Kiestinki, April 1942.
Finnish squad is scouting for enemy positions...
Area near Kiestinki saw heavy fighting already in October 1941 when III Corps [Commanded by Major General Siilasvuo] captured Kiestinki.
German forces were supporting the Finnish advance in the region and detachment of soldiers were subordinated to "Detachment J" (Infantry Regiment 53) commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Jussi Turtola.
The next objective for Finnish-German formation was to cut off Kirov-railway. Detachment J managed to advance, but flanks couldn't keep up with the advance. Soviet 88th Division managed to surround the Finnish-German detachment.
Detachment J managed to escape, but they lost their commander during the breakout.
In April 1942 Soviet 26th Army launched an offensive in Kiestinki region with 3 Infantry divisions, 2 Marine brigades, 1 Armored brigade and 1 Ski brigade.
Elements of the III Corps consisted of 2 divisions: German 6th SS-Gebirgs-Division "Nord"& Finnish Division "J". Finnish-German troops managed to hold the region until reinforcements arrived. ![Patrol]()
Kiestinki, April 1942. Finnish squad is scouting for enemy positions... Area near Kiestinki saw heavy fighting already in October 1941 when III Corps [Commanded by Major General Siilasvuo] captured Kiestinki. German forces were supporting the Finnish advance in the region and detachment of soldiers were subordinated to "Detachment J" (Infantry Regiment 53) commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Jussi Turtola. The next objective for Finnish-German formation was to cut off Kirov-railway. Detachment J managed to advance, but flanks couldn't keep up with the advance. Soviet 88th Division managed to surround the Finnish-German detachment. Detachment J managed to escape, but they lost their commander during the breakout. In April 1942 Soviet 26th Army launched an offensive in Kiestinki region with 3 Infantry divisions, 2 Marine brigades, 1 Armored brigade and 1 Ski brigade. Elements of the III Corps consisted of 2 divisions: German 6th SS-Gebirgs-Division "Nord" & Finnish Division "J". Finnish-German troops managed to hold the region until reinforcements arrived.
Kiestinki, April 1942. Finnish squad is scouting for enemy positions... Area near Kiestinki saw heavy fighting already in October 1941 when III Corps [Commanded by Major General Siilasvuo] captured Kiestinki. German forces were supporting the Finnish advance in the region and detachment of soldiers were subordinated to "Detachment J" (Infantry Regiment 53) commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Jussi Turtola. The next objective for Finnish-German formation was to cut off Kirov-railway. Detachment J managed to advance, but flanks couldn't keep up with the advance. Soviet 88th Division managed to surround the Finnish-German detachment. Detachment J managed to escape, but they lost their commander during the breakout. In April 1942 Soviet 26th Army launched an offensive in Kiestinki region with 3 Infantry divisions, 2 Marine brigades, 1 Armored brigade and 1 Ski brigade. Elements of the III Corps consisted of 2 divisions: German 6th SS-Gebirgs-Division "Nord" & Finnish Division "J". Finnish-German troops managed to hold the region until reinforcements arrived.