OFFENSIVE STARTED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 December 1939, Page 7

OFFENSIVE STARTED

PREPARATIONS IN HELSINKI LARGE SCALE HOSTILITIES ANTICIPATED. SURRENDER OF 15,000 RUSSIANS REPORTED. (Received This Day, 9.5 a.m.) LONDON, December 6. In addition to the occupation of Koulajarvi the Russians are believed to have launched a big offensive in the Karelia and Lake Ladoga districts. Although it is the 21st anniversary of Finland’s release from the last Russian bondage, there was no celebration to speak of in Helsinki, which, with only 50,000 people remaining, is fully prepared for a large scale resumption of hostilities. , Confirmation has been received of the sensational Finnish raid on Murmansk.

It is claimed that 15,000 Russians have surrendered, owing to lack 1 ) of food.

FOREST FIGHTING GREAT EXECUTION DONE BY FINNS. RUSSIAN STEAM-ROLLER TACTICS. (Received This Day. 9.5 a.m.) LONDON. December 6. A Helsinki report says Soviet bombers, forced down in a wood near Salmi during a blizzard, were destroyed by fire. The Finns are more than holding their own in places where the enemy cannot rely on the succes of numbers and mechanised forces. Russian prisoners tremble when they refer to the “terror of the woods.” There are Finnish snipers, mounted on special light-weight skis, on which then can shoot with deadly aim, lurking among the trees. In addition countless mines are artfully hidden under the snow. The Finnish Ski Corps may prove a most important factor. The Russians are poor skiers. It is claimed that continued snow provides a defence equal to eight batteries of heavy artillery. The Russian losses thus far almost certainly are higher, but Finns will be severely tested by the new Russian offensives. which are based on steamroller tactncs, launched at carefully selected points by incorporated tanks, armoured cars and aeroplanes. It is reported that huge reinforcements of troops are being sent to the front. A Helsinki report admits that the Russian thrusts have penetrated as much as 30 miles.