In a bold and audacious maneuver, the Soviets had finally breached the formidable Mannerheim Line when the Finnish tankers of the 4th Pansaari arrived at the front. The unit was promptly ordered to counter-attack, in concert with the Jaakaris of the 3rd JP. Severe weather conditions had already exacted a toll on the Finnish Vickers tanks—only six of the fifteen in the unit were fit for action. From the onset, the counter-attack spelled disaster for the Finns. An ill-fated artillery barrage landed amidst friendly troops, scattering them. Oblivious to this calamity, the tankers advanced, anticipating infantry support. Only a handful of stragglers from the 3rd JP bivouac joined the tanks. Despite the setbacks, the sight of Finnish armor startled the Soviet tank crews, who were resting outside their tanks when the Finns arrived. The Soviet tankers scrambled to their mounts, ignited their engines, and peered through vision slits in the morning haze, attempting to locate their adversaries. Finnish tankers achieved some initial success owing to the element of surprise, but they were outnumbered from the beginning. Ultimately, only one Vickers returned from the fray. The remainder were lost to enemy fire and mechanical failures. On paper, the results appeared insignificant. Only three Soviet tanks were destroyed, along with some enemy infantry casualties. However, the significance lay elsewhere: the Finnish tank arm had experienced its baptism of fire. It would mature and endure numerous crises during the Continuation War (Jatkosota) that lay ahead
>>> If I told you an historical map of Honkaniemi, Finland has been waiting patiently, with Sisu in abundance .. in the CH File Cabinet for ... well longer than I care to mention ... what would you say:
a) Let it out!
b) Keep it in until we are all cold and in the ground.
We went with choice ‘a’ and it’s a unique bundle of Suomi-themed action. In Panssari EVERYMAN you get said historical map and action set on it. PLUS a brand new bespoke 24" × 36" map of forested Finland PLUS an updated version Platoon Leader 5.0 CG by Steve Swann that plays on the map.... AND a pile of free counters if you order during the weekend of 14-17 February 2025 in the form of 2 sheets of 280 Finnish MMC/SMC in winter camo PLUS a sheet of Finngray AFVs, Guns and more for use with the scenarios.
That's 8 scenarios, 2 mapsets, 736 counters + special rules card.
** LISTED SPECIAL EXTENDED 21-24 FEBRUARY 2025
