Task Force Auti - Winter War

13 DECEMBER 1939, UOMAA - LEMETTI ROAD, LADOGA KARELIA On December 11th, the 13th Division, commanded by Colonel H.Hannuksela, was deployed to defend the area northeast of the coast of Ladoga, especially the vital road and railroad, that lead from Salmi to Sortavala via Kitilä. The deployment of the division was the direct result of General Hagglund's (IV Corps) plan of counterattack on the advancing Russian formations. According to the plan one battle group under the command of Lt.Col Järvinen was to defend the area near the Lake Syskyjärvi to stop Russian advance on the Uomaa - Lemetti - Kittila road. Another battle group of six infantry battalions had orders to outflank the road and attack the Russian formations pinned down between Uomaa and Lemetti. The largest formation in the attack group was Colonel P.Autti's force mainly consisting of the 36th and 39th Regiments. On December 12th, The spearhead of Colonel Autti reached the road without opposition. Although the Finnish advance on the rugged terrain was slow, Autti's troops managed to cut the road. Having lost the surprise factor and being unable to advance towards Uomaa, Finnish troops formed positions blocking any attempt to help the Russian infantry in the pocket today known as Lemetti Motti. On December 13rd, Russian 34th Tank Brigade reached the battlefield. They quickly launched an attack on the Task Force Autti in an attempt to clean the road and reach the isolated troops.