Winter War 1939-40

When the Soviet Union invaded Finland in late 1939, what transpired was a true "David and Goliath" conflict.

When Finland refused a number of Soviet demands, including the ceding of substantial border territories ostensibly to enable the Soviets to protect Leningrad, the Soviets responded by launching an invasion.

The invasion involved a large Soviet army, with several thousand tanks, and a large air force.But to the world's surprise the Finnish Army-many of them reservists without proper uniforms and limited ammunition-and Air Force battled overwhelming odds, and managed to resist Russian attacks for over two months, inflicting serious losses.

Geography played its part as much of the Finnish-Soviet border was impassable, meaning that Soviet numerical superiority was of less import.

Operating in the winter, with temperatures ranging as low as -43F, the Finns' determined resistance won them international reputation.

Although hostilities finally ended in a peace treaty that saw Finland cede 9% of its territory, Soviet losses had been heavy, and Finland retained its sovereignty.This fully illustrated text will cover the forces involved and all stages of the Winter War.