Chapter 17
The Clash of Titans
The Finnish Army intelligence units have been listening Soviet radio transmissions and thanks to new decoding machines, they could make better estimates about the size of the enemy forces. It looked that the Russians had deployed at least three divisions to each border provinces. Real figure was between 3 and 12 divisions. Intelligence made rough estimate and told that 20-30 divisions was near borders. Mannerheim finished readiness report for Germany and it was send to Hitler on August 7. Finland didn't get any reply from Germany for days. Foreign Minister Tanner was planning his trip to Berlin, when Germany ambassador informed minister that he should wait few days. On August 10 German ambassador informed, that Hitler himself would come to visit Finland next day. All preparations were made in great secrecy and Hitler's visit was unofficial.
On August 11 it was a cloudy day in Helsinki. Visibility was only few hundred meters and clouds were low. Field Marshal Mannerheim have ordered all Anti-Air batteriers in Southern Finland not to open fire on any planes during that day. Focke Wulf FW 200 Condor was a long-range naval bomber originally. Strange looking four engine plane appeared to sky and Finnish anti-air battery soldiers looked it, while it was flying very low. Hitler's personal pilot SS-Oberführer Hans Baur made one circle over the Malmi airfield and landed. Before Hitler's plane several Junkers Ju 52/3m planes have landed on same airfield with the German high military staff along with Wehrmacht Chief of Staff Field Marshal Alfred Jodl.
Hitler arrived Finland August 11 1943.
Because Hitler's visit to Finland was secret and unofficial, he didn't visit Helsinki. Finnish officials had no idea why Hitler have arrived. After official greetings at the airport, car column took officials to rail side track where special wagon was waiting for them. After the toast (Hitler didn't drink alcohol) meeting took place.
Hitler, Field Marshal Jodl, President Kallio and Field Marshal Mannerheim .
Hitler:
First I would like to gongratulate Finland about succesful Norway campaign. Very few have believed so small country is able to do such thing. I'm very pleased. It's an honour for Germany to fight side-by-side with the Finns. I have read Field Marshal Mannerheim's readiness report. Your army is small, but I believe you can fight with such courage that the enemy have to be ten times bigger to defeat you. I have full faith in your army and Germany will not forget her allies. While we speak here, 168. Infantiere-Division in Oslo is already loading to transport ships and soon it is on way to Finland. It will be the first division and more will come later. Currently we will need to defend Norway too and German divisions there are needed to counter any invasion attempts. I have many times asked what is your readiness in the event of war against Soviet Union. You may also wonder why I have come here with great secrecy. Gentlemen! Time has come! I will launch great operation in the East, it will be called Operation Barbarossa. Invasion of Soviet Union will start August 20, we have nine days until the start.
Finnish Generals believed that operation would not be started until spring and now Hitler have said greatest military operation of history will start in autumn. Mannerheim couldn't wonder the reasons behind this decision. Maybe Soviet Union was planning to attack and German intelligence had notest their preparations. Pre-emptive attack was many times the best defence against such event. Hitler's voice was soft and slow, totally different tone that his public speeches. Some words he only whispered and it looked like he was more like talking with himself rather than for the people in the room.
Hitler:
Germany have 100 divisions ready in Eastern border. 14 panzer division will be the spearhead of the attack. We will strike the Russians with such strong force that they will not have a change. Germany will capture Moscow by the end of this year. Leningrad is one of main objective for Army Group North. Your border is close to that city and I hope that Finland could launch offensive and try to take that city. In the North is Murmansk port. Allies are using this port to send supplies and war material to help the Russians. Our navy is occupied in the Atlantic and Finland could try to reach Murmansk and stop their convoys by capturing Soviet port. What are your plans for the war against Soviet Union?
Hitler was looking excited about his
Operation Barbarossa. Finland wasn't that eager to fight another campaign. Not even now after almost all divisions have been refitted and ready for it. Mannerheim was silent, so President Kallio answered Hitler.
Kallio:
We have made only plans to defend our country. Although we are very pleased that Germany have gave us military aid, we will not launch any offensive if our country is not attacked by the Russians. Finland will fight own separete war in the North to keep our independence. If we have an opportunity, we would launch offensive to capture Karelian Isthmus back, what we have lost in Winter War. What comes to capturing Leningrad or Murmansk, I don't believe we have enough troops to try that. Our nation have only 3,5 million people and capturing city with almost same size seems impossible task.
It was clear that Hitler didn't like what he have heard. He walked back and forth nervously when Kallio talked to him. President Kallio looked Mannerheim to back up his words.
Mannerheim:
Our army is not cabable of large scale offensive. Our intelligence is too poor, we lack logistical capacity and our army march on foot only. We don't have navy and our airforce have only two dozen modern airplanes. Our only hope to win against tanks is to drive them to prepared defensive postions and ambush them. Right now Finland cannot make any offensives, the Russians have too many divisions guarding our border. But I'm a soldier and I will do what my goverment will told me to do.
Hitler:
If that is the case, you don't mind if Germany will use your country soil for a attack against Soviet Union? If you Finnish Army is backed up with the Wehrmacht, do you join our attack?
It was irony that Soviet Union have feared just that when they started the Winter War. Without Winter War Finland would have not made alliance with Germany. Soviet Union have drove Finland to corner and now they faced possible attack from the Finland by the Germans troops.
Kallio:
I cannot promise we attack before our nation is attacked. But if that happen, I believe we we will support Germany attack.
It was enough for the Hitler and he changed subject. He have hoped that Finland was more eager to attack against Soviet Union. He couldn't understand the Finns. After what the Russians have done to them, they were still passive and cautious about it.
Hitler:
Very well. 168. Infantiere-Division will be deployed in Helsinki area and probably we will move more troops later. I hope that you consider my propose carefully. Now let's talk about something else. I'm interested about your internal politics. What have you done to your Jewish problem?
Field Marshal Mannerheim didn't like the Germans or fascists. Now when he heared Hitler's question, his skin creeped.
Mannerheim:
We DO NOT have a Jewish problem.
Mannerheim said that in such cold tone in his voice, that Hitler understanded to drop the subject even before it was started. It was a first and last time Germany had tried to influence Finland's internal politics.
Kallio:
I believe we could eat lunch and discuss more during it. I'm sure Mannerheim want to know few details about your plan and status of Soviet army. I on the otherhand want to hear more about possible research help for Finland and also trade deals.
President Kallio quickly changed subject and understanded that little break did good for Mannerheim. Hitler, Jodl, Mannerheim and Kallio talked more about the relations between Germany and Finland during the lunch. Hitler stay in Finland only six hours, before he flew back to Germany. Later Hitler told his adjuntant that especially Mannerheim have made good impression on him and that Mannerheim believed the same about him. He was so wrong about Mannerheim. 76-years old Field Marshal was relieved, when Hitler's plane took off and he hoped never to meet Hitler or any Germans in his life.
18 August German 186. Infantriere-Division arrived in Helsinki. Two days later Germany declared war against Soviet Union was Finland was again forced to consider Soviet Union as their enemy. Germany had 180 divisions, where only 16 were panzer divisions. (
Note: Actually in game Soviet Union DOW on Germany, but I changed it in this AAR to have Hitler's visit.)
Finnish-Russian border looked peaceful, but Germany-Russian border was full of activity. Soviet Union have more divisions than Germany had. Finland could not do nothing more but wait and see how operation was going on. 17. Divisioona located in Oslo was ordered to Rovaniemi, Finland needed every unit to defend motherland.
Operation Barbarossa. Note how few divisions Germany have in border!
Early September German divisions have made breakthrough and advanced toward East. Nothern Army Group was making best progress, while Army Group Center had problems. Terrain in center was marshy and Germans divisions avoided that bad terrain. Finnish intelligence reported division movement in Eastern border. It was still uncertain where these divisions where moving, but it seems that Soviet Union was pulling divisions more South from Kola Peninsula. Finland's full strenght reserve divisions were deployed in border and they waited.
5 September soviet bombers bombed Jyväskylä and Kajaani and Finland officially admitted that they were in war against Soviet Union. VI Armeijakunta in Jyväskylä was lightly damaged in these bombings. Dissent had reached zero and production was started. Two Garrision division was cancelled and Finland builded single garrision and three Infantry divisions same time. Progress was 100% for both project.
By 9 September rains changed terrain in West Russia to mud. Army Group North's advance was severe slowed by bad conditions. September 17 Soviet attacked Joensuu and Lt. General Österman's III Armeijakunta was forced to retreat to Jyväskylä. Field Marshal Mannerheim's VI Armeijakunta located in Jyväskylä was bombed constantly and it was took more damage. Situation was looking bad early in the war. Two Armeijakunta was too disorganized to fight and more supplies and reinforcements was needed.
Soviet advancing to Joensuu. Mexico invaded Oslo!
September 24 Mexico landed on Oslo and captured undefended city. The city was a large industrial center and loss of it was a big strike for Finland's industry. Mj. General Pajari's 17. Divisioona was ordered to turn back and march to South. October 7 Soviet capture Joensuu and launched new attack. Field Marshal Timoshenko's armies with 29 divisions, where 7 was tank divisions attacked toward Kajaani. III Armeijakunta had no alternatives than retreat to Kuopio.
October 15 II Armeijakunta in Mikkeli was attacked by 15 Soviet divisision under General Petrov. General Petrov had five tank divisions, one mechanized and nine infantry divisions. Finnish troops were soon in retreat. The Russians attacked with such force that Finnish had no possibilities to hold against them. Oslo was capture back by the German forces, but same time Soviet tanks captured Mikkeli. Finnish had already lost three provinces in about a week. Helsinki was attacked by 10 divisions and Finnish had to retreat from their capital.
Few days later Soviets attacked Tampere with 10 divisions. Foreign Minister Tanner asked Military Access through Sweden, but they declined Finland's request. To avoid encirclement and destruction of Finnish Armies, Mannerheim ordered General Retreat to Northern part of the Finland. Already Soviet Union hava captured most strategical important provinces in Finland and Mannerheim plan was to withdraw to Norway. Terrain in Norway suited well for defence and it was his plan to continue battle there, even after whole Finland was occupied. Research for
Production Planning was finished October 23 and
Production Control was started. Italy have gaved blueprints also for this project and research progressed fast.
Too many Ruskies. Mannerheim ordered General Retreat toward North.
Many of vitally important industries had already fallen to to Russians. Finland barely had enough supplies, but situation was improved little after new Garrision division was ready and deployed to Oslo 25 October. Germany offensive was also stopped after Soviet Union started large counter-attack. Germany was barely able to stop this attack. The Russians had unlimited number of reserves and dozens of armies, thousands of tanks and artillery. All their attacks were supported by hundreds of tactical bokmbers and fighters. Hitler's
Operation Barbarossa was looking more like a survival battle than a great offensive.
Late October Finnish intelligence reports showed that Soviet offensive was showing marks of slowing down. For some reason Soviet didn't advance. Mannerhem cancelled his General Retreat order and ordered divisions to stand fast. Lt General Siilasvuo's IV Armeijakunta attacked Kajaani and was able to defeat single Soviet division advanding there. It was the only victory so far. Lt. General Heinrich's II Armeijakunta counter-attacked Tampere to stop Soviet advance, but Field Marshal Timoshenko's 10 divisions quickly stopped Finnish attack. Mannerheim ordered new defence line to center Finland. South was already lost and divisision in Turku were in danger of encirclement, when Soviet advanced to Tampere.
Soviet tank divisions advanced too fast on open terrain in Southern Finland. I Armeijakunta and German 168. Infantier-Division was surrounded and compelete destroyed by the Russians. Three divisions was lost. The Russians had captured Turku and Pori. Mannerheim pulled his forces to defend Oulu and Kajaani. Winter was coming and Northern part of Finland was already covered by snow. Mannerheim hope was that snow slowed Soviet attack and maybe Finland could resist longer. Good news was badly needed, but Germany offensive was halted and there was scarse possibility that Germany could come to rescue Finland. The Northern Lion was again alone fighting against the Red Bear.
New defence line was established to Oulu-Kajaani-Petsamo. November 4, 1943.
November 12 new defence line was ready. Retreating Finnish Armies were badly hammered by the Sovier bombers. But Soviet offensive was slowing and they gave rest for their troops. It was probably just calm before the storm, but Finnish divisision needed rest even more and it was welcomed relieve for tired Finnish soldiers.
After the lost of Southern part of Finland, industrial capacity was reduced to 6. Soviet advance had been so fast that the Finnish civilian population was unable to escape. Consumer Goods need was also lowered and Finland was still barely able to supply its troops. Production of new divisions needed to be halted to give reinforcements and supplies to existing divisions.
Finnish Army after General Retreat, November 15, 1943:
II Armeijakunta, Lt. General Heinrichs, Oulu (Skill 4, Winter Specialist)
4. Divisioona, 73% strenght
5. Divisioona, 67% strenght
11. Divisioona, 60% strenght
VI Armeijakunta, Field Marshal Mannerheim, Oulu (Skill 4, Defensive, Winter Specialist, Old Guard)
Päämaja HQ, 80% strenght
3. Divisioona, 69% strenght
14. Divisioona (AA brigade), 55% strenght
III Armeijakunta, Lt. General Österman, Kajaani (Skill 3, Defensive)
8. Divisioona (Artillery brigade), 89% strenght
10. Divisioona (Artillery brigade), 95% strenght
16. Divisioona, 90% strenght
IV Armeijakunta, Lt. General Siilasvuo, Kajaani (Skill 5, Winter Specialist, Commando)
7. Divisioona (mountain '36), 98% strenght
12. Divisioona (Artillery brigade), 100% strenght
13. Divisioona (Artillery brigade), 100% strenght
V Armeijakunta, Lt. General Talvela, Petsamo (Skill 3, Offensive)
6. Divisioona (Artillery brigade), 98% strenght
9. Divisioona, 98% strenght
15. Divisioona, 98% strenght
17. Divisioona, Mj. General Pajari, Röros (Skill 4, Winter Specialist, Trickster)
17. Divisioona, 98% strenght
Oslo vartio, Mj. General Lagus, Oslo (Skill 3, Winter Specialist, Panzer)
Hanhik. Komennuskunta (Garrison '39), 98% strenght
German 3. Infantier and 3. Gebirgs-jäger divisions were moving toward Hammerfest. At least if all Finland territory was lost, Finnish-German divisions would defend Norway to the last breath. Snow covered mountain terrain in Hammefest was the best defensive terrain soldier could get. But Mannerheim didn't want to think wihthdrawing more North. He hoped he could keep his lines in Oulu-Kajaani-Petsamo axis.
On November 17, it was clear that German
Operation Barbarossa had failed. Snow stopped German advance and Soviets moved more and more reserves to launch massive attack against Germany held Poland. Finland goverment understanded that they had overestimated Germany's reserves and cababilities. Stalin on the otherhand wasn't eager to fight long attrition war against Finland in Norway. The Russians divisions in Finland was badly needed in Central Europe. Finland was basically defeated by Soviet Union and Stalin made diplomatic proposition for Finland November 17 1943. Finland goverment was invited to Kremlin in Moscow to discuss about this issue. Finnish goverment officials weren't sure what Stalin had in his mind, but they agreed come to Kremlin.
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