Turunduskampaania

Turunduskampaania, also known as the "Turun Campaign" or "Turku Campaign," was a significant military operation during the Winter War between Finland and the Soviet Union. The campaign took place from November 1939 to March 1940 and was a crucial phase in the early stages of the war.

The campaign began with a Soviet offensive aimed at capturing the strategic city of Turku, which was a vital port and industrial center in Finland. The Soviet forces, consisting of the 7th and 14th Armies, launched their attack on November 30, 1939, with the goal of encircling and destroying Finnish forces in the area.

The Finnish defense was led by General Erik Heinrichs, who employed a defensive strategy known as the "Turku Encirclement." The Finnish forces, despite being outnumbered and outgunned, managed to hold their positions and prevent the Soviet forces from achieving their objective. The campaign was characterized by intense fighting and heavy losses on both sides.

The Soviet offensive was ultimately halted by the end of January 1940, and the Finnish forces began a counteroffensive in February. The counteroffensive, known as the "Turku Counteroffensive," was successful in pushing the Soviet forces back and ultimately leading to the signing of the Moscow Peace Treaty on March 13, 1940, which ended the Winter War.

The Turunduskampaania was a pivotal moment in the Winter War, demonstrating the resilience and determination of the Finnish forces in the face of a much larger and better-equipped enemy. The campaign also highlighted the importance of strategic defense and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances on the battlefield.