The Finns, seeking restitution for the Winter War of 1939, had erupted across the borders and breached the Soviet Karelian front even as the crisis to the south of Leningrad came. In a desperate attempt to salvage something and form a new defense line along the Sestra River, orders went out to break off and retreat southward. One such unit was the 131st Border Battalion, which was to serve as a rearguard. At 1530, orders arrived releasing them to save themselves. . .if they could. Behind them a bakery was on fire, the town hall was ablaze, and ammunition was dwindling. Nevertheless, their young officers organized a fighting withdrawal towards the hills in an attempt to reach newly established lines.
Attacker: Finnish (Elements of 1st Parachute Regiment)
Defender: Russian (Remnants of 131st Border Battalion)
Russians laid down some early fire lanes that slowed the Finnish attack, only for us to later realize that the Russian ammunition shortage prevented that from happening. Might have been a much closer game without the FL's. Finns just ran out of turns to exit. Lots of wind change rolls happened as well, made the Blazes spread and throw smoke over a great deal of the board. Fun one.
2024-11-15
(A) Dave Mareske
vs
Craig Renier
Finnish win
It was great to play my usual VASL opponent, Craig, FTF. The Russians mounted a stiff upfront defense which combined with Finnish breaks and pins slowed the advance down. However, one flank broke first and the Finns were able to advance quickly along their left side. The Russians started breaking and then it was a race to the board edge. The wind shifted three times, gusted once, so there were lots of fires (actually ran out of Flame and Smoke counters). The Finns had just enough movement to get off two more squads than the Russians could manage. Great game.
2024-07-23
(A) Itinerant Hobbyist
vs
Rich
Finnish win
4 hrs
Kind of a learning game for me and Finns won 9-7. He had some amazing rate and also had some crazy broken MG at the end that allowed me to get my dudes off the board.
