Päätejoukon

Päätejoukon, also known as the Finnish Brigade, was a Finnish military unit that fought in the Winter War and the Continuation War against the Soviet Union. The brigade was formed in 1939 and consisted of volunteers from various Finnish military branches, including the army, navy, and air force. It was known for its high morale and combat effectiveness, earning the nickname "The Iron Brigade."

The brigade's first major engagement was the Battle of Suomussalmi in 1940, where it played a crucial role in halting the Soviet advance. This victory helped to stabilize the Finnish front and turned the tide of the Winter War. Päätejoukon continued to fight in the Continuation War, which began in 1941, and saw action in various battles, including the Battle of Tali-Ihantala.

The brigade was disbanded in 1944, following Finland's decision to sign the Moscow Armistice and end its participation in the war. Päätejoukon's legacy lives on in Finnish military culture, with its members often remembered as heroes and symbols of Finnish resistance against Soviet aggression. The brigade's history is a significant part of Finnish national identity and is studied in military academies and schools.