** Arctic Front: Metal Gods - The Matrix Games version of East Front II

26 February, 1940

- 8/25/14: Updated to deploy the Finnish mortar platoons. (Duh!)
- 5/24/14: Updated to include the correct Vickers 6 ton tank unit
- Please make sure to use version with [2.02] listed as the required game engine version in Scenario Description!

[Honkaniemi, Karelian Isthmus, 14 km Southeast from Viborg] [H2H] [HIS] [CSL]

By the end of February, only within a fortnight after the Finnish retreat from their Main Line of defence, their so called Interim Line was already at great risk, no more so than in the sector leading towards city of Viborg.

As the situation around the Honkaniemi region became more threatening, the Finnish II Corps ordered the 23rd division, reinforced with elements of 3rd Jaeger Battalion and the newly arrived 4th tank company, to destroy the small enemy salient east of lake Naykkijärvi.

The original plan was to conduct a counterattack with six battalions and three artillery battalions, commencing at 0500 hrs of 26 Feb 1940. After the hurried preparations were completed, the units eligible for attack decreased to four battalions and two artillery battalions.

The final plan called for a two phased attack. First (portrayed in this scenario), the 3rd Jaeger Bn with the 4th Tank Coy, together with I/67th, were to penetrate the enemy lines. Then, the two remaining battalions (II and III/67th) would join in and proceed to remove the remaints of the enemy elements in the salient.

As the lead elements of the Soviet 84th division were still hastily digging into defensive positions, their main elements begun to deploy into area, also with orders to attack on that same day, but at noon. The Soviet attack was to start on schedule, regardless of the Finnish attack they were now facing. Reinforcing the 84th Infantry Division were the tanks of the 112th tank battalion of the 35th Light Tank Brigade.

As the Finnish counter attack withered to a halt, the order to leave the Interim Line was given on February 27th, 1940. The city of Viborg, with its road network to inland Finland, stood now in great peril (See: ** Grim Days of Winter).

(Scenario picture: Finnish Vickers 6 ton tank, destroyed at Honkaniemi. © Wikipedia Commons)

[Scandinavian Terrain Mod recommended to be enabled when playing this scenario.]

[ALL : N AF] [2.02]