THE BORDERS ARE BURNING*
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DATE: 30 November 1939*
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BATTLE LOCATION: Kuhmo, Finland*
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BATTLE TYPE:*
Russia (Advance) vs. Finland (Delay)*
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HISTORICAL SITUATION:*
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Along the Karelian Front, as the Soviets crossed the borders the Finnish forces executed a planned withdrawal to the Mannerheim Line. In the north, however, the Finns were ordered to oppose the Russian advance at every opportunity. At Kuhmo, the 54th Russian Rifle Division led by Major-General Gusevski advanced along the Repola-Hukkajarvi road. The 13th Finnish Reinforced Battalion, numbering some 1200 reservists led by Lieutenant Kaariala, sought to block its advance. At 1030 hours, a mere nine hours after the Soviets renounced their non-aggression pact with Finland, the lead Russian elements encountered the Finns in prepared positions. *
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FORCES:*
Russia: Elements of 81st Rifle Regiment*
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Finland: Elements of 13th Reinforced Battalion*
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AFTERMATH:*
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After a brief firefight in which the Russian point troops took heavy casualties, Gusevski committed 35 tanks. Kaariala, having no heavy anti-tank weapons available (although several enemy AFVs were immobilized by make-shift weapons), withdrew his battalion into the deep forest. The 54th Rifle Division continued its drive along the road, attaining its modest first-day objectives. *
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NOTES: This scenario was converted from an ASL scenario (see below) to SPWW2 format. Can be played PBEM as either side, or if playing against the AI, take the Russians. *
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SOURCE: ASL Scenario 123*
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SPWW2 Scenario Creation by Don Lazov*