First Victories: Tolvajarvi

Tolvajarvi, Finland, December 12, 1939: The Tolvajarvi Tourist Hotel was part 
of the center counterattack executed by the Finnish 4th Corps. The hotel was 
an impressive edifice and had been fully fortified by elements of the Soviet 
609th Regiment, 139th Rifle Division. The Finn attack kicked off at 1000hrs 
after some coordination problems. A concentrated, full frontal assault was 
launched by the 2nd and 6th Companies of II/JR16 in a pincer. Later, the hotel 
was flanked on both the north and south  by the 2nd and 3rd Companies of the 
10th Independent Infantry Battalion, respectively. Eventually, the hotel was 
under fire on three sides. Toward evening the Soviet defenders retired and fled 
east pursued by the 7th Independent Bicycle Battalion. The hotel was again in 
Finnish hands and all Finn units but the 3rd Company retired to their tents in 
the Tolvajarvi village.

Game Length: 7.5 turns

For the Finns to win they must capture the Tolvajarvi Tourist Hotel
For the Russians to win they must maintain control of the hotel

Finnish: Squads, HMG, MMG, LMG's, DC's, OBA
Russians: Squads, HMG, LMG's 

Board: #15

Aftermath: The Tolvajarvi Tourist Hotel was the first victory for the beleaguered 
Finnish Army. It was a major boost in moral and fueled further battles with tenacity 
and fury. A post operation body count placed Soviet cassualties at over 1,000 
including a regimental commander. Those who fled into the frozen forests perished 
and are uncounted. Finn war booty accounted for hundreds of rifles, 60 machineguns, 
two artillery batteries, AT guns, and 20 tanks. The Finnish losses were also relatively 
high, as the number of wounded was almost 200. The Finn IV Corps eventually pushed the 
Soviets back 30 km to the River Aittojoki and in that process destroyed the 139th 
Rifle Division. The defensive line at the river was held until the end of the war.

Source: ASL Scenario WW01, First Victories: Tolvajarvi, designed by Jeffrey D. Fisher, 
        Omaha, NE, USA



