Original subtitles

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The characters and events depicted

in this motion picture are real.

They are based on the stories of

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veterans and military history.

Second Lieutenant Järv, is the strike group ready? - Yes, we are.

I'll wait for your return with emergency troops.

The Soviets base "the Bird" must be beaten.

It's a formidable base but I have faith in you and Lieutenant Järv.

I want a prisoner, alive.

Good luck.

Good luck.

Those boys have a tough night ahead of them.

We'll dig forward.

I don't know where the guards are.

No movement above the snow!

BEYOND THE FRONTLINE

Welcome.

Harry Järv's home, Stockholm December 6th, 2003

So you're Jeanette? - Jeanette Eriksson.

Orvar Nilsson.

We're off to the Finnish embassy. It's their Independence Day.

Orvar helped us in the Winter and Continuation Wars.

That was a long time ago. - Come in.

This is a Soviet war map. Is it a spoil of war, Harry?

In summer of 1941 we took back the Karelian peninsula.

As you can see, the Syväri river flows from Lake Onega -

towards Lake Ladoga.

During the war there were two Swedish speaking regiments.

I arrived at the base "the Dam" -

in early June 1942.

The front was quiet.

We had to get information about the enemy's intentions -

with reconnaissance missions.

This clay is hard like cement!

Help is coming.

Forss, you got a package.

Take cover!

"The Dam", Syväri river, June 1942

Fire in the hole!

There's Major Hedengren.

You've made a lot of progress. - TNT helps the digging.

Where the hell did you get it? We shouldn't waste our supplies!

We took it from the Soviets' mine fields.

Very well then.

That Swede listens to reason.

You're married to your camera.

Do you sleep with it? - I don't use it in my sleep.

Next week I'll take it with me to "the Boil."

Can I come along? -Sure. We'll give that base hell.

The commanders don't like it so close to our lines.

"The Boil" is almost next to the "Teeri" base.

Why were we chosen? - I've been there before.

What's that? -An old bootleg. I'll carry the camera with it.

At "Boil" we have our hands full.

"The Boil", July 4th, 1942

We'll split into small groups and attack all the posts simultaneously.

Our artillery will provide cover fire for one minute. Follow me.

We'll need a lot of grenades and charges.

Forss, Händig, Bergroth.

Take a photo of me leaving.

Now!

Is everybody here? No wounded?

Something's wrong. Where are those damn Russkies?

It's too quiet!

Russkies!

We'll bring the wounded. - Good.

We destroyed nine of the ten posts. -Good.

The last one remained. The Russkies struck back.

They have about thirty casualties.

Two of us were slightly wounded.

Well done! You'll get an extra leave.

Give me a list tomorrow.

You call this a pot? You won't win the war with toys.

It would've been worse if Forss hadn't seen the Russkies.

I had no idea what happened further back.

Our artillery didn't know the Russkies were so close.

You started the attack before the last grenades fell.

The last grenades came too late.

I don't know what went wrong. Watches were synchronised.

We were very lucky.

But do we need artillery support? - What do you mean?

We could sneak into their positions instead of attacking.

Then the battle would be fought on our terms.

Sounds unusual and nerve-racking but it's worth a try.

The risk of exposure diminishes if the group is smaller.

Not a bad idea, Allan.

Hedengren talked about furlough. That'd be nice.

That Swede is OK. It's bold to come here voluntarily from safe Sweden.

There should be more than Händig and Hedengren.

Our neighbour, IR 13, has an entire company, 140 men.

Volunteers, yes. But the official view of Sweden...

There've been signs.

A friend of mine from Helsinki is in the 11th Division.

He told me what he saw last year -

at Säämäjärvi.

That officer has a Soviet uniform. Is he a POW?

What? He's a Lieutenant Colonel in the Swedish army.

Oh, really? It's about time Sweden joined us.

Your Royal Highness. This road -

goes to Lake Onega and Petroskoi.

The main road here goes to Aunus and Lake Ladoga. A 100 kilometres away.

"Your Royal Highness", he said. A real Royal!

I recognised him from a magazine. It's prince Gustaf Adolf.

You have a fancy passenger. A prince.

He dares to come this close to the line. What's he doing here?

You can ask someone else.

But he's well-informed. I heard him talking to Colonel.

He had a hard time answering all the questions.

And that prince is no sissy.

He wanted to volunteer for the Winter War -

but his grandfather, the king, wouldn't let him.

That's understandable. But he did let the prince come here.

You remember that?

In March. It was reported in the newspapers.

Headquarters, Mikkeli. March 1942

of the brave Finns and you, Field Marshal.

To show our appreciation my grandfather -

His Majesty King Gustaf, stows upon you a knighthood -

and a First Olass grand cross.

The Finnish people have never wanted war.

But neither did we hesitate to take arms to defend our country.

The Swedish royal family knows that we weren't born yesterday.

Mannerheim said that this is Finland's war.

I wanted to go to Leningrad but he refused to attack, twice!

Hitler was furious.

We happen to have the same enemy.

The Winter War was worse. We fought the Russkies and Germans.

When Mannerheim turned 75 Hitler paid him a visit.

Think about it. Mannerheim, who is a lot taller than Hitler -

marching fast.

Quiet. The news.

Headquarters announced that one of our attack patrols -

invaded the enemy positions and destroyed almost ten enemy posts.

Thirty enemy soldiers were killed...

That's you. Järv's patrol made the news.

Tomorrow I'll go to officer training.

Us young officers are too lenient with you rascals.

It'll change when I come back. - OK, sir!

Shut your pie hole!

Is it any good?

You finally came back. - Did you do well in the training?

You have a little tan. - Nothing's changed here.

What was the training like? - What I expected.

What the hell..?

Hi, Harry! What was the training like?

Was it bad?

Whose are these? - That's mine.

There are other guns in similar condition.

Commanders pressure subordinates and me too and you just lie here!

I'm gone for two weeks and everything is a mess!

They tried to force us to become more disciplined.

Like in peacetime. But we didn't give a damn.

No one has to be toady to me.

But the Russkies may come any time so the guns have to be ready!

Inspection in ten minutes.

Slobs get extra guard duty.

Frilund too!

This happens if you're not diligent.

We proceeded undetected into enemy territory -

and acted fast.

We dominated the battle the whole time.

This is routine. - But now we have a prisoner.

I heard that you asked when they want the prisoner.

"Saturday at the latest!"

We fulfilled our mission and took a prisoner.

There were no casualties. The same with the jaegers.

Thanks, Harry. Well done.

You've done almost thirty missions. This one went well too.

They've mostly been recon missions.

But there were too many of us. Nine or ten would be enough.

We could discreetly attack the enemy bases.

I heard that! You have a point.

How did you prepare for the attack?

For three nights we observed them, learnt their routines.

Lieutenant Colonel, who..? - My name's Marttinen.

I wanted this prisoner. I'm the division chief of staff.

Soon I'll be your regiment commander.

I'll try to speak Swedish, at least with the rank and file.

We'll be seeing each other a lot.

Von Wilcken! Ask the prisoner for his name and unit.

His name is Kungurchev. His unit is IR 1061.

Infantry Regiments 61 and 1061?

You see! They outnumber us by a thousand.

We'll do fine.

Good guys. I think we'll get along.

Interpreter, take the prisoner.

HQ of the Regiment staff, 1942

Why is it written in Swedish? You do know Finnish, Captain Taxell.

IR 61 is Swedish-speaking.

Everything is written in Swedish.

You're right, Captain.

You studied at?bo Akademi university?

could you get me a textbook? My Swedish is a little rusty.

Gladly, sir.

Everything OK? - It's peaceful.

My shift ends in thirty minutes...

Help me!

Here I am again. - Good.

You came back. - You got a package.

I found something in Vaasa.

Did you have fun?

Hi, guys! Greetings from Vaasa. - You came back.

How's it going?

Well...

Franzén got killed.

A sniper shot him in the mouth when he was on guard duty.

Franzén too...

Järv brought a new pot.

We have to take care of that sniper.

I talked with our headmaster in Vaasa.

He said we should use our "free time" for educating ourselves.

He thought of us?

Ragnar Krook is a fine man.

He suggested correspondence courses.

You can do your homework here. He'll test you later.

I have some exercises with me. I'll be your instructor.

We don't have enough lamp oil for reading at night.

Wait. The Russkies left a lot of phone cable behind.

We've done some experiments. Look at this.

Look at that. Not bad. Just don't burn the dug-out.

It's been peaceful. I'll get some sleep.

Get up, guys! Our country is calling for your services!

The coffee substitute is ready! - Shut your pie hole, Forss.

Gimme your mess kit, you'll wake up.

What the hell did you make? Cat pee?

Don't swear so much. It's nasty.

Everything's getting worse.

Don't drink that shit. It's better to have tea.

Is it quiet? -Yes.

Good.

Stop! Password!

Spruce... - Twigs. Correct.

I'm reverend Högström. I wanted to meet you soldiers at "the Dam".

Welcome. - Thank you.

Good evening. How's it going in here?

Nothing new.

Please, sit. Kaustinen!

Make some substitute for the reverend.

A lot of grounds here.

What the hell? A foot cloth!

No wonder it's tasted like shit all week.

Here you are, reverend. - Thank you.

I've visited many bases but none like this.

You've worked hard with the trenches, dug-outs and forts.

This looks really great. -The russkies won't get through easily.

But soldiers also need free time.

Nobody can take this for too long. - They need some counterbalance.

Some of the guys and I read and study.

Söderman is studying for his A levels. I'd go crazy without books.

You're studying in these circumstances? -Yes, reverend.

Järv arranged it with our headmaster.

Some don't care for culture. They sleep whenever they can.

Young man, you have a fine camaraderie here.

Good luck to you all.

I hope the Lord protects you.

Thank you for the refreshments. - Thank you for coming.

What does this word, "danger", mean?

It means jeopardy.

If it's really dangerous you can say "peril".

The British have a lot of words. Look them up and you'll learn.

Odd. - Looking them up?

No, studying English whilst they've declared war on us.

What a joke. Soon only Brazil will not be at war against us.

But the gentlemanly British... - It's understandable.

They fight against the Germans and we threaten their supply lines.

Bertel, I'll read you an excerpt of English at its best.

That's "peril" for you.

What did it mean? - Something like this.

"Only noble Finland, even in the jaws of peril" -

"shows what free men can do." - Sounds wonderful.

Who said that? - Guess.

Our "enemy" Ohurchill.

During the Winter War. We both know that we still fight -

against the same enemy.

Some old veterans are allowed to go to home.

But even you new guys should take guard duty seriously.

The Russkies are close so be watchful.

How close, sir? -You don't have to call me that here.

Their defensive perimeter runs behind that hill.

It was relatively quiet -

but now they're hitting us with 60 grenades a day, at noon.

What do we do then? - Take cover in the dug-out.

The guards remain at their posts.

Snipers are the worst. Don't show yourself needlessly.

Many men have died here. Their snipers are good at what they do.

Someone's coming. -The platoon's second-in-command Forss.

He'll take a last look, he's going to officers' school. -It's time.

I guess there's not much to say.

Thanks for everything. - Thanks, Lasse.

I'm happy for you but I know what I'm losing.

Kaustinen is a good replacement. We both know it.

I hope you can take care of that sniper.

He's killed far too many. - Trust me.

We'll deal with that bastard. - Hang tight.

Hang tight, boys!

Lasse! You should stop smoking. It's bad for your health.

You just watch for the flying lead. Nicotine is my problem!

Bye bye!

That was today's lesson.

Don't you have any more hand grenades?

I'll get you more.

That was the sniper. - Oh, yeah?

He wasn't good enough.

I'll go to see Marttinen. I won't be long.

Come in.

I'm sorry, you looked like Döbeln first.

It's nothing. The bullet just scratched me.

Sit down.

I'll get straight to the point.

We haven't been able to destroy the Russian base "Bird".

Another regiment tried to destroy it in March 1942 in vain.

Two companies, engineers and jaegers attacked in snow and open terrain.

It was insane!

They didn't get anywhere.

18 were killed and dozens wounded. - I heard about it.

It'll be different now.

Second Lieutenant Järv -

you'll get the first chance. I believe in you.

Do you have enough volunteers? - More than enough.

Ten men is enough. The rest can be support troops.

Good. Let me know when your group is ready.

I'll issue specific orders about strike groups and cover fire.

You know that "Bird" is strong.

They have at least two platoons, three machine guns and mortars.

OK, boys.

I promised Marttinen you'd come along. We'll leave at 1830 hours.

Helén leads one group, Nordman the other. We can trust them.

Even the battalion commander got involved. Guess what I was ordered?

Only I can have a submachine gun, the rest get rifles.

"We can't afford to lose ten submachine guns." -Asshole!

A submachine gun and three hand grenades for everyone.

Frände, make sure we have piled-up charges.

I know where to put one. Up the Major's ass!

You won't see him there.

But Lieutenant Colonel Marttinen seems to like it there.

Form a row, I'll take a picture.

Where's Backholm? - Sleeping.

Let him sleep. It's going to be a rough night.

Björk, move closer so everybody fits in the photo. Good.

There's a guard ahead. Let's go right.

"The Bird", February 8th and 8th, 1943

There's a guard too. Let's try the middle.

It's past midnight. - We've been here for five hours.

It can't be helped.

My leg has frostbite.

I'll rub it. -No, go back. Let the medic take care of it.

There's a machine gun here.

You'll secure the rear.

Finholm, Fagerström, Frände, come with me.

There it is!

It's unmanned - That's the way they are.

Let's blow it up.

That was a stove hatch. Now we know where they are.

The Russkies are on the left. Stay here to cover us.

That's the main dug-out.

Lieutenant, fire artillery barrage. - Understood, sir!

Goddamn assholes!

Grenades!

Don't be afraid! - Greetings from the White bandits!

Hurry! Reinforcements may be on the way. Grenades here!

Die, Finnish scum!

Greetings to Mannerheim!

I'll show you, bandits!

you're gonna get it!

More Russkies!

They won't surrender. Use a charge!

Help... My leg...

We're about ready, is everyone here?

You OK? -A few pieces of shrapnels in my leg.

Nothing serious. - Good.

Let's go or the whole Red Army will be on our tail.

Tough Russkies, nobody surrendered. Take him with you.

Stretcher!

He was hit in the lungs.

You got lucky, Ragnar. We'll see you soon.

Hey, Järv. Aren't you ever afraid?

I'm sometimes really afraid. - Of course I'm afraid.

No normal 20-year-old wants to die.

In battle I feel a knot in my stomach.

It's not paralysing fear but adrenaline surging into my brain.

It makes me 100 %%% effective.

But some react differently.

They freeze or run away scared.

Fear must be controlled.

You know how. Otherwise I wouldn't take you with me.

Of course I'm sometimes afraid.

But not as much when Järv is with us.

Here they come!

His name is Nikolai Smirnov.

Take him to the first-aid station quickly. He is valuable.

If he stays alive.

We'll go to the dug-out.

Wait.

We carried him and now he's dead. - It wasn't exactly his fault.

Let's take him inside. They can bury him.

Klas... I've been thinking.

Strange. Smirnov shot me in the lungs four months ago.

Now he's dead. - And you're very much alive!

Do you hear? The Russkies' time signal is as punctual as...

Ragnar!

Is anyone else wounded?

How did they hit such a small hole?

Stretchers.

I'll immortalise one corner of our great dwelling.

Stay there so the photo looks more life-like.

Sit at the end of the table, Kaustinen.

Try to look like you're learning something.

Söderman, sit and look into the camera.

You can show your girl what good conditions you have here.

I'm not in the mood today.

Don't move.

Why are you sulking on such a beautiful day?

The girl I told you about the other day...

I got a letter from her. She's not my girl.

Did she break it off? - It didn't even start.

Sounds bad. Let's leave him alone.

I'm sorry.

Captain.

The Army Corps ordered us to increase our patrols.

Tell Lieutenants Järv and Mattas to come here. -Yes, sir.

We're on time.

I wonder what's so important.

Who knows? Soon we'll find out.

Lieutenant Colonel. - At ease!

Sit down.

Gentlemen, we received new general orders.

Every company must send one recon or strike patrol to the front line -

every day.

Järv, you'll be the regiment's patrol leader.

Mattas is your deputy.

The jaeger company has other duties. Questions?

I've only used volunteers in my patrols.

Are we supposed to patrol for others as well? -I'm not asking that.

You can assign men from other units if you want.

It's your business if you want to do others' work.

That's all.

Good luck and thank you. You may return to your units.

One moment. - Thank you.

We have a lot of work ahead of us. - True.

Marttinen is breathing down our necks. -You know why?

He wants us to be battle ready. Forts and patrols are for that.

Indeed. He won't let us become lazy.

We must be vigilant and earn the enemy's respect.

It's good for morale.

But it means casualties. - Exactly.

He doesn't think the price is too high.

"The Dam", Järv. - Taxell here.

Marttinen wants you to recon a Russian base next to 2nd battalion.

And a prisoner. Will you do it?

The boys at 2nd scouted the place. - OK. It must be planned well.

I want details of their defences.

I'll speak to my colleagues. - I'll get back to you. Over.

Can I come along? - Sure. We work well together.

I'll come along. -OK.

Yes? - Can I come along?

Can I come along? - Welcome.

This'll be a good strike group. Seven men is enough.

We'll go to 2nd battalion to get to know the situation.

Just a few hours left...

Don't worry, Bertel. It'll go well, you'll see.

Damn bedbugs!

What are you reading?

Show me. - History of philosophy.

You've read it thoroughly. - It's a good book.

Socrates. Plato.

I want to read this. - Of course.

Plato is overrated. A metaphysicist and a speculative philosopher.

Quit lecturing and turn off the light. We want to sleep. -Soon.

In Plato's model society individuals had no rights.

The role of literature was to idolise the powers that be.

Plato's society has now come to pass with Stalin and Hitler.

Really? We weren't taught that.

Aristotle is much better. His thinking is based on reality.

But he did make mistakes. He said -

that Nordic people are brave in war but dumb in the head.

That's his opinion of us.

Now we should sleep. - If it's possible.

The battle begins here.

Järv and his men go in, Major Tirronen fires the artillery.

Thank you, Lieutenant Mangs.

You know your mission.

I want a prisoner.

Your other task is to crush the base "Sea".

I'm counting on you to do your best.

I'll be around until the mission is over.

Let's take a picture.

Did you notice that Söderman has grown ten centimetres?

Laugh all you want. Napoleon was small and a corporal too.

We can't go forward. - Let's try another way.

This is a good spot. Take a break.

It's too quiet.

It's three o'clock already. We have to wait for the evening breeze.

Helén, Finholm.

Finally you're here! - I came at once. What now?

Someone was standing there!

There!

No one's there. Calm down.

There is! I saw a face! - you saw a ghost.

He's nervous.

Damn, they don't believe me!

What's the time?

Three on the dot. - Mission began 18 hours ago.

I guess I dare to smoke one.

Or do I?

Not moving for four hours and thinking of smoking was hard.

Damn! I have to quit this.

My word of honour. When we beat "the Sea" I'll smoke no more!

I promise.

Get up, boys. Time to get busy.

Harry!

Söderman! No...

Järv, I'm hit! - Leave if you can!

Boys!

Kaustinen and I are wounded!

Can you make it? - Yes, I can.

Allan, grenade!

Can you make it? You understand?

Walk to the first-aid station.

Östman! That way.

No prisoner this day either.

Yeah.

We have casualties: one dead and seven wounded.

"The Sea" was destroyed but we have no prisoner.

The Russkies fought hard. About thirty of them were killed.

I thank you all and the strike group.

The wounded will receive good treatment.

Lieutenant, come to report at my HQ at noon. -Yes, sir.

No one has died for me before.

And Söderman of all people...

He sacrificed himself for me.

The law of war is hard.

But it's not your fault.

Mangs, take a picture of Helén and me. -Sure.

Press there.

That's Söderman's box. The small one.

Listen to what Söderman wrote.

"If I get killed, I want to die like a Finnish soldier."

And he did.

Fire!

"Our last respects to our brave comrade in arms" -

"Corporal Bertel Söderman."

"Rest in peace. Your friends at the front."

Dear friends and family of Bertel Söderman.

My talented young student had his whole life ahead of him.

But destiny decided otherwise.

Even in grim circumstances Bertel remained humane.

And he was also a brave soldier.

There is no greater sacrifice -

than giving his life for his comrades.

Now we'll carry his memory with us -

which is as bright as the marble in the ballroom of the school.

His name will be engraved in it -

where it will shine for the following generations.

I've lost so many great boys.

What are your plans? No matter how the war ends.

I don't know.

I've enquired about degree requirements from the university.

You've always been interested in everything.

Good luck, my friend. - Thank you, headmaster.

You know your mission.

Take a prisoner and recon in the Russkie hinterland.

Good luck.

Strike groups!

Mines!

We'll stop here.

Lindblad, go further back with Olof and Kanckos.

We'll try capturing a lone Russkie.

It must be done in silence. No gun fire!

Capturing many is too risky. We're too far behind the lines.

Let them go. We would have to fire.

Look at those clothes.

Next time someone says that Russkies have bad uniforms, I'll beat them!

No more Russkies, I guess.

Let's go home and continue tomorrow.

Harry!

Don't move!

It's clear now.

Ufa! You must leave me here.

Go on! There's no point in you staying here!

Järv hit a mine.

Dammit, boys! We can't leave him even if he ordered us.

I'm going back.

As I was laying there I thought about books -

I hadn't read yet.

I thought of all the pretty girls I'd never get to see...

And I felt that it was unreasonable -

to die at the age of 22.

I ordered you to go.

You told us about the Three Musketeers.

"One for all and all for one."

How are you?

Can you walk? Good! We'll take Järv.

And Nordström.

Switch!

How are you, Lindblad? - Just a flesh wound.

I can help you.

Klockars! Oheck if they need help. - Yes, sir!

Give him water.

Let's go.

Does anyone know their blood type?

Mine's O. - Good. You'll donate blood.

How are you, Lindblad? Nothing serious?

No, sir. I'll be OK soon. - Good. I need men like you.

That was fast, boys. Thank you.

Sit down. Giving blood is no easy task.

I feel dizzy. - How is Järv?

He came to after three bottles of plasma.

And a hefty dose of my blood.

You can be proud, corporal.

Thank you, Lieutenant. Thank you for everything.

You'll make it.

I spent a long time at the hospital.

The wound didn't heal and had to be operated on many times.

St Göran's hospital, May 1944

You got mail.

From my regiment commander. - Nice.

He still remembers me. It's been nine months already.

How are you feeling? - OK.

"A soldier's hand, foot and life can be taken. "

"May Lord protect this land, that is all I want. "

"Thus sang a soldier begging for money in Ensign St?I."

"He didn't feel sorry for his lost leg. "

"Our country is what mattered the most. "

"you have that same courage. you've shown it in spades. "

"y our work is done, your duty fulfilled. "

"I am proud of you. "

"Remember to write to us. "

"If you need something, we'll do our best to help you. "

"y our comrade, Lieutenant Colonel Alpo Marttinen. "

Soon you'll walk with a prosthetic limb.

We'll transfer you to Salsta castle.

Baroness Wera von Essen has set up a convalescence home -

for Finnish soldiers.

Reconnaissance division June 7th, 1944, Stockholm

I'd like to speak to Engineer Lieutenant Nils-Erik Stenbäck.

Stenbäck.

Hi, Nils-Erik. It's Ourt Wennberg.

HQ's reconnaissance division, Mikkeli

How are you? - I'll speak candidly.

What the devil are you doing?

The Russkies have 24+ divisions ready for attack.

Twenty-four?

Cannons and tanks side by side. And more motorised units are coming.

The attack may start at anytime -

and you're not even practising! Unbelievable.

I just wanted to warn you.

Not exactly good news, Ourt. But thanks.

A lot.

Ketonen, dammit!

Even the Swedes know the Russians are launching a major offensive.

Looks like it. They've concentrated more troops than we anticipated.

I wrote in the report that a major offensive may start any day.

We'll see if the big boys like it.

You can't do that. You know General Airo's orders.

Mannerheim is not to be unnerved. - It doesn't change the facts.

Sounds horrible. It's the real deal in Karelia now.

Believe me, boys. We won't get old here.

61 is heading west soon.

You almost hope for it.

What the hell are we doing here if Helsinki is under threat?

Vyborg fell suddenly on June 20th which caused a threat.

If Russkies had crossed the strait they would've gotten to Helsinki.

Instead they stopped at Vyborg to celebrate their victory.

IR 61 was ordered to assume command of Tienhaara.

Marttinen understood what was at stake.

He told his men over and over again -

that Tienhaara was Finland's lock.

And he was determined to keep it locked.

We're getting close.

We'll arrive in about thirty minutes.

The company will march to Tienhaara. Expect artillery and aerial attacks.

The boys shouldn't march in too tight a formation.

Look at this map.

Salsta castle. June 10th, 1944

You're very kind, baroness. - You've deserved your coffee.

Go ahead.

Oream and sugar?

No, thanks.

Here is the news.

The Soviet Union has launched a major offensive in Karelia.

The Finnish posts were heavily bombarded yesterday.

And the bombardment intensified this morning.

Soviet forces have broken through Finnish defences -

and forced the Finns to withdraw.

In Normandy, the Allied forces have strengthened...

It's time for me to go back.

Are you going to the front with that leg? It hasn't even healed properly.

Perhaps. And it's driving me crazy! My place is at the front.

Excuse me...

Don't think I'm not grateful to you and Sweden. -Of course not.

Karelian peninsula, June 22nd, 1944

Stop!

Where's your commander?

Where's your commander?

The battalion remains at their posts!

If you leave, I'll court-martial you! At least try!

Another group will relieve you soon.

Major Eino Penttilä, Lieutenant Colonel.

Alpo Marttinen, commander of IR 61.

I've defended Kivisillansalmi with two short handed battalions.

The Russkies tried to come across an hour ago.

About a company, but they were beaten. You came at the last minute.

We've fought for two weeks against their point of offensive.

This group is near the end. - OK. I understand.

IR 61 will relieve you at 1500 hours.

Let your troops rest and make it combat ready. -Yes, sir.

The furniture is in place, good!

Gentlemen, the regiment position is this:

Major Holmberg's 1st battalion will be in command on the left -

from Rapattila to Kivisilta.

Detached Battalion 27 will be to your left.

I'll move my command post to the front.

Is the Major afraid?

You'll position the 3rd battalion to Major Holmberg's right side.

To your right side are the Estonian volunteers, IR 200.

Captain Renvall's 2nd battalion will be reserves at the rear.

Position the machine guns at the waterside.

The artillery fire will be murderous.

Every man has to dig himself a foxhole.

Sweat spares blood. Tell that to your men.

I know that they're tired and hungry after the march -

but the situation is as it is. Questions?

The first companies arrive shortly. Go!

Wessberg. Tell the artillery commander to come here.

Co-operation with the artillery -

communications and maintenance must be improved.

Understood, sir.

What the hell? They're going the wrong way.

Shut up, boys! Don't mind us.

Who knows what hell they've been through.

Let's get to it. Like Marttinen said, sweat spares blood.

You must be able to shoot to those bridges.

Lieutenant Colonel.

Major Heikki Huttunen, commander of 1st artillery battalion of FAR 8.

Rauramo assigned me to be your artillery commander.

Marttinen. - Lieutenant Sipiläinen.

Sit down.

How is Colonel Rauramo going to support us?

FAR 8 commands more than three artillery battalions.

Over 70 cannons can be concentrated to assist you.

Over 50 %%% of them are at your personal disposal.

The material is in place.

Communications are being built and fire plans developed.

Sounds good. Thanks, Major.

Thank you.

Seventy... Good.

Sir! - Any casualties?

Five killed and 58 wounded.

OK.

How's your munitions?

The times are hard but Marttinen has it under control.

We'll be OK.

What is it, Harry? Can't you get any sleep? -No.

Are you thinking of our comrades?

It's horrible to lie here, I should be there with them.

We'll come to get you.

Are there any more wounded? - Are you nuts? Get down!

Oh, hell!

Who's going to take care of them now?

Unis. Nyström is out of the game.

You'll take command of the platoon.

I'll take command of the company after Captain Joffs.

Major Holmberg says that all 1st company commanders are wounded.

Pikulinsky, Holmström and Hjort.

The 11th company was under concentrated artillery fire.

Joffs and Nyström are both out.

Löfman assumed command and Unis took over Nyström's platoon.

They've lost 27 men, only six are left.

Wessberg! Contact the Estonian volunteers.

If the situation cools, we leave. We're not staying here to die.

Here they come!

Defense Sorvali! Fire!

Defense Linna! Fire!

Dammit! All the lines are broken!

One to two battalions?

I can't make it out.

One to two battalions -

are attacking over the Sorvali and Linnasaari strait. Right?

Contact the division HQ! Give it to me.

The cannons are aimed? - Yes.

Captain Renvall, II/IR 61, connect to the artillery office!

Captain Hänninen. - Captain Renvall.

Russkies attack from Linnasaari and Sorvali with two battalions.

Two battalions!

I'll take full responsibility and order you to fire!

They've had enough for now.

But they'll be back!

Headquarters, Mikkeli

Can Tienhaara hold -

if it sounds like this 120 kilometres away?

The 3rd battalion commander says -

that the Russkies have broken through at Kivisilta.

Thank you. You can go back.

Wessberg! The Russkies must be beaten!

Here's an order for Major Holmberg.

How many assault guns will support us? -Two, sir.

You two go to Major Holmberg with this order.

But on separate routes. Understood? - Yes, sir.

Medics!

Sir, an order from the commander.

Thank you.

Listen, boys!

"One or two platoons have broken through at Kivisilta. "

"They must be stopped. Use assault guns in counterattack."

"An energetic officer must lead it to make it work."

"It must be done swiftly. Reserves must be used without compunction."

"Marttinen."

Löfman, you'll strike back with the 11th company.

Our artillery and two assault guns will lay down cover fire. It's OK.

Good luck.

Thank you, sir.

11th company, follow me!

Platoon commanders and group leaders here!

To the bridge! At any cost!

We could use Järv now. - No kidding.

They're here!

Medic!

They're not here anymore.

My weapon...

And Löfman? - He's dead.

A call from headquarters to the commander of IR 61.

This is the commander-in-chief.

Lieutenant Colonel Marttinen, sir Field Marshal!

Do you have the situation under control, Lieutenant Colonel?

Tienhaara will hold, sir.

Tienhaara will hold... I thank you... Colonel.

Relay my thanks to the regiment.

Our country is saved... for now.

Thank you, sir Field Marshal.

Over.

Hello.

Congratulations, Colonel.

The Russkies have had enough for now.

But the price was too high.

I lost hundreds of men.

Five company commanders died today.

There are only 38 men left in the 11th company.

War is hard.

Colonel, I heard you were promoted. Congratulations.

Thank you, Lieutenant.

But in all honesty I have to say -

that this battle was won mainly because of the artillery.

Tell that to your regiment.

Shouldn't you rest, Colonel? It's quieter now.

No.

I must go to the front line to thank the men. Marshal's orders.

Soldiers!

It's been a tough day.

We will never see many of our comrades again.

And even more were wounded.

But I'm very proud of you.

Our commander-in-chief Field Marshal Mannerheim -

personally asked me to thank you, men of IR 61.

Because of you he promoted me to Colonel.

No Russkies who came here remained alive.

You also, Lieutenant Lillandt, have been promoted.

Congratulations, Captain.

Remember what I said, boys! Tienhaara is Finland's lock.

I rely on you. The Marshal relies on us!

Do you think that the troops will hold? -Yes, Colonel.

The foxholes are the best place to be.

We'll be OK if the artillery is as good as today.

If there's enough munitions and bread and other food too.

Thanks, Captain. I'll make sure you'll get all you need.

We cannot retreat unless there's peace.

If we want to save our lives and our nation.

What did he want? - Nothing special.

He gave a speech to the boys.

During the days and weeks in Tienhaara -

IR 61 lost 820 men.

But the Finnish lock and the road to Helsinki remained closed.

A few weeks after that -

Finland's independence was at stake every day.

After Tienhaara, the Red Army tried

to win the war at Tali-Ihantala.

The largest battle of the Nordic countries

was fought there.