Finnish-Soviet War1939-1940

The first months of WWII were full of surprises that kept everyone guessing. For example, Russia’s attack against Poland on 17 September 1939 was unexpected. Two months later, Russia again surprised the world when it attacked Finland on the 30th November. This book covers the ‘Winter War’, a bitter campaign in which Finnish soldiers fought heroically, lasting until 15 March 1940. Both sides suffered heavy losses and fierce battles erupted, all of which are expertly recounted by the author, including the armoured battles. Several engagements, such as the attack on the ‘Mannerheim Line’ and the battle Tolvajarvi, are examined in detail, along with the tactics of each side. The Soviet ‘Red Army’ came out of it the better, with vast territorial gains for Russia, and combat experience. Well supported with photographic illustrations and informative maps, this is a very good introduction to the part Finland would play on the Eastern Front in WWII.

Title:

The Finnish-Soviet Winter War 1939-1940

Author:

David Murphy

Publisher:

Osprey Publishing, Oxford

ISBN:

9781472843968

Price:

£15.99