Battle at Portinhoikka Crossroads - June 25, 1944.
Many years ago (1982 more or less), I was able to visit the Pannsarimuseo (Tank Museum) outside of Hameenlinna, Finland. Below are my notes from the visit, including the map I copied by sketch. I no longer remember if I translated the narrative below, or if it was in English as well as Finnish. The punctuation is a bit strange, which makes me think I translated it myself. In any case, for my money, this was the most remarkable tank encounter I have ever read about. Tank Battle at Portinhoikka June 25, 1944, 1515-1630 hours On June 25 th , 1944; an especially strong Russian artillery barrage commenced on the north-east side of Viipuri Station; and a strong Russian armored wedge plunged over the gap in the line and assaulted the Finnish rear guard, situated on the road from Juustilaa to Viipuri near the Ihantala crossroads, and pushing on to Juustilaa. The Finnish divisional commander threw his armored reserve into the opening created by the Ru...
