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Kannuskoski Meat Grinder Part 2*
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Date: June, 1975*                     
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Battle location:  Kannuskoski, Valkeala*
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Battle Type: Finland advance vs. Soviet*
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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:*
A Soviet Motor Rifle Division has been attacking along Road 6 and has reached Kaipiainen, where a desperate battle is raging. It seems the enemy is master at his game, as they managed to secure their right flank moments before our counter-attacking Armoured Brigade reached Kannuskoski, a vital chokepoint from where we could have struck the enemy flank easily. Now things are not that simple!*
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OWN:*
The Infantry Battalion (-), that was to hold Kannuskoski and allow us to attack from the move against the enemy flank, has been mostly destroyed and Kannuskoski is in Soviet hands. In spite of multiple attempts, the enemy was unable to create a beachhead on northern side of Kannuskoksi, where last remaining infantrymen hold positions. The Armoured Brigade has reached the area with its first units and will conduct a counter-attack to retake Kannuskoski and allow the Brigade to attack along Road 6.*
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MISSION:*
You mission is to cross the Ruokojarvi -body of water and retake Kannuskoski tonight. Destroy the enemy defenders and push as far as you dare towards Road 6. Prepare to support the Brigade's main attack! If your attack bogs down and the enemy can breach our lines at Kaipiainen, he will have the road open all the way to Kymijoki -river! That would be a severe blow to our defense!*
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Note: Human player should take Finnish side!*
