Toast Victory with Vodka (id:#57323)

Critical Hit (Jatkosota ID: JATK1)   [next]   [previous]

Petrozavodsk, USSR 1941-10-01 (3 others)

Overview:

The Finns renewed the offensive for Soviet Karelia on September 25. Mannerheim's plan was to shorten the Karelian front and defend along the Svir River between Lakes Ladoga and Onega. The Finnish VI Army Corps, consisting of the 1st, 4th, and 11th divisions was assigned to strike at the city frontally and from both flanks. The Finnish 7th Division, meanwhile, moved toward Orsega to cut of the Soviet's southern retreat route. The Russians had no intentions of giving up the capitol of Soviet Karelia easily: all inhabitants and installations were evacuated and the city was transformed from a center of civilization into a grim battlefield. Initial Finnish attacks by the 1st Division fell short of their objective while Russian troops were observed demolishing buildings to build strongpoints. In the early morning of October 1st, the 1st Division made another go of it, this time striking at the southeastern flank of the city. As the Finns moved forward explosions were still audible from the Soviet destruction of the city.

Defender: Russian (3rd Infantry Division)  

Errata (source)