World War II

Finland fought three wars during the World War II. First, the Winter War of 1939–1940 that resulted from the secret agreement between Germany and the USSR, dividing Europe into spheres of influence and allocating Finland to the Soviets. The Soviet offensive was stalled and ended up in a costly stalemate, wherein the Soviets had to settle for much less than they had initially planned to occupy. Secondly, the Continuation War of 1941–1944 saw Finland allying itself with Germany in the hopes of revenge and conquest of Eastern Karelia, but ended in another defeat and loss of further territory. Finally, in the Lapland War of 1944–1945, Finland had to drive away German troops that had came as allies but had now became occupiers.

During the Winter War, the men from Loimaa region fought in the 13th Infantry Regiment, stationed on the Karelian Isthmus. In the Continuation War, they fought in the 35th Infantry Regiment on the Eastern Karelian front. Towards the end of the war, they were transferred to repel a breakthrough by the Soviet Army on the Isthmus.

The home front also became a target of military operations, as the Red Air Force bombed Loimaa during the winter of 1939–1940. During the Continuation War years, Loimaa hosted a quarantine camp for Ingrian refugees, and Soviet prisoners of war were placed in the area to help ease the labor shortage. Farm labor was a popular arrangement, both among local populace and among the prisoners. For locals, it meant great relief and an opportunity to make new friends; for prisoners, better food and an escape from the boredom of the camps.

Caption: Anti-aircraft gun on the grounds of Heimolinna.
Photo: Veikko Hulkko Collection.