Poltetut

Poltetut is a Finnish term that translates to "burned ones" or "scorched ones." It is primarily associated with the Finnish historical context of the Winter War and the Continuation War, specifically referring to individuals who suffered severe burns during combat. These injuries were often the result of artillery shelling, mortar fire, or flamethrower attacks. The term carries a sense of the horrific nature of these wounds and the enduring physical and psychological trauma they inflicted on the soldiers. Accounts from the period describe the immense suffering and the challenges faced by medical personnel in treating such extensive burns in the difficult conditions of wartime. The memory of the "poltetut" serves as a stark reminder of the brutality of modern warfare and the immense sacrifices made by soldiers. In some contexts, it can also be used more broadly to describe anyone who has suffered severe burns, though its strongest association remains with Finnish war veterans.