FMP - Äänisen rannikkoprikaati 1943

1943

On 10 January 1943 Ään.LOs. formed the following temporary units:

Vahvennettu kiväärikomppania (Reinforced Rifle Company) (Lt. O. Nikkilä)
----- 3x rifle platoon
----- MG (half-?) platoon
Erillinen Joukkue (Separate Platoon)
Patteri / LOs. (Battery / Naval Detachment) [two 75 mm Canet guns]
12. Ilmatorjuntakomppania (12th Anti-aircraft Company) [AA guns taken from boats]

Rifle company was suspended already on 30.3. In June 1943 the strength of Ään.LOs. was 610 men + 6 women [Lottas].

On 31.1.1943 RTR 14 took the command of large Äänisniemi Peninsula area from Cavalry Brigade and received the following reinforcements (x = was moved away in spring 1943):

Erillinen Pataljoona 2 (Er.P 2) (Separate Battalion 2) (Maj. H. Aarva)
I Pataljoona / Jalkaväkirykmentti 12 (I/JR 12) (I Battalion / Infantry Regiment 12) x
Kevyt patteristo 12 (Kev.Psto 12) (Light Artillery Battalion 12) x
Kevyt patteristo 13 (Kev.Psto 13) (Light Artillery Battalion 13) x
Pioneeripataljoona 15 (Pion.P 15) (Engineer Battalion 15) x
7 torjuntakomppaniaa [repulse companies]
2 tykkikomppaniaa [(AT) gun companies] x
2 ilmatorjuntakomppaniaa [anti-aircraft companies]
huoltomuodostelmia [supply formations]

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Units
Finnish Name (and Abbreviation), (Notes)
(Name in English)

Commander / Chief / Leader

Rank

Name

Esikuntayksiköitä [Staff formations]

Rannikkotykistörykmentti 14 (RTR 14)
(Coastal Artillery Regiment 14)

Sungun lohko (Sunku Sector): *
(* On 1.12.43 subordinated operatively to 6.D [of Maaselkä Group]).

Erillinen pataljoona 1 (Er.P 1) *
(Separate Battalion 1)

Kevyt Patteristo 13 (Kev.Psto 13) (Moved away in late spring 1943)
(Light Artillery Battalion 13)

IV Linnakkeisto (IV Lsto) * (Formed in September 1943.)
(IV Coastal Artillery Battalion)
[two heavy and one light batteries]
- torjuntakomppania [repulse company]
- 2x er.ptri [separate battery] (probably joined IV Lsto ?)

Tulvojan lohko (Tulvoja Sector):
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Erillinen pataljoona 2 (Er.P 2)
(Separate Battalion 2)

III Linnakkeisto (III Lsto) [4 light batteries]
(III Coastal Artillery Battalion)

39. Torjuntakomppania (39.TK) (39th Repulse Company)
38. Torjuntakomppania (38.TK) (38th Repulse Company)

Reskan lohko (Reska Sector):
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II Linnakkeisto (II Lsto) [1 heavy and 2 light batteries]
(II Coastal Artillery Battalion)

37. Torjuntakomppania (37.TK) (37th Repulse Company)
36. Torjuntakomppania (36.TK) (36th Repulse Company)

Limosaaren lohko (Limosaari Sector):

I Linnakkeisto (I Lsto) [3 light and 1 separate batteries]
(I Coastal Artillery Battalion)

35. Torjuntakomppania (35.TK) (35th Repulse Company)
34. Torjuntakomppania (34.TK) (34th Repulse Company)
33. Torjuntakomppania (33.TK) (33th Repulse Company)
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Rannikkotykistörykmentti 4 (RTR 4)
(Coastal Artillery Regiment 4)

IV Linnakkeisto (IV Lsto) [2 heavy and one light batteries]
(IV Coastal Artillery Battalion)

III Linnakkeisto (III Lsto) [mot. heavy battery]
(III Coastal Artillery Battalion)
- torjuntakomppania [repulse company]

II Linnakkeisto (II Lsto) [two heavy and one light batteries]
(II Coastal Artillery Battalion)

I Linnakkeisto (I Lsto) [one heavy and two light batteries]
(I Coastal Artillery Battalion)
- 2x torjuntakomppania [repulse company]
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Lt.Col.
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Lt.Col.
Maj.

Maj.
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Maj.
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Maj.
Lt.Col.

Maj.
Capt.

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Maj.
Maj.

Capt.
Maj.

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Maj.

Capt.
Capt.

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Maj.
Lt.Col.

Capt.
Maj.

Capt.
Capt.
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Capt.
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Maj.

N. Kesämaa
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J. Wickström
O. Sourander (31.5.43-)

P. Simola
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H. Aarva (9.43-)
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H. Aarva
R. Kalervo (10.7.43-)

H. Ravia
A. Similä (10.7.43-)

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U. Jääskeläinen
H. Ravia (10.7.43-)

P. Autio
H. Ravia (10.7.43-)

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V. Karvinen

A. Similä
V. Porri (10.7.43-)

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K. Koski
V. Valtanen (30.4.43-)

B. Kytöpuro
L. Paaso (1.6.43-)

S. Viljakainen
B. Kytöpuro (1.6.43-)
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E. Häyrinen
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T. Knuuttila

Äänisen laivasto-osasto (Ään.LOs.)
(Lake Onega Naval Detachment) (Re-named on 6.9.1943.)
(Strength on 1.6.43: 610 men + 6 women [Lottas])

Vartiolaivue (VLv.) (Guard Flotilla) (24.4. - 6.9.1943)

1. Osasto Karhumäki (Os.K) (Detachment K) (Since end July 1943.)
Aputyv. Karhumäki (3 - 75, 3 - 20M)
Aputyv. Kontupohja (ex-Rosalin) (2 - 75, 3 - 20M)

2. Osasto Ilmari (Os.I) (Detachment I) (Since end July 1943.)
Aputyv. Ilmari (1 - 45, 1 - 40V,1 - 20M)
Tyv. VTV 1 (1 - 76Hv, 1 - 20M, 4 - 7.62DT MG)
[fast motorboat] (1 - 7.62DT MG]
I/Raivaajalaivue (I/Raiv.Lv.) (I/Mine Sweeper Flotilla)
[5x sweeper boat] (1 - 20L/39 AT rifle)

Raivaajalaivue (Raiv.Lv.) (Mine Sweeper Flotilla) (24.4. - 6.9.1943)
I/Raiv.Lv. (subordinated to Os.I since July 43)
II/Raiv.Lv.

Kuljetuslaivue (Kulj.Lv.) (Transport Flotilla) (24.4. - 6.9.43)
Hl. Äänislinna
[small tugs and barges]
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Cmd.
Cmd.
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Lt.Cmd.

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E. Göransson
H. Söderholm (12.4.43-)
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O. Haikala

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Meripataljoona 4 (MeriP 4) (6.9.1943-)
(Naval Battalion 4)

4. Merivartiokomppania (4.MVartioK)
(4th Coast Guard Company)
- 2x merivartiojoukkue [Coast guard platoon]

Vartiolaivue (VLv.) (Guard Flotilla)
Aputyv. Karhumäki (3 - 75, 3 - 20M))
Aputyv. Kontupohja (2 - 75, 3 - 20M)
Aputyv. Ilmari (1 - 45, 1 - 40V,1 - 20M)
Tyv. VTV 1 (1 - 76Hv, 1 - 20M, 4 - 7.62DT MG)
- joukkue [platoon] /4.MPion.K (subordinated)

4. Meripioneerikomppania (4.MPion.K)
(4th Sea Engineer Company)
- 2x joukkue [platoon]

4. Merikuljetuskomppania (4.MKulj.K)
(4th Sea Transport Company)
- 3x laivajoukkue [boat platoon]

14. Merikuljetuskomppania (14.MKulj.K)
(14th Sea Transport Company)
- 3x laivajoukkue [boat platoon]

4. Tekninen komppania (4.Tekn.K) (4th Technical Company)
- Korjauspajajoukkue (Repair-Shop Platoon)
- Telakkajoukkue (Dock Platoon)
- Autokorjausjoukkue (Car Repairs Platoon)
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Cmd.
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Lt.Cmd.
Lt.Cmd.
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H. Söderholm
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O. Haikala
I. Huhta (?-)
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1944

In winter 1944 Sea Battalion 4 was divided into naval detachments called Detachment Piirinen (Osasto Piirinen) and Detachment Kullberg (Osasto Kullberg).

Fast Motor Sleigh Company / Coastal Artillery Regiment 14 (Kiitorekikomppania / RTR 14) was manned by personnel from Sea Battalion 4. Unit had 11 fast moving captured Soviet armed and armoured vehicles - a kind of "snow hydrocopters" - for patrolling on the ice deck of Lake Onega.

Brigade had lots of separate unmanned infantry and artillery bases (called forts). The heavy armament included numerous AT and AA guns as well as MGs and mortars. At the beginning of 1944 Ään.RPr. had 27 heavy and 58 light field and coastal guns in 17 manned forts. These were (from north to south):
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Coastal Artillery Regiment
Coastal Artillery Battalion
Sector
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Battery / Fort
(Notes)

Guns
[pcs - calibre]

RTR 14
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Sungun lohko
IV/RTR 14

Tulvojan lohko
III/RTR 14

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Reskan lohko
II/RTR 14

Limosaaren lohko
I/RTR 4

(Motorized batteries)
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Tulvoja
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Klimosniemi
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Reska
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Valeniemi

Leiniemi

Kontu
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Etelä-Peurasaari

Kulmus

Lukkosaari (Separate battery)
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?
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4 - 122 mm
3 - 47 mm

4 - 76 mm
4 - 75 mm

4 - 122 mm
3 - 75 mm

3 - 152 mm

3 - 75 mm

4 - 75 mm
4 - 47 mm

4 - 75 mm

2 - 75 mm

RTR 4
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IV/RTR 4
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III/RTR 4

II/RTR 4
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I/RTR 4
(Operatively subordinated to 7.D.)

Derevjannoje (Tervasoja)
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Soksu (Motorized heavy battery)

Nurkka
(Formed in spring 1944.)

Soutjärvi
(Suspended in spring 1944.)

Ruoppaoja (Ruoppoja)

Toisjoki (Telaoro)

Kallio
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Väliniemi
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Kulikova (Kulikka)
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4 - 122 mm
4 - 47 mm
3 - 75 mm

2 - 152 H/37

-> 4 - 75 K/17
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4 - 122 mm
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4 - 122 K/31

4 - 76 K/36

4 - 75 K/17
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3 - 152 mm
-> 2 - 75 K/17

4 - 75 K/17

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Brigade strength on 15.6.1944 was 401 + 1214 + 4027 = 5642 men + 228 women [Lottas] (in supply, signals, medical and secretarial duties).
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Units
Finnish Name (and Abbreviation), (Notes)
(Name in English)

Commander / Chief / Leader

Rank

Name

Esikuntayksiköitä [Staff formations]

Rannikkotykistörykmentti 14 (RTR 14)
(Coastal Artillery Regiment 14)

Sungun lohko (Sunku Sector): *
(* Since 1.12.1943 subordinated operatively to 6.D [/ Maaselkä Group]).

Erillinen pataljoona 1 (Er.P 1) *
(Separate Battalion 1)

IV Linnakkeisto (IV Lsto) * [two heavy and one light batteries]
(IV Coastal Artillery Battalion)
- torjuntakomppania [repulse company]

Tulvojan lohko (Tulvoja Sector):

Erillinen pataljoona 2 (Er.P 2) (Separate Battalion 2)

III Linnakkeisto (III Lsto) [4 light batteries]
(III Coastal Artillery Battalion)

2x torjuntakomppania [repulse company]

Reskan lohko (Reska Sector):

II Linnakkeisto (II Lsto) [1 heavy and 2 light batteries]
(II Coastal Artillery Battalion)

2x torjuntakomppania [repulse company]

Limosaaren lohko (Limosaari Sector):
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I Linnakkeisto (I Lsto) [3 light and 1 separate batteries]
(I Coastal Artillery Battalion)

3x torjuntakomppania [repulse company]
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Rannikkotykistörykmentti 4 (RTR 4)
(Coastal Artillery Regiment 4)

IV Linnakkeisto (IV Lsto) [2 heavy and one light batteries]
(IV Coastal Artillery Battalion)

III Linnakkeisto (III Lsto) [mot. heavy battery]
(III Coastal Artillery Battalion)
- torjuntakomppania [repulse company]

II Linnakkeisto (II Lsto) [two heavy and one light batteries]
(II Coastal Artillery Battalion)

I Linnakkeisto (I Lsto) [one heavy and two light batteries]
(I Coastal Artillery Battalion)
- 2x torjuntakomppania [repulse company]
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Lt.Col.
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Maj.
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Maj.
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Lt.Col.

Capt.
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Maj.

Maj.
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Maj.
Lt.Col.

Capt.
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Lt.Col.
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Maj.
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Capt.
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Capt.
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Maj.

N. Kesämaa
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O. Sourander
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H. Aarva
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R. Kalervo

A. Similä
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H. Ravia

H. Ravia
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V. Karvinen
E. Airaksinen (?.44-)

V. Porri
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V. Valtanen
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L. Paaso
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B. Kytöpuro
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E. Häyrinen
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T. Knuuttila

Meripataljoona 4 (MeriP 4)
(Naval Battalion 4)

4. Merivartiokomppania (4.MVartioK) (Renamed in autumn 1943.)
(4th Coast Guard Company)
- 2x merivartiojoukkue [coast guard platoon]

Vartiolaivue (VLv.) (Guard Flotilla)

Tykkiveneosasto (Tyv.Os.) (Gun Boat Detachment)
Aputyv. Karhumäki (3 - 75, 3 - 20M)
Aputyv. Kontupohja (2 - 75, 3 - 20M)
Aputyv. Erkki (armament unknown)
Kevyt Osasto 1 (Kev.Os.1) (Light Detachment 1)
Aputyv. Ilmari (1 - 45, 1 - 40V,1 - 20M)
Ps.tyv. VTV 1 (1 - 76Hv, 1 - 20M, 4 - 7.62DT MG)
Raivaajaryhmä (Mine Sweeper Group) [8x mine sweeper boat]

4. Meripioneerikomppania (4.MPion.K)
(4th Naval Engineer Company)
- 2x joukkue [platoon]

4. Merikuljetuskomppania (4.MKulj.K)
(4th Naval Transport Company)
- 3x laivajoukkue [ship platoon]

14. Merikuljetuskomppania (14.MKulj.K)
(14th Naval Transport Company)
- 3x laivajoukkue [ship platoon]

Erillinen merikuljetusjoukkue (Er.MKulj.J)
(Separate Naval Transport Platoon)

Tekninen komppania (Tekn.K) (Technical Company)
- Korjauspajajoukkue (Repair-Shop Platoon)
- Telakkajoukkue (Dock Platoon)
- Autokorjausjoukkue (Car Repairs Platoon)
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Cmd.
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Lt.Cmd.

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H. Söderholm
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I. Huhta

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Sources: LAPNI3, ARIRE, JATHI, SUOLA, MIKPO1
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