FINNS IN ACTION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 106, 5 January 1940, Page 7

FINNS IN ACTION

SEARCHLIGHTS AND SLEDGES

GHOSTLY ARCTIC WARFARE

A 11 ovol form ot war! are has been evolved by the Finns on their noiIhern Front against the Russians, states a correspondent of the Gorriere della Sera, ol Miian, who has hoc 11 following the struggle. Accustomed in the Arctic weatlier to move, in darkness, the Finns need light only for shooting. In every platoon are two or three men bearing small searchlights,with reflectors suspended from their necks. Once contact with the enemy is established, the searchlight man is left alone. He brings the reflector into play and the light penetrates up to 000 yards ahead. His companions, moving in the gloom of the forest, advance on the Hanks and with automatic rifles attack the dazzled Russians effectively at short range. The searchlight man is invariably doomed, because his light attracts the enemy's lire. War materials and even light cannon arc being transported by the Finns on sleds, six men pulling and two pushing the loads through deep snow. In white uniforms and moving silently and swiftly on skis, • the Finns reminded the correspondent of white bats in the almost continuous Arctic night.