Fortress 88: A Haunting Relic of the Winter War

The Mannerheim Line 1920–39: Finnish Fortifications of the Winter War (Fortress Book 88)

by Bair Irincheev

4.6 out of 5

FREE

In the depths of the unforgiving Finnish winter, where snow blankets the land and temperatures plummet to bone-chilling levels, lies a haunting relic of a forgotten war. Fortress 88, a formidable fortification built by the Finnish army to defend against the invading Soviet forces during the Winter War, stands as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the Finnish people.

Construction of Fortress 88 began in the autumn of 1939, just months before the outbreak of war. The Finnish military had meticulously planned a series of fortifications along the Mannerheim Line, a defensive system designed to protect Finland from Soviet aggression. Fortress 88 was one of the most important links in this chain of fortifications, guarding a vital crossroads near the town of Summa.

The fortress was constructed using a combination of concrete and earthworks. It consisted of a network of bunkers, trenches, and tunnels, all designed to provide the Finnish defenders with a strong defensive position. The bunkers were equipped with machine guns, anti-tank guns, and mortars, giving the defenders the firepower needed to repel any Soviet attack.

The Battle of Summa began on December 11, 1939, when the Soviet forces launched a massive offensive against the Mannerheim Line. Fortress 88 was one of the first targets of the Soviet attack, and it quickly became the scene of fierce fighting. The Finnish defenders, outnumbered and outgunned, fought bravely, but they were eventually forced to retreat from the fortress.

The Soviet forces occupied Fortress 88 for several months, but they were unable to break through the Mannerheim Line. In March 1940, the Winter War ended with a peace treaty between Finland and the Soviet Union. Fortress 88 was returned to Finnish control, but it had been badly damaged in the fighting.

After the war, Fortress 88 was abandoned and left to decay. It was not until the 1990s that the fortress was rediscovered by historians and military enthusiasts. Since then, it has been restored and opened to the public as a museum.

Today, Fortress 88 is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the bunkers, trenches, and tunnels of the fortress, and learn about the history of the Winter War. The fortress is a sobering reminder of the horrors of war, but it is also a testament to the courage and resilience of the Finnish people.

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To learn more about Fortress 88 and the Winter War, Free Download your copy of the book today. Fortress 88: A Haunting Relic of the Winter War is a comprehensive history of the fortress, from its construction to its abandonment. The book is illustrated with dozens of photographs and maps, and it includes interviews with Finnish veterans of the Winter War.

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The Mannerheim Line 1920–39: Finnish Fortifications of the Winter War (Fortress Book 88)

by Bair Irincheev

4.6 out of 5

FREE