Have you ever heard of the Winter War?
Who it was fought by and what it was for?
It was fought between Finnish and Soviet troops,
Over land that Russia wished to recoup.
They wanted it to provide a serious buffer,
So that Leningrad would not fall or suffer.
The Russians had one hundred times more tanks,
Thirty times more aircraft, for which they gave thanks,
And three times more men than the Finnish side,
But they had white uniforms in which they could hide!
They also fought this long battle on skis,
In temperatures of -30 degrees!
And although they lost, they did not lose much,
They still had their dignity, courage and such.
The Winter War, 1939 – 1940,
A little known chapter in history.
The Winter War
12 Tuesday Nov 2013
Posted in poetry
Caro Field Author 
I often tell my students stories I learned when I lived in Finland as a Rotary Exchange Student, about how Finnish troops would ski into Russian camps, throw in some cocktails for General Molotov, and ski out before the Russians knew what what happening. I recall the ratio of dead Russians to Finns was 10:1 and it was the only front that the Russians negotiated a settlement on.
More profound, I think was the results. Finland lost Karelia, but the people were all invited into Finland. Land was given to them. People donated what they could to help the Karelians settle comfortably. Such a wonderful demonstration of true ‘socialism’ and respecting all citizens!
Finland was also the first country to pay off its war debt.
Yup. Those Finns have some serious sisu. 😉
I couldn’t agree more. These are not battles we hear much about and we should.
My grandmother’s family is from Karelia and I know the story of the war well. Many Finns fought with the White (Imperial) Russians who promised to return Karelia to Finland if they won. It is because of the war that my grandmother came to England, it was no longer safe for them to stay in Finland.
How fascinating! Great contribution they made and it is not well known
The Soviet Union felt that a German attack would be imminent. Hence, their desire for that larger buffer. Instead, they fought on their own soil- and lost many.
The amazing part to me is that there was little condemnation of The Soviet Union for this tryst.
And little praise for the Finns for their contribution
A fascinating part of history, in poetry form. Another winner!
Thank you Alana!