Blood on Ice - Winter War

25 DECEMBER 1939, KELJA, SUVANTO RIVER, KARELIAN ISTHMUS Taipale sector was the left extremity of the Finnish defenses at the Mannerheim Line. Its flanks were protected by two geographical features; Lake Ladoga to the North and Suvanto a major river to the South. In Mid-December, the Soviet 49th and 150th infantry divisions, supported by tanks, attacked in the Taipale sector. All attacks were repulsed especially with the help of heavy Finnish artillery concentration in the area. On Dec 18th Soviet pressure died away, enabling the Finns to switch the front-line troops. Although the infantry attacks were not strong, the Soviet artillery was very active, keeping up constant bombardment aiming on the other side of the Suvanto River. However the calm was misleading. Finnish HQ started receiving many reports giving hints for the coming Soviet attack. Soviet patrols were actively probing the Suvanto River evidently checking if the thickness of the ice was suitable for an assault. Finnish recon flights too reported heavy enemy concentration on the southern side of the Suvanto. The Finnish rear areas, especially sectors of Kelja and Haaparainen and Patoniemi Fort were bombarded frequently. On Dec 20th, the Finnish intelligence captured a Soviet radio message, showing the increased Soviet interest in the strength of the Suvanto ice-cover. Also some reports were telling that a fresh Soviet division had reinforced the enemy. In fact, the Soviet 4th Rifle Division was moved to the area to attack the Finnish 10th Division that was guarding the rear areas of the Taipale and the shore of the Suvanto. The 4th Rifle Division was a strong formation with five infantry regiments. The division was to attack on a sector some 8-10 km wide. The plan was to cross the ice in the cover of darkness, without a preliminary bombardment in order to achieve surprise. The attack over Suvanto had three directions: The sector of Kelja village; Volossula and Patoniemi. The old forts of Kekinniemi and Patoniemi too were primary Soviet targets. On the 25th, the temperature was -17°C and heavy snowfall was limiting the visibililty. The Soviet attacks were launched at 0500 and 0700 hrs achieving surprise among the Finnish lines. The Kelja sector was defended by the 8th Company of the 29th Regiment. Most of the troops were in shelters seeking protection from the cold when the Soviets launched their attack. The troops reconing the ice had to run to the friendly lines to alarm their friends since they didnt have radio communication with the company HQ. This delay gave Russians time to come closer to the Finnish lines.