.2.1940
02.30hrs As the sappers failed to turn up the Company carried out the mining (25 box mines) and reported this to the Battalion.
03.00hrs Platoon Pitkäpaasi arrived at the Company reporting that the Platoon had on 14.2. about 18.00hrs disengaged and withdrawn with JR9 to Kiltee where on 14.2. at 23.00hrs they received orders to return to the Company. As they had learned that Kultakumpu was cut off by enemy tanks the Platoon had headed for Honkaniemi from where they left the Food delivery point together with the food supply column of an artillery battalion on 15.2. at 23 hrs for the Company. The Platoon had on 14.2. , using AT rifles, destroyed 3 tanks (light ones).
07.30hrs Company set up AT securing to E because it had been reported that enemy tanks were roving on the fields E of Majainen and at Kultakumpu.
11.00hrs Company received orders to start retreating to the terrain of Rajakorpi to the baggage train. Two Platoons were to disengage simultaneously with the main elements of JR13 and one Platoon with the rearguard of JR13.
14.00hrs Company received orders to secure the Majainen bridge on the Huumola-Kämärä road because enemy tanks had managed to break through to the Kämärä station. Platoon Puhtimäki was ordered to securing and ordered, after the troops had withdrawn over the Huumola-Kämärä road, to join the Company.
15.45hrs Ammunition sledges and Platoon Pitkäpaasi set out to withdraw to Rajakorpi.
16.00hrs Admin squad and the Company CO left for Rajakorpi.
18.05hrs Admin squad and Platoon Pitkäpaasi were in Rajakorpi where they were ordered to continue to Autio in Korpela.
19.00hrs Arrival at Autio in Korpela where houses were used for cantonment.
21.00hrs Company received orders to move to Uusisoppi next morning where they were to set up tents.
Re: 2./Er.P.3 in the Winter War: a War Diary
There seems to be some confusion during the retreat.
Date 17.2.1940
05.15hrs Company set out from Rajakorpi.
07.00hrs Company arrived at Uusisoppi and bivouacked.
20.00hrs The patrol sent by Puhtimäki arrived and reported that Platoon Pitkänen was in Säiniö.
21.00hrs Lorries were sent to get the platoons. Puhtimäki and Pitkänen reported that they had received orders from Col.Lt. Vaala to stay with the Regiment. They had arrived on 16.2. at 22.00hrs at Hepomäki where they had bivouacked. On 17.2. at 12.00hrs they had received orders to join the Company and since they were not informed about the whereabouts of the Company, the Platoons had moved to Säiniö from where they sent out reconnoitering .
No information about Platoon Pusa had been received in the Company.
Date 17.2.1940
05.15hrs Company set out from Rajakorpi.
07.00hrs Company arrived at Uusisoppi and bivouacked.
20.00hrs The patrol sent by Puhtimäki arrived and reported that Platoon Pitkänen was in Säiniö.
21.00hrs Lorries were sent to get the platoons. Puhtimäki and Pitkänen reported that they had received orders from Col.Lt. Vaala to stay with the Regiment. They had arrived on 16.2. at 22.00hrs at Hepomäki where they had bivouacked. On 17.2. at 12.00hrs they had received orders to join the Company and since they were not informed about the whereabouts of the Company, the Platoons had moved to Säiniö from where they sent out reconnoitering .
No information about Platoon Pusa had been received in the Company.
Re: 2./Er.P.3 in the Winter War: a War Diary
Withdrawal to the Intermediate line completed but heavy fighting going on. Rest and roll call for the Satchel Charge Company, they cannot be deployed against the tanks on open ground.
Date 18.2.1940
Company did not see action. Weapons cleaning and satchel charge maintenance. Lively enemy air activities. Battle strength 4+12+51
Date 18.2.1940
Company did not see action. Weapons cleaning and satchel charge maintenance. Lively enemy air activities. Battle strength 4+12+51
Re: 2./Er.P.3 in the Winter War: a War Diary
The enemy break through the Intermediate defenceline at Mustalampi, counterattacks by the defender fail due to lack of AT guns, artillery ammunition and experienced troops. Platoon Pusa is found.
Date 19.2.1940
Weapons maintenance continued.
14.00hrs Btn CO issued order to send one Platoon for AT action to Heponotko where they were to report to Col.Lt. Vaala. II Platoon (Pitkäpaasi) was sent on lorries for the said task, strength 1+2+18
23.00hrs Platoon Pusa was fetched with lorries from Juustila to the Company. Company battle strength now 5+16+73. II Platoon after disengaging at the Lähde sector had all the time been in the ranks of JR8.
Date 19.2.1940
Weapons maintenance continued.
14.00hrs Btn CO issued order to send one Platoon for AT action to Heponotko where they were to report to Col.Lt. Vaala. II Platoon (Pitkäpaasi) was sent on lorries for the said task, strength 1+2+18
23.00hrs Platoon Pusa was fetched with lorries from Juustila to the Company. Company battle strength now 5+16+73. II Platoon after disengaging at the Lähde sector had all the time been in the ranks of JR8.
Re: 2./Er.P.3 in the Winter War: a War Diary
Enemy breakthrough at Näykkijärvi expands.
Date 20.2.1940
The Company still in weapons and equipment maintenance.
14.00hrs Btn CO order to send at once one Platoon to AT duty to Honkaniemi where the local infantry commander shall provide detailed instructions. IV Platoon (Pitkänen) was ordered to set out on lorries at once to Honkaniemi, strength 1+1+12 .
18.00hrs The baggage train was ordered to move to the level of Säiniö, only the ammunition sleds were left in the Company. At the same time all lorries were taken under the Battalion command.
20.10hrs MG platoon Simonen was subordinated to the Company.
20.10hrs Btn CO ordered to relieve the III Platoon in Heponotko for rest.
20.30hrs Platoon Puhtimäki was ordered to relieve the III Platoon in Heponotko (I Platoon)
20.30hrs Enemy artillery barrage at the vicinity of the bivouack area, no casualties.
Date 20.2.1940
The Company still in weapons and equipment maintenance.
14.00hrs Btn CO order to send at once one Platoon to AT duty to Honkaniemi where the local infantry commander shall provide detailed instructions. IV Platoon (Pitkänen) was ordered to set out on lorries at once to Honkaniemi, strength 1+1+12 .
18.00hrs The baggage train was ordered to move to the level of Säiniö, only the ammunition sleds were left in the Company. At the same time all lorries were taken under the Battalion command.
20.10hrs MG platoon Simonen was subordinated to the Company.
20.10hrs Btn CO ordered to relieve the III Platoon in Heponotko for rest.
20.30hrs Platoon Puhtimäki was ordered to relieve the III Platoon in Heponotko (I Platoon)
20.30hrs Enemy artillery barrage at the vicinity of the bivouack area, no casualties.
Re: 2./Er.P.3 in the Winter War: a War Diary
Date 21.2.1940
05.30hrs Enemy artillery barrage at the vicinity of the bivouack area, no casualties. Cloudy weather. Company maintaining skis and equipment.
17.30hrs Enemy artillery barrage at the bivouack area, the Company in foxholes, no casualties.
17.55hrs Another artillery barrage, no casualties, only the CO tent was torn up and the car damaged by shell splinters.
18.00hrs By the order of the Btn CO the Company, to avoid unnecessary casualties the Company moved in the direction of the Viipuri road to the level of Säiniö where the baggage train is.
24.00hrs The Company is bivouacked in the new place, Platoons Pitkäpaasi and Pusa present, Pitkänen and Puhtimäki still in AT duty.
III Platoon, while in Heponotko, had been ordered to reconnoiter and destroy the tanks that had driven through the Main defence line. The task could not be carried out due to heavy enemy fire. Res.2nd Lt.Pitkäpaasi has hurt his right leg knee seriously.
05.30hrs Enemy artillery barrage at the vicinity of the bivouack area, no casualties. Cloudy weather. Company maintaining skis and equipment.
17.30hrs Enemy artillery barrage at the bivouack area, the Company in foxholes, no casualties.
17.55hrs Another artillery barrage, no casualties, only the CO tent was torn up and the car damaged by shell splinters.
18.00hrs By the order of the Btn CO the Company, to avoid unnecessary casualties the Company moved in the direction of the Viipuri road to the level of Säiniö where the baggage train is.
24.00hrs The Company is bivouacked in the new place, Platoons Pitkäpaasi and Pusa present, Pitkänen and Puhtimäki still in AT duty.
III Platoon, while in Heponotko, had been ordered to reconnoiter and destroy the tanks that had driven through the Main defence line. The task could not be carried out due to heavy enemy fire. Res.2nd Lt.Pitkäpaasi has hurt his right leg knee seriously.
Re: 2./Er.P.3 in the Winter War: a War Diary
Date 22.2.1940
Company digging foxholes and resting.
13.00hrs Platoon Pitkänen returned from AT duty by the order of Co.Lt. Saure. They had been in AT securing at the level of Rauha Itäinen
21.00hrs II Platoon (Res.Sgt. Sarukin), strength 4+18, relieved platoon Puhtimäki at Heponotko. Res.2nd Lt. Pusa was hospitalized..
I Platoon in co-operation with an AT outfit had on 21.2. destroyed four light enemy tanks. The Platoon had not suffered casualties.
Company digging foxholes and resting.
13.00hrs Platoon Pitkänen returned from AT duty by the order of Co.Lt. Saure. They had been in AT securing at the level of Rauha Itäinen
21.00hrs II Platoon (Res.Sgt. Sarukin), strength 4+18, relieved platoon Puhtimäki at Heponotko. Res.2nd Lt. Pusa was hospitalized..
I Platoon in co-operation with an AT outfit had on 21.2. destroyed four light enemy tanks. The Platoon had not suffered casualties.