Maps of Kollaa

The cover image is a battle map of the Kollaa front where Simo Häyhä fought in the Winter War.

It shows the situation in March 1940 and was made for a 1960's story of military magazine Peitsi that highlighted the renowned Kollaa front.

Two Russian divisions try to pass the Finnish central Kollaa defenses from the flanks. Another two divisions continue to try to achieve a breakdown through the road and bridge leading to Loimola over at the Kollaa river.

Research has since then identified another two Soviet division taking part in the Soviet March Offensive at Kollaa in 1940 so usually nowadays the number of Soviet divisions present at Kollaa is given either as five or six.

Simo Häyhä at this point was at the Ulismainen wilderness front.

Laatokan Karjala

Here is a war-time image of the Laatokan Karjala region.

The city of Sortavala and Hyrsylän mutka can be seen.

The river of Kollaanjoki is given perhaps bit too great of a text size given its most narrow parts remind more of a creek.

The city of Sortavala can also be seen as well as the cloister island of Valamo in the huge Laatokka lake.

Hyrsylän mutka

This and the following map are from the Kansa Taisteli magazines that collected war memories of Finnish soldiers.

The Bend of Hyrsylä is where the border between Finland and the Soviet Union made a bend.

The ferry (lossi) is where the first battles Simo Häyhä's 6/JR 34 took place.

Through the town of Suvilahti leads to Road to the town of Loimola, in front of Kollaa river.

Early Kollaa

In December two Soviet divisions were trying to the defense of the bridge and the railroad going over Kollaa river.

Simo Häyhä's company 6/JR 34 where in the centre of it all.

On these positions Simo Häyhä had relatively free reign to choose his shooting positions.

Soviet March Offensive

Here is another map of Kollaa that shows the detailed troop placements in March.

The Soviet built winter roads expanded the war zone.

Some of the famous troops victorious at Tolvajärvi-Ägläjärvi of Aaro Pajari were to arrive as reinforcement to the northern Kollaa.