Delaying Action at Krylanmaki - Winter War

07 DECEMBER 1939, KRYLÄNMÄKI, BATTLE OF SOUMUSSALMI - SCENARIO ONE After having broken through the Finnish defenses at Linnasalmi, the 81st Regiment of the Soviet 163rd Rifle Division continued it's drive towards Soumussalmi and unknown doom. On the night of December 7th, 1939 the newly formed 1./Er.P 15 (reinforcement battalion) deployed to the Kylänmäki junction to conduct a delaying action against 81/163 which was moving south from Palovaara. Arriving at the village just moments before the advancing Soviets, the Finnish troops quickly deployed into defensive positions and managed to hold until their enemy poured at them with superior numbers and armored support. Conducting their policy of scorched earth, the Finns soon torched Soumussalmi village and withdrew across Lake Kiantajarvi under the cover of darkness.