Date 23.2.1940
01.00hrs Platoon Puhtimäki returned to the bivouack area from Heponotko.
10.00hrs Btn CO order to send the Company Admin Platoon to build wire hindrances at the support line at the level of the Viipuri-Uusikirkko road.
16.00hrs Admin Platoon and Admin Squad, strength 4+16, led by the Coy CO, set out to build the wire
In Heponotko II Platoon had had one NCO and 2 men wounded by shell splinters.
The Platoon all the time securing at the support line.
Tr.rem. Order issued at 10.00hrs was carried out at 16.00hrs, the delay probably due to enemy air force, making it impossible for the defender to move about during daylight hours
2./Er.P.3 in the Winter War: a War Diary
Re: 2./Er.P.3 in the Winter War: a War Diary
Date 24.2.1940
00.45hrs Runner sent by the Coy CO arrived with orders to send the IV Platoon immediately to help in building the wire hindrances.
05.30hrs The outfits returned led by the Coy CO from wire hindrance work. The task had been unfinished as the planned weapons nests were difficult to find in the terrain.
10.30hrs Order on field mail. Appendix 29 (not available).
13.15hrs Spoken order of Btn CO: The Company must move N of the Karjala suburb ( of Viipuri) in the terrain of the so called Explosives storage hill and bivouack there. The Company was issued two lorries to transport the men.
14.00hrs The baggage train set out for the new bivouack.
16.30hrs Ferrying of men to the new bivouack started. The day was cloudy which means that there was no risk of air raids.
24.00hrs The Company and the baggage train bivouacked in the terrain of the Explosives storage hill. IV Platoon (Sgt. Maunonen) strenght 0+1+16 relieved the II Platoon in Heponotko. The subordination of the MG platoon to the Company ended. Puhtimäki hospitalized due to back trauma. Pusa, too, still in hospital. Company battle strength 3+11+65
00.45hrs Runner sent by the Coy CO arrived with orders to send the IV Platoon immediately to help in building the wire hindrances.
05.30hrs The outfits returned led by the Coy CO from wire hindrance work. The task had been unfinished as the planned weapons nests were difficult to find in the terrain.
10.30hrs Order on field mail. Appendix 29 (not available).
13.15hrs Spoken order of Btn CO: The Company must move N of the Karjala suburb ( of Viipuri) in the terrain of the so called Explosives storage hill and bivouack there. The Company was issued two lorries to transport the men.
14.00hrs The baggage train set out for the new bivouack.
16.30hrs Ferrying of men to the new bivouack started. The day was cloudy which means that there was no risk of air raids.
24.00hrs The Company and the baggage train bivouacked in the terrain of the Explosives storage hill. IV Platoon (Sgt. Maunonen) strenght 0+1+16 relieved the II Platoon in Heponotko. The subordination of the MG platoon to the Company ended. Puhtimäki hospitalized due to back trauma. Pusa, too, still in hospital. Company battle strength 3+11+65
Re: 2./Er.P.3 in the Winter War: a War Diary
Date 25.2.1940
Nothing special .
11.00hrs Btn CO ordered to terrain reconnoitering on the line Mustalahti-Kärstilänjärvi. Returned at 17.25hrs.
Nothing special .
11.00hrs Btn CO ordered to terrain reconnoitering on the line Mustalahti-Kärstilänjärvi. Returned at 17.25hrs.
Re: 2./Er.P.3 in the Winter War: a War Diary
Enemy attack to take Viipuri is launched.
Date 26.2.1940
11.00hrs The Company is ordered to field fortification work on the Mustalahti-Kärstilänjärvi line.
18.30hrs The Company returned from work.
22.00hrs III Platoon (Res.Sgt. Miikkulainen) strength 0+4+15 set out to relieve the II Platoon at Heponotko.
Pusa has returned from hospital, Puhtimäki still hospitalized, Pitkäpaasi on sick furlough. Res. 2nd Lt. Ohukainen from the Admin Coy has been transferred to the Company.
Date 26.2.1940
11.00hrs The Company is ordered to field fortification work on the Mustalahti-Kärstilänjärvi line.
18.30hrs The Company returned from work.
22.00hrs III Platoon (Res.Sgt. Miikkulainen) strength 0+4+15 set out to relieve the II Platoon at Heponotko.
Pusa has returned from hospital, Puhtimäki still hospitalized, Pitkäpaasi on sick furlough. Res. 2nd Lt. Ohukainen from the Admin Coy has been transferred to the Company.
Re: 2./Er.P.3 in the Winter War: a War Diary
The Intermediate position must be abandoned and the troops are being pulled to the Rear position.
Date 27.2.1940
04.00hrs IV Platoon returned from Heponotko. They had not engaged in fighting.
07.00hrs The Company again in field fortification work.
17.30hrs The Company returned from work.
20.00hrs The Coy received the Btn CO spoken order to secure and man by 2400hrs the reception positons in the E side of the Karjala suburb, and at the Viipuri-Heinjoki road at level of Rotanpesä (“rat's nest”) One MG platoon was subordinated to the Company. The Baggage train stayed in the old place.
23.30hrs The Company manned the positions ordered. Strength 3+6+53
III Platoon still in AT securing at Heponotko.
During 27./28.2.the Company carried out positions refurbishment.
Date 27.2.1940
04.00hrs IV Platoon returned from Heponotko. They had not engaged in fighting.
07.00hrs The Company again in field fortification work.
17.30hrs The Company returned from work.
20.00hrs The Coy received the Btn CO spoken order to secure and man by 2400hrs the reception positons in the E side of the Karjala suburb, and at the Viipuri-Heinjoki road at level of Rotanpesä (“rat's nest”) One MG platoon was subordinated to the Company. The Baggage train stayed in the old place.
23.30hrs The Company manned the positions ordered. Strength 3+6+53
III Platoon still in AT securing at Heponotko.
During 27./28.2.the Company carried out positions refurbishment.
Re: 2./Er.P.3 in the Winter War: a War Diary
The focal point of fighting is at the Gulf of Viipuri, it is more calm on the mainland.
Date 28.2.1940
The Company carried out positions refurbishment.
04.00hrs The Baggage train except ammo sleds was ordered to move to the Käärmekallio terrain.
09.00hrsCoy CO sent the Admin squad leader to liaise wih the JR15 CO.
10.50hrs Admin squad leader returned with a written order to hand over the positions to III/JR15, appendix 20 (not available)
11.15hrs Coy CO liaising with III/JR15 CO.
17.00hrs Coy CO at the Command post of ER.P.3 where the Coy received orders to move after handing over the positions to the terrain of Härkävuori and bivouack there,
21.00hrs Coy set out to move to Härkävuori.
Date 28.2.1940
The Company carried out positions refurbishment.
04.00hrs The Baggage train except ammo sleds was ordered to move to the Käärmekallio terrain.
09.00hrsCoy CO sent the Admin squad leader to liaise wih the JR15 CO.
10.50hrs Admin squad leader returned with a written order to hand over the positions to III/JR15, appendix 20 (not available)
11.15hrs Coy CO liaising with III/JR15 CO.
17.00hrs Coy CO at the Command post of ER.P.3 where the Coy received orders to move after handing over the positions to the terrain of Härkävuori and bivouack there,
21.00hrs Coy set out to move to Härkävuori.
Re: 2./Er.P.3 in the Winter War: a War Diary
Date 1.3.1940
Nothing special. The Company is having rest.
14.00hrs Platoon Pusa returned from Heinälammi having received orders to rejoin the Company.
21.30hrs By the order of the Btn CO Platoon Pusa back to Heinälammi where Col.Lt. Saure shall give detailed instructions.
Nothing special. The Company is having rest.
14.00hrs Platoon Pusa returned from Heinälammi having received orders to rejoin the Company.
21.30hrs By the order of the Btn CO Platoon Pusa back to Heinälammi where Col.Lt. Saure shall give detailed instructions.
Re: 2./Er.P.3 in the Winter War: a War Diary
The enemy is aiming for Viipuri.
Date 2.3.1940
02.00hrs The Coy set out by the Btn CO order for field fortification work to the Mutalahti-Kärstilänjärvi line.
14.30hrs The Company returned from work.
15.30hrs The Company received orders to move to the Tammisuo sector, subordinated to JR69 for AT duty. Btn CO and Coy CO liaised wit JR67 CO.
19.00hrs II Platoon returned to the Company. They had carried out reconnoitering and engaged in fighting pulled back to the Heinjoki road, and from there with Detachment Saure to Lavola and having there received orders set out to the bivouack area of the Company. The Platoon did not suffer losses.
20.00hrs Platoon leaders received orders to move to the Tammisuo sector.
23.00hrs Recon patrol for bivouacking was sent to the level of Kuivala.
Date 2.3.1940
02.00hrs The Coy set out by the Btn CO order for field fortification work to the Mutalahti-Kärstilänjärvi line.
14.30hrs The Company returned from work.
15.30hrs The Company received orders to move to the Tammisuo sector, subordinated to JR69 for AT duty. Btn CO and Coy CO liaised wit JR67 CO.
19.00hrs II Platoon returned to the Company. They had carried out reconnoitering and engaged in fighting pulled back to the Heinjoki road, and from there with Detachment Saure to Lavola and having there received orders set out to the bivouack area of the Company. The Platoon did not suffer losses.
20.00hrs Platoon leaders received orders to move to the Tammisuo sector.
23.00hrs Recon patrol for bivouacking was sent to the level of Kuivala.
Re: 2./Er.P.3 in the Winter War: a War Diary
The enemy keeps approaching Viipuri.
Date 3.3.1940
03.00hrs The Company set out, part on lorries, part on skis for the Tammisuo sector. The cartridge and satchel charge sleds were to move to Kuivala not until next night after nightfall.
06.30hrs The Company is in Kuivala where they started setting up tents. One MG platoon subordinated to the Company. The Company battle strength 3+16+61 and MG platoon strength 1+6+22.
08.00hrs Coy CO liaised with JR69 CO whereby the Coy CO was ordered to take over the duties of III/JR67 CO for now in addition to his own.
08.20hrs The Company, led by Pusa, in terrain recon and AT foxholes digging at the level of Tammisto cemetery.
08.30hrs Coy CO liaising with III/JR67
10.00hrs Coy CO in terrain reconnoitring and liaising with the front line battalion of JR69.
13.00hrs Coy CO alerted to the command post of Capt. Koponen.
13.30hrs Coy CO issued by telephone orders to send at once the II and III Platoon men digging tent holes to AT duty to the level of the Tammisto cemetery.
17.00hrs III Platoon returned led by the Coy CO from AT duty. II Platoon stayed behind, securing.
19.00hrs II Platoon received orders to return to the tents.
20.00hrs JR67 CO issued AT alert. I Platoon was thrown to AT duty at the level of the Tammisto cemetery. Coy CO set out to liaise with Capt. Koponen.
20.30hrs Written Regimental order on improving defence. Appx.31, not available.
21.15hrs Coy CO briefed the Platoon leaders on the situation, and issued orders to organise the AT duty. One Platoon was to join each of the front line Battalions on the sector that was to be changed every 24hrs. 2 stays in reserve. (?) MG platoon was ordered to build positions at the level of Tetrisuo. At the same time the AT positions were defined and digging foxholes had to be started immediately after the briefing.
22.30hrs Platoons reported that they had arrived at the ordered locations.
23.00hrs Coy CO in terrain reconnoitring with the Platoon leaders and liaising the other AT unit COs.
Date 3.3.1940
03.00hrs The Company set out, part on lorries, part on skis for the Tammisuo sector. The cartridge and satchel charge sleds were to move to Kuivala not until next night after nightfall.
06.30hrs The Company is in Kuivala where they started setting up tents. One MG platoon subordinated to the Company. The Company battle strength 3+16+61 and MG platoon strength 1+6+22.
08.00hrs Coy CO liaised with JR69 CO whereby the Coy CO was ordered to take over the duties of III/JR67 CO for now in addition to his own.
08.20hrs The Company, led by Pusa, in terrain recon and AT foxholes digging at the level of Tammisto cemetery.
08.30hrs Coy CO liaising with III/JR67
10.00hrs Coy CO in terrain reconnoitring and liaising with the front line battalion of JR69.
13.00hrs Coy CO alerted to the command post of Capt. Koponen.
13.30hrs Coy CO issued by telephone orders to send at once the II and III Platoon men digging tent holes to AT duty to the level of the Tammisto cemetery.
17.00hrs III Platoon returned led by the Coy CO from AT duty. II Platoon stayed behind, securing.
19.00hrs II Platoon received orders to return to the tents.
20.00hrs JR67 CO issued AT alert. I Platoon was thrown to AT duty at the level of the Tammisto cemetery. Coy CO set out to liaise with Capt. Koponen.
20.30hrs Written Regimental order on improving defence. Appx.31, not available.
21.15hrs Coy CO briefed the Platoon leaders on the situation, and issued orders to organise the AT duty. One Platoon was to join each of the front line Battalions on the sector that was to be changed every 24hrs. 2 stays in reserve. (?) MG platoon was ordered to build positions at the level of Tetrisuo. At the same time the AT positions were defined and digging foxholes had to be started immediately after the briefing.
22.30hrs Platoons reported that they had arrived at the ordered locations.
23.00hrs Coy CO in terrain reconnoitring with the Platoon leaders and liaising the other AT unit COs.
Re: 2./Er.P.3 in the Winter War: a War Diary
Date 4.3.1940
02.30hrs Coy CO liaising with III/JR67.
08.00hrs Coy CO reporting on his actions to JR67 CO. In the course of the day several tank alerts on the sector of I/JR67. The Platoons in the front line all the day in their AT positions.
I Platoon destroyed in co-operation with an AT gun outfit one light tank that had broken through the stone hindrance.
Enemy artillery fire was fierce all day. Company losses:
KIA 1 NCO, WIA 2 NCO and 1 man. One horse was killed by shell splinters.
19.00hrs Coy CO visiting the Rgt. Command post where he received orders to plan mining at the stone hindrances in co-operation with Sappers and set up AT securing for the continuation of the operation.
20.00hrs One Squad led by the Coy CO set out to the stone hindrance to secure.
21.00hrs Front line Platoons relieved.
02.30hrs Coy CO liaising with III/JR67.
08.00hrs Coy CO reporting on his actions to JR67 CO. In the course of the day several tank alerts on the sector of I/JR67. The Platoons in the front line all the day in their AT positions.
I Platoon destroyed in co-operation with an AT gun outfit one light tank that had broken through the stone hindrance.
Enemy artillery fire was fierce all day. Company losses:
KIA 1 NCO, WIA 2 NCO and 1 man. One horse was killed by shell splinters.
19.00hrs Coy CO visiting the Rgt. Command post where he received orders to plan mining at the stone hindrances in co-operation with Sappers and set up AT securing for the continuation of the operation.
20.00hrs One Squad led by the Coy CO set out to the stone hindrance to secure.
21.00hrs Front line Platoons relieved.
Re: 2./Er.P.3 in the Winter War: a War Diary
Date 5.3.1940
01.30hrs The securing Squad returned, led by the Coy CO.
03.00hrs The Detached AT outfit was rodered to set up AT defences at the level of the Viipuri-Imatra road.
During the day again several tank alerts. The Platoons in the front were in their AT positions. Behind them there was securing.
Heavy enemy artillery fire. One tent badly torn by shell splinters.
16.00hrs A patrol was sent to reconnoiter the Concrete Foundry sand pit. Coy CO was summoned to the Rgt Command post.
20.00hrs The patrol returned reporting that there had been no tanks in the sand pit because there were no track marks.
21.00hrs Platoons in the front were relieved. Coy CO in the front planning how to block the breach broken in the stone hindrance.
23.30hrs Coy CO terrain reconnoitering in the direction of Kokkosuo.
Company casualties on 5.3.: WIA 2 NCO, 1 man. Also one horse wounded by shell splinters.
01.30hrs The securing Squad returned, led by the Coy CO.
03.00hrs The Detached AT outfit was rodered to set up AT defences at the level of the Viipuri-Imatra road.
During the day again several tank alerts. The Platoons in the front were in their AT positions. Behind them there was securing.
Heavy enemy artillery fire. One tent badly torn by shell splinters.
16.00hrs A patrol was sent to reconnoiter the Concrete Foundry sand pit. Coy CO was summoned to the Rgt Command post.
20.00hrs The patrol returned reporting that there had been no tanks in the sand pit because there were no track marks.
21.00hrs Platoons in the front were relieved. Coy CO in the front planning how to block the breach broken in the stone hindrance.
23.30hrs Coy CO terrain reconnoitering in the direction of Kokkosuo.
Company casualties on 5.3.: WIA 2 NCO, 1 man. Also one horse wounded by shell splinters.
Re: 2./Er.P.3 in the Winter War: a War Diary
Date 6.3.1940
The Company is in their AT positions due to alert all day. From Mustalahti, an unnecessary alert. Enemy artillery fire constantly heavy. The house serving as the Coy Command post hit by several shell splinters yet they caused no losses.
06.30hrs Coy CO handing over the duties of III/JR67 CO to a new CO.
11.00hrs Coy CO in the Regimental Command post where he was posted as the AT commander of the Regimental front section. The subordinated units and their strength is listed in the Appendix 32. (To be published later). The Coy CO was ordered to be stationed in the Regimental Command Post.
16.00hrs Coy CO terrain reconnoitering.
21.00hrs Front line platoons were relieved.
22.30hrs Spoken order by the Coy CO to all AT unit leaders on carrying out the AT work on the sector of the Regiment. Grouping stays as it is. Korpela's AT outfit shall be reinforced with four men transferred from the Company.
The Company is in their AT positions due to alert all day. From Mustalahti, an unnecessary alert. Enemy artillery fire constantly heavy. The house serving as the Coy Command post hit by several shell splinters yet they caused no losses.
06.30hrs Coy CO handing over the duties of III/JR67 CO to a new CO.
11.00hrs Coy CO in the Regimental Command post where he was posted as the AT commander of the Regimental front section. The subordinated units and their strength is listed in the Appendix 32. (To be published later). The Coy CO was ordered to be stationed in the Regimental Command Post.
16.00hrs Coy CO terrain reconnoitering.
21.00hrs Front line platoons were relieved.
22.30hrs Spoken order by the Coy CO to all AT unit leaders on carrying out the AT work on the sector of the Regiment. Grouping stays as it is. Korpela's AT outfit shall be reinforced with four men transferred from the Company.
Re: 2./Er.P.3 in the Winter War: a War Diary
Date 7.3.1940
04.00hrs Coy CO inspecting the AT units in the front.
04.30hrs Rgt order on defensive action , Appx. 33 (T.b.b. later). Also instructions on how to make personnel strength report, Appx. 24.
16.00hrs Coy CO terrain reconnoitering on the sector of II/JR69 who reported on tank risk from the direction of the railway stop at Kärstilä.
20.00hrs Coy CO headed for the Er.P3 command post to report on his action. On the way there the car was damaged by shell splinters and the Coy Co was slightly wounded in his lips.
21.00hrs Front line platoons relieved.
Casualties on 7.3.: WIA 3 men.
04.00hrs Coy CO inspecting the AT units in the front.
04.30hrs Rgt order on defensive action , Appx. 33 (T.b.b. later). Also instructions on how to make personnel strength report, Appx. 24.
16.00hrs Coy CO terrain reconnoitering on the sector of II/JR69 who reported on tank risk from the direction of the railway stop at Kärstilä.
20.00hrs Coy CO headed for the Er.P3 command post to report on his action. On the way there the car was damaged by shell splinters and the Coy Co was slightly wounded in his lips.
21.00hrs Front line platoons relieved.
Casualties on 7.3.: WIA 3 men.
Re: 2./Er.P.3 in the Winter War: a War Diary
Enemy attack breaks through the Rear position at Tali. Their progress is checked by the defender but the defence positions are lost. Viipuri is now being threatened from the North, too.
New diary P2798 on a school notebook
Date 8.3.1940
Again several alerts, the units are in their AT positions, and securing behind them. Coy CO finding out about the situation in the front.
New diary P2798 on a school notebook
Date 8.3.1940
Again several alerts, the units are in their AT positions, and securing behind them. Coy CO finding out about the situation in the front.
Re: 2./Er.P.3 in the Winter War: a War Diary
Enemy keeps advancing. Tali village is lost.
Date 9.3.1940
Few alerts. Only AT securing in the AT locations in the front, the platoons in standby. Tent pits have been improved.
20.00hrs Spoken order by the Rgt. CO to the Company: Subordination to JR67 is cancelled and the Company has to move to the terrain W of Laihalampi where they are to report to the Er.P.3 CO.
24.00hrs Company set out to march to the terrain of Laihalampi.
Date 9.3.1940
Few alerts. Only AT securing in the AT locations in the front, the platoons in standby. Tent pits have been improved.
20.00hrs Spoken order by the Rgt. CO to the Company: Subordination to JR67 is cancelled and the Company has to move to the terrain W of Laihalampi where they are to report to the Er.P.3 CO.
24.00hrs Company set out to march to the terrain of Laihalampi.