Soviet Forces

Soldiers of the Soviet 44th Rifle Division

The Soviet 44th Ukrainian Rifle Division first particpated in the Invasion of Poland and was then transported to the Finnish front to participate in the ongoing conflict which later became known as the Winter War. The division was sent to support the Soviet 163rd division, which had faced strong resistance at village of Suomussalmi and were being encircled. But the Ukrainians never reached the village as they were stopped and encircled themself, on a 30km long road leading to Suomussalmi.. The fateful Raate road. Within week most of the 44th Division's 17,000 men had either been killed by Finnish troops or had simply frozen to death. only 700 managed to escape, and 1000 survived by surrendering to the Finns.