BIG BATTLE
P FINNS CLAIM SUCCESS.
RUSSIANS CAPTURE PETSAMO PORT BURNED BEFORE RETREAT (United Press Association—Copyright.) LONDON, December 3. The Finnish authorities announce that the Finns defeated the Russians in a big battle 50 miles north from Saiinikervi. The Russians are reported to bo badly equipped and to lack prolusions. The Helsinki correspondent of the British United Press states that the Finnish Army is striking hack against a four-fold invasion. Refugees who swelled the population four-fold of the border village of Svanvik explained the orderliness and foresight of the Finnish action at Pctsamo.
A squadron of Russian warships, attended by aeroplanes, approached the port, compelling the defenders to withdraw until they could engage the enemy on land. The Finns sank every vessel in the. harbour, blocking the fairway, and also detonated mines embedded in the face of the cliffs, flying rock fragments being as effective as artillery. "When, eventually, the invaders landed, the quays and roads were exploded as fresh mines went-off. The retreating Finns set fire to the port in order to delay the Russians and to strike back to-dav. Petsamo is now a heap of ashes. The Finns announce the recapture of Kiveapa, 13 miles behind the Karelian frontier.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AG19391204.2.31
Bibliographic details
Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 46, 4 December 1939, Page 5
Word Count
201BIG BATTLE Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 46, 4 December 1939, Page 5
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