Lagus Leads the Way - Winter War

05 SEPTEMBER 1941, OLONETS, NORTH OF LAATOKA, EASTERN KARELIA For over a month after the outbreak of the Continuation War, the Karelian Army had stayed in place, replenished its forces and prepared for the offensive while the Finns had recaptured the Karelian Isthmus. Near the northern shore of Lake Ladoga, the Finnish VI. Corps' offensive started on the early hours of September 4 at Tuulos River. The 5th Division crossed the River Tuulos 7 km from the mouth of the river at 5am. The river crossing was easy but Soviets counterattacked the Finnish bridgehead and managed to encircle the Finns who had advanced to the coastal road. At this point Colonel Karhu committed the "Light Detachment 4" and "Detachment Lagus" into the battle. The Finnish attack shattered the Soviet 3rd Marine Battalion, 452nd and 419th Rifle Regiments and secured the coastal road north of Lake Ladoga. The "Detachment Lagus" was founded on 25th July 1941. It included the Armored Battalion of Lieutenant Colonel Sven Björkman, and the reinforced 1st Jaeger Brigade under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Väinö Merikallio. The strong unit was named after its commander, Jäger Colonel Ernst Ruben Lagus. All armor of the unit was captured Russian tanks from the Winter War. The destruction of the Soviets forces near Tuulos River opened the road to Olonets, an old Russian town near the Olonka River blocking the road between Tuulos and Svir Rivers. After the breakthrough was secured, "Detachment Lagus" took the lead from the 5th Division and started its advance towards Olonets, and the Svir River. Russian Command sent the remnants of the 452nd Rifle Regiment and hastly prepared a defense line west of the city.