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Finland at War 1939-1945 #2
Finland at War: The Continuation and Lapland Wars 1941–45
In the aftermath of the Winter War, Finland found itself drawing ever closer to Nazi Germany and eventually took part in Operation Barbarossa in 1941. For the Finns this was a chance to right the wrongs of the Winter War, and having reached suitable defensive positions, the army was ordered to halt. Years of uneasy trench warfare followed, known as the Continuation War, during which Finland desperately sought a way out, German dreams of victory were dashed, and the Soviet Union built the strongest army in the world.
In the summer of 1944, the whole might of the Red Army was launched against the Finnish defenses on the narrow Karelian Isthmus. Over several weeks of fierce fighting, the Finns managed to halt the Soviet assault. With Stalin forced to divert his armies to the race to Berlin, an armistice agreement was reached, the harsh terms of which forced the Finns to take on their erstwhile German allies in Lapland. Featuring rare photographs and first-hand accounts, this second volume of a two-part study, publishing in paperback for the first time, details the high price Finland had to pay to retain its independence and freedom.
In the summer of 1944, the whole might of the Red Army was launched against the Finnish defenses on the narrow Karelian Isthmus. Over several weeks of fierce fighting, the Finns managed to halt the Soviet assault. With Stalin forced to divert his armies to the race to Berlin, an armistice agreement was reached, the harsh terms of which forced the Finns to take on their erstwhile German allies in Lapland. Featuring rare photographs and first-hand accounts, this second volume of a two-part study, publishing in paperback for the first time, details the high price Finland had to pay to retain its independence and freedom.
336 pages, Paperback
First published March 22, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 3, 2022
An excellent follow-up to the first volume that covered the Winter War. Finland truly had a tightrope to walk in WWII, one I don't think any outsider can really judge. Churchill and Mannerheim maintained some level of correspondence throughout the entire war.
The author presents the facts in an easy-to-follow middle ground narrative (The author's grandfather was a Chaplain in the Finnish armed forces during WWII), of military operations, with first-hand accounts lightly sprinkled throughout. This volume, just as the first, is amazingly complimented by Finnish photos, often from private collections.
This series provides a great insight into the Finland's wars during WWII and how they managed to remain unoccupied by either the Soviets or Western Allies post-war. An interesting trivia factoid that I learned from this book; Finland remains the only country who successfully completed their entire war reparations totaling $300 million, delivered relatively quickly by 1952 to the Soviet Union. (The Soviet Union also demanded the exchange rate of 1938 be used, not the 1945 rates, which effectively doubled what Finland owed)
The author presents the facts in an easy-to-follow middle ground narrative (The author's grandfather was a Chaplain in the Finnish armed forces during WWII), of military operations, with first-hand accounts lightly sprinkled throughout. This volume, just as the first, is amazingly complimented by Finnish photos, often from private collections.
This series provides a great insight into the Finland's wars during WWII and how they managed to remain unoccupied by either the Soviets or Western Allies post-war. An interesting trivia factoid that I learned from this book; Finland remains the only country who successfully completed their entire war reparations totaling $300 million, delivered relatively quickly by 1952 to the Soviet Union. (The Soviet Union also demanded the exchange rate of 1938 be used, not the 1945 rates, which effectively doubled what Finland owed)
June 22, 2021
This is a book that I wish I had finished. Unfortunately, it was a non-renewable book from an out of state library and I failed to leave enough time. In truth, however, I believe a serious reader should consider owning a copy.
The author has culled through official and private sources to try to discern the thinking and motivation for Finland's actions in WWII. What is clear is that Finland, like other small countries, was a pawn in the unholy struggle between the USSR and Germany and that there would not be a good resolution.
The USSR was intent on absorbing Finland. The treaty following the Winter War was merely a pause while the USSR absorbed easier targets, but Finland was not forgotten and her attempts to maintain neutrality through defensive alliances with Sweden and other nearby states were thwarted.
The author has culled through official and private sources to try to discern the thinking and motivation for Finland's actions in WWII. What is clear is that Finland, like other small countries, was a pawn in the unholy struggle between the USSR and Germany and that there would not be a good resolution.
The USSR was intent on absorbing Finland. The treaty following the Winter War was merely a pause while the USSR absorbed easier targets, but Finland was not forgotten and her attempts to maintain neutrality through defensive alliances with Sweden and other nearby states were thwarted.
August 8, 2017
Another brilliant book by Mr Nenye and co. It is one of the very few English language books on the Continuation War and the Lapland War. It is very heavily detailed with maps and bios on big names of the conflicts. It also helps to dispel some of the prevailing myths surrounding Finland's involvement with Nazi Germany.
This is a definite recommend for anyone interested in military history, especially those focusing on the Eastern Front.
This is a definite recommend for anyone interested in military history, especially those focusing on the Eastern Front.
November 8, 2020
Superb book on an often unstudied topic of World War II history. I highly recommend this book for any history aficionado.
April 23, 2022
Muito importante nos nossos.
February 2, 2023
Complex, surprising and interesting history
November 13, 2024
Well written, even funny at times, well researched, detailed and structured. All around well done and informative.
September 23, 2022
This is an excellent book on the Continuation War and the Lapland War. I have read several books on the Winter War. This shows the continued Soviet attacks against Finland in WWII. It is very detailed and contains many photos and maps. I do not recommend it as a light read. It is more of a reference work for scholars or those who are really interested in the war years in Finland, WWII or detailed history. I found it fascinating.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews