Bunker for 2 MGs, flanking fire in 2 directions, equipped with armoured cupola for observation and close-range defence. During the assault of the Mannerheim Line in this sector the bunker was the first one to be exposed to heavy direct fire of Soviet artillery. As the result, on February 23 the armoured cupola was shot off the bunker by a direct hit and the bunker became extremelly vulnerable against frontal attacks of Red Army infantry. Crew from 3rd MG platoon (led by Junior Lieutenant of reserve Helmer Hokkila), 3rd MG Company of the 6th Infatnry Regiment held the bunker throughout the day on the 23rd, but in the evening had to fall back after suffering heavy losses. The bunker was heavily damaged by the satchel charge that the Red Army infantry dropped into the bunker through the hole of the destroyed armoured cupola. During the heavy fighting in the area the bunker changed hands at least four times before the exhausted Finnish troops retreated over Vuoksi to the new defensive line.
Closer view at the rear part of the bunker
A direct hit on the frontal wall of the bunker.
A direct hit that tore part of the wing wall out.
Remains of the armoured cupola that was shot off the bunker by a direct hit during the day on February 23, 1940. It is obvious that after the war some remains of the armoured cupola were cut off for scrape metal.
Inside the ruined bunker. Traces of fire that started after the satchel charge exploded in the bunker, are well seen on the walls.
Acting commander of the 3rd MG Company, Lieutenant of reserve L. Mela reported the following about condition of the bunker on February 24, 20.00:
The armoured cupola is shot off and is lying on the ground, the steel doors are broken. All the wooden parts of the bunker are burnt or damaged by fire. One MG burnt down and cannot be used. 3 captured MGs are placed in the vicinity of the bunker. The bunker can only be used as a temporary shelter.
© Bair Irincheev 2001 - 2004