F. F. Alyabushev (Alabushev) Kombrig, commander of 123rd Rifle Division during Witner War. The 123rd Division attacked on the isthmus between Summajarvi lake and Munasup swamp and after almost two months of bloody fighting broke through the Mannerheim Line on February 10-11, 1940. F. F. Alyabushev entered service with the Red Army in 1919. Unlike other Soviet high-ranking officers, he was not awarded with high decorations and was not promoted for his participation in Winter War. In June 1941 he was commander of 87th Rifle Division. He was killed in action in June 1941.
I . P. Rosly Major, promoted to rank of Colonel for his successful leadership during the Winter War. During the decisive battles of February 10-11, 1940 and onwards, he was commander of 245th Rifle Regiment of the 123rd Rifle Division. It was his regiment that captured battered Poppiuslinnake bunker and broke through the main Finnish line of defense. He entered service with the Red Army in 1924. Graduated from Vystrel commanding officer courses in 1940. On March 12, 1940 he was awarded with the Medal of the Golden Star of the Hero of Soviet Union for his participation in the Winter War. During the Great Patriotic War he was commander of division and corps level. Retired in 1961.
A. N. Yermakov Kombrig, Commander of 100th Rifle Division during the Winter War. 100th Rifle Division assaulted the Summakyla defence sector.Entered service with the Red Army in 1918. During the Great Patriotic War commander of a Rifle Corps, then Commander of 50th Army, then Deputy Commander of Bryansk Front and then commander of 20th Army. From September 1943 till May 1945 led different Rifle Corps. After the war had several appointments as a commander in the Soviet Army, later transferred to diplomatic career.
M. Sipovitch Captain, Commander of 2nd Battalion 375th Rifle Regiment, 100th Rifle Division. His battalion captured bunkers Sk1 and Sk2 in Summakyla defence sector. Awarded with the Golden Star of Hero of Soviet Union for the battle. Future fate yet unknown.
Reports section is translation of articles written by Red Army
men and commanders that took part in Winter War for Fighting in Finland book.
The book was published in 1941.
Memories section includes interviews that I made with Russian and Finnish Winter War veterans. I tried to do as little editing and correcting as possible. After all, I think it is at least impolite to teach men who are over 80 years old "what it really was like" and say things like: "no, this is wrong, you just don't remember". In making these interveiws I was not so much interested in exact and accurate historical information - interviews are probably not the best source of such information. I am more interested in personal impressions of men who were there.
© Bair Irincheev 2001 - 2004