Free Republic University, Department of History presents
World War II Plus 70 Years: Seminar and Discussion Forum First session: September 1, 2009. Last date to add: September 2, 2015.
Reading assignment:
New York Times articles delivered daily to students on the 70th anniversary of original publication date. (Previously posted articles can be found by searching on keyword “realtime” Or view
Homer’s posting history .)
To add this class to or drop it from your schedule notify Admissions and Records (Attn: Homer_J_Simpson) by freepmail. Those on the Realtime +/- 70 Years ping list are automatically enrolled. Course description, prerequisites and tuition information is available at the bottom of Homer’s profile.
Day 53 of the Winter War, January 21, 1940
In the morning the Russian 1st Army Corps launches a broad offensive on Group Talvela's defensive positions on the River Aittojoki. The 155th Division launches a related assault at Kallioniemi and Oinaansalmi in Ilomantsi.
Photo: SA-KUVA
Finns outnumbered more than three to one
- Ladoga Karelia: Soviet troops attempt a breakthrough at Kollaa and on the River Aittojoki. A similar attempt is made in Ilomantsi.
- Enemy artillery begins heavy shelling on the River Kollaanjoki at 8.50.
- The enemy attack is supported by approximately 20 tanks.
- The Finnish troops are outnumbered more than three to one.
- The enemy loses six tanks and 450 men.
- The Russian 8th Army launches a general offensive in Ladoga Karelia.
- In the morning the Russian 1st Army Corps launches a broad offensive on Group Talvela's defensive positions on the River Aittojoki. The 155th Division launches a related assault at Kallioniemi and Oinaansalmi in Ilomantsi.
- Northern Finland: Siilasvuo's 9th Division is redeployed from Suomussalmi to Kuhmo.
- Eastern Isthmus: Finnish troops on the River Taipaleenjoki shoot down a captive balloon being used to direct the Soviet artillery fire. In Ladoga Karelia, Finnish Blenheim bombers and dive-bombers cripple the air base built by the enemy at Karkunlampi in Salmi.
- Stockholm: Hella Wuolijoki holds talks in the Swedish capital with Soviet emissaries Boris Yartsev and Grauer.
- Foreign Minister Tanner prepares an unofficial memorandum for Wuolijoki with an eye to possible peace talks.
- Abroad: participants at a major international skating event in Norway remember the Finnish world champion Birger Wasenius, who was killed at the front at the beginning of January.
