In the Ruins of Ayrapaa Church (FSD1)

Ayrapaa, Finland, July 7, 1944: Ayrapaa, a famous battlefield of the 
Winter War, was once again a seen of intense fighting during the 
Soviet Summer Offensive of 1944 on the Karelian Isthmus. The hills 
south of the river Vuoksi dominated the otherwise flat landscape. 
The Finns set up their defense on the southern side even though it 
meant the supply lines had to cross the river. The Finnish bridgehead 
held for about two weeks before Russians managed to advance to the river 
cutting the defenders into two seperate pockets. At 2pm on July 7th, after 
a bombardment that lasted for half an hour, Russian infantry, supported by 
ten assault guns, attacked against the eastern part of the bridgehead. The 
attack caused the Finns to retreat across the river except for a small 
group of Finns led by Captain Talvitie, who dug in at the ruins of 
Ayrapaa church and its vicinity. At 4pm another attack was launched.

Game Length: 7 turns

For the Russians to win they must capture the Finnish bridgehead
For the Finns to win they must hold the bridgehead.

Russians: Squads, MMG, LMG's, AFV's
Finns: Squads, HMG's, AT Gun, 

Boards: #7, #18, #32

Aftermath: The attack was more than the green troops of the 25th Battalion 
could take. In many places they ran from their positions without firing a 
single shot. The weary veterans of 2nd Battalion were left alone to face 
the attack of two Russian battalions. Mostly, the defense was easily 
defeated, but the strong point in the ruined church caused trouble for 
the attackers. Eventually, the Russians overwhelmed the defenders. As the 
Finns were surrendering, their own artillery fired a concentration at them. 
The Finns, still in their foxholes, suffered no casualties but Russians 
paid a heavy price for their victory.

Source: Scenario designed by Mika Maenpaa
