Osprey Elite 141 : Finland at War 1939-1945

Finland is a tiny nation of only 4 million people who faced Soviet invasion in 1939-40 (the Winter War), and once again in 1941-44 (the Continuation War), the armies raised by Finland astonished the world by their effective resistance. At the end of both these campaigns the fiercely patriotic defiance of vastly stronger Soviet forces by Marshal Mannerheim's soldiers won their country a unique prize, although forced to accept harsh terms, Finland was never occupied by the Red Army, and retained its independence. This book explains and illustrates, for the first time in English, the organization, uniforms, equipment and tactics of Finland's defenders. Text by Philip Jowett and Brent Snodgrass with illustrations by Raffaele Ruggeri.

Contents

• The Winter War 1939-40
• The Finnish Army in 1939 : Organization, Uniforms, Weapons & Equipment
• Foreign Aid and Volunteers
• Civil Guard and Militia
• Cold weather and Camouflage Clothing
• Women Auxiliaries
• The Continuation War 1941-44
• Alliance with Germany
• The Finnish Army in 1941 : Organization, Uniforms, Weapons & Equipment
• Operation 'Barbarossa'
• The Anti-Partisan War
• The Lapland War 1944-45
• Finland's Surrender Terms