The "Josef Stalin tank", beyond the capabilities of the 75mm anti tank gun. Summa 1944.06.17

Despite a minor role in the global war, the equipment that the individual Finnish soldier had to face was far beyond their own.


Stalin tank

Seventh destroyed tank is credited to "Bubi". Staff Sergeant Brotell marks "another one" on the gun. Vyborg 1944.07.07.

The Stug III of Börje Brotell (http://www.ww2incolor.com/finnish_forces/Finnish_StuG_ace_B__rje_Brotell.html) stands to this day on the grounds of the Armoured Brigade in Parola, Finland.

Stug III "Bubi"

Spanish volunteer Lieutenant Luis Magirena serving in armoured unit.
Photo No. 76313. Taken in Petrozavodsk. Date unknown.

All i found out about this man is following:
Luis P. Magirena (or Maginera), born 1905, Madrid, Spain. Took part in the Rif War in Morocco from 1922 to 1925, fought the Spanish Civil War and volunteered to Finnish service during the Winter War (1939-1940). After arriving to Finland on January 29, he served in Detachment Sisu which was in winter warfare training until end of the conflict. There is also sources that say he would have briefly been a pilot but only flew once. Oddly, this man who is said to have only spoken Spanish and some French when he arrived, commanded 1st Armoured Platoon of 3rd Armoured Company in Finnish Tank Battalion in 1941. He was wounded to his hand during an attack on November 20, 1941 when his pistol accidentally discharged inside his tank.