Memorial of Hyövynvaara

Memorial Of Hyövynvaara was revealed in 2019.

In 1939 December the Finnish Army achieved its biggest battle victories so far in Road Kuusamo-Suomussalmi (North from Suomussalmi Kirkonkylä) where operated the troops “Ryhmä Susi” and the 6th cycling battalion. “Ryhmä Susi” had to beat the Soviet troops, take over an area called Kiannanniemi and assure the left flank by attacking to Ruhtinansalmi and cut the road of retrieving enemies in Lake Kianta . “Ryhmä Susi” achieved these except for the last one.

Around Christmas, Road Kuusamo-Suomussalmi was still taken by Russians. The Russian troops originally planned to attack Peranka and Puolanka but cancelled on Christmas Day. They stayed in the area which was a wrong decision – Finnish troops captured the Russians by cutting the Road Kuusamo-Suomussalmi.

At the same time, another Finnish troops lead by Yrjö Hakanen attacked to South from Piispajärvi and battled in Haapavaara, Soviet troops retreated and were now captured in a small area near Hyövynvaara.

Few days later there began large battles and Finns achieved one of the most impressive victory in Winter War. The Soviet troops, including officers ran away and left alone the other troops that were in the battle.

In January “Ryhmä Susi” that by now included special battalion of Kuusamo, 6th cycling battalion and the first battalion of 65th Infantry regiment continued to chase the retreaving Soviet troops towards Juntusranta village but couldn’t take over the area. Juntusranta was occupied by the Soviets until the end of Winter war.