Division Staff
Division
Staffs (Divisioonan Esikunta, DE) were formed from
the HQs of peace-time Military Districts
[Sotilaspiiri]. The only exception was 1st Division
of which Staff was formed from Staff / 1st
Brigade. Organization of division staff was as
follows:
Divisioonan
komentaja (Division Commander)
Tykistökomentaja
(Artillery Commander)
Pioneerikomentaja (Engineer
Commander)
Viestikomentaja (Signals
Commander)
sotatuomarit (military
judges)
Kenttäpoliisipäällikkö (Field
Police Chief)
Esikuntapäällikkö
(Chief of Staff)
Henkilöstötoimisto,
Tsto I (Personnel Office, Office I)
Tiedustelutoimisto,
Tsto II (Intelligence Office, Office II)
Operatiivinen
toimisto, Tsto III (Operative Office, Office III)
Kaasusuojelutoimisto
(Gas
protection Office)
Komendantintoimisto
(Commandant's
Office)
Huoltopäällikkö
(Supply Chief)
----- Huoltotoimisto, Tsto IV (Supply Office,
Office IV)
-----
Intendentti
(Intendent)
-----
Lääkäri
(Physician)
-----
Eläinlääkäri
(Veterinary Surgeon)
-----
Kenttäpostimestari
(Field Postmaster)
.
.
Infantry Regiment
The main
infantry components of the Finnish division were three Infantry
Regiments and Light Detachment which was a
mobile light battalion for reconnaissance and securing
flanks. There were also a few separate infnatry regiments.
Infantry
Regiment (Jalkaväkirykmentti, JR) (total strength
about 2.950 men) was composed of the following elements:
Esikunta
(E) (Staff)
Esikuntakomppania (EK) (Staff Company)
I - III Jalkaväkipataljoona (or Pataljoona, P) (I - III [Infantry]
Battalion)
Kranaatinheitinkomppania (Krh.K) (Mortar Company)
Rykmentin kolonna (RKol.) (Regiment
Column)
Regiment
was led by Regiment Commander [Rykmentinkomentaja].
There was no chief of staff in regiments during the
Winter War.
Regimental
Staff (strength 12 officers) consisted
of two offices: Command Office (Komentotoimisto,
Tsto I) and Supply Office (Huoltotoimisto, Tsto
II). The officers were:
Command
Office: Adjutant, Intelligence Officer,
Messenger Officer and Gas Protection Officer
Supply Office: Supply Officer, Treasurer,
Column Chief (Chief of Regiment Column),
Weapons Officer, Weapons Master, Physician,
Veterinary Surgeon and Military Pastor
Regimental
Staff Company (strength 3 + 30 + 136 =
169) was organized as follows:
Komppanianpäällikkö
(Company
Chief)
Komentojoukkue
(Command
Platoon) (41)
-----
Komentoryhmä
(Command
Squad)
-----
Kevyt
ryhmä (Light Group)
-----
----- Polkupyöräryhmä (Bicycle Squad)
(0+1+9
= 10) [10x bicycle]
-----
----- Ratsuryhmä (Mounted Squad) (0+1+9 = 10) [10x
riding horse]
Viestijoukkue (Signals Platoon) (1+9+45 = 55) *
Pioneeri- ja liikennejoukkue (Engineer and
Traffic Platoon) (1+4+40 = 45) *
Toimitusjoukkue (Delivery Platoon) (27) [12x horse
vehicle]
-----
1.
Toimitusryhmä (1st Delivery Squad)
-----
2.
Toimitusryhmä (2nd Delivery Squad)
Horse
vehicles (27):
Taistelukuormasto I (Combat Transport Column I):
- secretarial offices vehicle, field kitchen, kitchen
vehicle
Taistelukuormasto II (Combat Transport Column II):
- secretarial offices vehicle, shoeing workshop
vehicle, shoeing accessory vehicle,
..4x goods
vehicle, 2x rations and feed vehicle
Rintama-ajoneuvot (front vehicles):
- 6x telephone vehicle, radio vehicle, 8x engineer
and traffic vehicle
*
Signals and engineer units are handled separately.
See below.
.
In total regimental staff and staff company had one
personnel car, two motorcycles, 60 horses, 30 horse
vehicles and 35 bicycles.
Infantry
Battalion (strength 27 + 130 + 688 = 845)
consisted of:
Esikunta
(E)
(Staff) (strength 5 officers)
Esikuntakomppania
(EK) (Staff Company)
1. - 3. Kiväärikomppania (or Komppania, K) (1st - 3th
Rifle Company)
(4.) Konekiväärikomppania (Kk.K or KKK) ([4th] MG
Company)
Battalion
was led by Battalion Commander [Pataljoonankomentaja].
There were no named deputy battalion commanders or
company leaders during the Winter War.
The
members of the battalion Staff
were Adjutant, Messenger Officer (also Chief of Staff
Company), Gas Protection Officer, two Medical
Officers and Household Officer.
Staff
Company (strength 2 + 20 + 96 = 118) was
led by Messenger Officer who was also the member
of battalion staff. Company was organized as follows:
Komppanianpäällikkö
(Company
Chief)
[Messenger
Officer]
Komentojoukkue (Command
Platoon) (0+4+17 = 21)
-----
Komentoryhmä
(Command
Squad) (0+2+8 = 10)
-----
(Clerk
NCO, Clerk, Observer NCO, 3x Observer, 4x Messenger
for officers)
----- Polkupyöräryhmä (Bicycle Squad)
(0+1+9
= 10)
-----
(Squad
Leader, 7x Bicyclist, 2x Signals Rider [= Messenger]) [2x riding
horse, 8x bicycle]
Viestijoukkue (Signals Platoon) (1+4+26 = 31) *
Kaasusuojeluryhmä (Gas Protection Squad) (0+1+[8+1] = 10)
**
(Gas Protection NCO, 8x Gas Protection Man) [horse,
gas protection vehicle]
Lääkintäryhmä (Medical Squad) (0+2+[4+4] = 10)
***
(2x Medical NCO, 4x Stretcher Bearer) [2x ambulance
vehicle, 2x medical vehicle]
Ampumatarvikeryhmä (Ammunition Squad) (0+3+9 =12) ***
(Weapons and Ammo NCO, 2x Gunsmith NCO, Gunsmith)
[4x cartridge vehicle, hand grenade vehicle, tool
vehicle, 2x smoke accessory vehicle,
gas protection accessory vehicle]
Toimitusjoukkue (Delivery Platoon) (0+6+21 = 27)
(Sergeant
Major)
-----
1.
Toimitusryhmä (1st Delivery Squad) (0+2+6 = 8)
-----
(Column
and Veterinary NCO, Supply NCO, 2x Cook)
-----
[field
kitchen, kitchen vehicle, tent vehicle, personnel
vehicle]
-----
2.
Toimitusryhmä (2nd Delivery Squad) (0+3+15 = 18)
-----
(Clerk
NCO, Shoeing Smith NCO, Clerk, 2x Shoeing Smith,
Shoemaker, Saddle Smith)
-----
[secretarial
offices vehicle, shoeing workshop vehicle, shoing
accessory vehicle,
-----
4x
iron rations vehicle, 2x rations and feed vehicle,
goods vehicle]
[Staff
+ Staff Company: 45x horse, 30x horse vehicle, 15x
bicycle]
Shown
organization is based on The History of the
Winter War (TALHI).
* Signals units are handled separately. See below.
** According to RESUP Gas Protection Squad
belongs to Command Platoon and forms Light
Group [Kevyt ryhmä] together with Bicycle
Squad.
*** According to RESUP Medical and Ammunition
Squads belong to Delivery Platoon.
.
Infantry Company (strength 5 +
28 + 158 = 191) was organized as follows:
Komppanianpäällikkö
(Company
Chief) [riding horse]
Komentoryhmä
(Command
Squad) (0+4+11 = 15) [5x bicycle]
(Combat Messenger NCO, 4x Combat Messenger, Observer
NCO, 3x Observer,
Gas Protection NCO, 3x Gas Protection Man, Messenger
for officer)
I Kiväärijoukkue
(I
Rifle Platoon) (1+5+32 = 38)
(Platoon Leader, Deputy Platoon Leader, 2x Combat
Messenger)
-----
1.
Kivääriryhmä (1st Rifle Squad) (0+1+9 = 10) [m/31
or Bergmann SMG]
-----
2.
Kivääriryhmä (2nd Rifle Squad) (0+1+9 = 10) [m/31
or Bergmann SMG]
-----
1.
Pikakivääriryhmä (1st LMG Squad) (0+1+6 = 7) [L/S-26
LMG]
-----
2.
Pikakivääriryhmä (2nd LMG Squad) (0+1+6 = 7) [L/S-26
LMG]
II Kiväärijoukkue
(II
Rifle Platoon) (similar to I Rifle Platoon)
III
Kiväärijoukkue (III Rifle Platoon) (similar to I
Rifle Platoon)
IV Kiväärijoukkue
(IV
Rifle Platoon) (similar to I Rifle Platoon)
Toimitusjoukkue
(Delivery
Platoon) (0+4+19 = 23)
[Sergeant Major, Company Clerk]
-----
Lääkintäryhmä
(Medical
Squad) (0+1+5 = 6)
-----
(Medical
NCO, Medical Lance Corporal, 4x Stretcher Bearer)
-----
Ampumatarvikeryhmä
(Ammunition
Squad) (0+1+2 = 3) [2x ammo vehicle]
-----
(Weapons
NCO)
-----
Toimitusryhmä
(Delivery
Squad) (0+1+12 = 13)
-----
(Household
NCO, Provision Man, 2x Cook, Shoemaker, Tailor)
-----
[field
kitchen, kitchen vehicle, tent vehicle, rukcsack
vehicle,
------
2x
rations and feed vehicle, goods vehicle]
[10x
horse, 9x horse vehicle, 5x bicycle]
.
MG Company (strength 4 + 28 +
122 = 154) was organized as follows:
Komppanianpäällikkö
(Company
Chief) [riding horse]
Komentoryhmä
(Command
Squad) (0+5+15 = 20) [2x bicycle]
(Fire Control NCO, Range Measuring NCO, 2x Range
Measurer,
Measuring NCO, 4x Measurer, Signals NCO, 3x Signals
Man,
Gas Protection NCO, 3x Gas Reconnaissance Man, 3x
Messenger)
I
Konekiväärijoukkue (I MG Platoon) (1+6+22 = 28)
(Platoon Leader, 2x Half-Platoon Leader, 2x Combat
Messenger)
-----
1.
Konekivääriryhmä (1st MG Squad) (0+1+[4+1] = 6)
[7.62 mm Maxim MG, MG vehicle]
-----
2.
Konekivääriryhmä (2nd MG Squad) (similar to 1st
MG Squad)
-----
3.
Konekivääriryhmä (3rd MG Squad) (similar to 1st
MG Squad)
-----
4.
Konekivääriryhmä (4th MG Squad) (similar to 1st
MG Squad)
II
Konekiväärijoukkue (II MG Platoon) (similar to I
MG Platoon)
III
Konekiväärijoukkue (III MG Platoon) (similar to I
MG Platoon)
Toimitusjoukkue
(Delivery
Platoon) (0+5+41 = 46)
(Sergeant Major, Company Clerk)
-----
Lääkintäryhmä
(Medical
Squad) (0+1+2 = 3)
-----
(Medical
NCO, 2x Stretcher Bearer)
-----
Ampumatarvikeryhmä
(Ammunition
Squad) (0+1+[25+3] = 29) [3x cartridge vehicle]
-----
(Weapons
NCO, Gunsmith, 24x Ammunition Bearer)
-----
Toimitusryhmä
(Delivery
Squad) (0+2+[5+5] = 12)
-----
(Household
NCO, Column and Veterinary NCO, Provision Man, 2x
Cook, Shoemaker, Tailor)
-----
[field
kitchen, kitchen vehicle, 2x rations and feed
vehicle, goods vehicle]
[25x
horse, 20x horse vehicle, 2x bicycle]
.
Regiment Column (strength 4 + 15 + 147 =
166) consisted in fact of three separate columns which
were used for transporting supplies between divisional
depots and regimental field depot. During the Winter War
all columns were horse-drawn. Ammunition Column
(Ampumatarvikekolonna, A-Kol.) (strength 58 men) was for
transporting ammunition stores of the regiment and Rations
Column 1 and 2 (Elintarvikekolonna 1 / 2, E-Kol.
1 / 2) (strength 48 + 48 men) for rations and feed supply.
They were led by Column Chief [Kuormastonpäällikkö],
also a member of regimental staff. There were 135 horses
and 125 horse vehicles in regiment column.
Ammunition
Column (strength 1 + 5 + 63 = 69) was organized as
follows:
Kolonnanjohtaja
(Column
Leader) [riding horse]
I
Joukkue (I Platoon) (0+1+17 = 18) (Platoon Leader)
[riding horse]
[4x mortar ammunition vehicle, 9x cartridge vehicle,
2x hand grenade vehicle,
2x smoke gear vehicle]
II
Joukkue (II Platoon) (similar to I
Platoon)
III
Joukkue (III Platoon) (similar to I
Platoon)
Toimitusryhmä
(Delivery
Squad) (0+2+[5+7] = 14)
(Column NCO, Medical NCO, 2x Cook, Shoing and Vehicle
Smith, Saddlesmith)
[field kitchen, 2x kitchen vehicle, 2x rations and
feed vehicle, gas protection vehicle,
goods vehicle]
.
Rations Column 1 and 2 (strength 1 + 5 + 42
= 48) were organized as follows:
Kolonnanjohtaja
(Column
Leader) [riding horse]
I
Joukkue (I Platoon) (0+1+10 = 11) [Platoon Leader]
[riding horse]
[6x rations vehicle, 4x feed vehicle]
II
Joukkue (II Platoon) (similar to I
Platoon)
III
Joukkue (III Platoon) (similar to I
Platoon)
Toimitusryhmä
(Delivery
Squad) (0+2+[5+7] = 14)
(Column NCO, Medical NCO, 2x Cook, Shoing and Vehicle
Smith, Saddlesmith)
[field kitchen, 2x kitchen vehicle, 2x rations and
feed vehicle, gas protection vehicle,
goods vehicle]
.
.
Light Detachment
Light
Detachment (Kevyt osasto, Kev.Os.) (total strength
about 420 men) was organized as follows:
Esikunta
(Staff)
Esikuntajoukkue
(Staff
Platoon)
Polkupyöräkomppania (Bicycle Company)
Eskadroona
([Cavalry]
Squadron)
Polkupyöräkonekiväärijoukkue
(Bicycle
MG Platoon)
Kevyt
kolonna (Light Column)
Detachment
(battalion) was led by Detachment Commander [Osastonkomentaja].
There was no named deputy detachment commander during
Winter War. Detachment Staff was probably
similar to battalion staff. The exact compositions of Staff
Platoon and Light Column are so far unclear
to me. Bicycle MG Platoon is similar to MG
platoons of MG company but equipped with bicycles and it
lacks four horse vehicles.
Bicycle
Company (Strength 5 + 26 + 158 = 189) was
organized as follows:
Komppanianpäällikkö
(Company
Chief)
Komentoryhmä
(Command
Squad) (0+2+7 = 9)
(Combat
Messenger NCO, 4x Combat Messenger, Observer NCO, 3x
Observer)
I
Polkupyöräjoukkue (I Bicycle Platoon) (1+5+32 = 38)
(Platoon
Leader, Deputy Platoon Leader, 2x Combat Messenger)
-----
1.
Kivääriryhmä (1st Rifle Squad) (0+1+9 = 10) [m/31
or Bergmann SMG]
-----
2.
Kivääriryhmä (2nd Rifle Squad) (0+1+9 = 10) [m/31
or Bergmann SMG]
-----
1.
Pikakivääriryhmä (1st LMG Squad) (0+1+6 = 7) [L/S-26
LMG]
-----
2.
Pikakivääriryhmä (2nd LMG Squad) (0+1+6 = 7) [L/S-26
LMG]
II
Polkupyöräjoukkue (II Bicycle Platoon) (similar to I
Bicycle Platoon)
III
Polkupyöräjoukkue (III Bicycle Platoon) (similar to I
Bicycle Platoon)
IV
Polkupyöräjoukkue (IV Bicycle Platoon) (similar to I
Bicycle Platoon)
Toimitusjoukkue
(Delivery
Platoon) (0+4+23 = 27)
(Sergeant
Major, Clerk)
-----
Lääkintäryhmä
(Medical
Squad) (0+1+[5+1] = 7) [ambulance vehicle]
-----
(Medical
NCO, Medical Lance Corporal 4x Stretcher Bearer)
-----
Ampumatarvikeryhmä
(Ammunition
Squad) (0+1+[1+3] = 5)
-----
(Weapons
NCO, Bicycle Mechanic) [2x cartridge vehicle, weapons
vehicle]
-----
Toimitusryhmä
(Delivery
Squad) (0+1+[5+7] = 13)
-----
(Household
NCO, Provisions Man, 2x Cook, Shoemaker, Tailor)
-----
[field
kitchen, kitchen vehicle, tent vehicle, rukcsack
vehicle,
------
2x
rations and feed vehicle, goods vehicle]
[10x
horse, 10x horse vehicle, 180x bicycle]
.
Squadron (Strength 4 + 23 + 115 = 142)
was organized as follows:
Eskadroonanpäällikkö
(Squadron
Chief)
Komentoryhmä
(Command
Squad) (0+1+5 = 6)
(Combat
Messenger NCO, 5x Combat Messenger)
I
Joukkue (I Platoon) (1+5+29 = 35) [m/31 or
Bergmann SMG]
(Platoon
Leader, Deputy Platoon Leader, 2x Combat Messenger,
Horse NCO, 2x Horse Holder)
-----
Kivääriryhmä
(Rifle
Squad) (0+1+9 = 10) [m/31 or Bergmann SMG]
-----
1.
Pikakivääriryhmä (1st LMG Squad) (0+1+8 = 9) [L/S-26
LMG]
-----
2.
Pikakivääriryhmä (2nd LMG Squad) (0+1+8 = 9) [L/S-26
LMG]
II
Joukkue (II Platoon) (similar to I
Platoon)
III
Joukkue (III Platoon) (similar to I
Platoon)
Toimitusjoukkue
(Delivery
Platoon) (0+7+23 = 30)
(Sergeant
Major, Clerk, Messenger)
-----
Lääkintäryhmä
(Medical
Squad) (0+1+2 = 3)
-----
(Medical
NCO, 2x Stretcher Bearer)
-----
Eläinlääkintäryhmä
(Veterinary
Squad) (0+2+1 = 3)
-----
(Veterinary
NCO, Shoeing NCO, Shoeing Man)
-----
Ampumatarvikeryhmä
(Ammunition
Squad) (0+1+[3] = 4)
-----
(Weapons
NCO) [3x cartridge vehicle]
-----
Toimitusryhmä
(Delivery
Squad) (0+1+[3+12] = 16)
-----
(Feed
Master, Provisions Man, 2x Cook)
-----
[field
kitchen, kitchen vehicle, 5x feed vehicle, 4x tent
and goods vehicle, rations vehicle]
[145x
horse, 15x horse vehicle, 7x bicycle]
.
.
Field Artillery and Mortar Units
Field
artillery was organized into Field Artillery Regiment
(Kenttätykistörykmentti, KTR) which was composed of
three light Artillery Battalions (Patteristo,
Psto). They are handled on pages Field
Artillery Units in Winter War 1939 - 1940.
In Finland
mortars represented very important light mobile infantry
fire support. In divisions there were four Mortar
Companies (Kranaatinheitinkomppania, Krh.K) each
with two light Mortar Platoons (Kranaatinheitinjoukkue,
Krh.J). One of the companies was divisional unit usually
equipped with newer mortar models with longer range and
the three others belonged to infantry regiments.
There were
also separate mortar companies and platoons. Platoons
could have three mortars and there could be also three
platoons in mortar company.
Mortar
Companies (strength 3 + 16 + 64 = 83 men) within
division were usually similar and their organization was
as follows:
Komppanianpäällikkö
(Company
Chief) [riding horse]
Komentoryhmä
(Command
Squad) (0+1+4 = 5) [5x bicycle]
(Gas
Protection NCO, 2x Gas Scouting Man, 2x Combat
messenger)
I
Kranaatinheitinjoukkue (I Mortar Platoon) (1+4+21 = 26) [riding
horse]
(Platoon
Leader, Combat Messenger)
-----
Tulenjohtue
(Fire
Control) (0+2+3 = 5)
-----
(Fire
Controller NCO, Direction Finder NCO, 3x Signals Man)
-----
1.
Kranaatinheitinryhmä (1st Mortar Squad) (0+1+[7+2] = 10)
-----
[81
mm mortar, mortar vehicle, ammunition vehicle, 2x
horse]
-----
2.
Kranaatinheitinryhmä (2nd Mortar Squad) (0+1+[7+2] = 10)
-----
[81
mm mortar, mortar vehicle, ammunition vehicle, 2x
horse]
II
Kranaatinheitinjoukkue (II Mortar Platoon) (similar to I
Mortar Platoon)
Toimitusjoukkue
(Delivery
Platoon) (0+7+18 = 25) [4x horse]
(Sergeant Major, Household NCO, Weapons NCO, Signals
NCO, Medical NCO)
-----
1.
Toimitusryhmä (1st Delivery Squad) (0+1+[7+2] = 10)
-----
(Clerc,
Provisions Man, 2x Cook) [field kitchen, kitchen vehicle]
-----
2.
Toimitusryhmä (2nd Delivery Squad) (0+1+[7+2] = 10)
-----
(Shoemaker)
[rations and feed vehicle, goods vehicle]
.
.
Engineer Units
In 1939
division had usually two large Engineer Companies
(Pioneerikomppania, Pion.K) but in 1940 a few divisions
had one Engineer Battalion (Pioneeripataljoona,
Pion.P). Tool Depot Detachment (Työasevarasto-osasto,
TyöaseVar.Os.) was for storing and supplying special
engineer equipment and explosives. Compositions of
divisional engineer units are handled on page Engineer
Units 1939 - 1940.
There were
also Engineer and Traffic Platoons (strength 1 +
4 + 40 = 45) with four engineer squads (strength 0 + 1 +
8 = 9) in each regimental staff company. They had eight
engineer and traffic vehicles. Platoons were to provide
assistance in blocking and clearing duties as well as
maintaining supply routes in passable condition.
.
.
Signals Units
In
addition to divisional signals companies there were
signals platoons in staff company of each infantry
regiment and battalion and smaller Signals Detachments
(Viestielin) in MG and mortar companies. Compositions of
divisional Signals Company (Viestikomppania, VK)
and Line Contructing Company (Linjanrakennuskomppania,
LRak.K) are handled on page Signals Units 1939 - 1940.
There were
no signals units in rifle (infantry) companies but in Command
Squad (Komentoryhmä) (strength 0 + 2 + 7 = 9) there
were NCO Combat Messenger [Aliupseeritaistelulähetti]
and four Combat Messengers [Taistelulähetti] as
well as NCO Observer [Aliupseeritähystäjä]
and three Observers [Tähystäjä]. The first
ones were intended to keep the contact in the company. In
addition there were also two Combat Messengers
for contacts between company and battalion. There were
also two light signalling devices and light pistols for
signalling.
In MG
company Signals Detachment (strength 0 + 1 + 3 =
4) was primarily responsible of constructing connections
needed by fire observation. In mortar company its two Fire
Observing Squads (Tulenjohtue) had three signals men
for constructing needed connections for fire observers.
Typical composition in other companies was two Combat
Messengers, one NCO Observer and two Observers.
Regimental
Signals Platoon
(Viestijoukkue, VJ) was responsible of
constructing telephone connections inside the regiment
from Regiment Staff to battalions. Because
signals units didn't have enough so called "C radios"
these were in secondary position and telephones were the
primary signals devices. Also light-signalling was used
but its meaning was smaller than thought. Total strength
was 1 officer + 9 NCOs + 45 men = 55 men. Platoon was
theoretically organized as follows:
Joukkueenjohtaja
(Platoon
Leader)
Joukkueenvarajohtaja (Deputy Platoon
Leader)
Telephone
personnel: (total 0+4+28 = 32)
Asemaryhmä
(Station
Squad) (0+1+4 = 5)
3x
Linjarakennusryhmä (Line Constucting Squad) (0+1+8 = 9)
Radio
Personnel: (total 0+3+6 = 9)
2x
C-asema (C Station) (0+1+3 = 4) [C Radio]
Merkinantoelin (Light
Signalling Squad) (0+1+3 = 4)
(Viestikoiraosasto
[Signals Dog Detachment] could be added)
hevosajoneuvot
(horse vehicles) (0+0+8 = 8) [6x telephone vehicle,
radio vehicle]
.
Signals Platoon of
infantry battalion was smaller than regimental
platoon and responsible of arranging telephone and radio
connections inside battalion. In practice there were no
radios at battalion level. Platoon strength was 1 + 4 +
26 = 31 men and it was theoretically organized as follows:
Joukkueenjohtaja
(Platoon
Leader) (1+0+0 = 1)
Telephone
personnel: (total 0+3+20 = 23)
Asemaryhmä
(Station
Squad) (0+1+4 = 5)
2x
Linjarakennusryhmä (Constucting Squad) (0+1+8 = 9)
Radio
Personnel: (total 0+1+3 = 4)
C-Asema
(C
Station) (0+1+3 = 4) [C Radio, 4x bicycle]
hevosajoneuvot
(horse vehicles) (0+0+3 = 3) [2x telephone vehicle,
radio vehicle]
.
.
Anti-Tank Units
The
training of (AT) Gun Platoons (Tykkijoukkue,
Tyk.J) was started already before the outbrake of the
Winter War. AT platoons were trained and formed mainly in
Anti-Tank Training Company at Hämeenlinna but
divisions formed independent platoons also self. They
were equipped typically with two (or three) 37 mm
Bofors AT guns (during Winter War
Swedish guns had a designation 37 K/34
and its licence-built Finnish version was called 37
K/36), captured Soviet 45 mm AT guns (45
K/32, 45 K/37 or 45 K/38)
or since March 1940 also with French 25 K/37
AT guns. Also a few obsolete 37 mm infantry guns were
used.
By
February 1940 all divisions had received or formed
independent (AT) Gun Companies (Tykkikomppania,
Tyk.K) which consisted usually of two or three (AT) gun
platoons. At least one gun platoon was issued to each
front-line infantry battalion in the most dangerous
directions. There were both motorized and horse-drawn
platoons.
Horse-Drawn
Gun Platoon (strength 1 +
3 + 29 = 33 men) were more common because of the lack of
trucks. They were organized as follows:
Joukkueenjohtaja
(Platoon
Leader) [riding horse]
taistelulähetit
(Combat
Messengers) (0+0+2 = 2) [2x riding horse]
tiedustelijat
ja tähystäjät (Scouts and Observers) (0+1+3 = 4) [3x
bicycle]
1.
Tykkiryhmä (1st Gun Squad) (0+1+8 = 9)
[AT
gun, gun vehicle, 2x ammo vehicle, 3x horse]
2.
Tykkiryhmä (2nd Gun Squad) (0+1+8 = 9)
[AT gun, gun vehicle, 2x ammo vehicle, 3x horse]
[additional
horse, 22 pairs of skiis] (0+0+8 = 8 horsemen)
.
Motorized Gun Platoon (1
+ 3 + 25 = 29 men) was organized as follows:
Joukkueenjohtaja
(Platoon
Leader)
taistelulähetit
(Combat
Messengers) (0+0+2 = 2) [2x motorcycle]
tiedustelijat
ja tähystäjät (Scouts and Observers) (0+1+3 = 4) [3x
bicycle]
henkilöauton
kuljettaja (Driver for a personnel car) (0+0+1 = 1) [personnel
car]
1.
Tykkiryhmä (1st Gun Squad) (0+1+8 = 9) [AT gun, truck,
ammo truck]
2.
Tykkiryhmä (2nd Gun Squad) (0+1+8 = 9) [At
gun, truck, ammo truck]
[22
pairs of skiis] (0+0+3 = 3 drivers)
.
Company could additionally have various Close Repulse
Squads [Lähitorjuntaryhmä] or Platoons [Lähitorjuntajoukkue]
equipped with AT rifles (usually 13,9 mm Boys Mk.
1), combustion bottles ("Molotov's Cocktail")
and/or satchel charges (anti-tank hand-grenades). These
units were also formed in battalions and companies. Gun
company with two gun platoons could have also one close
repulse platoon with six AT rifles.
.
.
Anti-Aircraft Units
On 1.2.1940
organic AA unit was ordered to be formed for each
division. Anti-Aircraft Detachment
(Ilmatorjuntaosasto, It.Os.) consisted of two light 7.62
mm twin AAMGs and two 20 mm heavy AAMGs. Also each army
corps was to be equipped with one Light Anti-Aircraft
Battery (4x 40 mm Bofors) and one AAMG Company
(6x 20 mm guns).
.
.
.
.
Sources:
TALHI, RESUP, VALPA2, PAUJY2,
PAUJY3, SAAEE1, ITJOU
.
.
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