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Kannuskoski Meat Grinder Part 1*
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Date: June, 1975*                     
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Battle location:  Kannuskoski, Valkeala*
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Battle Type: Soviet Assault vs. Finland*
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Design by:  Zipuli*
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BACKGROUND:*
With Soviet and Finnish relations deteriorating in late 1974, the mutual "trust" was lost and borders closed. USSR, rightfully fearing the Finns would slip into same bed with the western countries (NATO), plan a similar operation as used in Checkoslovakia in 1968, to quickly push into the country and seize any vital targets so that the Finns would surrender before being able to put up a real fight. The attack began in May 1975 with Motor Rifle Divisions advancing along main routes to Helsinki, airborne units seizing important road junctions and bridges deep behind Finnish lines, and seaborne landings taking hold of the most important coastal areas that can be later used to resupply and reinforce the attacking main force. The attack goes mostly unchallenged as the speed is too much for Finnish defenders to react to and the airborne landings causing reserves to be committed into secondary tasks. The Finnish defenders, realizing they were simply bypassed, have started to use Sissi- (guerilla-) tactics to harass the rear echelons with roadside bombs, ambushes and mines. This way, IF the attackers can be stopped before they reach Helsinki, the Divisions should face serious resupply problems.*
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ENEMY:*
The Finns are pulling back in disarray along Road 6 from Lappeenranta to Kouvola. Our armoured spearhead is in pursuit, pushing aside any organized resistance. The attack has fared very well indeed, with our first units soon entering Kaipiainen. The pace of the advance has left our flanks unprotected and reconnaissance has detected strong enemy armoured forces moving towards our right flank from the north.*
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OWN:*
Our Motor Rifle Division is replenishing ammunition and will soon continue the push and take Kaipiainen, a small town that has been hastily turned into a strongpoint by the Finns. To counter the enemy threat from the north our commander has decided to commit your reinforced Motor Rifle Battalion to turn north and prevent the enemy counter-attack from reaching Road 6.*
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MISSION:*
Your reinforced battalion is to strike north from your current positions at Pajari-Metsonportti -area. Push north quickly, destroying any enemy resistance along the way. We have intel of an enemy infantry battalion holding the crucial chokepoint of Kannuskoski. You will push the Finns away from that town and secure the crossing sites. Create a small beachhead to north of Ruokojarvi and dig in. When we are in control of Kannuskoksi, the enemy counter-attack will not reach Road 6 in time, even if they manage to get Kannuskoski back - something that is higly unlikely!*
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Good luck Comrade, and use your superior forces with skill - keep casualties minimal!*
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Note: Human player should take Soviet side!*
