The Finnish-Soviet Winter War 1939–40

Stalin's Hollow Victory

Author: David Murphy and Johnny Shumate Series: Campaign

This informative study explores the Soviet invasion of Finland, detailing the events of the Winter War of November 1939 to March 1940. The invasion was expected to be swift and decisive, however, the fighting qualities of the Finnish Army blunted the Soviet advance and inflicted high numbers of casualties. A combination of difficulties caused by the weather, the terrain, the Mannerheim Line defences and Finnish tactics resulted in a fascinating David vs Goliath type struggle.

An informative study exploring the Soviet invasion of Finland, a fascinating David vs Goliath type struggle.

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Summary

An informative study exploring the Soviet invasion of Finland, a fascinating David vs Goliath type struggle.

Description

An informative study exploring the Soviet invasion of Finland, a fascinating David vs Goliath type struggle.

On 23 August 1939, a secret protocol was appended to the German–Soviet Non-Aggression Pact; as part of this, Finland was assigned to the Soviet sphere of influence. On 30 November that year, in an effort to protect against renewed German aggression in the East, the Soviet Union attacked Finland, beginning what became known as the Finnish-Soviet Winter War. This long-awaited addition to the Campaign series explores the events of the war of November 1939 to March 1940. Set against the background of the developing global conflict, the conflict saw the Finnish Army thwart the plans of the sizeable Soviet forces assembled against it, before finally being forced to concede. The major battles of the war, which took place in harsh winter conditions, are covered in detail, including the Mannerheim Line, the fighting in Ladoga Karelia and Kollaa, and the clashes in Finnish Lapland.

The invasion was expected to be swift and decisive. However, as Dr David Murphy details, a combination of difficulties caused by the weather, the terrain, the Mannerheim Line defences and Finnish tactics blunted the Soviet advance and inflicted high numbers of casualties.

Critic Reviews

“I learnt a lot more about the war thanks to author David Murphy, and it made for interesting reading, well illustrated by the supporting maps, let alone the very nice artwork.”

-- Robin Buckland Military Model Scene

About the Author

Dr David Murphy is a graduate of University College, Dublin and Trinity College, Dublin. He is currently a lecturer in military history and strategic studies at Maynooth University in Ireland. He has also lectured abroad at various institutions including the Dutch Military Academy, Breda, West Point Military Academy and the US Command and Staff College, Fort Leavenworth. David is a member of the Royal United Services Institute, and a fellow of the Royal Historical Society.