talvisota ! iinntteelllliiggeennccee bbrriieeffiinngg oonn ... · talvisota: early war finnish army...

Talvisota: Early War Finnish Army Lists

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BY SCOTT ELAURANT AND JYRKI SAARI


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Intelligence Briefing on the Early War Finnish army (1939-41)

(for use in Flames of War1 )

Early War Finnish Forces must be either Winter War or Continuation War forces. The Finnish army underwent a major reorganisation during the Early-War period. Players using an Early War Finnish force must specify whether it will be either • a Winter War force (1939-1940), or • a Continuation War force (1941). This intelligence briefing contains force lists for both. Special rules are the same for both, except where noted otherwise. Finnish Army in the Winter War “In Finland we waited two centuries to be free from Russian rule. In the twenty years since then life has gotten better here in every way. We have freedom, good education, laws to protect workers, even a State health system. We mean no harm to other countries. But now the Soviets want to take it all away from us again. We will not let them. Stalin says we are stubborn, but I say we just want to be free. Our army is like our country – small but rugged. We do not have masses of men like the Soviets, or advanced engineering like the Germans, or thousands of tanks and trucks like the Americans. But we have sisu – guts – and we know how to fight. We are used to living in a harsh land. We know how to hunt in it, how to ski in it, and how to survive in it. Who cares if it is 30 below zero? We are ready for Winter War. Our troops are well trained, and well led. Many of our officers served in the German or Russian armies in the old days. Finland’s forests and lakes make it easy for us to block enemy advances. On skis we can glide through the forests to cut them up from the flanks like firewood. And if the enemy have their tanks, we have our Molotov cocktails. We may be outnumbered, but that doesn’t scare us. Like my friend Timo says, “so many Russians … where are we going to bury them all?” Korpraali Pekka Niemi The Finnish army in World War Two performed one of the most epic defences in military history against a larger and better equipped opponent. When the Soviet Union demanded that it surrender key border areas including ports and mines in 1939, Finland refused and began full mobilisation. Even with all reserves on duty, the Finnish army had 200,000 men in 11 infantry divisions. A lack of defence spending in the pre-war years had resulted in a chronic lack of heavy weapons. There were only 60 planes, 34 obsolete Vickers tanks and shortages of artillery, anti-tank and anti-aircraft guns. These forces would be asked to repel a full scale invasion by 600,000 Soviet troops in 28 Divisions with over 2000 tanks and 800 aircraft in support. Yet despite this seemingly hopeless situation, the Finnish army performed superbly in what became known as the Winter War or Talvisota. Well led by a cadre of officers trained in the German Jaegers, Finnish infantry proved resourceful, determined, and highly skillful. The Finnish army’s qualities were combined with the natural difficulties of forest and lake terrain well suited to defence, and set against a Soviet army hamstrung by poor leadership following Stalin’s purges. The end result was that the Finns not only stopped the Soviet offensive, but inflicted heavy losses on the invaders. Whole Soviet divisions were destroyed at Suomussalmi, Tolijarvi and while trying to storm the Mannerheim Line. The Soviets were also ill-prepared for the bitterly cold winter which added even further to their casualties. When Finland was eventually forced to accept a harsh peace treaty in March 1940, the Soviet Union had lost 3000 tanks and over 400,000 men. Finnish losses of 35,000 men were far less, although this was still a severe blow for a small country. Yet as Winston Churchill said in a famous speech at the time: “Finland alone - in danger of death, superb, sublime Finland! - shows what free men can do." Winston Churchill, Broadcast speech, 1940

1 Flames of War is a trademark of Battlefront Miniatures Limited. It is used without their permission, however no challenge to their status is intended.

Winter War Finnish Company Choices You can base your Winter War Finnish force on • A Jalkaväki Komppania (Infantry Company) • A Jääkäri Komppania (Light Infantry Company) • A Sissi Komppania (Ski-guerilla Company) Motivation and Experience

The Finnish army had well trained leaders and determined troops who knew how to hunt and shoot. Finnish Jalkaväki or Jääkäri Komppania are rated as Confident Veteran. A Finnish Sissi Komppania is Fearless Veteran. Winter War Finnish Panssari Platoons are Confident Trained.


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Special Rules Self Sufficient: The Finnish army was composed of farmers and hunters, used to an outdoor lifestyle and making their own decisions. The training emphasised this self-sufficiency. If the Command team of a Finnish Platoon is destroyed, another team can take over as a command team immediately. If the command team is a vehicle, nominate another vehicle in the platoon as the new command team. If the command team is an infantry team, remove a surviving infantry or gun team from the platoon and bring the command team back into play to replace it. Sisu: (approximate translation: “guts” in Finnish) The Finns are a stubborn people used to adversity. The survival of their country is at stake. All Finnish troops are prepared to fight at close quarters if needed. When a Finnish platoon fails a motivation test during an assault, you may re-roll the die and apply the new result instead. Ski Equipped: Finnish infantry may be ski-equipped, increasing speed during winter. They retained their skis for use in battle. In summer they used bicycles for the same reason. Any Ski-equipped Finnish Infantry teams do not treat snow terrain as difficult and may move up to 18 inches in an At The Double ski move. They do not gain this bonus if moving across any other kind of difficult terrain except Snow, or if any part of their move is uphill. Finnish Vehicles Pulkkas Although Finland is chronically short of military transport, it uses horse and even reindeer drawn sleds to provide transport for gun teams. The sleds are mounted on skis or runners, greatly enhancing winter mobility. Pulkkas are transport teams and should be represented on medium sized bases. Weapon teams transported by Pulkkas do not treat snow terrain as difficult and may move At the Double up to 18 inches. They do not gain this bonus if moving across any kind of difficult terrain except snow, or if any part of their move is uphill. They load and unload like wagons. Slow tank The T26 tanks captured by Finland are old and rather under powered by modern standards.

Slow tanks only move 8”/20cm on Road and Cross-country terrain. Unreliable The Vickers tank in Finnish use has not proved reliable. If an unreliable tank attempts to move At the Double, roll a die. On a roll of 1, the tank breaks down, becoming Bogged Down, and does not move. Wide Tracks The T34 tanks captured have extremely wide tracks allowing them to cross almost any terrain with ease. If a tank with wide tracks becomes Bogged Down, roll again. On a roll of 4+, the tank immediately frees itself and continues moving. Finnish Weapons Ammunition Shortage Finnish artillery is well trained and technically accomplished. Unfortunately it is not numerous and even worse, has limited stocks of ammunition. Any time a Finnish Artillery Battery or a Mortar platoon rolling to range in rolls a One, there is a risk of an ammo shortage affecting that battery. Roll again. On a 4+ there is no effect. On a roll of 1-3 one gun or mortar is out of ammo for the rest of the game. It may not fire. If its player opts for it to be removed it does not count as present, or as a combat loss. Kasapanos Finnish supply services have worked wonders of ingenuity by making this improvised “satchel” charge. It is a bundle of explosives which can be placed on the rear deck of enemy tanks and is deadly in assaults. An infantry team with Kasapanos assaulting a tank has an anti-tank factor of 4. Molotov Cocktails This make-shift solution to the shortage of anti-tank guns is manufactured by State factories and used widely in the Winter War. A bottle of gasoline and nitrate, it is thrown onto tanks and burns. Finnish troops nick-named it after Soviet foreign minister Molotov, who suggested Finland would surrender! In assaults, all hits from Molotov Cocktails on armoured vehicles cause them to bail-out. Air Support The Finnish Air Force has a handful of courageous and well-trained pilots who are carrying out an epic defence of our cities from enemy bombers. Unfortunately there are not enough planes for it to also help over the battlefield. A Winter War Finnish force may not have air support.

Finnish Army Structure The Finnish army is called the Puolustusvoimat. Organisation was along German lines, due to the background of a core group of officers in a German Jaeger Battalion in World War One. The Finnish names of the various ranks and sub-units are Size Unit Finnish Unit Rank Finnish Equivalent 1 Individual Private Sotamies 3 to 5 Team Corporal Korpraali 10 to 15 Squad Ryhmä Sergeant Kersantti 30 to 60 Platoon Joukkue Lieutenant Luutnantti 120 to 240 Company Komppania Captain Kapteeni 500 to 1000 Battalion Pataljoona Major Majuri 2000 to 3000 Regiment Rykmentti Colonel Eversti 14000 Division Divisioona General Kenraali


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Jalkaväki Komppania (Infantry Company) The main strength of the Finnish army was in its determined and skillful infantry (Jalkaväki). Each of the eleven infantry divisions in the army comprised three infantry regiments. Each infantry regiment comprised three infantry battalions, with three infantry companies to each battalion. Determined and dangerous in defence, they are also flexible, and quick to use innovative tactics in attack. Although lacking in armour and limited in artillery support, they had machine guns and mortars for infantry fire support. A small number of anti-tank guns, and some specially equipped anti-tank squads, enable it to defend against enemy armour. What is in a Jalkaväki Komppania? A force based around a Jalkaväki Komppania must have: • A Company HQ and • At least 2 Rifle Platoons Weapons platoons available to a Jalkaväki Komppania: • Machine Gun Platoons • A Kranaatinheitin (Mortar) Platoon Divisional Support platoons for a Jalkaväki Company can be: • A Pioneeri Platoon • An Anti-aircraft Machine Gun Platoon • An Anti-tank Gun Platoon • An Artillery Battery • A Lähitorjuntamies platoon • A Panssariauto Platoon You may have one support platoon for each combat platoon in the Company Headquarters Platoon 1 Company HQ

At full strength: 45 points Add Boys Anti-tank Rifle squad +40 points

A Major (Majuri) leads an Infantry Company that has up to four Rifle Platoons. Command teams are expected to lead counter-attacks and are armed with SMGs. Anti-tank rifle squads of a Boys Anti tank rifle team and a Rifle/MG team may be added. Combat Platoons 2 to 4 Rifle Platoons

At full strength: 210 points With 3 Squads 165 points With 2 Squads 115 points 1 or 2 Lähitorjunta teams (Molotov)+20 each Downgrade Rifle/MG to Rifle -10 per Squad

Infantry platoons were organised into four squads, each with two teams. Two squads were armed with light machine guns (LMGs) and two with rifles. To increase firepower sub machine guns (SMGs) were usually allocated to NCOs. With captured Soviet LMGs available, most squads have at least one. To combat the lack of anti-tank guns, Lähitorjunta (anti-tank) teams have been added to each unit. These are equipped with Molotov cocktails and trained to destroy tanks in close-assault. Weapons Platoons 0 to 2 HMG Platoons One item of equipment Finnish units were well equipped with were Heavy Machine Guns (HMGs). These are ideal for mowing down waves of attackers. The Finnish HMG is the same as the Soviet Maxim but without the bulky gun-shield to slow it down (it looks like a Vickers). Each platoon has 1 Command SMG team and 2 squads, each with 2 HMGs. Cost at full strength 150 points Cost with 1 squad 85 points 0 to 1 Kranaatinheitin (Mortar) platoon While Finnish units may lack in artillery, there are at least enough mortars to equip every regiment. This consists of a command team, observer team, 2 sections each of 2 81mm mortar teams and wagon. Cost at full strength 185 points Cost with 1 mortar section 115 points


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Jääkari Komppania (Light Infantry Company) Each Finnish Division has a light detachment with which includes a Jääkari Battalion of three companies. (Jääkari is the Finnish word for Jaeger or Light Infantry.) These companies are smaller and more lightly equipped than normal infantry companies. They have only three squads per platoon instead of the usual four squads. They also have more transport and are faster than infantry companies. Their battlefield role is to scout ahead of the main force and provide information on enemy strengths and locations. But they are not passive – Jääkari units are more than ready to attack when the opportunity presents itself. On the long open flanks of Soviet columns moving up roads through the forest, such opportunities often occur. All infantry teams in a Jääkari Komppania may be Ski-Equipped. What is in a Jääkäri Komppania? A force based around a Jääkäri Komppania must contain: • A Company HQ and • At least 2 Jääkäri Platoons Weapons platoons available to a Jääkäri Komppania are: • Heavy Machine Gun Platoons • A Kranaatinheitin (Mortar) Platoon Support platoons for a Jääkäri Company can be: • A Pioneeri Platoon • An Anti-aircraft Machinegun Platoon • An Anti-Tank Infantry platoon • An Artillery Battery • A Lähitorjuntamies Platoon • A Panssari Platoon You may have up to one support platoon for each combat platoon in the Company Headquarters Platoon 1 Company HQ

At full strength: 45 points Add Boys Anti-tank Rifle Squad 40 points Make Ski-equipped +5 per squad

A Major (Majuri) leads a Light Infantry Company of up to four Rifle Platoons. Command teams are expected to lead aggressively and have SMGs. An anti-tank rifle squad of one Boys Anti-tank rifle team and one Rifle/MG team may be added.

Knocked out Soviet tanks

Combat Platoons 2 to 4 Jääkäri Platoons

At full strength: 165 points With 2 Squads 115 points 1 Lähitorjunta team (Molotov) +20 points Make Ski-equipped +5 per squad Replace Rifle/MG teams with SMG same cost A maximum of 1 Platoon per company may replace Rifle/MG with SMG for all teams at the same cost.

Jääkari platoons were smaller than infantry platoons. They were organised into three squads, of two teams each. There was one light machine guns per squad. They could be Ski-equipped. Weapons Platoons 0 to 2 HMG Platoons The Maxim Heavy Machine Guns (HMGs) can be quickly moved forward on sleds to keep up with the rapid Jääkari platoons. Each platoon has a Command SMG team, 2 Squads, each with 2 HMG teams. Cost at full strength 150 points Cost with 1 squad 85 points Make Ski-equipped +5 per squad 0 to 1 Kranaatinheitin (Mortar) platoon With fewer heavy support weapons, Light Mortars are invaluable for Jääkari platoons. Trucks are used to keep them up with the advance. This consists of a command team, observer team, 2 sections each of 2 81mm mortar teams and truck or Pulkka. Cost at full strength 195 points Cost with 1 mortar section 115 points


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Divisional Support Platoons for Jalkaväki and Jääkari Komppania 0 to 1 Pioneeri Platoon These teams have the full range of pioneer abilities, as well as the Kasapanos satchel charges for use against fortifications or tanks. A Platoon consists of a Command Pioneer Rifle team with Kasapanos 3 squads of 3 Pioneer Rifle teams with Kasapanos. Cost at full strength 220 points Cost with 2 Pioneer squads 155 points Cost with 1 Pioneer teams 90 points Add Pioneer Supply Wagon or Pulkka + 5 Points 0 to 1 Anti-aircraft machine gun platoon Anti-aircraft (AA) guns are in short supply, so our State industries have resourcefully fitted machine guns with anti-aircraft mountings. This will give the Red Air Force something to think about. Platoon consists of a Command SMG team with 3 sections each with an AA machinegun team and truck. Cost at full strength 145 points Cost with 2 sections 105 points Option: change truck transport to Pulkka – same Your Force may not contain more than one Anti-tank gun platoon, even if it has more than one Company. 0 to 1 Panssari Jääkari Platoon There are only a handful of anti-tank guns available, so use them carefully comrade! These weapons are so valuable that even trucks have been allocated to transport them if required. The platoon consists of a Command SMG team and 2 Swedish 37 PstK/36 anti-tank guns. Sometimes captured Soviet 45/PstK/37 anti-tank guns were used. Cost at Full Strength 125 points Cost with one gun section 75 points Option: change trucks to Pulkkas same cost Option: Upgrade to 45 PstK/37 +15 per gun Your Force may not contain more than one Anti-tank gun platoon, even if it has more than one Company. 0 to 1 Artillery Battery Finnish artillery is well trained, although equipped with a motley collection of older guns. The most common is the Russian 76mm field gun 76 K 02. A battery consists of a staff team, 4 artillery teams, 5 Pulkkas and an observer team. Your Force may not contain more than one Artillery Battery, even if it has more than one Company.

0 to 1 Lähitorjuntamies (Anti-tank infantry) platoon

The lack of anti-tank weapons in the army has forced the formation of infantry anti-tank teams. These are armed with Molotov cocktails and rifles, and trained to destroy tanks in close assault. Only the bravest men serve in these teams. It consists of a Command Lähitorjunta team and 2 to 4 Lähitorjunta teams with Molotov cocktails Cost with 2 teams 65 points. Cost with 3 teams 85 points. Cost with 4 teams 105 points. Your Force may not contain an Anti-tank gun Platoon and a Lähitorjuntamies platoon in the same Company. 0 to 1 Panssari Platoon

Cost at full strength 325 points Cost with 4 Vickers tanks 260 points Cost with 3 Vickers tanks 195 points The army has a few Vickers 7 ton tanks. The crews are determined, but lack of funds for pre-war training means they are not fully operational yet. The platoon contains 3 to 5 Vickers tanks, one of which is platoon commander. Note: Winter War Panssari teams are Confident Trained Your Force may not contain more than one Panssari platoon, even if it has more than one Company. 0 to 1 Panssariauto (Armoured Car) Platoon This consists of between 2 and 3 captured Soviet Armoured Cars, one of which is the platoon commander. Alternatively, it may have captured T38 light tanks. Cost with 3 BA10 armoured cars 165 points Cost with 2 BA10 armoured cars 110 points Replace BA10 with T38 -10 points each Your Force may not contain more than one Panssariauto platoon, even if it has more than one Company.


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Sissi Komppania (Ski Guerilla Company)The Finnish army makes extensive use of independent Sissi (ski guerilla) battalions. These lack the divisional support platoons available to Infantry Division units. However they are extremely mobile, and well trained. They are often composed of reservists from the local area they were defending, making them even more highly motivated than regular Finnish infantry. All infantry teams in a Sissi Company are ski-equipped. A Sissi Komppania may not select platoons from other Finnish Komppanias or Divisional troops or vice versa. A force based around a Sissi Company must contain: • A Company HQ and • At least 2 Sissi Platoons • Up to 1 Light Machine Gun Platoon Weapons platoons available to a Sissi Company are: • An Anti-aircraft MG Platoon • A Kevyt Kranaatinheitin (Lt Mortar) platoon • A Pioneeri Platoon • A Lähitorjuntamies Platoon You may have up to one weapon platoon for each combat platoon in the Company Motivation and Experience All platoons, including Support Platoons, in a Finnish Sissi Company are Fearless Veteran. Special Rules These are the same as for Jälkavaki and Jääkari Komppania.

Headquarters Platoon 1 Company HQ

At full strength: 60 points Add 2 Lähitorjunta teams 25 points each

Sissi commanders are tough and experienced on the frontier. Lähitorjunta teams with MolotovCocktails may be attached. All teams have Recce ability

Combat Platoons 2 to 3 Sissi Platoons

At full strength: 190 points With 2 Squads 140 points Add 2 Lähitorjunta Molotov teams +25 per team Replace Rifle teams with SMG +5 per team Up to 2 Platoons may replace Rifle teams with SMG teams

Sissi Platoons are designed for speed and offensive action, with rifles, more sub-machine guns than usual for firepower, and no light machine-guns. Sissi are trained to skirmish with the enemy, closing to fire and then melting back into cover before they can react. All teams have Recce skill. 0-1 Light Machine-gun Platoon

At full strength: 210 points With 2 Squads 150 points Add 1 Lähitorjunta Molotov team 25 points

There is one conventionally armed platoon in each Sissi Company to provide fire support. It has three squads armed with Rifles and a Light-machine gun.


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Weapon Platoons 0-1 Pioneeri Platoon This consists of a Command Pioneer Rifle team and 3 squads each of 2 pioneer Rifle teams with Kasapanos. All teams have Pioneer training. Cost with 3 Pioneeri Squads 210 points Cost with 2 Pioneeri Squads 150 points Cost with 1 Pioneeri Squad 90 points Add Pioneer Supply Pulkka +5 Points 0 to 1 Lähitorjuntamies Platoon

At full strength: 130 points With 1 Squad 80 points Change 1 squad to Boys Anti tank rifle same cost Replace Rifle teams with SMG +5 per team

A maximum of 2 Platoons per company may replace Rifle/MG teams with SMG teams

Sissi companies do not have any anti-tank guns, and so special tank assault units have been formed to assault enemy vehicles with Molotov cocktails. Each team has Rifles and Molotov Cocktails, although some may replace Rifles with SMG. A few units have anti-tank rifles. All teams have Recce ability. 0 to 1 Kranaatinheitin (Mortar) platoon These are the only heavy support weapons light and fast enough to keep up with the Sissi units on skis. To compensate, they have 4 rather than the usual 3 mortars. The platoon consists of a Command SMG team, 1 Observer team and 2 mortar sections, each with 2 81mm mortar teams and 2 Pulkka transports. Cost with 2 mortar sections 220 points Cost with 1 mortar sections 130 points

Winter War Ski trooper in “Model Cajander”

improvised uniform


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Intelligence briefing on the Finnish army in the early Continuation War “After the Winter War the Soviets took our best farm land, our second largest city, our Arctic ports, and our mines in the north. One tenth of our people were left homeless. They even had the gall to demand that we pay them reparations for a war they started! But a harsh peace treaty was better than conquest. We didn’t surrender and they couldn’t defeat us. We haven’t forgotten the Winter War. Now the Soviets are fighting the Germans and it is the time for revenge! This time we will get Karelia back and keep it. Plus we have better equipment now - tanks, planes and artillery. A lot of them are courtesy of Joe Stalin’s own factories, and we shall give them back to him with interest. Our army is as determined and well trained as ever, and we know how to beat the enemy. Our commander Marshall Mannerheim, has taught us how to fight together as an army. We have our fast moving ski troops and Suomi sub-machine guns, plus better artillery, more aircraft, and even a few tanks. We won’t stop till we’ve taken back every square inch of Finish territory with interest. Now is the time to attack!” Luutnantti Matti Salonen, speaking to his Joukkue before battle The Continuation War After the end of the Winter War the Finnish Army was not demobilised, due to fears of further Soviet aggression. It had taken severe losses in manpower but was in many ways better equipped than it had been before the fighting. A combination of large amounts of captured Soviet weaponry, together with belated military aid from sympathetic foreign countries meant that by 1941 the Finnish army was at least fully equipped. However a reorganisation was needed, both to make better use of the new equipment, and to address the deficiencies caused by Winter War losses. The whole army now has more and better support equipment. The Sissi units are still separate and used for long range patrolling. Finnish artillery no longer suffers from Ammunition Shortage. In July 1941 the Finnish army joined the Germans in Operation Barbarossa to try to regain the lost territory. They called it the Continuation War or Jatkosota. This time it had been reorganised and re-equipped with much of the Soviet equipment captured in the Winter War. The Finnish army proved a potent weapon in attack on this occasion, and all of the pre-war Finnish territory that had been lost was recaptured in less than six months. Continuation War Finnish Company Choices You can base your Winter War Finnish force on • A Jalkaväki Komppania (Infantry Company) • A Jääkäri Komppania (Light Infantry Company) • A Panssari Komppania (Armoured Company) • A Sissi Kompannia (Ski Guerilla Company)

Motivation and Experience The Finnish army had well trained leaders and determined troops who knew how to hunt and shoot. Finnish Jalkaväki, Jääkäri or Panssari Komppania are rated as Confident Veteran. Sissi are Fearless Veteran.

Special Rules Self Sufficient: The Finnish army was composed of farmers and hunters, used to an outdoor lifestyle and making their own decisions. The training emphasised this self-sufficiency. If the Command team of a Finnish Platoon is destroyed, another team can take over as a command team immediately. If the command team is a vehicle, nominate another vehicle in the platoon as the new command team. If the command team is an infantry team, remove a surviving infantry or gun team from the platoon and bring the command team back into play to replace it. Sisu: (approximate translation: “guts” in Finnish) The Finns are a stubborn people used to adversity. The survival of their country is at stake. All Finnish troops are prepared to fight at close quarters if needed. When a Finnish platoon fails a motivation test during an assault, you may re-roll the die and apply the new result instead. Ski Equipped: Finnish infantry may be ski-equipped, increasing speed during winter. They retained their skis for use in battle. In summer they used bicycles for the same reason.

Any Ski-equipped Finnish Infantry teams do not treat snow terrain as difficult and may move up to 18 inches in an At The Double ski move. They do not gain this bonus if moving across any other kind of difficult terrain except Snow, or if any part of their move is uphill. Finnish Vehicles Pulkkas Although Finland is chronically short of military transport, it uses horse and even reindeer drawn sleds to provide transport for gun teams. The sleds are mounted on skis or runners, greatly enhancing winter mobility. Pulkkas are transport teams and should be represented on medium sized bases. Weapon teams transported by Pulkkas do not treat snow terrain as difficult and may move At the Double up to 18 inches. They do not gain this bonus if moving across any kind of difficult terrain except snow, or if any part of their move is uphill. They load and unload like wagons. Slow tank The T26 tanks captured by Finland are old and rather under powered by modern standards. Slow tanks only move 8”/20cm on Road and Cross-country terrain. Unreliable The Vickers tank in Finnish use has not proved reliable.


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If an unreliable tank attempts to move At the Double, roll a die. On a roll of 1, the tank breaks down, becoming Bogged Down, and does not move. Wide Tracks The T34 tanks captured have extremely wide tracks allowing them to cross almost any terrain with ease. If a tank with wide tracks becomes Bogged Down, roll again. On a roll of 4+, the tank immediately frees itself and continues moving. Finnish Weapons Kasapanos Finnish supply services have worked wonders of ingenuity by making this improvised “satchel” charge. It is a bundle of explosives which can be placed on the rear deck of enemy tanks and is deadly in assaults. An infantry team with Kasapanos assaulting a tank has an anti-tank factor of 4.

Molotov Cocktails This make-shift solution to the shortage of anti-tank guns is manufactured by State factories and used widely in the Winter War. A bottle of gasoline and nitrate, it is thrown onto tanks and burns. Finnish troops nick-named it after Soviet foreign minister Molotov, who suggested Finland would surrender! In assaults, all hits from Molotov Cocktails on armoured vehicles cause them to bail-out. Air Support The Finnish Air Force has courageous and well-trained pilots. Only a shortage of ground attack planes prevents it from helping more over the battlefield. Sporadic Air Support for 25 points Sporadic air support will provide intercepting Brewster Buffalo and Fokker fighters on a roll of 6

Finnish T26 Platoon in 1941 offensive


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Jalkaväki Komppania (Infantry Company) The main strength of the Finnish army remains in its well trained and skillful infantry, now well tested in battle. These are now better equipped with heavy weapons, some purchased from abroad, and others captured from the Soviets during the Winter War. However, the manpower losses of the Winter War have not been easy to replace. There are fewer infantry available for each Division. Each infantry company now comprises three platoons instead of four, and each platoon contains three squads instead of four. What is in a Jalkaväki Komppania? A force based around a Jalkaväki Komppania must contain: • A Company HQ and • At least 2 Rifle Platoons Weapons platoons available to a Jalkaväki Komppania are: • Machine Gun Platoons • A Kranaatinheitin (Mortar) Platoon Support platoons for a Jalkaväki Company can be: • A Pioneeri Platoon • A PanssariJääkäri (Anti-tank) Gun Platoon • A Lähitorjuntamies (Anti-Tank Infantry) platoon • An Artillery Battery • An Anti-aircraft Machine Gun Platoon • A Light Panssari Platoon • An Armoured Car Platoon You may have up to one support platoon for each combat platoon in the Company.

Headquarters Platoon 1 Company HQ

At full strength: 45 points Add 1 or 2 Lahti AT-Rifle squads +45 per squad

A Major (Majuri) leads an Infantry Company of up to three Rifle Platoons. Command teams are armed with SMGs. Anti-tank rifle squads of a Lahti Anti-tank rifle team and a Rifle/MG team may be added. Combat Platoons 2 to 3 Rifle Platoons

At full strength: 165 points With 2 Squads 115 points Add 1 or 2 Lähitorjunta (Molotov) +20 per team Replace Rifle/MG with SMG Same Cost Only 1 platoon may be equipped with SMGs.

Infantry platoons were organised into three squads, each with two teams. Most squads have at least one light machine gun. SMGs may be concentrated in assault platoons. Lähitorjunta teams are equipped with Kasapanos explosive charges. Weapons Platoons 0 to 2 HMG Platoon Heavy Machine Guns (HMGs) are the mainstay of Finnish defences against enemy infantry. The Finnish HMG is the same as the Soviet Maxim but without the bulky gun-shield to slow it down (it looks like a Vickers). Each platoon has a Command SMG team, 2 Squads, each with 2 HMG teams. Cost at full strength 150 points Cost with 1 squad 85 points 0 to 1 Kranaatinheitin (Mortar) platoon Light mortars are available to provide fire support to every company. This consists of a Command SMG team, and 2 sections each of observer team 2 81mm mortar teams and 2 Wagon transport teams Cost at Full Strength 195 points Cost with 1 mortar section 115 points


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Jääkari Komppania (Jaeger = Light Infantry Company) As well as the Jääkari companies in each Finnish Division, a Jääkari Brigade is available for offensive operations. The Jääkari units have fewer heavy weapons available than normal infantry companies. But their speed and aggressive tactics make them at least as dangerous. All infantry teams may be Ski-Equipped. What is in a Jääkäri Komppania? A force based around a Jääkäri Komppania must contain: • A Company HQ and • At least 2 Jääkäri Platoons Weapons platoons available to a Jääkäri Komppania are: • A Heavy Machine Gun Platoon • A Kevyt Kranaatinheitin (Lt Mortar) Platoon Support platoons for a Jääkäri Company can be: • A Pioneeri Platoon • A PanssariJääkäri platoon • A Lähitorjuntamies Platoon • An Artillery Battery • An Anti-aircraft Machinegun Platoon • A Panssari Platoon You may have up to one support platoon for each combat platoon in the Company. Headquarters Platoon 1 Company HQ

At full strength: 45 points Add 2 Lahti Anti-tank Rifle squads 45 points each Make Ski Equipped +5 per squad

A Major (Majuri) leads an Infantry Company of up to three Rifle Platoons. Command teams lead from the front and are armed with SMGs. Anti-tank rifle squads of one Anti-tank rifle team and one Rifle/MG team may be added.

Combat Platoons 2 to 3 Jääkäri Platoons

At full strength: 165 points With 2 Squads 115 points Add 1 Lähitorjunta Molotov team 20 points Make Ski Equipped +5 per squad Replace Rifle/MG teams with SMG Same cost A maximum of 2 Platoons per company may replace Rifle/MG with SMG.

Jääkari platoons were organised into three squads, each with two teams. There was usually at least one light machine gun per squad. Sub machine guns were more numerous than in infantry units. Weapons Platoons 0 to 2 HMG Platoon Since infantry numbers have declined, Heavy Machine Guns (HMGs) are an even more important part of the company’s firepower. The Maxim HMG without gun-shield can be quickly moved forward on sleds to keep up with the rapid Jääkari platoons. Each platoon has a Command SMG team, 2 Squads, each with 2 HMG teams. Cost at full strength 150 points Cost with 1 squad 85 points Make Ski-Equipped +5 per squad 0 to 1 Kranaatinheitin (Mortar) platoon Mortars are available to provide fire support to every company. This consists of a Command SMG team, and 2 sections each of observer team 2 81mm mortar teams, 2 Pulkka or truck transport teams Cost at Full Strength 205 points Cost with 1 mortar section 115 points


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Panssari Komppania (Armoured Company) The Finnish army now has enough tanks to form complete armoured units. Available trucks have also been concentrated in armoured units to ensure that supporting platoons can keep up with the tanks. They are at the forefront of the offensive to recapture Finnish territory taken in the Soviet invasion. Finnish armoured units have had time to become familiar with their tanks and now operate with the same high degree of efficiency as their infantry. Finnish armoured units in the Continuation War are Confident Veteran and any infantry teams may be Ski-Equipped. A force based around a Panssari Company must contain: • A Company HQ and • At least 2 Panssari Platoons Weapons platoons available to a Panssari Company are: • Up to 2 Jääkäri Platoons Support platoons for a Panssari Company can be: • A Pioneeri Platoon • A Kranaatinheitin (Mortar) Platoon • An Artillery Battery • An Anti-aircraft Gun Platoon • A Heavy Panssari Platoon • A Flamethrower Panssari platoon • A Panssariauto platoon You may have up to one support platoon for each combat platoon in the Company. Headquarters Platoon 1 Company HQ

At full strength: 85 points Replace with BT7 75 points

There are now sufficient captured Soviet T26 tanks that have been repaired and put back into Finnish use that we have formed full armoured companies! The leader consists of a captured Soviet T-26 tank, or a BT7 if the Company is equipped with that tank.

Combat Platoons 2 to 3 Panssari Platoons

At full strength: 425 points With four T26 tanks 340 points With three T26 tanks 255 points Replace 1 T26 with Sotka 190 points Replace all T26s with BT7 -10 per tank

Each platoon consists of 3 to 5 tanks, one of which is the platoon commander. Most common tank was the captured Soviet T-26 tank, now with Finnish improvements. Some companies had BT7. The option to replace a single T26 with a “Sotka” (T34obr1940) may only be taken for one platoon. Weapons Platoons 0-2 Jääkari Platoons Same as in Jääkäri Companies Option: give each platoon truck transports – 5points per truck.


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Divisional Support Platoons 0 to 1 Pioneeri Platoon These teams have the full range of pioneer abilities, as well as the Kasapanos satchel charges for use against fortifications or tanks. A Platoon consists of a Command Pioneer Rifle team with Kasapanos 3 squads of 3 Pioneer Rifle teams with Kasapanos. Cost at full strength 220 points Cost with 2 Pioneer squads 155 points Cost with 1 Pioneer teams 90 points Add Pioneer Supply Wagon or Pulkka +5 points 0 to 1 Panssari Jääkari (Anti-tank gun) Platoon There are now enough anti-tank guns for every Division to have some! A Platoon consists of 1 Command SMG team and 2 gun sections with a Bofors 37mm AT gun team and a truck. Cost at Full Strength 125 points Cost with one gun section 75 points Option: upgrade to 45mm AT gun +10 per gun 0 to 1 Lähitorjuntamies (Anti-tank infantry) platoon

The lack of anti-tank weapons in the army has necessitated the formation of infantry anti-tank teams. These are armed with Molotov cocktails and rifles, and trained to destroy tanks in close assault. Only the bravest men serve in these teams. Consists of Command Lähitorjunta team and 2 to 4 Lähitorjunta teams with Molotov cocktails. Cost with 2 teams 65 points Cost with 3 teams 85 points Cost with 4 teams 105 points Your Force may not contain an Anti-tank gun Platoon and a Lähitorjuntamies platoon in the same Company. 0 to 1 Artillery Battery Finnish artillery is well trained, and equipped with both older and some new captured guns. The most common is the Russian WWI vintage 76mm field gun, 76 K 02. It may be replaced by captured Soviet 76mm guns. A battery consists of a Command SMG team, staff team, observer team, 4 artillery teams and 5 Pulkkas. In Jääkäri or Panssari Companies Pulkkas may be replaced by trucks.

Option: Upgrade to Heavy artillery battery by replacing all guns with 150mm guns. This option is not available for Jalkaväki companies. Your Force may not contain more than one Artillery Battery, even if it has more than one Company. 0 to 1 Anti-aircraft MG platoon This consists of HMGs on AA mountings. It contains 1 Command SMG team, 2 sections each with 2 AA HMG teams with Pulkka or Truck. Cost with 2 sections 185 points Cost with 1 section 105 points Upgrade AAMG to 20mm ItK/30 +10 per team 0 to 1 Panssari Platoon This platoon is the same as listed for a Panssari Company. It may not be selected as a support option by a Panssari Company. 0 to 1 Heavy Panssari Platoon

Now we have even turned the Soviets heavy tanks against them! This Platoon consists of 2 Soviet T-28 obr1933 tanks, one of which is the platoon commander. Cost with 2 T28 tanks 170 points 0 to 1 Flamethrower Panssari Platoons This consists of 2 or 3 OT-130 tanks, one of which is the platoon commander. Cost with 3 OT-130 tanks 240 points Cost with 2 OT-130 tanks 160 points 0 to 1 Panssariauto (Armoured Car) Platoon This consists of between 2 and 3 captured Soviet Armoured Cars, one of which is platoon commander. Alternatively, it may have T38s. Cost with 3 BA10 armoured cars 165 points Cost with 2 BA10 armoured cars 110 points Replace BA10 with T38 -10 points each 0 to 1 Kranaatinheitin (Mortar) platoon Same as in Jääkäri Companies 0 to 1 Light Panssari Platoon Light Panssari platoons are equipped with captured soviet amphibious T-38 tanks. They are used as reconnaissance troops and, occasionally, infantry support. Light Panssari platoons consist of 2 to 3 T-38 tanks, one of which is the platoon commander. Cost at Full Strength 135 points Cost with 2 tanks 90 points


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Sissi Komppania (Ski Guerilla Company) A Sissi Komppania is Fearless Veteran. Use the Winter War force list. A Sissi Komppania may not use platoosn from other Finnish Kompannias or Divisional Support troops or vice versa. Finnish Warriors

Colonel Hjalmar Siilasvuo Siilasvuo was a civilian at the start of the war, but had previously been a veteran of fighting both in the German army of the First World War and in the Russian civil war while fighting for Finnish independence. In 1939 he first commanded a successful defence of Kuhmo in central Karelia. He was then sent to command the outnumbered defences in central Finland when he had to stop the attack of two Soviet divisions against Suomusalmi. He not only stopped the attackers, but used two regiments of ski troops to surround and destroy them in late December 1939. The captured weapons were invaluable in assisting the main defence of the Mannerheim line further south. Later in the continuation war (1941-1944) he ensured that the Soviets would get no closer to their objective in this area of the front. In 1944 he was transferred to the Karelian Isthmus, scene of the final Soviet offensive. He led one of the Divisions which helped stabilise the line after the Soviet breakthrough. His final task was to lead the Finnish forces in their last campaign – expulsion of the German forces from Lapland. Siilasvuo was a stocky man with a phlegmatic character who proved a rugged and determined leader. His flair for unconventional tactics was a complete surprise to his opponents. He invented “Motti” tactics – using the mobility of ski-troopers through the forests to outflank advancing forces and encircle them. (Finnish Infantry, Jaegers and Sissi, Early, Middle or Late War) +50 Points Higher Command Team – Fearless Veteran, Pistol; range 2”; ROF 1; AT 1; FP 6, Ski-Equipped Energetic – If Siilasvuo is commander, any Finnish platoons consisting entirely of Ski-trained infantry teams may re-roll failed skill tests if their command team is within 6 inches of Siilasvuo. Stoic – Siilasvuo passes his own motivation tests on a roll of 2+. A force with Siilasvuo in command may reroll any Company or Platoon motivation tests if the relevant command team is within 6 inches of Siilasvuo.


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Tanks and Other Fighting Vehicles Name Points Move Armour Equipment and Notes Front Side Top Light Tanks Confident Trained Vickers 6 Ton tank 65 FullTrk 1 1 1 37 PstK/36, coaxMG, Slow Tank, Unreliable Light Tanks Confident Veteran BT-7 (captured) 75 FullTrk 2 1 1 45mm tank gun, coax MG, Light tank, Unreliable T-26 (captured) 85 FullTrk 2 1 1 45mm tank gun, coax MG, Slow tank OT-130 (captured) 80 FullTrk 2 1 1 Flamethrower, coax MG, Slow tank, Fuel Tanks Medium Tanks Confident Veteran Sotka (T-34 obr1940) (captured)

305 FullTrk 6 5 1 76mm tank how, co-ax MG, hull MG, 2 man turret, Fast Tank, Wide tracks, Unreliable

Heavy Tanks Confident Veteran T-28 obr1933 (captured) 85 FullTrk 2 1 2 76mm tank how, 3 turret MGs, turret-rearMG,

Slow tank Armoured Cars Move Armour Equipment BA 10 (captured) 55 Wheel 1 0 1 45mm gun, Co-ax MG, Recce T-38 (captured) 45 Half Trk 0 0 1 MG, amphibious, recce Amphibious: Amphibious tanks treat impassable water obstacles as Difficult Going. Fast Tank: Fast Tanks move 32”/80cm At the Double on Roads and Cross-country terrain. Light Tank: Light Tanks move 16”/40cm on Roads and Cross-country terrain. Recce: Recce troops can use the Reconnaissance rules to avoid enemy fire. Slow Tank: Slow Tanks only move 8”/20cm on Roads and Cross-country terrain. Turret-rear MG: With a machine gun covering the vulnerable rear arc, these heavy tanks are hard to sneak up on. Re-roll skill tests to hit these tanks in an assault. Unreliable: If an Unreliable tank moves At the Double roll a die. On a roll of 1, it becomes Bogged Down , and does not move. Wide Tracks: If a tank with Wide Tracks becomes Bogged Down while moving across Difficult Terrain roll again. On a roll of 4+ it immediately frees itself and continues to move. Guns and Fighting Vehicles Weapons ROF Anti-tank Firepower Notes 81mm mortar 40”/100cm - 1 3+ Mortar, smoke, AA HMG 16”/40cm 3 3 6 Anti-aircraft, Turntable 20 ItK/30 gun 40 24”/60cm 4 5 5+ Anti-aircraft, Gunshield, Turntable 40mm Bofors gun 60 32”/80cm 4 7 5+ Anti-aircraft, Gunshield, Turntable, Immobile 37 PstK/36 45 24”/60cm 3 7 5+ Gunshield 45 PstK/37 (captured) 70 24”/60cm 3 9 4+ Gunshield 76 K 02 80 24”/60cm 2 8/2 3+ Gunshield, Close support artillery, Smoke Soviet 76mm gun (captured)

120 32”/80cm 2 9/2 3+ Gunshield, Artillery, Smoke

150mm gun 155 24”/60cm 1 12/4 1+ Gunshield, Artillery, Smoke 45mm tank gun 24”/60cm 2 9 4+ 76mm tank how 24”/60cm 2 7 3+ 76mm tank gun 32”/80cm 2 9 3+ Anti-aircraft: Anti-aircraft weapons can fire at aircraft. Artillery: Artillery can fire artillery bombardments up to three times their normal range. Close Support Artillery: Close Support Artillery can fire artillery bombardments up to twice their normal range. Gunshield: Teams crewing weapons with a gunshield are in Bulletproof Cover when fired at from the front. Immobile: These heavy guns cannot be manhandled. They can only move if towed. Turntable: Weapons mounted on turntables can rotate to fire in any direction without penalty. Infantry Teams Points Range ROF Anti-tank Firepower Weapons and Notes Rifle team 16”/40cm 1 2 6 M28 Rifle Rifle/MG team 16”/40cm 2 2 6 M28 Rifle, Lahti or DP LMG SMG team 4”/10cm 3 1 6 Suomi SMG, Move and fire without penalty HMG team 24”/60cm 4 2 6 Maxim M1910 Boys Anti-tank Rifle team 16”/40cm 1 4 6 Boys anti-tank rifle Lahti Anti-tank Rifle team 16”/40cm 2 6 5+ Lahti anti-tank rifle Lähitorjunta team - Kasapanos - Molotov Cocktail

16”/40cm 16”/40cm

1 1

2 2

6 6

Kasapanov Satchel Charges (AT 4 in assault) Molotov cocktails (cause bail out in assault)

Pioneer/ Lähitorjunta team - As Infantry Kasapanos Satchel charges (AT 4 in assault) Command SMG team 25 4”/10cm 3 1 6 Suomi SMG, Move and fire without penalty Observer team 10 - - - - Staff Team 5 - - - - Moves and fights as a gun team Transport Transport Move Armour Notes Pulkka 5 Wagon - - - 2 Passengers; Ski trained Horse drawn limber Free Wagon - - - 2 Passengers Truck 5 Wheel - - - 3 Passengers

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