Today in Bolter, Wrocław, PL we played first scenario covering Winter War, when Soviet Union invaded small but brave land of Finns. IPN (Instytut Pamięci Narodowej in eng. Institute of National Remembrance) took patronage over this event – here is they Wrocław page.

After taking before half of Poland IInd Republic along with Nazi Germany and Slovakia, Soviet Union turn they eyes onto Finland – sparsely populated and heavily forested country which border was 30 kilometers from Leningrad (all the time Sankt Petersburg), too close for Soviet officials – more about it here: Winter War 1939-1940.

  • Finnish troops preparing for incomming tank assault of Red Army.
  • 37 mm Bofors antitank gun hidden on the hill.
  • Soviet column advanced toward Finns positions.
  • Mortar started shooting at our medium machine gun.
  • BA-6 and T-26 with flame thrower bravely moved forward.
  • We lost one bunker from T-28 howitzer shell, then enemy losed they armoured car from some well thrown bottle.
  • Brave Finns assaulted first tank on right flank.
  • Bofors managed to pin down T-28.
  • On our left flank Soviet advanced.
  • More Finns come from the forest to assault Soviet tanks with molotov coctails.
  • On left flank Soviet advanced forward with loses of men and equipment.
  • First tank burn on right flank.
  • Burning tanks on left flank.
  • T-28 staying on crossroads for most of the game.
  • Another thank losed on right flank.
  • Succesful hit from mortar finally eliminated our Bofors.
  • Ski troops arrived on flank.
  • All tank burns on right flank.
  • Beautiful scenery.

Summary:
– it was interesting battle and as part of campaing will be continued.
– Finns held Soviet advance destroying most of the vehicles.
– first game in Bolt Action for a long time of absence.
– Hope that next time will remember all names of co-players.

Some great links about Finns:
– http://www.andreaslarka.net/
– https://www.jaegerplatoon.net/MAIN.html
Some photos:
– https://www.businessinsider.com/ussr-russia-finald-wwii-winter-war-photos-2017-3
– https://www.rferl.org/a/finlands-winter-war-with-the-soviet-union/30280490.html
Something about use experimental tanks by Red Army:
– http://armchairgeneral.com/rkkaww2//battles/winterwar/KV_finn.htm