Hi! Does anyone know the rank and full name of the commander(s) of the Finnish 3rd Infantry Division of Major General Hjalmar Siilasvuo’s III Corps during 1941? Thanks for any assistance!
Regards,
Shawn
Commander, Finnish 3rd Infantry Division?
Sure. In the summer 1941 3rd Division was divided into two groups called Group J (northern, initially about 1/3 of forces) and Group F (southern, about 2/3 of forces). In fact Staff / Group F was the HQ / 3rd Division and was commanded since 10.6.1941 by Col. [Frans] Uno Fagernäs. Group F was re-named back to 3rd Division on 9 (??) August 1941. Fagernäs was promoted to Maj.Gen. on 16.11.1942.
Between 21.10.1943 - 4.10.1944 division was commanded by Maj.Gen. Aaro [Olavi] Pajari. 3rd Division was moved to Karelian Isthmus in late spring 1944. Both were Knights of the Mannerheim Cross, 2nd Class. Pajari was awarded twice on 14.9.1941 and on 16.10.1944.
Between 21.10.1943 - 4.10.1944 division was commanded by Maj.Gen. Aaro [Olavi] Pajari. 3rd Division was moved to Karelian Isthmus in late spring 1944. Both were Knights of the Mannerheim Cross, 2nd Class. Pajari was awarded twice on 14.9.1941 and on 16.10.1944.