Vol. 1 - Winter War - 1939-1940

On November 30th, 1939 the Soviet Red Army crossed the Finnish border in attempt to conquer the whole country within a few weeks. Quite soon, it became evident that the Finns, despite totally outnumbered, were not an easy match. They were better equipped for the cold winter to come than the opponent. Ski capability was high and moving in deep forest was no problem. On the other hand, the Soviet troops were scared to death of the forest and stayed as close as possible to the few roads.

The Motti (Finnish term for “encirclement”) tactic became famous around the world and a great sympathy for the small country up in the north grew in many countries as the war went on. Soon, places like Suomussalmi, Tolvajärvi, Kuhmo and Kollaa, to name a few, became famous for the heroic Finns fighting against overwhelming odds.

The situation was not good for Stalin and his communist regime. Allied intervention was very possible and the prestige over the greatest army to date, The Red Army, was shaking. He also knew that Hitler was studying the campaign very carefully, making notes for every weakness in the old and poor doctrine of the RKKA.

On March 13th, 1940, Finland had no other choice but to agree on the tough peace terms to follow. The Winter War had ended, but who won, or was it a stalemate? However, Finland kept its independence because the mighty neighbour in the east failed to take Helsinki among other vital objects, as planned.

Includes:

• Eight countersheets in a total of 2,128 die-cut unit counters. Ground units are written in standard Nato symbols, while Air and Naval units have correct silhouettes. Place the pointer on each unit for a short explanation.

• 100 cm x 140 cm (39” x 55”) map in four pieces, depicting Finland and its' vicinity in a "Winterized" colour.

• A 48-page coloured rule book includes basic, advanced and optional game rules.

• Two OOB’s are included, one Finnish and one Soviet. Both in full colour. A lot of sources have been used to make them as historically correct as possible. Also, four Small Scenarios have been included: (1) Salla, (2) Kuhmo-Suomussalmi, (3) Ladoga Karelia, and (4) Karelian Isthmus.