GameSquad Forums - Blogs http://www.gamesquad.com/forums/blog.php en Tue, 13 May 2008 22:31:04 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.gamesquad.com/forums/images/supercharged/misc/rss.jpg GameSquad Forums - Blogs http://www.gamesquad.com/forums/blog.php Seizing Highway 42 http://www.gamesquad.com/forums/blog.php?b=447 Wed, 07 May 2008 23:11:01 GMT What with all the news that World in Conflict: Soviet Assault is under development, I have been bitten by the WiC bug once again. :) Here is an... What with all the news that World in Conflict: Soviet Assault is under development, I have been bitten by the WiC bug once again. :) Here is an illustrated WiC AAR for your reading pleasure.


This round I was playing the good ol' USA. I was playing armor and set as my goal the capturing of the eastern control point. Here, you can seem my initial forces landing in the combat zone (I hope that red truck is insured!).



Here we have a close-up view of my troops as they form up in a grassy field behind the highway:



Soon after the arrival of my troops, the Soviets made a major armor assault on the highway...and I mean waves and waves of tanks! Despite the best efforts of my tanks and infantry (which took advantage of some nearby woods to snipe at the enemy tanks), we could not hold them back. I eventually had to call in an A-10 for some air support:



That's one way to clear a highway (you know how many times I have imagined doing that while stuck in traffic?)! But they still kept coming! :angry: Broken Arrow! Broken Arrow! I called in an F-16 loaded with cluster-bombs.



Release....




Scatter....




Boom! Nice work fly-boys!

Despite all the airstrikes, the Russians attempted another push, one I met with my armor and infantry.



We stopped them, but the Ruskies got clever. They abandoned their armor attack and brought in a whole bunch of anti-tank teams. As my tanks sat on the control zone, we watched this latter-day Pickett's Charge form on our right. Uh-oh! :OHNO: With no infantry around to help me out (my teammates were fighting a pretty fierce battle further up the road at the time), I had to use more of my few remaining TA points to call in another airstrike...this time chemical weapons.



A sickly green cloud descends....(whoever owns that truck has been awful lucky so far!)



It worked just like some sort of anti-communist Raid bug spray. :D

At about this point, my side controlled the whole highway and the battle moved into the hills.



I just thought this was a nice view of some infantry crossing the highway with a transport looming overhead.

The battle for the hills required a combined armor - infantry assault. Here we see some of my infantry taking on the enemy during a sun-shower.



The battle ended quickly at this point. My last surviving unit happened to be an infantry squad that had taken shelter in some woods to get away from a mortar barrage. Here we are looking over the shoulder of a few soldiers as they observe the on-going carnage.




When it was finished, America had won the day. :salute: I was somewhat pleasantly surprised when I discovered that my score for the match broke over 1100, indicating that I must have done more than a little right (I placed third in the rankings for my team). That's a nice way to end a match!

I hope you enjoyed this peak at WWIII!

PS: Not familiar with WiC? Here is a good video describing what it is all about:

]]> Scott Tortorice http://www.gamesquad.com/forums/blog.php?b=447 Consimworld Expo 2008 Coming Up http://www.gamesquad.com/forums/blog.php?b=442 Mon, 05 May 2008 21:29:23 GMT We're some three weeks away from the Consimworld Expo 2008. Many regular ASL players attend the event for the opportunity to play one of the monster games that they would not normally have an opportunity to play.

I normally end up playing ASL, and have been an "unofficial" MMP representative for ASL play at the expo. It has been awesome to have Brian Youse attend the event and this year we are welcoming Adam Starkweather back to the expo as well.

This year it looks like we're going to be playing VOTG, most likely "First Bid" perhaps one of these years to come I'll get to play one of the many monster games that I own.

In the mean time, if you're not an exclusive ASL player, and you are keen on spending a week throwing dice, killing cardboard, and seeing some of the new titles that are in the works, come on out to Tempe and join us. We'd love to have you!

http://expo.consimworld.com/

Brian
Consimworld 2008 Staff ]]> Whizbang1963 http://www.gamesquad.com/forums/blog.php?b=442 Updates released http://www.gamesquad.com/forums/blog.php?b=439 Fri, 02 May 2008 13:54:19 GMT The following updates have been posted to the HPS site:

Wagram v1.08
Sicily '43 v1.06
Campaign 1776 v1.08a
War of 1812 v1.06a
French & Indian War v1.03a
Mexican -American War v1.01a

There was an issue with the weather feature in the EAW series that only effected the Hot Seat mode and this resolves that...also some date issues on the TWI scenarios for MAW were resolved. ]]> rahamy http://www.gamesquad.com/forums/blog.php?b=439 No Need for Exclusive Reviews http://www.gamesquad.com/forums/blog.php?b=438 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 21:15:27 GMT Game sites and magazines often via with one another to secure deals for exclusive content of various sorts, previews of upcoming titles being the... Game sites and magazines often via with one another to secure deals for exclusive content of various sorts, previews of upcoming titles being the most obvious. Exclusive sets of screenshots and movie trailers are also pretty common. But what about exclusive reviews?

Unfortunately, some game publishers are beginning to warm to the idea of exclusive reviews. Now game journalists are no different than any other type of journalist, in that we all want to be the first to land a big story. Nothing surprising about that. And it's also understandable that publishers release exclusive content to the press in the form of screenshots and trailers, as this is all part of the publisher's efforts to generate as much pre-launch hype as possible surrounding their upcoming titles. Again, nothing surprising about that and the same thing goes on for movies, books, and other types of media.

But reviews ought to fall into a different category. Here is where the publisher and press must part ways in order to ensure fair and balanced coverage that gamers can trust. It's one thing for publishers to be involved to the extent they send out review copies to the press in a timely manner, but it's quite another to grant certain sites exclusive reviews ahead of anyone else, or place embargo's on other sites. While doing so is certainly no proof of any actual collusion on the part of the respective publisher and journalist, the very concept looks questionable from the outside.

The Cut Scene recently published a short piece on this issue regarding the launch of Grand Theft Auto IV and what appears to have been an exclusive review deal with IGN. The author tackles the issue head-on and makes a number of very good points.

Let's hope this doesn't become a trend and that publishers will realize such practices only serve to undermine the integrity of such reviews and raise ethical issues where none would have otherwise existed.

Exclusive news and interviews are normal and expected. But exclusive reviews is a concept that needs to die an early death. ]]> Don Maddox http://www.gamesquad.com/forums/blog.php?b=438 Backups http://www.gamesquad.com/forums/blog.php?b=437 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 13:25:07 GMT Over the years I have had many fellow gamers comment or post to the forums about "loosing everything" on their systems when they had a hard drive crash. So I figured I'd take a couple of minutes and post about this, and if nothing else at least raise awareness of this...

Fact - hardware will fail at some point.

I've seen hard drives die 2 months after being placed into service. On the flip side I've seen them last 10+ years...so you really never know when one is going to go. Because of this you need to implement a backup routine of all your important files. You can do this weekly, monthly, quarterly...what ever, just so long as you do it. Here's the rule of thumb:

Only backup the data you want to keep!

In other words, if you would have a problem if something went away permanently then you better get a copy of it made. With modern computer technology there's really no reason not to do this either. You can have a local backup in your house, but then you should also have a copy of your data somewhere else - like a family members house or a safety deposit box - in the event you experience a disaster at your home, you can still recover from it.

Personally I have a dual backup system in place.

1) I have a 300 GB external hard drive that I make a copy of all my important stuff to every couple of weeks. This is my quick restore site in the event I loose a hard drive.

2) DVD backup's. I make these about once a month or so. This is the copy I keep off site - either in my car or at another building.

How much you have and what you need to back up will vary widely depending on what you do with your computer, but if you are reading this you most certainly have something worth saving. Some examples of data worth saving are:

E-mail & account settings
Web favorites
Word, Excel, etc. documents.
Family pictures
Music
Movies
Modified game files
Game turns

There are so many different email programs that I couldn't even hope to cover them all, but they all have a "message store" of some sorts where the messages you use are kept. Personally I use Eudora and have it installed to C:\Eudora. Generally I just backup the entire folder that way I have all important parts, but you can go in and grab individual folders and mail boxes, as well as stationary, signature files, address books, etc. If you use Outlook the default location for your PST file is:

C:\Documents and Settings\RichH\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook

Where "RichH" would be your local user name. This is a hidden folder, so you must change the view settings within Windows Explorer to be able to get to it.

Documents - by default this is stored in a system defined folder...I generally change that location to something simple and easy to get to, without using the My Documents shortcut. I generally use C:\MyDocs. To change the location where this is simply right-click on the "My Documents" icon and choose "Properties". Then click the "Move" button...you can either browse for the folder you want to use or create a new one. Unless you send it elsewhere this folder will include all your documents you create, all pictures, all music and all movie files you may have collected over time.

OK, now to game stuff...I obviously have a bit more of this than the average person. :D I have a separate folder with multiple sub-folders for each game in development in both my files & email. So I back all this up regularly, and I tend to save multiple revisions of things so I can go back to any given point and time if need be.

Likewise, if you are creating a mod of any sort, or have simply downloaded modified files for a game and continue to use them - you should back them up. There's no guarantee the web site where you go them from will always be there...and who wants to spend hours hunting down the exact right flies? And if its your own mod...well having backups could save you dozens of hours in the event of a hard drive crash. Its much better to loose a few hours worth of work rather than an entire project!

It makes sense to keep a copy of the latest update for the games you own as well - so you don't have to spend the time downloading them all again when it comes time to reinstall.

Game files...for the Tiller games a file is created for a game in progress:

.bte - Play by email file.
.btl - game against the computer.
.btt - two-player hotseat file.
.cpf - campaign game file.
.btx - on-line (or LAN) game file.

If you keep a copy of these for on-going games it will make life easier. There's all sorts of reasons why you may need these, outside of a hardware failure. many times a turn can become corrupted in transit to your opponent. I keep a copy of every PBEM turn I send out in a separate folder...so when I get the turn back, and have over-written the file in my game directory, I have a good one to pull from if need be.

OK, so there's a brief overview of the topic and some things you should be concerned about. Specifics will vary based on your setup - but this is something you should spend some time with and get a plan in place...this is a big area where "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"! ]]> rahamy http://www.gamesquad.com/forums/blog.php?b=437 Grand Theft Auto IV @ XboxMass dot com http://www.gamesquad.com/forums/blog.php?b=436 Mon, 28 Apr 2008 22:04:07 GMT Hi everyone!

As many of you are likely already aware, Grand Theft Auto IV launches tomorrow. I've been tapped by gamesquad to the do the review, and you can look forward to it in a week or two right here.

In the meantime, I'll be playing the game and keeping a Play Journal of my experiences, thoughts and critiques, leading all the way up to the review. You guys can check it out at my new blog/website, XboxMass.com

XboxMass dot com is a little project myself and a few friends have endeavored to create, so we hope you'll drop by and stay for a while!

Cheers! ]]> Mark Peachey http://www.gamesquad.com/forums/blog.php?b=436 5 Games updated today http://www.gamesquad.com/forums/blog.php?b=435 Thu, 24 Apr 2008 22:53:07 GMT Visit the HPS site to grab the latest updates for: Salerno v1.04 Moscow v1.03 Gallic Wars v1.01 Punic Wars v1.03 Soviet-Afghan War v1.01 See the... Visit the HPS site to grab the latest updates for:

Salerno v1.04
Moscow v1.03
Gallic Wars v1.01
Punic Wars v1.03
Soviet-Afghan War v1.01

See the What's New page for links to all:

http://www.hpssims.com/Pages/Whatsnew/whatsnew.html ]]> rahamy http://www.gamesquad.com/forums/blog.php?b=435 B16! http://www.gamesquad.com/forums/blog.php?b=434 Mon, 21 Apr 2008 01:44:12 GMT Image: http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd70/CrusaderScott/0420081634_M_2.jpg “Man was not just thrown up into the world by some quirk of...


“Man was not just thrown up into the world by some quirk of evolution. The underlying truth is that each person is meant to exist. Each person is God’s own idea. Within everything that just for the moment exist factually, a plan and an idea are at work, and this gives meaning to my search for my own ideal self and to my coexistence with the world and with the onward path of history.” - Pope Benedict XVI


Some quick observations on Pope Benedict’s trip to America:


What an inspiring week this has been for Roman Catholics and people of all faiths! Pope Benedict XVI’s (aka B16) visit to America has been simply wonderful. From President Bush meeting the Holy Father at the airport - an unprecedented departure from official protocol - to the 50,000+ people who crowded into Yankee Stadium to participate in a Sunday Mass led by the pope, never has a foreign dignitary been shown so much hospitality from the American people.

This wonderful outpouring of love and devotion gives me confidence for the future of the world, this nation and the Universal Church. Contrary to bleak assessment that modernity worships strictly at the altar of fame, fortune and sensuality, B16’s trip has demonstrated the existence of a vibrant culture that begs to differ. People, especially young people, have turned out by the tens of thousands to see a man that has eschewed such false values and has instead embraced a life of “chastity, poverty & obedience,” the very antithesis of “pop” culture. Remarkable.

Likewise, even the open sewer that is television has participated in this religious rival. Stations that wouldn’t give the time of day to faith-based programming of any substantive value have donated hours , much of it without commercial interruption, no less!, to the coverage of the many public events held over the last six days. Clergy – real clergy, not the Hollywood type – were given the limelight and encouraged to discuss matters of deep theological significance. Dominicans, Franciscans, Crosiers, Knights of Columbus, Knights of Malta, theologians, parish priests, entire nunneries – all and more were on display. To paraphrase C. S. Lewis, this week the Church was visible in all its glory; as something spread out through time and space and rooted in eternity, resplendent as an army with banners unfurled. Pride may be a sin, but I confess to experiencing more than a little these past few days.

Isn’t it amazing how one good man grounded not in relativism but in absolute Truth can change everything?

Thank you for inspiring us, B16! God’s speed home! ]]> Scott Tortorice http://www.gamesquad.com/forums/blog.php?b=434 The Chess Mentality http://www.gamesquad.com/forums/blog.php?b=433 Sun, 20 Apr 2008 00:45:58 GMT Image: http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd70/CrusaderScott/72214_modern_chess_painting.jpg The following is a collection of YouTube videos that...

The following is a collection of YouTube videos that I find to be a window into the mind of the average Chess-playing fanatic. They span the gamut from humorous to the serious. I hope you enjoy this trip into our unique psychology!

The Humorous Side of Chess

Chess players love their collectible Chess sets. After the Staunton standard, ACW Chess sets are the next most popular design.

The following video comes from comedian Robert Kline’s routine. Remember The Civil War Chess Set from The Franklin Mint? Mr. Kline does….



The Deep Scholarship of Chess

What sets Chess apart from mere mortal board games is its vast library. It is an oft-repeated fact that Chess possess the second largest collection of books for a hobby (it is just behind cooking). With this in mind, it is easy to understand why the bookshelves of any Chess player quickly become filled (yes, even quicker than the shelves of an ASL player :)).

The mysterious “Blue Devil Knight,” caretaker of the excellent Confessions of a Chess Novice blog, permits us to watch over his shoulder as he cleans out some books from his large Chess library. I like this video because it gives you an idea of the typical reading list of a Chess player who is attempting to get good at his game.

The following is video 6 of an eight part series:



The History of Chess

As I’ve recounted in this blog, Chess has a history that spans over 1400 years. One of the most interesting artifacts of that long history is the 12th Century Isle of Lewis Chessmen. The following video is of a commemoration ceremony where a giant replica of a Lewis king is placed on the spot where the chessmen were originally discovered. The music is very nice, as well.



The Beauty of Chess

Even in this day and age of video game glory, Chess garners legions of new fans. As Siegbert Tarrasch once remarked, “Chess, like love, like music, has the power to make people happy.” This video amply demonstrates that fact.

]]> Scott Tortorice http://www.gamesquad.com/forums/blog.php?b=433 Is the Golden Age of Tactical PC Wargaming Over? http://www.gamesquad.com/forums/blog.php?b=432 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 04:18:41 GMT Tactical-level board wargames are back in vogue, and miniatures are in resurgence. Axis & Allies, Flames of War, ASL, Panzer Grenadier. Board wargame grogs got their hopes up with regards to computer games in the 1980s with M-1 Tank Platoon from Microprose, a mixture of sim and tactical level game that took everything oh-so-seriously, despite the vector graphics. At the time, they didn't look half as silly as they do in hindsight.


Tactical PC wargamers then got bombarded with a lot of mostly mediocre titles (which isn't to say they weren't fun) in the 1980s and 1990s, like Muzzle Velocity and M4 and Panzer Generals, finally got to the good stuff with Close Combat, Combat Mission and Steel Panthers...

...and then all three franchises shot their wad.

After half a dozen successful titles and versions for the military, Close Combat tried to go 3D - at least two times, with GI: Combat and Eric Young's Squad Assault. The latest release by Matrix was a rehash of the 2D material in a special edition of the Close Combat franchise.

Combat Mission - had three successful titles, then tried to reinvent itself, broaden its fan base, and please everyone in sight from RTS fans to sim junkies to beer and pretzels grognards. They're still picking up the pieces over at Battlefront.

Steel Panthers - three successful games, and then ended up as not one but two freeware releases which really hadn't changed much from the original release, a fairly straight-forward IGO-UGO turn-based 2D tactical game.

The Holy Grail - the game that would become "Squad Leader on the computer" - has proved to be elusive.

On the Decline?
Multi-Man Publishing just put up a 10 scenario pack (with 3 mapboards) for their Advanced Squad Leader boardgame series up for preorder. It hit 700 credit card orders in less than 3 days. For a game with a 500 page rulebook, that you play with little cardboard pieces, in a room with some sweaty fat dude who wants to use your toilet and drop chips on your carpet. But there is obviously still appeal to this grand-daddy of all tactical games. Perhaps there will be nothing to knock it off its perch anytime soon.


The hopes of the old board gamers may not be driving the hobby anymore, but anyone who knows the difference between the two boxes pictured above still has a vested interest in the future of tactical-level PC games. Panzer Command has released its second title, and developer Erik Rutins has been busy on his own forums, at gamesquad, and other places around the internet taking notes, interacting with the gamers, and adding to his to-do list. Will he be the one to decide where the future of tactical wargaming on the PC goes? Will Panzer Command become "ASL for the computer" as some are intimating here at gamesquad's forums?

Or do we really need to have the ability for squad-sized units to be able to swim, ride horses, climb cliffs, rappel down buildings, interrogate prisoners, set fires, clear rubble, ad infinitum?

My Question To You
I finally found my first edition purple boxtop at auction, and though the contents were fourth edition, the box is pure 1st edition. What is the most prized possession in your boardgame collection? And why? ]]> Michael Dorosh http://www.gamesquad.com/forums/blog.php?b=432 EAW Updates released http://www.gamesquad.com/forums/blog.php?b=431 Mon, 14 Apr 2008 02:03:32 GMT After some extensive work retrofitting the three existing EAW titles to accept and take advantage of the new features introduced in the new MAW game,... After some extensive work retrofitting the three existing EAW titles to accept and take advantage of the new features introduced in the new MAW game, the new updates have been released on the HPS site:

http://www.hpssims.com/Pages/updates..._American.html

The 1.01 update for MAW is up there was well, with a variety of tweaks.

Here's what you'll be getting when you download and install the new updates for 1776, 1812 & FIW...first batch of numbers cover the engine enhancements from MAW, second batch are the file tweaks I made to take advantage of those enhancements and incorporating player feedback. Also made quite a few scenario tweaks for balance purposes.
--------------------
1) Weather

2) Fix for lost stragglers calculation.

3) New weapon.dat file for expanded weapon types.

4) When weapon is flagged in the PDT file ( ^ ) units equipped with such can fire while mounted. 50% effectiveness.

5) When weapon is flagged in the PDT file ( & ) units equipped with such can retire by prolong.

6) When weapon is flagged in the PDT file ( + ) units equipped with such can conduct indirect fire.

7) When weapon is flagged in the PDT file ( - ) units equipped with such have no bayonets.

8) When weapon is flagged in the PDT file ( * ) units equipped with such have "small arms" which means they have a shorter range and reduced lethality on ranged fire, but enjoy a 50% bonus in melee.

9) Bridge destruction & Repair. Certain bridge strengths are now required to use full hex bridges - 10 for infantry, 50 for cavalry & 100 for artillery and supply wagons.

10) New “Repairing” command for units that causes them to fix any bridge they are on or facing. The repair rate is 1 point per turn for 100 men or fraction. Engineer units repair at 4 points per turn per 100 men or fraction while regular units stacked with an engineer leader repair at 2 points per turn per 100 men or fraction. Use ‘E’ for engineer units and ‘M’ for engineer leaders in the OB.

11) Alternative graphics support added so two sets of ground tiles can be used, second set goes in "Alt" sub-directory inside the "Map" folder.

12) Artillery now remains at 0 in a campaign if eliminated in a previous battle.

13) Real emplaced artillery.

14) Added K hotkey for command range.

15) Added numbers to the arrows in hex info area.

16) Expanded Help menu to include User Manual.

17) Battalion Colors option.

18) Alternative map labels.

19) Added ability to place a termination bid against the AI during a campaign

20) Fix for leader replacement issue in water hexes.

21) Reduced counter-battery fire to 1/3 effectiveness.

22) A/I adjusted to correct artillery handling issues.

23) Gave a +2 morale modifier for units facing an embankment or stone wall hexside with a down-elevation step (i.e., units manning a defensive position). Shown on unit image as a + beside the quality rating.

24) Disallowed negative morale modifiers from enfilade fire passing over such a hexside except when coming from a higher elevation level.

--------------------

1) Placed a "base" weather entry in each PDT file so that visibility can be set to a max of 80 hexes.

2) Put in various flags (PDT) for weapons to allow indirect fire, retire by prolong, firing while mounted & small arms.

3) Reduced the range for the Rifle w/ bayonet by 1 hex.

4) Increased the effectiveness of artillery at short (up to 5 hex) range for all artillery over 4lbs.

5) Increased movement rates for supply wagons.

6) Decreased stacking limits to 150 men per hex.

7) Increased the movement costs in clear terrain to 3 for units in Line formation.

8) Increased the movement costs in forest to 5 for infantry, and slightly higher for other unit types.

9) Altered various modifiers for terrain types.

10) Increased ammo depletion values for both armies.

11) Decreased the value of artillery and cavalry, added points for supply.

12) Increased the number of supply wagons in most scenarios.

13) Added supply sources to forts as needed.

14) Changed many Militia type units to low grade infantry.

15) Decreased the number of Rifles carried by Militia units and replaced with Muskets without bayonets & Muskets.

16) Added in bridge strengths of 150 to all scenarios.

17) Line & Cav troops will now disrupt if moved in Forest, Orchard, Marsh, Town or Rough terrain types. ]]> rahamy http://www.gamesquad.com/forums/blog.php?b=431 Petersburg Siege Chess http://www.gamesquad.com/forums/blog.php?b=430 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 02:42:53 GMT Image: http://inlinethumb38.webshots.com/40357/2324177240102174200S425x425Q85.jpg (http://pets.webshots.com/photo/2324177240102174200rPSpRE) At...

At last, a victory to report! Even though I have close to 40 separate chess games going on at the moment, most are locked in hard-fought middle and endgames. Instead of being reminiscent of sweeping battles of maneuver, my chess is currently more analogous to the plodding slug-fest that was the Siege of Petersburg!

The following game is a perfect example. Riddled with mistakes on both sides of the trenches, this game proves the maxim that you don’t so much win a battle as your opponent loses it.

Annotations by Chessmaster XI and Fritz X:

[Site "www.ChessWorld.net "]
[Date "2008.1.20"]
[White "Crusader Scott"]
[Black "Uncle Bum"]
[Result "1-0"]
[WhiteElo "1848"]
[BlackElo "1789"]

White Black
Book Move 5 4
Leave Book 0 1
CMX Agrees 25 24
CMX Disagrees 7 8
Agreement Pct. 78% 75%
Total Error 6.81 14.24
Relevant Error 6.81 14.24

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 {C45 Scotch Game / Schmidt Variation. With 4...Nf6 Black achieves a normal defensive position with pressure on e4.}

5.Nc3 Bc5 6.Be3 O-O 7.Bc4 {CM considers this move my “most significant error” as it leads to 7...Bb4 8.O-O Ne5 9.Bb3 Bxc3 10.bxc3 d5 11.exd5 Nxd5 12.Bd2 Bg4 13.Qe1, which wins a bishop and a pawn for a knight and a pawn. Better is Nxc6, leading to 7...bxc6 8.Bxc5 d6 9.Be3 Re8 10.f3 Rb8 11.Qc1 c5 12.Bd3 Be6 13.O-O c6, which wins a bishop and a knight for a knight.” Fritz liked Nxc6 better, but did not consider it a significant mistake. Personally, I thought it more important to develop my Bishop and prepare to castle before engaging the enemy. Call me over-cautious.}

7…d6 8.Qd2 {Fritz remarks that I have “a very active position” here.}

8…Bg4 9.f3 Bh5 10.O-O Ne5 11.Be2 Qd7 12.Nf5 Bg6 13.Bxc5 dxc5 14.Qxd7 Nfxd7 15.Rad1 {Both Fritz and CM remark that this is a mistake and gives black some counterplay. Better would have been 15. Ne7+}

15…Nf6 {Black replies to my misstep with one of his own. 15…Bxf5 was better}

16.Ne7+ Kh8 17.Ncd5 Rae8 18.f4 {Fritz considers this a bad move, while CM is more forgiving with its comment that Nxg6+ is slightly better}

18…Nxd5 {Again, my opponent responds to mistake with mistake. Fritz remarks “18...Nc6 would keep Black alive 19.Nxg6+ hxg6”}

19. Nxd5 Nc6 20.Bf3 {I consider this my biggest mistake, or as Fritz puts it: “hands over the advantage to the opponent.” CM explains that 20.Bf3 “leads to 20...Bxe4 21.Nxc7 Bxf3 22.Rxf3 Rd8 23.Rd5 Nd4 24.Ra3 a6 25.Rd3 Rxd5 26.Nxd5 Rd8 27.c4 b5, which wins a rook, a bishop, and a pawn for a rook, a bishop, and a pawn. Better is f5, leading to 20...Rxe4 21.Nc3 Rxe2 22.Nxe2 Bh5 23.Rd2 Bxe2 24.Rxe2 f6 25.Rd1 Ne5 26.Re4 Kg8 27.Ra4 a6, which wins a rook and a bishop for a bishop, a knight, and a pawn.” Simply, the modest pawn push 20.f5 would have trapped the enemy bishop like Ledlie’s 1st Division in the Crater. Unfortunately, I failed to see this move and the enemy escaped a significant loss of material.}


After 20.Bf3

20…Bxe4 {My opponent capitalizes upon my mistake and equalizes the game.}

21.Bxe4 Rxe4 22.Nxc7 Re2 23.Rc1 a6 24.Rf2 {Fritz considers this “an interesting idea” but preferred it one move earlier.}

24…Nd4 25.Kf1 Rxf2+ 26.Kxf2 Nf5 27.Rd1 Ne7 28.Nd5 {This was a mistake - Rd7 was better - as my opponent turns the tables on me and begins laying siege to my knight whom is now trapped in the middle of the battlefield. Trying to find a way to extricate my cavalry would be in the forefront of my mind for the rest of the game. Little did I know that its eventual breakout would lead to victory....}

28...Rd8 29.c4 h6 30.b3 Rd6 31.g4 g6 32.h4 Kg7 33.Kf3 Nc6 34.Re1 Nd4+ 35.Kg3 b5 36.Nc7 b4 {After an extended period of careful maneuvering – one I feared would end in stalemate or loss of my knight– my opponent slips up. CM remarks: “Ouch! Leads to 37.Ne8+ Kf8 38.Nxd6 Kg7 39.Re7 Kf6 40.Re5 Kg7 41.Ne8+ Kf8 42.Nc7 a5 43.Rxc5 a4 44.bxa4 Ke7, which loses a rook and two pawns. Much better is Rc6, leading to 37.Ne8+ Kf8 38.g5 hxg5 39.hxg5 f5 40.Nf6 Rd6 41.Re5 Ne6 42.Nd7+ Rxd7 43.Rxe6 Rd3+ 44.Kf2, which wins a knight and a pawn for a knight and a pawn. This was black's key blunder. Black was never able to recover and eventually resigned.”}

37.Ne8+ {The besieged Knight breaks free and forks my opponent's King and Rook and delivers a devastating blow! Time to pull out of Petersburg! :ciao:Black resigned } 1-0

Clearly, 36..b4 was my opponent’s Battle of Fort Stedman. With the ultimate loss of his rook, his prospects were dim. However, considering all the mistakes I had made in this game, I am not so sure that I had a win on my hands. Guess we’ll never know for sure.


BTW: It has come to my attention that some of you do enjoy reading these chessic-AARs but don’t understand algebraic notation (the alpha-numeric soup above). Don’t worry, reading algebraic notation is easy. To learn how, visit here.

If you would like a simple way of following along with the action, visit here. Just copy and paste the following PGN into the box and the website will do the rest!


[Site "www.ChessWorld.net "]
[Date "2008.1.20"]
[White "Crusader Scott"]
[Black "Uncle Bum"]
[Result "1-0"]
[WhiteElo "1848"]
[BlackElo "1789"]
[Board "4532568"]

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Bc5 6.Be3 O-O 7.Bc4 d6 8.Qd2 Bg4 9.f3 Bh5 10.O-O Ne5 11.Be2 Qd7 12.Nf5 Bg6 13.Bxc5 dxc5 14.Qxd7 Nfxd7 15.Rad1 Nf6 16.Ne7+ Kh8 17.Ncd5 Rae8 18.f4 Nxd5 19.Nxd5 Nc6 20.Bf3 Bxe4 21.Bxe4 Rxe4 22.Nxc7 Re2 23.Rc1 a6 24.Rf2 Nd4 25.Kf1 Rxf2+ 26.Kxf2 Nf5 27.Rd1 Ne7 28.Nd5 Rd8 29.c4 h6 30.b3 Rd6 31.g4 g6 32.h4 Kg7 33.Kf3 Nc6 34.Re1 Nd4+ 35.Kg3 b5 36.Nc7 b4 37.Ne8+ {Black resigned} 1-0 ]]> Scott Tortorice http://www.gamesquad.com/forums/blog.php?b=430 dawn of war 1 http://www.gamesquad.com/forums/blog.php?b=429 Fri, 11 Apr 2008 13:59:07 GMT hi, what time do people start playing/hosting dawn of war 1 online. i am new to gaming on the net and would appreciate any tips or people who would... hi, what time do people start playing/hosting dawn of war 1 online. i am new to gaming on the net and would appreciate any tips or people who would like to pitch their army against me. thanks ]]> gbrory http://www.gamesquad.com/forums/blog.php?b=429 Winter War Operations http://www.gamesquad.com/forums/blog.php?b=428 Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:49:08 GMT The following is a listing of all the scenarios and campaigns thata re included with the game. There is also a map that ships with the game that... The following is a listing of all the scenarios and campaigns thata re included with the game. There is also a map that ships with the game that helps place each of these. Enjoy!

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This document is designed to be used with the Winter War Scenario Location Map.pdf file located in the main game directory, which provides an overview map of the contested area and the general locations of the actions listed here.

001.Getting Started.scn – 10 turns
20 December 1939, near Kollaa River (Hypothetical)

The struggle to control the Loimola road and the railroad track raged on from early December to the end of war. Finnish 34th Infantry Regiment used every available reserve squad to counter dozens of Russian probes into the Kollaa defense line; sending fire brigades to counter another crisis against an overhelming enemy. This scenario depicts a situation where a Russian probe manages to capture a forward trench line. Finnish HQ reacts swiftly and sends a company to recapture the trench before Russians find time to consolidate their gains.

002.Terijoki.scn – 16 turns - Winterhorde Onward Ride
30 November 1939, Terijoki, Finland Karelian Isthmus

As the Russo-Finnish War launched the Kremlin pompously anticipated a steamroller campaign that would consume tiny Finland within a week. With an air of overconfidence, the RKKA crossed the Finnish border on the morning of 30 November woefully unprepared for the hell on earth that would become known as the Winter War.

Knowing that the Russian prediction may not be too far off of the mark due to the fact that Finnish Forces were hopelessly outnumbered and possessed virtually no armor, Finnish High Command organized four "Covering Groups" that would fight a series of stubborn delaying actions back to the Mannerheim Line. If successful it would allow for an extended period to muster more troops as well as improve the condition of that infamous defensive position.

Of these ad hoc units, Group U (Uusikirkko) made immediate contact with the Russian 123. Rifle Division shortly after their crossing into Soumi, but despite their determination the 1st Jager Battalion had been pushed back to the eastern edge of the village of Terijoki by the evening of the war's first day.

As the Russians neared the village on the heels of the Finns they very quickly became aware of the fact that their enemy was not about to leave another inch of ground without a fight. Instantly, a vicious battle erupted that would stop the Russian pursuit in it's tracks and give the RKKA 123rd Division a harsh lesson in exactly what Finnish "sisu" entitled.

003.Kollaa.scn – 14 turns - Fire Brigade Locomotive
01 December 1939, Kollaa River, Suojarvi Sector

"On the day the war started, the Suojärvi Front was defended by Border Guard detachments totaling about a battalion's worth of troops, two regiments from the 12th Division (JR-34 and JR-36), a handful of light-to-medium artillery pieces, and an old armored train bristling with machine guns and French 75's in steel cupolas. This train proved to be quite effective in slowing the Russians advance. Hastening from trouble spot to trouble spot, it the Finns at least a token measure of mobile artillery support. Perhaps even more valuable than it's firepower was the psychological effect on the defenders' spirits as the train hove into sight, bellowing a roaring like some prehistoric monster, gushing angry smoke, and knocking sheets of snow from the trees when it fired it's main battery" (William R. Trotter, Frozen Hell, pp. 124).

This scenario is a hypothetical situation in which the Russians attempt to advance on a Finnish position defended by JR-34. Supported by medium and heavy mortars, the Russians begin to make good headway against the Finns until the arrival of armored train support. Finding themselves in dire straits, the RKKA calls on medium tank support to quell the threat imposed by the Finnish armored train.

004.Linnasalmi.scn – 10 turns - Calm Down and Kill Russians
03 December 1939, Linnasalmi Strait, Soumussalmi Sector

Best played as Russians against the AI.

As the Soviets entered central Finland, all that stood between the Red Army and absolute victory in the Soumussalmi sector were a handful of border guard detachments and a few token independent infantry companies. Under orders to achieve the impossible, these lightly armed troops somehow managed to stall one of the world's largest armies long enough to allow outnumbered Finnish forces to reinforce this area and achieve a major victory in one of the war's most reknown campaigns.

From the Russian perspective the initial tasks seemed militarily trivial. The 163rd Rifle Division (General Selendsov) of the 47th Corps was to advance into the sector destroying all Finnish border resistance and then proceed to the village of Soumussalmi itself. From the Finnish perspective it was an entirely different situation.

A small platoon of border guards led by a Finnish 2nd Lt. by the name of M.Elo were the first to spot Soviet troops crossing the border on 30 November 1939. Greviously outnumbered, Elo's platoon withdrew to the west side of Lake Kokkajarvi and then again to Kattera on the proceeding evening. His reports unbelieved by his superiors, Elo was heavily distraught when told by his command something to the nature of "stop being so nervous and fight the bastards".

Under the cover of darkness, Elo's men once again withdrew after repulsing a company sized attack by the forward elements of the 163rd Rifle Division. Eventually arriving at Linnasalmi Strait, the exhausted border guards took advantage of the geographical location and began to prepare their position.

On the morning of the 3rd, an entire battalion of the 81st Rifle Regiment assaulted the Linnasalmi position with the support of heavy mortars. Although the detachment miraclously repulsed this attack, a flanking force soon threatened to cut them off from the north. Following 4 days of delaying an entire regiment while sustaining over 50% casualties and now threatening to be flanked, the stress consumed 2nd Lt. Elo whom committed suicide rather than face capture.

In keeping with the ironic nature of warfare, the II RO was reinforced by ErK. Kontula and managed to escape their impending doom by withdrawing to Palovaara under command of Lt. M. Airanne.

005.Soumussalmi.scn – 16 turns - Delaying Action at Krylänmäki
07 December 1939, Krylanmaki, Battle of Soumussalmi – Scenario One

After having broken through the Finnish defenses at Linnasalmi, the 81st Regiment of the Soviet 163rd Rifle Division continued it's drive towards Soumussalmi and unknown doom. On the night of December 7th, 1939 the newly formed 1./Er.P 15 (reinforcement battalion) deployed to the Kylänmäki junction to conduct a delaying action against 81/163 which was moving south from Palovaara.

Arriving at the village just moments before the advancing Soviets, the Finnish troops quickly deployed into defensive positions and managed to hold until their enemy poured at them with superior numbers and armored support. Conducting their policy of scorched earth, the Finns soon torched Soumussalmi village and withdrew across Lake Kiantajarvi under the cover of darkness.

006.Koukkuniemi.scn – 20 turns - Somme at Taipale
08 December 1939, Koukkuniemi Peninsula, Taipale

Finnish 10th Division which was responsible for the defense of Taipale entrenched alongside the shores of the Suvanto and Taipale rivers to Lake Ladoga. Although the trenchline followed the river shores in most places; Finns left the Koukkuniemi Peninsula, which was located at the elbow between the Suvanto and Taipale rivers, outside the main defense line. Consequently Russian 49th Rifle Division had easy time occupying the tip of the land and the Koukkuniemi Village. At first sight this gave Russians a foothold from which future offensive operations could be launched. However it was a trap Finnish command deliberately set. Every inch of the Peninsula was carefully zeroed by the Finnish machineguns and artillery, turning the land a killing field for the Russian soldiers.

On December 08, Russian troops launched the first strong offensive at the bridgehead of Koukkuniemi. Command staff planned to send all troops of 49th Division plus armor to start the offensive. Russian artillery began a powerful barrage from the southern shore of the Taipale River. Finnish artillery had strict orders not to open counter battery fire in order to save ammunition. When the heavy artillery barrage ended, Finnish troops saw a remarkable view; Russian companies advancing slowly in lines against entrenched machinegun positions; which led disasterous consequences in the First World War.

007.Hevossalmi.scn – 18 turns - Battle for the Hirvasharju Hotel
12 December 1939, Hevossalmi Strait, The Center, Battle of Tolvajarvi

Captain H.Laakso's morning attack (for initial battle see scenario "Hevossalmi - The Drive on the Center") to capture the Hevossalmi Strait and the Tourist Hotel was checked by a fierce Russian resistence. The Finnish artillery coordination was poor. As the battle progressed, Finnish companies lost cohesion, and fighting became sporadic. By noon, the 2nd Battalion (16th Regiment) lost its momentum and was taking heavy losses.

At this point Lt. Colonel Pajari, was in a difficult situation. Both his Northern and Southern attacks across the Lakes of Hirvasjarvi and Tolvajari had very limited success which exposed his flanks to Soviet counter-attacks. With the Finnish forces advancing towards the Hotel at Huvossalmi, Pajari made the difficult decision and sent his reserve, the 10th Separate Battalion to support Captain Laakso.

008.Kotisaari.scn – 20 turns - Island on the Ice
12 December 1939, Kotisaari Island, Southern Sector, Battle of Tolvajarvi

Colonel Paavo Talvela's attack againts the Russian bridgehead at Tolvajarvi had three directions. To the north, a diversionary attack was to be launched over the Lake Hirvasjarvi to fix the 718th Rifle Regiment. In the center, troops from the 16th Infantry Regiment were ordered to attack and capture the Hevossalmi Strait, and the tourist Hotel dominating the area. However, Talvela intended the real blow at the Southern section of the Lake Tolvajarvi. According to the plan, the "Separate Battalion 112" (Er.P 112) from Task Force Pajari was to attack the Kotisaari Island over the frozen lake Tolvajarvi; clear the area and send a company to cut the road in Kivisalmi strait at the Eastern shore of the lake; effectively cutting the logistical line of the Russian 139th Rifle Division.

The Er.P 112, commanded by Captain A. Kanerva, was deployed on the extreme right of the Finnish forces with the 1st and 2nd companies. The 3rd company was entrenched to defend the Tolvajarvi village on the western shore. Utilizing the thick ice on the Lake, Kanerva's battalion launched it's attack at 0800 hrs, and got a foothold on the southern tip of the island. At this point, 2nd Company crossed the eastern shore of Lake Tolvajarvi, to cut the road leading to Kivisalmi. The 1st Company continued the attack towards the northern end of the island to secure this important land feature dominating the shores surrounding the Tolvajarvi Lake.

009.Tolvajarvi-A.scn – 12 turns - An Unwanted Surprise
12 December 1939, Lake Hirvasjarvi, Northern Pincer, Battle of Tolvajarvi

By the second week of December the relentless onslaught of the Soviet Army had pushed the Finnish Army to the near breaking point on all fronts. Nowhere was the situation as desperate as along the Tolvajärvi Road, and hoping to fight the RKKA to at least a standstill, Mannerheim was hard pressed to take a desperate gamble. Deciding that the best defense was a good offense, the infamous Commander in Chief engineered a strategy to break the Soviet lines in the previously mentioned sector.

Initially replacing many inadequate leaders, Mannerheim assigned a cadre of WWI veterans (namely Talvela and Pajari) to assume command of the Finnish forces in this area of peril. Aggressive and intelligent, they instantly constructed a doctrine for the attack. The northern pincer of this offensive operation was comprised of various infantry units under the command of Major Malkamäki (Task Force Malkamäki), and his forces were tasked with attacking Soviet forces in the northern sector of Lake Hirvasjärvi.

Due to orienteering errors, the attack got off to a lackluster start. I/JR 16 (Kapteeni U.Herranen) was advancing north from it's previous position as elements of it's sister battalion (ErP.9) were combating strong RKKA forces on the western side of Lake Hirvasjärvi.

Once across the lake, I/JR.16 immediately butted heads with the 718th Rifle Regiment/139th Division (who were on an offensive operation of their own). Taken by surprise, both Finn and Russian troops became engaged in a chaotic firefight in which unit cohesion was lost by both forces. Making no progress by 1200 hours, Major Malkmäki gave his men the order to withdraw.

010.Tolvajarvi-B.scn – 18 turns - Hevossalmi - The Drive on the Center
12 December 1939, Helvossalmi Strait, The Center, Battle of Tolvajarvi

As Task Force Malkamäki was repelled on the northern pincer of the Lake Hirvasjarvi, Col. Pajari ordered his troops forward on the center. Reeling from a miscalculation in the amount of time it would take the Finnish artillery to move into position, the RKKA forces in the sector exploited this momentary stall. Unfortunately for the Russians, the Finnish guns were brought to bare in time to repel elements of the 609. Rifle Regiment that had launched a counterattack along the Finnish northern flank.

After recuperating from this momentary setback, the 2nd and 6th Companies of the 16th Infantry Regiment launched their attack into a heavily defended and prepared line. Finnish casualties became high as the Soviet troops turned the Tourist Hotel on Hevossalmi Strait into a fortress packed with heavy and light machineguns. Determined to take the position, Pajari continued to commit Finnish reinforcements to the center as the 609th Rifle Regiment continued to resist fiercely.

Eventually Pajari would commit the 2nd and 3rd Companies of ErP.10, and PPP7 to the fray as the fight became a close range meatgrinder of attrition. Although the position was eventually taken and the elements of the RKKA 609th Regiment defending the Hotel were wiped out to the man, the task of taking the Hotel was no easy task for the Finns. In addition, several battalions of Finnish troops were in a concentrated area and stood the risk of being counterattacked by the Soviets en masse.

Note*- This scenario represents the battle before the arrival of 2.ErP/10 and the PPP7.

011.Uomaa.scn – 18 turns – Crossroads
12 December 1939, Lemetti - Uomaa Road, Ladoga Karelia

General Hagglund's counterattack plan was particularly relied on Task Force Autti's success which was the main offensive element of Colonel H.Hannuksela's 13rd Division. Colonel Autti's main group was to pass the wilderness at East of Kotajarvi with a night march and surprise the Russian elements that were already pinned by attacks from Northern part of the Road.

After midnight, on December 12th, Task Force Autti began it's advance near Lake Varpajärvi. Roadless and rugged terrain slowed the movements of the troops and delayed the flanking attack aimed at the Russian rear. Aware of the importance of the element of surprise in this operation, Colonel Autti forced his tired troops to a march in order to reach the crossroads where roads from Lemetti, Kotajarvi and Uomaa link. Autti's spearhead, the I/JR 37 reached the crossroad at 1300 hrs. However, leading troops immediately spotted a large Russian formation moving towards the crossroads. There, under the frigid cold of Ladoga Karelia, started a desperate fight for the possesion of the vital crossroads.

012.Kotajarvi.scn – 18 turns - Encounter at Kotajarvi
12 December 1939, Western Shore of Lake Kotajarvi, Uomaa Road

The strong Russian advance on the Eastern side of Lake Ladoga was a nasty surprise for the Finnish command that didnt expect a full corps with armor in the area. Russians advanced with two rifle divisions as spearheads. The 168th Rifle Division turned westwards to the shore of Ladoga and reached Kitila, while the 18th Rifle Division moved towards Lake Syskyjarvi. Russian command left the 97th Rifle Regiment along the eastern part of the road network to defend the vital supply line between Lemetti and Uomaa.

At this point, Major General Hägglund's IV. Corps launched their planned counterattack to isolate the advancing Russian formations. The Finnish 13rd Division committed its 6 battalions to the attack. Finnish command sent a large group (Group Autti) against the Russian rear with a wide flanking movement in the wilderness East of Lake Kotajarvi. At the same point, another formation (JR38) was to attack the Uomaa Road through the Western shores of the Lake Kotajarvi, thus cutting the logistical lines of the huge enemy formations at NorthWest. On December 12th, the III. Battalion of the 38th Regiment made contact with elements of the Soviet 97th Rifle Regiment on the western side of Lake Kotajärvi. Finnish troops immediately launched their attack against the Russian roadblock.

013.Uomaa.scn – 12 turns - Task Force Autti
13 December 1939, Uomaa - Lemetti Road, Ladoga Karelia

On December 11th, the 13th Division, commanded by Colonel H.Hannuksela, was deployed to defend the area northeast of the coast of Ladoga, especially the vital road and railroad, that lead from Salmi to Sortavala via Kitilä. The deployment of the division was the direct result of General Hagglund's (IV Corps) plan of counterattack on the advancing Russian formations.

According to the plan one battlegroup under the command of Lt.Col Järvinen was to defend the area near the Lake Syskyjärvi to stop Russian advance on the Uomaa - Lemetti - Kittila road. Another battlegroup of six infantry battalions had orders to outflank the road and attack the Russian formations pinned down between Uomaa and Lemetti. The largest formation in the attack group was Colonel P.Autti's force mainly consisting of the 36th and 39th Regiments.

On December 12th, The spearhead of Colonel Autti reached the road without opposition. Although the Finnish advance on the rugged terrain was slow, Autti's troops managed to cut the road. Having lost the surprise factor and being unable to advance towards Uomaa, Finnish troops formed positions blocking any attempt to help the Russian infantry in the pocket today known as Lemetti Motti. On December 13rd, Russian 34th Tank Brigade reached the battlefield. They quickly launched an attack on the Task Force Autti in an attempt to clean the road and reach the isolated troops.

014.Suomussalmi.scn – 14 turns - Tightening the Noose
14 December 1939, Suomussalmi Village, Battle of Suomussalmi

163rd Rifle Division was entrapped in and around the village of Suomussalmi and Lake Kiantajarvi. The division was so harrassed by the Finnish probes and raids, it was unable to conduct an assault to break the encirclement. Thus elements of the 81st and 759th Rifle Regiments formed a defensive perimeter around the town and waited for relief.

Finnish 27th Regiment commanded by Colonel Siilasvuo has deployed at the eastern outskirts of the Suomussalmi Village which was heavily defended by the 759th Rifle Regiment. Their orders were cutting the roads leading from the village towards Raate. Colonel Siilasvuo planned a series of quick raids to tighten the noose on the Russian perimeter. The 27th Regiment has formed raiding parties consisting light infantry heavily equipped with submachine guns, molotov cocktails and grenades. On the evening of December 14, a Finnish assault group led by Captain J. Sihvonen infiltrated the village and launched a heavy attack.

015.Kemijarvi.scn – 18 turns - Buying Time with Blood
17 December 1939, Salla-Kemijarvi Road, Lapland

While the majority of the Soviet Army engaged in a heavy fighting for the Mannerheim Line in the South, the 9th Army launched several attacks in the Lapland area, in Northern Finland. Those attacks aimed to flank the Finnish defenses and isolate the capital Helsinki from the center and the Northern parts of the country. The attacks posed a great threat to the Finnish forces since most of the army was committed in the South and general Mannerheim had a hard time finding reserves to put against the Russians.
One sector of the 9th Army's offensive was Salla, a municipality in Lapland near the Russian Border. The Soviet 122nd Rifle Division, followed by the 88th Division, crossed the Finnish-Russian border and began its march Westwards. The Soviets troops had orders to advance through Salla to Kemijarvi and capture Rovaniemi in two weeks. From there they were to advance to Tornio and cut Finland in two. Finns had nothing but one border battalion in the area (the 17th Separate Battalion) at the start of the war. The troops were part of the Lapland Group commanded by Major General Kurt M. Wallenius.

The 17th Battalion was crushed under heavy attacks and the Russians had no difficulty in capturing Salla on the 9th of December. The Finnish HQ reacted by forming an ad-hoc battlegroup (Osasto) under the command of Major V. Roininen. The "Task Force Roininen" was composed of the remnants of the 17th Battalion, the 26th Separate Battalion and the 40th Infantry Regiment. The group also had many Swedish volunteers. Major Roininen's task was stopping the Russian advance before the lake town of Kemijarvi. On the 16th of December, Roininen received reports that a strong Russian column had passed Markajarvi, 20km East of Kemijarvi. Most of the Finnish troops were not arrived to put an effective defense. Major ordered the 26th Separate Battalion to advance towards Markajarvi and set up roadblocks to delay the 122nd Division. The Finnish and Russian spearheads met 7km west of Markajarvi.

016.Petsamo.scn – 10 turns - White Death at Petsamo
20 December 1939, Hoyhenjarvi-Nautsi Road, Petsamo

When the elements of the 14th Army launched their attack towards Petsamo, the Finns had little to counter the Russians. The Lapland Group under the command of Major General Kurt Martti Wallenius organized a battle group, called Osasto Pennanen, after its leader, Captain Antti Pennanen. Osasto Pennanen was a small unit compared to the two full Soviet Divisions (104th and 52nd) it was facing. It had three separate companies (10. , 11. and 3. Erillinen Komppania), one artillery battery (5. Erillinen Patteri) and a Reconnaissance Group (Tiedusteluosasto 11).

Elements of the 104th Division crossed the border on November 30, 1939 and occupied the Rybachi Peninsula. The 52nd Division was moved to Petsamo by boats. Osasto Pennanen tried to slow the Russians down by a series of rearguard actions and retreated towards Nautsi. The 52nd Division took over the attack from the 104th and pushed the Finns all the way to Höyhenjärvi. While trying to organize roadblock defenses with the meager forces he had, Captain Pennanen sent light troops for reconnaissance and guerilla raids behind enemy lines to disrupt Russian advance. Tiedusteluosasto 11, with its light equipment and soldiers specialized in skiing and cross-country skills, hit the advancing columns of the 52nd Division, causing heavy casualties. This scenario depicts one of those raids when Finns surprised a Russian column moving towards Nautsi.

017.Piispajarvi.scn – 5 turns - How to Die with a Quickness : Motti Tactics 101
22 December 1939 Lake Piispajarvi Area – Battle of Soumussalmi

Best played as Russians with Finnish AI.

This scenario was designed to give the Squad Battles player a taste of 3 things.
1. Devastation inflicted by Finnish Motti tactics were during the Winter War
2. Why the Soviets called the Finns "The White Death"
3. To show why more scenarios of this type are not included in this game.

The sole challenge in this scenario is to see if you can muster enough kills to achieve a major victory. Ambush the convoy. Capture the objective hexes and then break contact by skiing straight through the Soviets to the exit objectives. You have 5 turns to achieve this.

018.Raate Road.scn – 12 turns - Haukila Farm
02 January 1940, Haukila Farm, Raate- Soumussalmi Road

The 163rd Rifle Division entrapped at Suomussalmi was destroyed and Finnish attention had turned to the 44th Rifle Division which was bogged down at Raate Road. Colonel Siilasvuo's 27th Regiment (JR27) deployed to launch coordinated attacks on the 44th Division which resembled a huge snake along the frozen road in the woods. Finnish plan was to chop down this snake into mottis and destroy them seperately.

On the night of January 1st, two companies from the JR27 silently deployed around the road and attacked the Russian column with molotov cocktails and grenades. After a short but bloody firefight many vehicles were burning on the road. Russian troops retreated to a neighboring farm and were waiting for relief. It was time for the Finns to setup roadblock to stop the Russian counterattack and destroy the pinned forces in the farm. Both sides collided in the subarctic daylight of the next morning.

019.Raate Road.scn – 14 turns - The Sausage War
23 December 1939, Kuomasjarvi Isthmus, Raate- Soumussalmi Road

The actions between 11 and 13 December effectively halted the Soviet advance on Suomussalmi through the Raate Road. Finnish troops quickly grasped the initiative and launched strong counterattacks towards Suomussalmi and Raate directions. The Ukrainian 44th Motorized Rifle Division, unable to reach the encircled 163rd Rifle Division at Suomussalmi, was fighting for its own survival along the icy road. After 20 December, Finnish troops followed a different pattern on their actions. Rather than conventional manuevres in regimental level, they launched small sudden strikes against the flanks and the encampments of the enemy.

On 22 December, Battle Group Makinen (Osasto Makinen) was facing a single battalion from the 44th Rifle Division at the Eastern edge of the Raate Road. The 9th Division HQ reinforced Makinen with several antitank units and light infantry companies. Makinen's orders were attacking the Russian formations at the narrow isthmus between the lakes of Kuomasjarvi and Kuivasjarvi. Makinen's attack started on 23rd December with the advance of the spearhead, 1st Battalion of the 27th Regiment (I/27JR). The battalion failed in taking the isthmus as the Soviet defenders had already erected some field fortifications and were supported by tanks. However by noon units from the I/27JR surprised a Russian column resting and refitting along the road. Finnish troops launched the attack from several directions while Russians reinforcements tried to turn the table. Makinen's troops especially targeted the Russian field kitchens along with the heavy weapons in the column. Field kitchens were regarded as prime targets by the Finns, as high protein and warm food were vital to fight in the arctic climate. A reason why Finns used to call the Winter War, "the Sausage War".

020.Kelja.scn – 20 turns - Blood on the Ice
25 December 1939, Kelja, Suvanto River, Karelian Isthmus

Taipale sector was the left extremity of the Finnish defenses at the Mannerheim Line. Its flanks were protected by two geographical features; Lake Ladoga to the North and Suvanto a major river to the South. In Mid-December, the Soviet 49th and 150th infantry divisions, supported by tanks, attacked in the Taipale sector. All attacks were repulsed especially with the help of heavy Finnish artillery concentration in the area. On Dec 18th Soviet pressure died away, enabling the Finns to switch the front-line troops. Although the infantry attacks were not strong, the Soviet artillery was very active, keeping up constant bombardment aiming on the other side of the Suvanto River.

However the calm was misleading. Finnish HQ started receiving many reports giving hints for the coming Soviet attack. Soviet patrols were actively probing the Suvanto River evidently checking if the thickness of the ice was suitable for an assault. Finnish recon flights too reported heavy enemy concentration on the southern side of the Suvanto. The Finnish rear areas, especially sectors of Kelja and Haaparainen and Patoniemi Fort were bombarded frequently. On Dec 20th, the Finnish intelligence captured a Soviet radio message, showing the increased Soviet interest in the strength of the Suvanto ice-cover. Also some reports were telling that a fresh Soviet division had reinforced the enemy.

In fact, the Soviet 4th Rifle Division was moved to the area to attack the Finnish 10th Division that was guarding the rear areas of the Taipale and the shore of the Suvanto. The 4th Rifle Division was a strong formation with five infantry regiments. The division was to attack on a sector some 8-10 km wide. The plan was to cross the ice in the cover of darkness, without a preliminary bombardment in order to achieve surprise. The attack over Suvanto had three directions: The sector of Kelja village; Volossula and Patoniemi. The old forts of Kekinniemi and Patoniemi too were primary Soviet targets.

On the 25th, the temperature was -17°C and heavy snowfall was limiting the visibililty. The Soviet attacks were launched at 0500 and 0700 hrs achieving surprise among the Finnish lines. The Kelja sector was defended by the 8th Company of the 29th Regiment. Most of the troops were in shelters seeking protection from the cold when the Soviets launched their attack. The troops reconing the ice had to run to the friendly lines to alarm their friends since they didnt have radio communication with the company Hq. This delay gave Russians time to come closer to the Finnish lines.

021.Patoniemi.scn – 16 turns - Wake up! Russians are here
25 December 1939, Patoniemi, Suvanto River, Karelian Isthmus

The 19th century fort at the Patoniemi cape was one of the three beacheads Soviets aimed in the Suvanto offensive for outflanking the Finnish positions in the Taipale sector. The fort was one of the remnants of the Russian domination before the Finnish independence. It hosted obsolete coastal defense cannons emplaced in bunkers and defended by machine gun positions. A Finnish infantry company from the 30th Regiment was guarding the wooded cape.

It was 0700 hrs, when leading Soviet troops reached the shores of Patoniemi. Similar to the Kelja sector, heavy snowfall and arctic temperature had hindered the Finnish recon activity. Most of the crews of the bunker positions were in the shelters when first enemy soldiers put foot on the ground. Alarm spread among the Finns and a struggle started for reaching the bunkers before Soviets can establish themselves on the shore.

022.Kelja.scn – 20 turns - The God of War
27 December 1939, Kelja Bridgehead, Suvanto River, Karelian Isthmus

The Soviet attack over the Suvanto River was aimed at three sectors; Kelja, Volossula and Patoniemi. Of those three sectors the Russians managed to hold a bridgehead only at Kelja. Other attacks were repulsed by a combination of Finnish counterattacks and concentrated artillery power. On the 25th and 26th December, the Finnish 29th and 30th Regiments (10th Infantry Division) launched repeated attacks to destroy the dangerous bridgehead. All attacks were defeated with the help of the Russian artillery. Russian troops too made numerous attempts to reinforce the bridgehead but those attempts were also stopped by the Finnish 10th Artillery Regiment and the guns of the Kekinniemi Fort. Both sides deployed a heavy artillery concentration to support their troops around Kelja.

On 27th December, Finnish command made another attempt to destroy the Russian pocket. The newly arrived 6th Separate Battalion of Captain O. Saarinen, attached to the 10th Infantry Division, was deployed in the woods neighboring the Russian lines. Their orders were to attack and destroy the Russian forces in the area. The anti-tank detachment was to support their attack with a flank movement around the Russian right wing. The success of the attack was depending on the coordination with the artillery. Most of the artillery power of the Russian 4th Division was in the area too, reacting quickly to any Finnish counterattack. Once again the "God of War" had the last word.

023.Kiantajarvi.scn – 14 turns - The Last Agony
30 December 1939, Lake Kiantajarvi, North of Suomussalmi

Finnish raids, freezing weather and starvation destroyed most of the 163rd Rifle Division trapped in and around Suomussalmi village. Disorganized remnants of the division tried to escape to safety on the frozen Lake Kiantajarvi to the North of Suomussalmi. Finnish command reacted to the situation by organizing a raiding party under the command of Captain H. Kuistio. Kuistio's detachment was consisting of the elements from the III Battalion (JR64) which acted as the reserve of the JR27 during the battle of Suomussalmi. Captain Kuistio gathered a small group with comparatively high firepower. The detachment had submachine guns, heavy machine guns, one Anti-tank gun and an AA machine gun. Finnish troops were loaded on the trucks and started the chase over the frozen surface of the lake Kiantajarvi.

The detachment set out on the 30th and moved along the eastern shore. At noon they encountered a long Soviet column near the NorthEastern shores of the Lake Kiantajarvi. Finns drove towards the column. This move surprised the Russians since they probably never had seen Finnish troops mounted on trucks. Moving close to the column, Finns opened a murderous fire from close range. The Russian soldiers, already suffered heavily during the siege, had to endure a last agony before reaching to safety near the woods of the Kiantajarvi.

024.Haukila.scn – 10 turns - A Blaze in the Northern Sky
02 January 1940, Near Haulika Farm, Raate Road, Soumussalmi Sector

As the Finnish forces continued to surround the RKKA 163rd Division at Soumussalmi, the Ukrainian 44th Motorized Rifle Division had for the most part; sat idle a mere 6 miles to the east. Though some historians credit the Soviet hesitation to the degree of fierceness with which the Finns repelled the initial probes of the Ukrainians, others have found no reason why the Soviet Commander (Vinogradov) failed to issue a plan for breakout.

Quickly capitalizing on the paralyzed state of the 44th Motorized Rifle Division, the 1st Battalion/27th Infantry Regt. (Capt. Lasilla) went forward to cut off the road to the east in order to form a "motti" of the western most units of the enemy formation. Moving into position without detection, the cool headed Capt. Lasilla would take a full 90 minutes to orchestrate his attack plan while observing from a mere 400 meters away.

The attack began shortly after 2400 hours on 2 January, 1940. The men of I/JR-27 quickly removed the Russian sentries with only token resistance and then the entire attack hit the road with conviction. As the situation developed, Lasilla realized that he was not assaulting the entrenched infantry unit as he had planned, but had broke into a rear area and found himself amidst an unknown formation.

Due to an error in night navigation, Lasilla had ended up 500 meters off of course and was now wreaking havoc on rear echelon artillery troops. The assault continued to progress well despite the appearance of Soviet AA trucks armed with quad Maxim MG's that set the night sky ablaze. By first light, I/JR-27 had opened 500 meters of road and roadblocks both east and west were not only manned, but highly operational and covered by minefields.

025.Makinen.scn – 14 turns - Mäkinen's Roadblock
03 January 1940, Ratte Road, Makinen’s Roadblock, 44th Division Motti

Immediately following I./JR.27's succesful road cutting operation, Finnish engineers erected a series of barriers and minefields with blazing speed. Predicting a very strong counter thrust by the 44th Rifle Division, the commander of the Finnish 9th Division (Siilasvuo) took the extreme risk of sending Captain Lasilla's battalion the only two 37mm Anti-tank guns the division possesed. Arriving shortly before 0700 hours, the 37mm Bofors guns were no sooner laid in when the Soviets launched a heavy combined arms attack on what was now known as Makinen's roadblock (named for the Task Force Commander).

Now in possesion of the correct tools for the trade, Finnish AT gunners peppered the advancing tanks with precision fire. Knocking out 7 AFV's within the first 15 minutes of combat, the Finnish AT gunners left the road littered with burning Red Armor. These destroyed hulks served to strengthen the defensive value of the Finnish roadblock by providing obstacles to future Soviet advances.

026.Hotinen.scn – 15 turns - Heroes of the Soviet Union
03 February 1940, Bunker No:45, Hotinen, Mannerheim Line

Timoshenko's february offensive was started by a series of recons in force and raids to disrupt the enemy and capture critical strongpoints that are comparatively close to the Russian lines. One of those strongpoints was the two concrete bunkers that were defending the approaches of Hotinen, 1km west of Summa village. Bunker no:44 and no:45 were modernized fortifications that can deliver machinegun fire in different angles and accomodate a platoon of infantry. Those strongpoints were key factors of the bloody Russian defeat in the December. They were also covering the right flank of the Summa village. Determined to capture, or at least soften those bunkers, the 100th Infantry Division sent a battalion level raid in the Hotinen sector.

2nd Battalion of the 355th Rifle Regiment launched continuous night attacks for the bunkers between 1-3 February. The battalion commander Captain Sipovich, supported by super heavy howitzers, conducted raids in order to catch the Finnish defenders off footed. On 3 February, the 5th Company managed to capture Bunker No:44; while the 4th Company was bogged down in front of the Bunker:45. The 5th Company was ordered to stay at Bunker:44 and defend the area until explosive teams arrive for the destruction of the concrete structure. The 4th company was preparing another night raid towards the powerful Bunker:45 in front of the Finnish positions.

At this very point, the commander of the Finnish 7th Regiment Kaarlo Heiskanen, who was aware of the importance of those strongpoints, ordered a counterattack to recapture the lost positions and throw the Russians out of the Finnish lines. Captain Jaakko Hakanen's 3rd Battalion launched a determined attack at midnight. Both sides collided in a confused night struggle for the Bunkers.

027.Sisu.scn – 8 turns - Soumis, Satchel Charges and Sisu
08 February 1940, Summa, West Karelian Isthmus

Soviet Force commander: Comrade! You have the honor of smashing through the enemy defense line and attacking his vital rear areas. Comrade Marshal Timoshenko is counting on you to succeed. Do not fail !

Finnish commander: A Red tank column has broken through our main defense line but without infantry support. Your "bomber" unit will be tasked with stopping these tanks. They must not get through !

This scenario depicts the desperate AT measures used by the Finns to counter the overwhelming numbers of armored vehicles unleashed upon them by the Soviets in their bid to crush Finland. Red Army tank losses in the Karelian Isthmus during the Winter War as a result of mines, satchel charges, or burned amounted to 819 tanks destroyed. Sisu, indeed !

028.Terenttila.scn – 15 turns - Fight for the Bunker
10 February 1940, Terenttila, Taipale Front

World knows the Russo-Finnish War dominated by "hit and run" and guerilla tactics. However most of the heavy fighting was happened in trenches where, in some places combatants fought for a trenchline for months. This is true especially in the struggle for the Mannerheim line, Karelian Isthmus. This scenario pictures a typical situation Finnish and Russian soldiers found themselves hundreds of times in the struggle for strongpoints.

Taipale was the northern extremity of the Mannerheim Line. Resting the Lake Ladoga on its left and the large River Suvanto on the right, Taipale provided an excellent defensive position for the left flank of the Finnish forces in the Isthmus. Although it was not the weightcenter of the Russian attacks, Taipale has seen a very bloody trench warfare from December 1939 to March 1940. Russian forces made several attempts to capture the positions and outflank the Finnish II Corps in the South. All those attempts were repulsed by the stubborn defense of the 10th Infantry Division.

Both sides organized raids and "recons in force" during the "calm" periods between the major offensives in Taipale. The "Strongpoint 3" was part of the Finnish trench system covering the Taipale River. It was defended by a platoon from the 28th Infantry Regiment. On 10 February, a Red Army company from the 222nd Rifle Regiment (49th Rifle Division) has attempted to capture the Finnish strongpoint guarding the approaches of the town of Terenttila. Trying to grab the element of surprise, Red Army riflemen, assaulted to capture the trench without initial bombardment.

029.Lahde.scn – 16 turns - Breaking the Mannerheim Line
11 February 1940, Poppius Bunker, Lahde Sector, Mannerheim Line

After 2 months of stagnant and costly fighting the situation at the Lahde Sector of the Mannerheim line had grown very grim for the besieged Finns. Dominated by 2 very stubborn strongpoints (the "Poppius" and "Million Dollar Bunker") the fortifications and their surrounding areas now stood severely damaged by ten days of intense bombardment. With anti-tank barriers reduced to mere rubble, minefields blown away by artillery strikes and barbed wire shredded by the same, the Finnish troops of JR8 would soon find themselves under the pressure of two entire regiments from the 123rd Rifle Division.

At 1200 Leningrad time the attack was launched and although the initial RKKA attacks were repulsed after only 20 minutes, the 123rd was determined and were soon reinforced by another infantry battalion and armored support. The fight in the center continued until a tank crew with nerves of steel maneuvered their vehicle in front of the firing ports preventing the Finns from firing from the bunker. Although JR8 continued to resist fiercely the Poppius Bunker would be under the Red Banner by 1230.

On the eastern flank the Finns faced only infantry. Although the RKKA lost so many troops on this flank that survivors dubbed the area the "Valley of Death", Lieutenant Hannu and his company were forced to abandon their position. This was due to the fall of the Poppius Bunker to the west and the fact that numerous T-28 tanks were closing in on their position from the Lähde Road to his companies rear.

To the west at the "Million Dollar" bunker the Jagers were able to hold their original line for the remainder of the day versus numerous Russian assaults. Only after troops of the 123rd Rifle Division placed a 500 pound block of TNT on a fissure in the roof of the bunker (blowing it to pieces and killing all 30 men inside) did this position fall.

By 12 February, the Mannerheim Line had finally been broken by the determined siege of the 123rd Rifle Division and cheers were heard by these troops for possibly the first time in the war. For their part in overcoming this obstacle, the 245th Regiment was awarded the Order of the Red Banner and Colonel Rosly (The Regt. CO) was bestowed the Golden Star of the Hero of the Soviet Union.

030.Summankyla.scn – 22 turns - Hardest of the Hardest Days
11 February 1940, Summa, Mannerheim Line

Both sides spent the January for refitting and recovering from the losses of the bloody december. Soviet Army, now commanded by General Timoshenko, prepared for the assault operations dated for February. Timoshenko's plan was to drag the Finnish Army into a war of attrition that they cannot win. Therefore he concentrated nearly his entire hitting power into the narrow Karelian Isthmus to strike Mannerheim Line. The plan was attacking the Mannerheim Line in all sectors and applying overwhelming pressure over Finnish defenses and forcing Finnish High Command to commit their reserves into attritional trench warfare. The critical sector where Timoshenko was expecting the breakthrough was Summa and Lahde, the gateway to Viipuri.

The Soviet 7th Army had concentrated 2/3 of it's forces on a 40 km wide front from Summa to Muolaa. This gave 3 infantry battalions and over 50 artillery pieces for each km. First ten days of the february passed with probing attacks into individual strong points and almost constant heavy artillery and air bombardment, wasnt seen since Verdun. The Soviet artillery fired 300.000 shells daily in the Summa area alone, turning the ground into a moonshape desert. Finnish artillery didnt react since they had strict orders to preserve ammunition for the major enemy offensives.

On Sunday, February 11th, the morning was clear and the temperature was -20 Celsius. At 0840 hrs, a heavy artillery barrage started along the whole sector of the Finnish 3rd Division. Just before noon, the Soviet 100th division, supported with dozens of tanks, started the attack on the Summa sector. Veterans of the 7th Infantry Regiment was going to remember the day as the hardest of the hardest days.

031.Muolaa.scn – 12 turns - The Battle for Muolaa Church
11 February 1940, Muolaa Church, Mannerheim Line

When Timoshenko's February Offensive started there was no quiet sector at the Mannerheim Line from the Gulf of Finland to Taipale River. However the heaviest blow fell on the Summa Sector. On the left flank near Muolaa Lake the Soviet pressure was not cataclysmic as Summa or Lahde but it was bad enough for the defenders. The strongest position in Muolaa was a Lutherian Churchyard near the banks of the Lake Kirkkojarvi. Finnish trenches scattered along the forests surrounding the church and the graveyard behind a stonewall.

Russian artillery had been pounding the area for several days. However the pressure grew severe on the morning of February 11. After a brief bombardment, Russian tanks, supported by infantry and sappers started their advance. Finns had no antitank gun in the area and men defending the Muolaa position had only grenade clusters and molotov cocktails to throw against the steel monsters.

032.Kirvesmaki.scn – 18 turns - Dark Day at Taipale
18 February 1940, Kirvesmaki, Taipale Front

The heavy fighting at Taipale entered a calm period in January and both sides tried to recover from the losses of December. In February, bolstered by reinforcements, Russian command launched several heavy offensives in Koukkuniemi Peninsula, Terenttila and Taipale. Those offensives were undertaken by two fresh units; the 150th and 142nd rifle divisions. Finnish III Corps had no reserves and their strength had been wearing down by the repeating Russian attacks. The 10th Division, which was renamed as the 7th Division, had to fight on its own against an enemy who was getting stronger every month. The breaking point came on February 18.

Soviet bombers had been bombing the Finnish positions in Kirvesmaki since February 08. The bombardment was aimed especially at the command centers of the 7th Division and the concrete bunkers in and around the Kirvesmaki strong point. On 18 February 1940, after two calm days, Red Army launched a powerful offensive on Kirvesmaki and Terenttila villages. By the first lights of the day, dozens of Russian planes bombed Finnish positions. At 09:00, the Russian infantry started its advance. The majority of the Finnish trench system was destroyed by aerial and artillery bombardment. Officer casualties were very high severely hindering the rallying attempts. Russian 150th Rifle division, supported by armor, achieved several breakthroughs between Kirvesmaki and Terenttila. The Russian advance was threatening the staff point and the bunkers at Kirvesmaki, a vital center for the Finnish defenses near Suvanto River. The crack battalion of the 21st Regiment commanded by Captain Sorri was forwarded to stop the Russians and save the day.

033.Honkaniemi.scn – 12 turns - Armored Clash at Honkaniemi
26 February 1940, Honkaniemi, Finland, Central Front

Best played as Finland against the AI

By the 25th of February the Russian salient at Honkaniemi proved to be a thorn in the side of Finnish efforts to control the region. Realizing this pocket needed destroyed, Lt. Gen. Öhquist detached a light tank company of Finland's sole armored battalion to the 23rd Infantry Division to assist Jäger Battalion 3 in the coming assault.

After a short artillery barrage by the 15th and 21st Artillery Battalions, the men of Jäger Battalion 3 launched the assault supported by 6 Vickers Light tanks. Immediately, one of the vehicles became stuck in a ditch and missed the entire action. As the remaining 5 tanks worked their way into the 382nd Rifle Regiment, they soon found themselves before a wall of 45mm fire from M37 anti-tank weapons and T-26 light tanks of the 112. Tank Battalion.

Although the Finnish armor crews succeeded in knocking out 3 enemy tanks, all 5 remaining Vickers were soon destroyed. Still facing enemy troops in strongpoints who stood reinforced by armor, Capt. I. Kunnas was forced to abort the attack by 1000 hours. Finland's first armored encounter (and the only one of the Winter War) had met with disaster.

This scenario is not a representation of the entire attack, only the sector assaulted by the 3rd Jäger.

034.Lemetti.scn – 18 turns - Clash of the HQs
28 February 1940, Lemetti Pocket, Ladoga Karelia

The Finnish IV Corps' counterattack on the advancing Russian elements at the northern shore of Lake Ladoga aimed to trap the forward elements in a big pocket or -as Fins called- "motti" around Kitila. Instead, rather than retreating, Russian forces scattered along the road between Uomaa and Kitila dug in and started putting up a stiff resistance in isolated positions. This created several mottis from Kitila to Uomaa. The content of those mottis differed significantly since their very reason of existence was random. Some of them were heavily infantry based; some had support elements or armor and some of them consisted of headquarters personnel. Although isolated, those mottis were quite powerful to be overwhelmed by the light firepower Finns had. In fact, from January to the end of the war, many mottis managed to hold on under winter conditions and Finnish attacks. In most of the sectors, Finnish troops barely provided sufficient troops to maintain the siege.

One of the mottis created on the Kitila-Uomaa road was the Lemetti pocket. It had two sectors; western and eastern pockets. Administrative elements from the 18th Rifle Division and the 34th Tank Brigade was trapped in the eastern Lemetti sector. Thanks to the hundreds of horses and firepower from tanks, trapped Russians survived the brutal winter conditions and light infantry attacks mounted by the Fins. On February 28th, the Soviet High Command gave the permission to break out of the Motti. Russians formed several breakout parties attacking towards different directions to reach the friendly lines. One of the parties that launched its attack toward the Uomaa road was mainly headquarters personnel and tank crews whose tanks were left behind due to lack of fuel. Those soldiers; led by high brass such as the commander of the 34th Tank Brigade, Stepan Ivanovits Kondratjev, and G. Kondrasov, commander of the 18th Division launched a desperate night attack on the Finnish lines.

On the other side of the hill, Colonel Aarnio, commander of the 4th Jaeger Battalion, received several reports from the forward outposts that there is a total silence within the motti. No enemy movement was spotted during the last 24 hours. Colonel Aarnio decided to walk to the forward outposts and check the situation with his own eyes. Suddenly, a "Hurrah" cry broke the silence. Hundreds of Russian soldiers emerged from the woods running towards Finnish positions. The 4th Jaeger Battalion's ring was too thin; particularly the sector Russian troops were attacking. Reacting quickly, Finnish colonel rallied a scratch defense from HQ personnel such as clerks, cooks, medics, drivers; and called for help. Both headquarters engaged in a confused and bloody firefight in the frozen forest.

035.Tuppura.scn – 18 turns - Betrayal of General Winter
02 March 1940, Tuppura Island, Gulf of Viipuri

After the Russian breakthrough at Summa Finnish Army began a fighting retreat towards the historic city of Viipuri. The Soviet 7th Army conducted several flanking manuevres to trap the retreating Finnish army. All of those attempts were repulsed with skillful Finnish resistence and with the help of the arctic conditions. However the arctic conditions, which Finns had utilized during the entire conflict, now posed a great danger. The Gulf of Viipuri, a key geographical feature for the defense of the city was covered with a thick layer of ice. Soviet high command quickly realized the opportunity and attempted to flank the Finnish main defense line at south of Viipuri by an attack towards the Gulf. Russian plan was using the ice to deploy large formations and capture the other shore of the Gulf, thus outflanking the main defense line.

However the Gulf of Viipuri had been defended by a system of entrenched islands. Those islands were originally fortresses against Naval attack. Now they were castles on a flat white landscape. Tuppura was the strongest and the most important among them. It was standing like a rock in the Russian advance. The task of capturing Tuppura was given to the 169th Motorized Rifle Regiment. The regiment was supported by the 60th and 61st ski battalions.

The Finnish defenders of the Tuppura Fortress under Lieutenant Birger Kytöpuro consisted of several separate companies and artillery batteries hastly collected from other sectors. The fortress had one battery of 152mm "Canet" coastal guns (two remained during the battle), two 57mm Nordenfeld guns, two 37mm AT-guns, two obsolete 87mm guns with rigid gun carriages and 22 machine guns. Finnish forces were also supported by the huge naval guns of the Ristiniemi Fortress. On 1 March 1940, the island was reinforced with the 3rd Company of Battalion Hällfors under Lieutenant Kalle Korhonen. All the Finnish forces in Tuppura Island were inexperienced in infantry warfare; for instance Battalion Hällfors' soldiers were volunteer sailors.

On 2 March, elements of the 169th Rifle Regiment began the attack on the island from several directions. After several recon moves and deception attacks, Russian troops launched their main effort to capture Kuninkaansaari island, which was located on the Northern tip of the Tuppura Island. The attack on the Kuninkaansaari aimed to cutt off the Tuppura Fort from North. At 9000 hours, Russian companies, packed up with armor started their advance.

036.Viipuri.scn – 20 turns - The War of Diplomacy
12 March 1940, Viipuri, Southeastern Suburbs

The last days of the Winter War saw an epic struggle between both sides; Finnish troops were trying to hold ground at all costs and Russians were attacking to capture more soil. Both sides were aware of the unofficial meetings between the diplomats in Sweden and they wanted to get a stronger hand when a ceasefire was agreed. The big price was the historic city of Viipuri; the gateway to Helsinki. Russian troops have been fighting to reach the city since December. Now the Finnish lines were cracking and the end of the road was visible. General Timoshenko ordered the capture of the city before the ceasefire.

Meretskov's 7th Army started its attack for Viipuri on 11 March. 50th Rifle Corps attacked in north, and 34th Rifle Corps in south. Total Russian strength between Viipuri and Repola was 4 rifle corps with 13 rifle divisions. The plan was to outflank Viipuri from north and isolate its defenders. 34th Rifle Corps attacked towards Viipuri with Sergey Verzin's 7th Rifle Division which had 257th, 27th and 300th Rifle Regiments in frontline.

When the 7th Army offensive started, suburbs of Viipuri were defended by the 7th Regiment (JR7) from the 3rd Division. Everste K.A Heiskanens was commanding the JR7 which was supported by Light Detachment 3 (Kev.Os.3). Hjalmar Öhquist, commander of the 2nd Corps proposed a withdrawal to the Patterinmäki defense line southeast of the center of the city, but this was refused by Mannerheim and Erik Heinrichs, commander of the Army of the Isthmus. As a result, JR7 dug in around the suburbs of Ristimaki and Kiesila and waited the Russian attack. Their Northern flank was covered by JR15 (5th Division) which was defending the town of Karjala.

JR 7 was able to hold its lines on 11 March 1940 against a strong Soviet assault. The weight of the Soviet attack fell largely north of their sectors on the dividing line between JR7 and JR15. On the morning of 12 March the Soviet assault continued in full force along the dividing line between the 3th and 5th Divisions. The southern flank of the JR7 was also under attack. While JR7 was able to repel all Russian attacks that morning, a serious crisis emerged at their Northern flank. Red Army had penetrated the 5. Division's southern flank and advanced into the suburb of Karjala. The left flank of the JR7 was in the air. A large Soviet force was probing into the gap between two Finnish divisions. Heiskanens sent his reserve, Kapteeni Karl Viisterä's "Kev.Os.3" to block the Russian advance and restore the situation.

037.Salla.scn – 20 turns - Rout at Salla
04 July 1941, Markajarvi-Salla Road, Lapland

The Waffen SS unit Kampfgruppe "Nord" was formed in February 1941 in Norway. The unit was composed of SS men used for garrison duties in Norway and Totenkopfstandarten from concentration camps. "Nord" was transfered to Finland to fight alongside the Finnish troops. After the start of Operation Barbarossa, German High Command designed several offensives in Northern Finland. Those offfensives aimed securing the Petsamo nikel mine areas; cutting the Murmansk railroad and severing the allied landlease route; and generally forcing STAVKA to move valuable troops from the battlefields of Leningrad.

The German High Command created two operations to sever the Murmansk railroad. One of them coded as Polar Fox. According to this plan, two divisions launched from the town of Rovaniemi in central Finland would strike the Soviet strong point at Salla, then advance on the railhead at Kandalaksha, 220 miles south of Murmansk. The operation command was given to Generalleutenant Hans Feige's XXXVI Corps consisting of Kampfgruppe "Nord", 169th Infantry Division and Finnish 6th Infantry Division. General Feige sent the 169th Division to attack Salla from NorthWest while Finnish 6th Division was to attack as southern pincer. Kampfgruppe "Nord", supported by Panzer Abteilung 40, was ordered to attack the Salla position frontally.

Kampfgruppe 'Nord', like all SS combat units, was superbly equipped. However the unit severly lacked training and battlefield experience. Hitler ignored continued reports from Feige that "Nord" needed training drills. Operation date set to 4th of July.

Attack at Salla got off to a poor start. German and Finnish troops lost their directions and coordination in the harsh land of the Lapland forests. Only the Northern group (169th Division) made some progress. During the day General Feige struggled to reorganize the "Nord" and resume the advance towards Salla position. Finally, Nord's 7th Regiment deployed near the Russian positions covering Salla. Despite the poor road conditions some panzers were supporting the Waffen SS troops. However, the Soviets struck first at 0100. Elements of the 122nd Rifle Division supported by armor, hit the SS 7th Regiment's sector. Caught off footed, the raw Waffen SS unit found itself in a desperate fight for survival.

038.Kuolajarvi.scn – 18 turns - An Unlikely Blitzkrieg
07 July 1941, Salla-Kuolajarvi Road, Lapland

SS Kampfgruppe Nord's attack on Salla was an unexpected failure for the Axis high command. This gave the Soviet 122nd Rifle Division time to conduct an orderly retreat towards Kuolajarvi where the River Salla made a bend. However, the pressure on General P.S.Shevchenko's division was mounting. The advance of the 169th Wehrmacht Division in the North and the Finnish 6th Division in the South exposed both flanks of the 122nd Division. The Russian command didn't have the forces to defend against 3 full divisions, eventhough their performance was far from the Blitzkrieg of other theatres. General Shevchenko was ordered to conduct a fighting retreat from Kuolajarvi to Alakurtti where Russian troops were preparing a main defense line.

596th Rifle Regiment was scattered in the crossroads and passes around Kuolajarvi sector. It’s task was buying time for the main body which was retreating eastwards. Meanwhile, Kradschützen Kompanie of the SS Kampfgruppe "Nord", supported by armor from the Panzer Abteilung 40, was slowly approaching the wooded area near the Salla River. Their advance hit a roadblock manned by soldiers from Pavel G. Danilov's Battalion.

039.Ienikuvaara.scn – 15 turns – Dawn Patrol
10 August 1941, Mount Ienikuvaara, Alakurtti Defense Line

The Finnish-German attack on Salla-Kandalaska axis slowly pushed the Russian defenders Eastwards. In mid-August, Axis pressure over Kajrala was so high, units of the 122nd Rifle Division received orders to fall back to the transitory defense line near Alakurtti. The 1st Battalion of the hard fighting 596th Rifle Regiment reached Ienikuvaara Mountain overseeing the Alakurtti positions. However battalion HQ lost communication with the regiment. Battalion commander Leitenant Pavel G. Danilo ordered his "Hunters" platoon to locate the regiment's command center by morning and clarify the battalion's further objectives. In 1941 Russian rifle battalion's had no organic recon units which became a disadvantage in the obscured terrain of Finland. Therefore, commanders formed "hunter" platoons consisting of lightly armed veteran soldiers.

The "Hunters" platoon commanded by Serzhant Ivan Kobets managed to establish connection with the regimental HQ of the 596th after a couple of hours patroling. They spent the night trying to return to their Battalion's sector, fully alerted by the presence of the German forward patrols probing into Russian lines. They spotted the Ienikuvaara Mountain with the first lights of the 10th August. Kobets' platoon was approaching the battalion's location. Only some hundreds of meters of wooded ground was left to cross. All of a sudden, bursts of a submachine gun roared ahead of them and Kobets saw one of the front scouts running towards him shouting: "Germans ahead!". Kobets realized that the German troops were blocking his way towards the friendly lines and his troops were in the lower ground. He immediately ordered a charge before Germans find time to establish firing positions.

040.Sainio.scn – 18 turns – The Door is Closed
22 August 1941, Sainio, South of Viipuri, Karelian Isthmus

The Finnish attack of the 1941 has started with multiple thrusts at Northern and Central Finland. However the main attack on the Karelian Isthmus has been delayed for several days. The Karelian Isthmus operation started on August 22 with the 4th Finnish Corps' attack on Viipuri. Viipuri was the second biggest city in Finland before the Winter War and had been ceded to the Soviets in the 1940 Moscow peace treaty. Finnish command sent the 8th Division to the Russian left flank over the frozen surface of the Gulf of Viipuri, while JR25 and the 4th Divisions attacked the town from North. Russian command's reaction to the Finnish movement was slow. Finnish troops had already established strong bridgeheads by the time Russians realized the dangerous situation caused by the 8th Division's movement on their coastal left flank.

The 123rd Rifle Division was ordered to abandon Viipuri and retreat Southwards to escape the trap. However the retreat order was late and Finnish troops had time to set roadblocks on the roads South of Viipuri. The Finnish attempt to isolate three Russian Divisions near Viipuri was almost complete. Leading elements of the 123rd Rifle Division encountered a Finnish roadblock at Sainio. Russian commander immediately launched an attack on the Finnish positions before they bring more reinforcements.

041.Terijoki.scn – 18 turns - Rearguard at Terijoki
02 September 1941, Terijoki , Finland Karelian Isthmus

With the start of the Operation Barbarossa the Finnish Army, seeking the revenge of the Winter War of 1939, has launched a large offensive aiming to recover the lost ground of the 1939 conflict. The Soviet 23rd Army has collapsed within 3 weeks under the pressure of heavy Finn attacks and was trapped in isolated pockets in Sortvala, Khitola and Vyborg. Soviet High Command had nothing much to restore the shattered northern flank of Leningrad. They desperately ordered the remnants of the 23rd Army to breakout and form a new defensive line on the eastern side of the Sestra River. The 131st Border Battalion, which had been acting as a rearguard for the retreating 23rd Army, was defending the town of Terijoki against the Finn spearheads. They were anxiously waiting for the order to release them for retreating back to the friendly lines. Meanwhile the leading formation of the Finnish 2nd Corps, the elite 1st Parachute Regiment was leading the way towards Terijoki.

042.Olonets.scn – 16 turns - Lagus Leads the Way
05 September 1941, Olonets, North of Laatoka, Eastern Karelia

For over a month after the outbreak of the Continuation War, the Karelian Army had stayed in place, replenished its forces and prepared for the offensive while the Finns had recaptured the Karelian Isthmus. Near the northern shore of Lake Ladoga, the Finnish VI. Corps' offensive started on the early hours of September 4 at Tuulos River. The 5th Division crossed the River Tuulos 7 km from the mouth of the river at 5am. The rivercrossing was easy but Soviets counterattacked the Finnish bridgehead and managed to encircle the Finns who had advanced to the coastal road. At this point Colonel Karhu committed the "Light Detachment 4" and "Detachment Lagus" into the battle. The Finnish attack shattered the Soviet 3rd Marine Battalion, 452nd and 419th Rifle Regiments and secured the coastal road north of Lake Ladoga.

The "Detachment Lagus" was founded on 25th July 1941. It included the Armoured Battalion of Lieutenant Colonel Sven Björkman, and the reinforced 1st Jaeger Brigade under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Väinö Merikallio. The strong unit was named after its commander, Jäger Colonel Ernst Ruben Lagus. All armour of the unit was captured Russian tanks from the Winter War.

The destruction of the Soviets forces near Tuulos River opened the road to Olonets, an old Russian town near the Olonka River blocking the road between Tuulos and Svir Rivers. After the breakthrough was secured, "Detachment Lagus" took the lead from the 5th Division and started its advance towards Olonets, and the Svir River. Russian Command sent the remnants of the 452nd Rifle Regiment and hastly prepared a defense line west of the city.

043.Rukajarvi.scn – 20 turns - Last Stand at Rukajarvi
11 September 1941, Coastal Road to Rukajarvi, Northern Karelia

The Finnish attack on the Northern Karelia had aimed advancing the Repola - Rukajarvi - Ontajoki axis and encircling the Russian troops with a leftwing hook. Finnish 14th Division under the command of Col. E. Raappana was ordered to advance Rukajarvi and outflank the Russian 54th Division which was defending the area. First patrols crossed the border on July 1, and 14th Division's advance started on July 3. Soviet forces tried to delay the Finnish eastward advance by defending the narrow isthmuses on the coastal road to Rukajarvi. 14th Division had no light units and their advance was slow. Furthermore Russian 54th Division, with the help of the 73rd Border Guards Detachment put up a stiff resistence on the prepared positions at Ontrosenvaara and Rukavaara ridges and delayed the Finnish advance for 3 weeks.

However Finnish troops slowly outflanked the ridges and forced the Russians to fall back towards Rukajarvi. The capture of the Rukajarvi from the Northern road was threatening thousands of Russian troops which were already evacuating the Northern Karelia and retiring to the eastern side of the Ontajoki River. Russian command sent elements of the 27th Rifle Division and the 71st Border Guards Detachment to the area in order to gain time for the retreating troops. As the leading elements arrived Rukajarvi the Border Guards formed a perimeter at the northern approaches of the town, waiting for the inevitable Finnish attack.

044.Petsamo.scn – 18 turns - Last Grasp of Platinfuchs
22 September 1941, Litsa River, Petsamo-Murmansk Sector

Operation Platinfuchs (Platin Fox) was a German and Finnish military operation which had the objective of capturing the Russian White Sea port of Murmansk. Murmansk was a vital harbour and station point for the lend- lease equipment Western Allies were sending Russia. Its presence was especially a line of life for the besieged city of Leningrad. After the commence of Operation Barbarossa, in order to cut the railroad and capture Murmansk, German High Command transfered the Gebirgskorps Norwegen to Northern Finland to occupy Petsamo.

Korps was consisted of two mountain divisions; 2nd and 3rd Gebirgsjager Divisions and several independent Finnish battalions. As part of the Finnish- German offensive, Gebirgskorps Norwegen crossed the border between Norway and Finland into the Petsamo area on June 22. Their orders were to attack and capture Murmansk. However, the area between Petsamo and Murmansk had one the most terrible terrain German troops had operated. Deep swamps, rough terrain and lack of suitable roads seriously hampered Axis offensive and the attack bogged down at Litsa River. Korps commander Eduard Dietl ordered his troops to prepare defensive positions on July 17. Here, for a couple of weeks German troops consolidated their strenght and secured their flanks by the arrival of several Finnish battalions from the islands in the Barents Sea. In the beginning of September a new offensive was started from River Litsa. 2nd Gebirgsjager Division, with the 3rd Gebirgsjager Division on its right started its advance on the swampy river bed of the Litsa River. Facing them was the Russian 14th Rifle Division entrenched on the higher ground on the road to Murmansk. The elite mountain troops of the Wehrmacht was soon to realize the strength of the Russian soldier defending rough terrain.

045.Karhumaki.scn – 18 turns - The Last Barrier
05 December 1941, Karhumaki, near Lake Aaninen

The Karelian Army's advance was fast after their victory at the Syväri River. Finns took Petroskoi at the beginning of October and pushed the Russian 7th Army to the shores of the Lake Ääninen (Lake Onega). After a brief delay, at Petroskoi the 7th Army Corps has started the attack north towards Karhumäki (Medvezegorsk) on the west side of Lake Ääninen. However Russian troops were well entrenched on the Hills overlooking Karhumaki. In November, Finns launched several attacks by the 1st and 4th Divisions.

The Soviet troops dug in at Karhumaki Hills, has managed to repel attacks from all directions until November 29. On 5 December, Finns resumed the offensive with reinforced troops. The Finnish command had brought the elite 1st Jaeger Brigade with a Tank Battalion from Petroskoi to spearhead the attack. With the first lights of the day, the Jaegers launched their assault to remove the last obstacle before Karhumaki and open the way to Poventsa near the Stalin Canal.

046.Bengtskar.scn – 20 turns - Through the Dark Waters
26 July 1941, Bengtskar Rock, 35KM Southwest of Hanko, Gulf of Finland

Bengtskär rock lies about twenty-five kilometres south-west of the Hanko naval base. It dominates the entrance to the Gulf of Finland and the naval route to Leningrad. Bengtskär is a tiny island, famous with its massive 52 meters tall granite lighthouse.

Following the Treaty of Moscow which ended the Winter War, Soviet troops took control of the port of Hanko. Hanko, with its natural harbours, dominates the Gulf of Finland and the approaches to Leningrad. Waters around Hanko is dangerous due to numerous rocks and shoals; there is only a limited number of routes into and out of the port. Those routes were controlled by the Finnish held islands such as Morgonland and Bengtskär. Therefore, when both sides resumed the hostilities in 1941, Russian command prepared plans to capture those small islands. On July 16th, a group of Russian marines landed on Morgonland and captured the island from the surprised Finns. After the loss of Morganland, Finns reinforced the vital Bengtskär rock with a platoon of infantry and a 20mm cannon. On 20th July, Lt Fred Luther and 26 men from 2nd Rannikkoiskukompania (Coastal Shock Company) were sent to garrison the island.

Encouraged by their success at Morgonland, the Russians decided to destroy Bengtskär lighthouse with a raid. The plan was based on an infiltration, destruction of the lighthouse, and retreat before Finns response. Russian plans called for a night attack in bad weather. The foggy nights around the island provided good chance for such a raid. The task was given to 1st Lt. P. Kurilov who commanded a group of 70 men of a Border Guard detachment, reinforced by patrol boats and escort ships. On the night of the attack, the night of July 25th, Bengtskär was inhabited by 37 men, and three lighthouse keepers. Cpl. Ryhänen who was on guard on the lighthouse tower spotted moving shapes in the dark waters to the south of island. Moving shapes didnt reply his morse signal with the password, rather they simply returned the initial message. Sentry sent codes twice before his suspicions were aroused and then ran to alert Lt. Luther. It was now about 01:00 and Russian boats were already close to the island. First shots started the bloody fight on the tiny island that was to last for hours with the inclusion of naval and air elements from both sides.


Campaigns: These scenarios are in the main list, accessible as individual battles, as well as being able to be played as a campaign.

Finnish campaign at Kollaa River: “Kollaa Holds”
Luutnantti Juutilainen 6/JR34/12th Div
• “The Backdoor is Cracking”
• “Against All Odds”
• “Rush to the Flank”
• “Rendezvous at Killer Hill”


047.Kollaa Holds -1.scn – 16 turns - The Backdoor is Cracking
07 December 1939, Suvilahti - Loimola Railroad

Commander; 36th Regiment's attack on the Suvilahti axis has bogged down. Frontline reports indicate that most of our leading forces were repulsed by the presence of enemy armour in this sector. Russian troops are trying to take advantage of this failure. Forward enemy elements; infantry supported by tanks are advancing on both sides of the railroad leading to the key city, Loimola. We cant establish communication with most of our forward elements and cannot be sure about the enemy's location. Your company's task is to follow the railroad and establish contact with the forward elements of the 36th Regiment. You will also intercept any enemy spearhead threatening the Loimola Railroad. Our sector is vital for the rear defense of the 4th Corps. We must stop the Russian advance at all costs. Good Luck.

048.Kollaa Holds -2.scn – 16 turns - Against All Odds
08 December 1939, Suvilahti - Loimola Railroad

Commander; thanks to your company's gallant efforts, we barely managed to stop the Russian thrust towards Loimola yesterday. However our lines are very thin in this sector and Russian reaction is unexpectedly strong. Scouts are reporting fresh Russian troops coming our way. It is certain that the enemy will resume its attack to control the area around the railway leading Loimola. Your company has to defend its positions against any enemy attack. Hold your ground commander. Reinforcements are on their way but we must survive today.

049.Kollaa Holds -3.scn – 20 turns - Rush to the Flank
22 December 1939, Kollaa River, 15KM Southeast of Loimola

Commander, our gallant troops are holding the enemy on the Loimola axis against overwhelming numbers. However aerial pictures revealed that another strong formation; probably a fresh division, is moving into our southern flank through the wilderness where Kolla River runs southwards. Corps HQ has choosen the Kollaa riverbed as our main resistance line. Unfortunately our main body will not arrive in time to check the Russian advance before they infiltrate our right flank. Your company, as our only regimental reserve, was ordered to advance immediately towards the Kolla river line and intercept any enemy movement. You have to stop them and give us time to react commander. Unfortunately we have limited numbers of skis so you can equip only one platoon. Good Luck Lieutenant.

050.Kollaa Holds -4.scn – 18 turns - Rendezvous at Killer Hill
07 February 1940, Killer Hill, Kollaa River

Commander. We somehow managed to stop the Russian advance all along the Kolla Front. However enemy is pouring reinforcements and trying to find our weak spots. Your company must entrench on a ridge near the Kolla River as our regimental right flank. Scouts report a battalion strong force facing your troops; maybe more. The ridgeline is very critical for us and the loss of it will have catasthropic consequences. Regiment managed to pile up some artillery support for your company but dont expect more since we are short of ammunition. Dig-in, keep your head down and hold that ridge Lieutenant.

Finnish campaign at Northern Karelia near Kuhmo: “Riders of Kalevala”
Kapteeni Saikkonen 4th Cavalry Squadron
• “Borders are Burning”
• “Galloping Against the Monsters”
• “Crossroads at Kuhmo”
• “The Stumbling Giant”


051.Riders of Kalevala #1.scn – 20 turns - Borders are Burning
30 November 1939, Artahuhta, Finland - Russian Border

General LB. Belyayev's 139th Rifle Division, with 20000 troops, 147 artillery pieces and 45 tanks, crossed the border at Artahuhta to advance Tolvajarvi.

On the morning of 30 November, Captain Saikkonen and his 4th Cavalry Squadron was scattered all over the village; seeking shelter from the cold outside. At 08:00 they were alerted by artillery sounds coming from the border which was a few hundreds meters away to the east. It was apparent that border posts were under attack. Mounting immediately, Saikkonen and his squadron galloped to join the outnumbered border guards defending the post.

052.Riders of Kalevala #2.scn – 16 turns - Galloping Against the Monsters
01 December 1939, Kuhmo Road, Kainuu Region

Captain, the Russian attack at Artahuhta was slowed down for only a couple of hours; but we need your troops in another sector. It looks like they have committed a second division since we identified the 54th Rifle Division in the area. Border scouts reported that a large Russian column has been advancing towards Kuhmo. It contains motorized infantry and armour. Your unit is the only one that can intercept and delay the enemy advance. Ride at full speed and cut the road. The disruption of the enemy column will give us time to prepare a strong defensive position at Kuhmo. Good luck commander.

053.Riders of Kalevala #3.scn – 15 turns - Crossroads at Kuhmo
02 December 1939, Kuhmo, Repola - Hukkajarvi Road

Commander; we managed to slow dow