Fields of Red*
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Date: August 5, 1985*
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Battle Location: Valtanen, Kuusamo, Finland*
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Battle Type: Finland delay vs USSR advance*
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Description: WW3 has begun in Europe.*
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In the north, Soviet forces have launched an assault on Norway aimed at quickly securing the northern coastline as far south as Bodoe. As a means of reassuring the northern offensive the Soviet Union has demanded to be allowed utilising the Finnish road and railroad network for transit of troops in accordance with standing treaties between the two countries.*
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Realising the Soviet demand means a de facto military occupation of Finland it is turned down by Helsinki almost as soon as it has been put forward. By this time however, Finnish airspace has already been violated on numerous occasions by Soviet aircraft headed for strike missions against Norway.*
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And all along the border there is heavy traffic as Soviet units move forward.*
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The Finnish Defence having only called up selected units deploy whatever forces are available to combat the imminent Soviet invasion and buy time for the mobilisation of the remainder of the armed forces.*
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On the second day of the war in Europe Soviet ground forces begin crossing the Finnish border in force. Advancing with a minimum of caution the Soviets push west along the border roads. Confident in the belief that the Finns will adhere to the treaty conditions allowing free passage over Finnish territory. It is a grievous mistake.*
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At Valtanen one Jaeger Battalion of the Kainuu Brigade is deployed to block the Soviets advancing along the roads. Time has not permitted much in the way of preparation but morale in the battalion is high.*
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Notes: If played against the AI the human player should take the Finnish side.*
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Sources: Fictional scenario*
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Design by: Ulf Lundstrom.**
