Finnish units (the 6th Infantry Regiment with supporting units) withdrew to this fortified area by February 17, 1940. Starting from February 20, 1940, the units of the 17th Motor Rifle Division were storming the area. After initial success - capturing the two old bunkers on the shore of the river Salmenkaita, the Red Army units were stuck in heavy fighting in the center of the fortified area. The description of battle on February 21, 1940 based on Soviet and Finnish sources can be found here.
By February 28 the Finnish units were exhausted and faced crisis several times. During the day of February 28, 1940, the HQ of the Finnish 6th Infantry Regiment ordered withdrawal to the next defensive line on the northern shore of Vuoksi river.
© Bair Irincheev 2001 - 2004