finnish raiding forces, 1942-1944

7/21/2019 Finnish Raiding Forces, 1942-1944.

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Kaukopartiojoukot 1942-1944FINNISH LONG-RANGE RECONNAISSANCE TROOPS

When the Soviets invaded Finland during the Winter Warof 1939, the intelligence department of the Finnish militaryrecognised the need for specialized long-range reconnais-sance patrols to raid and gather intelligence deep behindSoviet lines. Te first units were formed and trained insecrecy, initially including three guerrilla detachments, calledHiihtosissit, or skiing guerrillas. However, the troops did notsee much action before the Winter War ended in 1941.

KAUKOPARTIOJOUKOT1941 - 1943During the uneasy following the Winter War, the Finnssecretly continued to train and expanded their guerrilla

force. A new type of patrol, called a Kaukopartiojoukot, orlong-range scout patrol, was formed to conduct long-rangereconnaissance and guerrilla strikes far behind the enemylines.

Te troops consisted of physically and mentally fit volun-teers, mostly young athletes such as skiers and runners. Temissions that the patrol would undertake required calmnerves under extreme pressure and conditions. Tese skillsmade it easier for patrols to evade Soviet and NKVD (SovietMinistry of the Interior Affairs) troops.

Company-sized patrols would enter into the Soviet Unionthrough the loose Karellian front lines on foot or by skiing.Once inside enemy lines they would establish a base of opera-tions, leaving a small unit to guard the HQ and the patrolsradio. Meanwhile, the company would break up into platoons

or squads to conduct their mission. Tese small patrols weretypically only about a platoon of troops (30-50 soldiers).

Only a few company- and battalion-sized patrols weredeployed. Tese were formed to conduct certain high profileoperations, such as striking well-guarded supply centres,cutting the Murmansk railway or disabling the Stalin Canal.Te patrol was occasionally reinforced for these missions

with guerrilla, Jkri (light infantry), and engineer troopsfrom the regular army.

A Kaukopartiojoukot predominantly conducted reconnais-sance missions, however they were also authorised to launchraids on the enemy. ypical raids targeted small convoys,Soviet officers, supply trains, and airfields. Tey also placedmines on important roads and railways and tapped into theSoviet communication lines to gather intelligence, whichthey immediately radioed back to HQ for analysis.

Te Soviet guard units pursued the patrols as best they could.Sometimes they would catch up with the Finnish raiders, butmore often than not the sly Kaukopartiojoukotmanaged toslip away to safety thanks to superior training and a remark-able radio network. Te patrol often knew more about theSoviets than the Soviets knew of themselves!

OTHERLONG-RANGEPATROLUNITSOther units, such as the Sissi (guerrilla) and Jkri(light infantry) conducted similar operations as theKaukopartiojoukot, but otherwise had little in common with


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the long-range patrols. Tese units operated much closer tothe enemy lines and were under the command of the localarmy corps, division or regiment. Tey undertook more tra-ditional scouting and patrolling missions.

THEKAUKOPARTIOJOUKOTBATTALION

In July 1943 all of the various Kaukopartiojoukot patrolswere grouped together into Erillinen Pataljoona 4 (SeparateBattalion 4). Te full strength of the battalion was 678 menand 76 women. Tere was even an Estonian volunteer patrol

within Separate Battalion 4 that conducted missions in theirSoviet-controlled homeland.

In 1943, the battalion sent over 50 patrols behind the lines.Te missions were doubled in 1944. Te battalion sufferedminimal casualties thanks to efficient radios and the intel-ligence gathered was very important and critical to Finnishmilitary, especially in the summer 1944 during the Sovietoffensive.

After the Continuation War, Separate Battalion 4 wasdeployed against the Germans in the Lapland War before it

was finally disbanded in November 1944.

A KAUKOPARTIOJOUKOTCOMPANYOn paper the typical Kaukopartiojoukot Company at fullstrength consisted of 156 men and 15 women, but in realitythe companies never had enough personnel.

Te company was organized with three Kivrijoukkue(rifle)platoons each with four Kivriryhm (rifle squads) for a

total of 35 troops.

Each company also had a Radioasema(radio station) platoonwith 11 soldiers detached from the Radioasemacompany. Tesewere in constant contact with the battalion headquarters.

Finally, each company had a Huoltojoukkue (supply) platoonwhich handled the companys logistical needs. Te 33 troops ofthe platoon were also expected to fight should they be needed.

SPECIALEQUIPMENTTe Kaukopartiojoukot had access to some truly innovativetechnology to help them conduct their operations. For

example, they used a chemical liquid that confused dogssense of smell so they could evade Soviet patrols. Specialsnow track mines were used to deploy small minefields as

well as improvised explosives. Tey also acquired a number


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A KAUKOPARTIOJOUKOT IN FLAMES OF WAR

A Kaukopartiojoukot is fielded in Flames Of War as araiding force, similar to the SAS and LRDG forces foundin Burning Empires. Te following intelligence briefing willallow players to conduct all of the raid missions found inthat publication as well as the ones found on our website:www.FlamesOfWar.com.

A Kaukopartiojoukot uses standard Finnish models. Teyfought all year around and thus any of your existing Finnishmodels will work perfectly. You can also use Soviet figures as

well for those troops you equip with Soviet Uniforms.

ypically, a Kaukopartiojoukot would face Soviet securitytroops which differed little from the standard Strelkovybattalions used by the Soviet Union. Tey also saw action

against the Germans during the Lapland War, making themvalid opponents as well. Of course, you can play against anyarmy you like!

Tis briefing can be used in Mid or Late war games, as theequipment and rating of the troops did not change betweenthe eras.

Fielding a Kaukopartiojoukot is a perfect way to emulate the

daring raids and missions undertaken by these elite troops.Te raids were small, usually consisting of a single platoon

with some support. Tere were also larger missions you canrecreate such as cutting the Murmansk railway. Either way,this briefing gives you everything you need to get out thereand wreak havoc on the Soviet rear areas!

of German smokeless petrol cookers in late 1943 whichhelped keep their camp concealed from the Soviets.

Perhaps the most valuable piece of equipment in the patrolwas the small lightweight guerrilla telegraph radio called aKyynel, (literally translated as tear owing to its shape) anda simple radio receiver called a p, or stump. Tese in-novative radios kept the patrols in constant contact with HQand gave Finnish intelligence critical information in near

real-time.

RADIOSANDMESSAGEENCRYPTINGTe first Kyynel radios were inspired by a German radiodesign which weighed 33 pounds (15kg). Other contempo-rary foreign designs weighted a lot more, usually between 22to 44 pounds (10 to 20kg).

Te Finnish developed the Model M10 in 1942 which wasfully stabilized and weighed only 12 pounds (5.6 kg) withbatteries. Tis ingenious Finnish guerrilla radio was the mostadvanced one of its kind in the world.

Te radio would transmit at a frequency of 3500 - 5000 kHzand had sending power of up to 0.5 Watts, depending onthe power of batteries. Tis gave the radio a range of up to435 miles (700km) in good weather.

Patrols sent encrypted messages using a simple but effectivecode pattern created exclusively for each patrol, which madeit impossible to solve without a key.

Finnish Radio Intelligence had also decrypted many Sovietcodes, which gave Kaukopartiojoukot patrols plenty of

warning should there be any possible danger in the area.

UNIFORMSANDARMAMENT

Te patrols wore standard Finnish military uniforms.Sometimes they would use a combination of Finnish andcaptured Soviet uniforms so as to confuse enemy patrols ifspotted far away.

While officially called rifle platoons, each patrol was prima-rily armed with the highly accurate and reliable 9mm M/31SuomiSubmachine-gun. However, at least one man in the

patrol carried a rifle for long-range shooting.


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CAPTUREDUNIFORMSSome patrols captured Soviet uniforms to confuse theRussian troops as to their identity, often allowing patrols toslide by the enemy undetected.

A platoon entirely equipped with Captured Uniforms must beidentified before the enemy can shoot at it or assault it.Tese units start the game unidentified.

If a platoon equipped with Captured Uniforms shoots orlaunches an assault, they are immediately identified by allenemy platoons.

In order to identify a platoon equipped with CapturedUniforms, an enemy platoon must attempt to shoot at it orselect it as the target for an artillery bombardment. Beforerolling to hit with the shooting platoon, roll a Skill est forthe platoon.

If they pass the Skill est, they identify the Finnish platoonand shoot at it as normal. Te Finnish unit is now identi-fied to all enemy platoons.

If they fail, they do not identify the unit, but may shoot atother Finnish units instead.

Aircraft cannot choose an unidentified team as the targetof an air strike.

Enemy reconnaissance teams automatically identify aplatoon equipped with Captured Uniforms if they arewithin 8/20cm when they attempt to shoot at them.

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SELFSUFFICIENT

While conducting a mission, ranks were not as important inKaukopartiojoukot. Teir training emphasised this self-suf-ficiency in the field.

Finnish Platoons use the German Mission actics specialrule (see page 242 of the rulebook).

FINNISH SPECIAL RULES

BITTER, BUTCAUTIOUSENEMIESA Kaukopartiojoukotpatrol could not afford to become em-broiled in a fierce fight, no matter how much they hatedtheir enemy. As a result, the patrols orders usually restrictedthem from engaging in a pitched battle.

Unlike other Finnish forces, a Kaukopartiojoukot Patroldoes not gain the British Bulldog special rule when fightingagainst a Soviet force.

HUNTERSA patrols members were skilled athletes and trained to pushthemselves physically under difficult circumstances. Tey canquickly move through difficult terrain with ease, whether onskis or on foot.

Finnish Infantry teams may move At the Double throughDifficult Going.

ATHLETES& BOXERSA Kaukopartiojoukotconsisted of skilled athletes and worldfamous boxers. Tey were able to push themselves waybeyond the normal limits of human endurance.

Combat and Weapons Platoons from a KaukopartiojoukotPatrol are Mountaineers (see page 61 of the rulebook) anduse the American ruscott rot special rule (see page 239 of

the rulebook).


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A Kaukopartiojoukot must eld a Company HQ and at least one Kivrijoukkue Platoon and mayeld one of each of the remaining Combat and Weapons Platoons shown.

COMBATPLATOONS

(INFANTRYCOMPANY)

Kaukopartiojoukot HQ

COMPANY HQ

X

HEADQUA

RTERS

Kivrijoukkue Platoon

INFANTRY

X

WEAPONSPLATOONS

Radioasema Platoon

INFANTRY

8

KaukopartiojoukotLONG-RANGERECONNAISSANCECOMPANY


INFANTRY

X


INFANTRY

X

Huoltojoukkue Platoon

INFANTRY

8

FLYINGDETACHMENT4

During theGerman invasion ofNorway inJun

e 1940, a

refugeeNorwegianpilotflewhisHeinkelHe115se

aplaneto

Finland.TeFinnishAirForcecommandeered th

eaircraft

andrepainteditintheirnationalcolours.Laterin1

943,two

moreHe 115 seaplaneswere loaned fromGerm

any.Tey

retainedtheyreoldGermanmarkings.Teplanew

asmuch

moreadvancedthananythingtheycurrentlyhada

nditwas

perfectlysuitedforlong-rangetransportduties.

TeFinnishAirForceestablishedLentolaivue15(Flying

Squadron15) in1941,a squadronspecificallydesigned

tolendaerialassistancefortheinsertion,supply,re

scue,

and extraction of the Kaukopartiojoukot patrols

.Tis

greatlyincreasedtherangeofthepatrols,allowing

them

to operatewellwithin Soviet territory.Teywer

e also

abletoremainsuppliedsolongastheystayednea

rone

ofthehundredsoflakesintheregion.

In mid-1942, Lentorykmentti 4, Flying Regimen

t 4,

took over and a specialKaukopartiojoukot patrol

was

attachedtotheunit,formingFlyingDetachment4

In May 1944 the unitwas subordinated direct

ly under

SeparateBattalion4.Itsstrengthwasabout55me

n.

Tedetachmentwouldflydeepbehindenemyline

sandland

in oneof themany lakes innothernRussia to d

eploy the

patrol.TeKaukopartiojoukotwouldthenextablis

hitsbase

nearthelakeandbeginconductingtheiroperation

.

Whenthemissionwasfinishedorcompromised,th

edetach-

mentsaircraftwereradioedtomeetthepatroltoe

vacuate.

SU

PPORTPLATOONS

INFANTRY17

Jkri Platoon

INFANTRY1

7Pioneeri Platoon


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Luutnantti

Luutnantti

HQ Section

Command

SMG team

Kersantti

SMG team

SMG team

KivriryhmSQuad

Kersantti

SMG team

SMG team

KivriryhmSQuad

Kersantti

SMG team

SMG team

KivriryhmSQuad

Kersantti

SMG team

SMG team

KivriryhmSQuad

HEADQUARTERSCompany HQ 65 points

OPTIONEquip both Command SMG teams with CapturedUniforms for + 20 points.

HEADQUARTERS

KAUKOPARTIOJOUKOTHQ

Te Kaukopartiojoukot patrol is well armed to conduct re-

connaissance and sabotage missions behind Soviet lines.

MOTIVATIONANDSKILLA Kaukopartiojoukot consists of skilled athletes and excellent soldiers. Tey wereexpected to carry out difficult missions over very long periods of time. If captured,they certainly faced execution by their Soviet captors. As such, a Kaukopartiojoukotis rated Fearless Veteran.

Kaukopartiojoukot HQ

Kapteeni

Kaptenni

Company HQ

Company CommandSMG team

2iC CommandSMG team

PLATOON

HQ Section with4 Kivriryhma Squads 295 points3 Kivriryhma Squads 230 points2 Kivriryhma Squads 165 points1 Kivriryhma Squad 100 points

OPTIONSReplace the Command SMG team with a CommandSnow Track Mine SMG team for +5 points. If youdo this, you may replace all remaining SMG teams

with Snow Track Mine SMG teams for +10 pointsper squad.

Replace up to one SMG team per squad with a Rifleteam for -10 points.

Equip all teams with Captured Uniforms for+10 points per team.

KIVRIJOUKKUEPLATOON

COMBAT PLATOONS

Kivrijoukkue(rifle) platoons usually engaged in reconnais-sance operations but also conducted lots of small and largescale sabotage missions behind enemy lines.

Tese missions included surprise attacks against militarysupply convoys or Soviet staff personnel, sabotaging miningfacilities, and cutting roads and railways. Tey also tappedinto Soviet communications to learn enemy secrets and cutvital telephone lines.

Kaukopartiojoukot patrols were well equipped with uniqueinventions for their operations, including lightweight snow

tracked mines, a specially designed telegraph radio called aKyynel, (literally, tear), and most interestingly, a chemicalliquid that confused a dogs sense of smell to evade Sovietpatrols.

Te platoon carried the reliable 9mm M/31 Suomi SMGthough a few troops carried some rifles for long range work.

Patrols often equipped themselves with captured Soviet

uniforms to disguise their identity at long ranges, addingto the difficulty for the Soviets to track patrols across theKarelian Peninsula.

A Kivrijoukkue Platoon is a Reconnaissance Platoon.

Te teams of an Kaukopartiojoukot HQ Recce teams.

RELUCTANT

CONFIDENT

FEARLESS

CONSCRIPT

TRAINED

VETERAN

MOTIVATION SKILL


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Radioasema Platoon

Luutnantti

Luutnantti

HQ Section

Command

Rifle team

Kersantti

Rifle team

RadioasemaSQuad

Kersantti

Rifle team

RadioasemaSQuad

PLATOON

HQ Section with

2 Radioasema Squads 80 points

OPTIONEquip all Rifle teams with Captured Uniforms for+10 points per team.

RADIOASEMAPLATOON

WEAPONS PLATOONS

Radioasema (radio station) platoons were equipped withthe ingenious lightweight telegraph radio called a Kyynel(literally translated as a tear, owing to its shape. By 1942,Finnish engineers had reduced the weight of the radio fromthe already light 33 pound (15kg) radio to an impressive12 pounds (5.6kg). Te radio operated at 3500-5000 kHz

with sending power of up to 0.5 watts, giving it a range ofup to 435 miles (700km) in good weather.

A Radioasema Platoon is a Reconnaissance Platoon.

RADIOASEMA PLATOON SPECIAL RULES

ADVANCEWARNINGTe radio platoon would be deployed forward of the patrolas a scouting party. Tey would warn the patrol of possibledanger, should a strong Soviet force appear.

When an enemy platoon arrives on the table from Reservewithin Line of Sight of any team in the RadioasemaPlatoon, the platoon may attempt to warn the nearestKivrijoukkue Platoon to the enemy platoon. Roll a SkillCheck for the Radiosema Platoon:

If successful, the Radioasema Platoon warns aKivrijoukkue Platoon which may immediatelyDisengage.

Otherwise, the warning goes unheeded and theKivrijoukkue Platoon remains where it is.

LAHTILONG-WAVERADIOSTATIONTe Lahti Long-wave Radio Station coordinated the patrolmissions and sent out messages with double meanings deepinto Soviet territory. Often, these messages instructed patrolsto break off and return home. Te patrol would instantlyscatter into the terrain and reform back at HQ.

While your Kaukopartiojoukot Patrol is the Attacker ina mission with the Raid special rule, you may attempt torequest orders to return to base.

At the beginning of your turn, after any required CompanyMorale Checks are made, you may roll a die for yourRadiosema Platoon:

On a result of 5+ your force is ordered to withdrawusing the rules below.

Otherwise, the force does not receive orders to withdrawand game continues.

Ordered to Withdraw:All Finnish Platoons that are not

within 16/40cm of an enemy team are withdrawn fromthe table and count as having Escaped.

All Finnish Platoons that are within 16/40cm of an enemyteam must roll a die before removing any teams:

On a result of 5+ the Platoon successfully withdrawsand counts as having Escaped.

Otherwise, they are still withdrawn, but are caught bythe enemy and are counted as Destroyed.

Once all Finnish platoons have been removed from the table,the mission immediately ends and players determine their

Victory Points and who wins as defined by the mission.

AHEADOFTHEPARTYTe Radioasema Platoon would operate ahead of the mainparty to assess the situation and guide the patrol away fromdanger.

When making a Reconnaissance Deployment, theRadioasema Platoon may move up to twice its normal

movement.


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Huoltojoukkue Platoon

Luutnantti

Luutnantti

LkintryhmSQuad

Kersantti

KuljetusryhmRifle team

KuljetusryhmSQuad

LkintryhmRifle team

KuljetusryhmRifle team

LkintryhmRifle team

PLATOON

Lkintryhm Squad with1 Kuljetusryhm Squad 50 points

OPTIONSAdd an additional Lkintryhm Rifle team for+25 points.

Add an additional Kuljetusryhm Rifle team for+25 points.

Equip all Rifle teams with Captured Uniforms for+10 points per team.

HUOLTOJOUKKUEPLATOON

Te Huoltojoukkue (maintenance) platoon provided thepatrol with logistical and medical support. However, it wasnecessary for the whole platoon to be prepared to fight andassist the patrol should they be needed.

eams from a Huoltojoukkue Platoon are Recce teams.

HUOLTOJOUKKUE PLATOON SPECIAL RULES

LKINTRYHMSQUAD

Lkintryhm, or medical, squads accompanied the patrolsto attend to the wounded. Te offered battlefield medicineas best they could in harsh climates. Tey were expected tobe able to defend themselves and were therefore given riflesto defend themselves.

Once per turn, a Lkintryhm Rifle team may attemptto save a team from the same Kivrijoukkue Platoon.

If an Infantry team within 6/15cm of the LkintryhmRifle team fails a Save, roll a die:

If the result is 5+, the Lkintryhm Rifle teammanages to save the team and it continues to fight on

unharmed.

Otherwise, the soldiers are too badly wounded and theteam is Destroyed as normal.

A Huoltojoukkue Platoon must make Combat Attachmentsto Kivrijoukkue Platoons with all of its teams.

KULJETUSRYHMSQUAD

Te Kuljetusryhm, or transportation group, was responsiblefor the Kaukopartiojoukot movement. Tey provided thepatrol with transport logistics including vehicle procurementand advanced deployment tactics.

A Kivrijoukkue Platoon with a Kuljetusryhm Rifleteam attached uses the German Stormtroopers special rule

found on page 241 of the rulebook.


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Jkri Platoon

Luutnantti

Luutnantti

HQ Section

Command

SMG team

Kersantti

Jkri Squad

Rifle team

Rifle team

Kersantti

Jkri Squad

Rifle team

Rifle team

Kersantti

Jkri Squad

Rifle team

Rifle team

Kersantti

Jkri Squad

Rifle team

Rifle team

SUPPORT PLATOONS

PLATOON

HQ Section with

4 Jkri Squads 175 points3 Jkri Squads 135 points2 Jkri Squads 100 points

OPTIONSReplace the Command SMG team with a CommandClose-defence SMG team for +5 points or with aCommand Panzerfaust SMG team for +10 points.

Replace all Rifle teams with SMG teams for +15 pointsper Jkri Squad.

Upgrade the platoon to a Reconnaissance Platoonfor +60 points for the platoon.

JKRIPLATOON

For high profile targets a Kaukopartiojoukot patrol wouldreceive support from the Jkri (pronounced yay-kar-ree,

which means hunter as well as scout). TeJkriwould assistthe patrol, providing extra manpower and fire support.

PLATOON

HQ Section with4 Pioneeri Squads 240 points3 Pioneeri Squads 185 points2 Pioneeri Squads 130 points

OPTIONSReplace the Command Pioneer Rifle team with aCommand Pioneer SMG team for +5 points.

Replace all Pioneer Rifle teams with Pioneer SMGteams for +10 points per Pioneeri Squad.

PIONEERIPLATOON

For missions, such as cutting the Murmansk railroad, a

Kaukopartiojoukot patrol would be reinforced by a platoonof pioneers especially trained and equipped for light patrol

work. Te Pioneeri, or pioneer,carried satchel charges andother engineering equipment that the Kaukopartiojoukot

would require to demolish major targets within the SovietUnion, such as hydroelectric dam locks, major railways andammunition and supply hubs.

PioneeriPlatoon

Luutnantti

Luutnantti

HQ Section

Command

Pioneer Rifle team

Kersantti

Pioneeri Squad

Pioneer Rifle team

Pioneer Rifle team

Kersantti

Pioneeri Squad

Pioneer Rifle team

Pioneer Rifle team

Kersantti

Pioneeri Squad

Pioneer Rifle team

Pioneer Rifle team

Kersantti

Pioneeri Squad

Pioneer Rifle team

Pioneer Rifle team


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Team Range ROF Anti-tank Firepower Notes

Rifle team 16/40cm 1 2 6

SMG team 4/10cm 3 1 6 Full ROF when moving.

ADDITIONALTRAININGANDEQUIPMENT

Panzerfaust 4/10cm 1 12 5+ Tank Assault 6, Cannot shoot in the Shooting Step if moved in the

Movement Step.Close-defence and Pioneer teams are rated as Tank Assault 4. Teams equipped with Snow-tracked Mines are Tank Assault 4.

ARSENAL

MODELLING A KAUKOPARTIOJOUKOT

Like many raiding forces, a Kaukopartiojoukot offers a lotof opportunity for interesting modelling challenges. Forstarters, your small force gives you the excuse to spend a littlemore time on them than you would with normal forces. Tis

allows you to add a bit of variety and fun to your elite force.

Te Kaukopartiojoukotuses Captured Uniforms, much likethe German Brandenburgers. Tis means that you effectivelyhave two ranges of figures to choose from when building yourforce: Finnish and Soviet (and even some German). For myforce Ive gone with a Late-war patrol to use the interestingbattleworn figure ranges (SU802 Battle Hardened StrelkovyPlatoon). Te battleworn look adds to the rugged self-suf-ficient Finnish ethos that surrounds the Kaukopartiojoukot.

Te Huoltojoukkue (maintenance) Platoon is a great oppor-tunity in and of itself. For me it was important to be able toidentify the teams in this platoon for when they get attachedout to the Combat Platoons.

Using a few Soviet and Finnish figures and some Germancasualties (GE822 German Casualties), I was able to puttogether a pair of medical teams for my LkintryhmSquad. I then pooled all of my troops waving hands and en-couraging men forward onto two bases for my KuljetusryhmSquad. Tese two points will make it easy for me to spot thespecial teams once they have been attached out.

In the end, its your force, so have fun with painting andmodelling before rushing your troops into battle!

finnish raiding forces, 1942-1944

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