Philip Jowett / Brent Snodgrass
overview
Osprey's examination of Finland's involvement in World War II (1939-1945). Finland's fight to defend her independence earned this tiny nation of just 3 million people a distinct place in history. Invaded by Stalin before World War II, Finland held out for months and inflicted huge losses on the invaders, but she was eventually crushed by the weight of Soviet numbers. When Germany invaded the USSR in 1941 the Finns fought alongside the Wehrmacht on the northern Russian Front, with great skill and courage in an attempt to regain their lost territories. When the German armies were forced to retreat in 1944, Finland managed to conclude a separate peace with the USSR - uniquely, without being forced to accept renewed Russian occupation. This book details the organisation, uniforms and equipment of this remarkable force.
contents
The Winter War, 1939–40
The Finnish Army in 1939 – organization –uniforms – weapons & equipment
Foreign aid and volunteers
Civil Guard and Militia
Cold weather and camouflage clothing
Women auxiliaries
The Continuation War, 1941–44
Alliance with Germany
The Finnish Army in 1941 – organization –uniforms – weapons & equipment
Operation 'Barbarossa'
The anti-partisan war
The Lapland War, 1944–45
Finland's surrender terms