The Noose ETO (id:#57620)

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(Revision: CH: Rout Pak II RPII 1)

Suomussalmi, Finland 1939-12-14 (4 others)

Overview:

Following an easy crossing into Finland, the 163rd Ukrainian Divison was stopped at Suomussalmi. The unit lay immobile, stretched out for miles along the narrow road leading into the small village. The Finnish 27th Regiment was tasked to surround and cut off the enemy, in the process breaking the road-bound columns up into smaller encirclements known as mottis. To accomplish the mission, the Finns carved out a parallel ice road and used it to array the attacking units. On December 12th, the first road-cutting assault came, cutting through surprised enemy troops just east of Suomussalmi. Russians in the village were cut off from the rest of the division, while other piled toward outlying buildings. A first probe in Suomussalmi was stymied but a second attempt was made on the 14th.

Defender: Russian (Elements of 662nd Regiment, 163rd Ukrainian Division)  

Errata (source)