Machine Gun Alley ETO (id:#67076)

(BFP 6: Mannerheim Cross ID: BFP-159)   [next]   [previous]

Ägläjärvi, Finland 1939-12-22 (0 others)

Overview:

Elements of Infantry Regiment 16 and Independent Battalion 9 attacked the village from the north. Independent Battalion 112 and two companies of Independent Battalion 10 attacked from the south. They were able to get through outposts and close on the village during the hours of darkness. Everything changed at Ägläjärvi. The Russians had turned it into a small fortress, with numerous machineguns, well placed with interlocking fields of fire. The Finns suffered heavy losses immediately, including three company commanders. Each building became its own fortress, the battles for each decided by hand grenades and bayonets. The Finns eventually trapped the Russians, and they were able to maneuver more troops from multiple directions. A group battled its way to the village center and was able to knock out several key Russian machine gun nests. The Russians ran out of ammunition by 2pm and attempted to escape. The Finns, short themselves on ammunition, and tired, called off any further attacks. The 75th Rifle Division suffered over 4,000 casualties in 10 days during the Tolvajärvi battles.

Defender: Russian (75th Rifle Division)  

Errata (source)