PROPAGANDA WAR, PART II

(Hanko Cape in the Second World War, Niilo Lappalainen & History of the Hanko Group, T-22005, Military Archives of Finland) 

June 1941 to December 1941

- Also the Russians used propaganda to the Finnish troops, but their propaganda wasn't really sophisticated and the messages were usually so unsuccesful, that it raised cheerfulness in the Finnish soldiers who read the messages. The Finnish soldiers were permitted to read these leaflets and many of the soldiers picked up these as a souvenir. Some of the war diaries of the different Finnish units, which were located in Hanko Front, contains also examples from the Soviet propaganda leaflets. Also loudspeakers were used, which sent out balalaika music and then speeches from the political officers. Sometimes there was also a bit humor attached to these propaganda broadcasts. In the Autumn of 1941 in the Bromarv section, the Russians used loud-speakers after the Finnish artillery had fired, to transmit the following message: "Do not fire you white bandits, or you'll receive it back ten times". Another humorous incidence happened when a lovely female voice announced from the Russian side that: "Next the program contains artillery fire from Hanko", after which a heavy barrage landed to the Finnish positions. After this barrage, affectionate balalaika music was played from the loudspeakers. The Internationale was also played many times from the Russian loudspeakers and speeches were held, which pointed to the negative attitude which the USA had towards Finland.

- Broadcasting propaganda. (Picture: The Finnish Defence Forces. Published 1942 in a book Hangö Belägras)

- First sight when climbing to the rocky hill to where the structure 71 has been mined.

- The whole mined structure seen from top of the rock. The mining job would seem to be almost completed.

- Parapet seen in the picture. Vegetation is now blocking the field of fire.

- The gun position seen from the parapet.

- Entrance into the position is located in the right side of the picture. It would seem that the entrance isn't completely finished.

- The entrance into the position is located in the foreground of the picture. When there was fewer trees, the view towards the once Russian held island of Kadermö has been a good one. The approaches to the shores of Grundsund would have been well covered, when this position would have been finished.