BATTLE OF STOSKÄR, PART I

(Hanko Cape in the Second World War, Niilo Lappalainen) 

14th of October 1941

- Stoskär was located in the Snappertuna section in the island group of Elgö. 3rd Coastal Battalion was responsible for the defence of the area during the October 1941. Its 35th Coastal Shock Company was responsible for defending the islands of Koholmen, Stoskär and Långholmen. The island of Koholmen was located only some 70 meters from the island of Björkholmen, which was occupied by the Russian troops. 

- At this time the General Lieutenant Kabanov had started to fear, that the Finnish forces might be trying to attack towards Hanko, using the nearby island groups. That's why he ordered, that the number of Finnish troops and their positions must be probed. Diversion was made in the section, using artillery and other heavy weapons. Then on 14th of October, the attack started. 

- Heavy artillery fire hit Stoskär and infantry weapons opened fire from the nearby islands towards Stoskär and Koholmen. At 6:00 o'clock in the morning, about 30 Russian soldiers landed from a boat to the island of Koholmen. The attackers suffered heavy casualties, but for some reason the Finnish defenders were given an order to pull back to Stoskär. More Russian boats appeared from the direction of Hästö and they landed to the northern and southern beaches of Stoskär. At the same time, the troops that had attacked to Koholmen, started to cross the narrow sound between Stoskär and Koholmen. The first minutes for the battle was a confusing for the Finnish defenders. The Russians managed to join forces in the island and the defenders were trapped.

- Number 451 is still visible.

- Entrance with the metal box still attached to the wooden door.

- Interiors in the accommodation bunkers follow a bit different layout. Stove, sink and the well are located in the corridor, which leads to the main accommodation area.

- Air pump stands alone in the corner.

- Few fallen trees and dead branches and leaves are covering the bunker. During the winter time it's not that hard to spot this one, but in the summer time it will be a totally different thing.

- Main entrance.

- A trench line leads away from the bunker.

- Right next to the bunker seems to be dugout remains and next to this one is a light machine gun or machine gun position. Erosion has just changed the shapes so, that it is hard to determine what exactly has been located here.