ARTILLERY ACTIVITY IN SNALO SECTION, PART II

(History of the Hanko Group, T-22005, Military Archives of Finland)

July 1941

- The increased activity from the Russian side in the sea and in the air led the Hanko Group Staff to believe, that there would be a general attack soon. That’s why a combat readiness was increased. The units received an order to be in full readiness during the dark hours (23:00 to 03:00). The battalion of Tulikoura send each night a boat patrols. On 29th of July one patrol was sent to Långholmen, Stoskär and to Koholmen. The patrol left an observation teams for a one day. When the observation teams returned during the next day, they told some valuable information about the islands of Björkholmen, Lilla Långholmen, Grislom and Hästö. Especially in the island of Hästö, the Russians were feverishly building fortifications. Also the other islands except the island of Gloskär, seemed to be occupied by the Russians. One interesting detail is, that one of the teams reported of hearing a women’s joyful laughing from Hästö. This patrol consisted Private’s Oksanen, Sivunen and Jurvainen under the command of 2nd Lieutenant Rantala. 

Corporal H. Hartella and Major L. Henriksson.

- Approaching the structure 413, which is located nearly on top of a tall hill.

- A pile of stones right next of the structure 413. There is several observation and fire control nests marked to the map near of the structures 412 and 413. This could be also a remains from one of those.

- Right next to that previous position is a screwed bolt, similar which can be found from the gun positions.

- The mined structure is as deep as the structure 412.

- The edge of the structure. Trees have now taken over the partly constructed machine gun nest.

- Entrance into the communication trench line.

- Inside the communication trench line. The whole line has been mined into the rock.

- A lot of loose stones edge the communication trench line.

- Also a quite huge earthwork has been done for the communication trench line.