Over the Ice ETO (id:#65425)

(Dispatches from the Bunker #51 ID: DB160)   [next]   [previous]

Tytarsaari Island, Gulf of Finland 1942-04-02 (2 others)

Overview:

The Finnish capture of Suursaari Island worried the Soviet Commander of nearby Tytarsaari Island. The Gulf of Finland was still frozen so Tytarsaari was isolated by huge ice fields created by the frozen sea. The Soviet Commander then left the island without permission and the Finns seized the opportunity and created the Osasto (Detachment) Laaksonen for this mission. Osasto Laaksonen was composed of an infantry company, a Jäger platoon, a MG platoon and a few AT Rifles. The unit skied to the island, arriving there on the morning of April 2nd. A captured Russian informed them that there was only one squad of Soviets at the Lighthouse. Captain Laaksonen immediately sent his infantry and MG half-platoon to the eastern shore of the island. He also sent the Jäger platoon, another MG half-platoon and the AT rifles to the Lighthouse. The Finns spotted the Russian units approaching the island from the northeast. The Russian troops trying to get to the island were ski troops, about 200 men strong, supported by horse-drawn sledges and trucks.

Defender: Finnish (Osasto Laaksonen and Jäger Platoon, Osasto Laaksonen)  

Errata (source)