Battle of Salla
A Finnish guard near Kemijärvi. 11 February 1940
The Commander of Swedish volunteers General Ernst Linder and his Chief of Staff Carl August Ehrensvärd in Tornio during the Winter War.
Battle of Salla 1939-1940, first phase.
Battle of Salla 1939-1940, second phase.
Historical Overview
The Battle of Salla was fought between Finnish and Soviet troops near Salla in northern Finland during the Winter War. The Soviets had orders to advance through Salla to Kemijärvi and Sodankylä, and from there to Rovaniemi in just two weeks. From there they were to advance to Tornio and cut Finland in two. The Finnish troops managed to stop the Soviet advance just east of Kemijärvi. During the last days of February 1940 the Finnish troops were replaced with the Swedish, Norwegian and Danish volunteers of the Stridsgruppen SFK.
Quick Facts
Finland
- Commander: Kurt Wallenius
- Strength: ca. 3.500
- Casualties: ca. 200
USSR
- Commander: unbekannt
- Strength: ca. 15.000
- Casualties: ca. 1.500
Strategic Context
Preventing the occupation of Lapland by the Red Army.
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Historical Locations
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