Lapland War - The attack of the SS Nord

May 02, 2026

Lapland War - The attack of the SS Nord

LAPINSOTA The Lapland War (Sep 15, 1944 – Apr 27, 1945) Campaign

Rules: Nuts! By TwoHourWargames (28mm WWII skirmish) – with a few personal touches here and there (not to mention forgetting a rule now and then).

The Mission Card Deck will be used for pretty much everything.

Map: The map is divided into nine equal sections, numbered in white on black in the first photo. I play on a 4’x6’ board, so each section is 16”x 24”. The numbers on the map are not in the center of the section; I just tried to make them unobtrusive. The purpose of this is to help identify placement of enemy forces and reinforcements.

Note: Inappropriate capitalization in the middle of a sentence refers to rules’ mechanics. They, along with other abbreviations and more campaign background can be found: HERE

Campaign Background: Lapinsota, The Lapland War (Sep 15, 1944 – Apr 27, 1945)

Follows the exploits of Kersantti (Sgt) Tapio Kalvela, AKA “The Metsän Kauhu” (Terror of thew Forest) or often just “The Kauhu” and his Rahajääkäri (Border Jaeger) squad (The Brute Squad) as they try to expel the Germans from Lapland as demanded by the Soviets. All squad members will keep the same name throughout the campaign, because I like the names and it’s easier to keep track that way. Should one become incapacitated and have to be replaced for whatever reason, a Roman numeral will be placed after their name (Kirsi II, etc.). They will also have to start over at Rep3 with a new random attribute.

They will be supported by elements of Luutnantti (1Lt) Lamio’s rifle company from time to time - two squads and a medium MG team. These guys are handled a little bit differently. They are all named after characters in the novel/movie “The Unknown Soldier” – which is why I have 2Lts leading squads. Their Rep is based upon how good a soldier they were in the novel while keeping in mind the basic percentages from the list (1/6 Rep 3, 1/2 Rep4 & 1/3 Rep5). There are two exceptions – one in each rifle squad (Rokka and Viirilä – both Rep6) because they were exceptionally good soldiers in the novel.

Because they are not part of the “Star Squad,” if any of these guys are lost for whatever reason, they will return for the next battle at the same Rep and with the same weapons, although they will also get the Roman numeral treatment.

After receiving some new recruits, The Brute Squad is currently as follows:

· The Kauhu, Rep5, SMG, satchel charge, Mol Cocktail; Born Leader, Brawler,

· Alikersantti (Cpl) Suominen, Rep5, SA Rifle, Panzerfaust; Lucky

· Korpraali (PFC) Pylkäs, Rep6, SMG, 2 grenades; Combat Sense

· Korpraali Korpi “The Immortal:” Rep6, SMG, 2 grenades; Rage

· Jääkäri (Jaeger private) Könsikäs, Rep5, LMG; Agile

· Jääkäri Kemppaala, Rep4, BA Rifle, AT Mine, Mol Cocktail; Tank Killer

· Jääkäri Kirsi II: Rep3, BA Rifle, 2 grenades; Knifeman

· Jääkäri Niska II: Rep3, BA Rifle, 2 grenades; no Attribute

· Jääkäri Lång: Rep3, BA Rifle, 2 grenades; no Attribute

· Medic Hussi: Rep4, BA Rifle; (Attached – not part of squad)

Jääkäri Taikuri II has been transferred to platoon HQ

German Forces: The German forces available during the campaign are:

· SS Nord Division, 2^nd Gebirgsjager division, 169^th Infantry Division

Note: Patrol and Choc & Cig scenarios do not affect Campaign Morale

1st Scenario: Patrol v. SS Nord: German Victory

2^nd Scenario:

Date: Oct 05, 1944; somewhere in Finnish Lapland

Weather: Clear

Campaign Morale: Germans (4), Finns (4)

Investment Level: Germans (4), Finns (3).

The Mission: The Kauhu’s patrol ran into the main enemy line and were forced to fall back and rejoin Lt Lamio’s half-platoon. The Kauhu’s patrol did accomplish one thing, it bought Lamio some time. Lamio used the time to send a half-platoon to protect the bridge over the Hirvijoki (Elk River – off map behind the Finnish position). The river isn’t particularly wide, but it is impossible for vehicles to cross except at the bridge. Lamio’s entire force is not yet ready, so he has ordered Vänrikki Koskela to form an advanced guard and hold off long enough for him to arrive with reinforcements. Koskela (SMG) does not have enough men to adequately man the entire line, so he has had to split both his and The Kauhu’s squad into three teams, from left to right they are:

· Jaegers Pylkäs & Korpi (2x SMG)

· The Kauhu (SMG & 3 x BA Rifles)

· Cpl Suominen’s group (LMG, SA Rifle & BA Rifle)

· Sgt Hietanen’s group (LMG, SMG & 2 BA Rifles)

· 2Lt Koskela’s Group (SMG & 3 BA Rifles)

· Cpl Rokka & Tassu Susi (SMG & BA Rifle)

6^th SS Col von Strohm has used the time garnered by the defeat of The Kauhu’s patrol to gather a task force. Col von Strohm has ordered Captain Geering to take his company and capture the bridge at once. As speed is of the essence, he has not had time to gather his entire company, so sends only Lt Gruber’s platoon. The rest of the company is coming on double quick to reinforce them.

Turn 1: New PEF (#5) in sector #1. Followed by German reinforcements; 1^st squad of 1^st platoon (1/1) – a 10-man rifle squad in sector one. The Germans cannot activate and the Finns are content to stay in their defensive positions.

The German squad leader divides his squad into two groups: a fire group (JNCO, MG42 team and the RGL man) and a maneuver group (Sgt + 4 rifles)

Turn 2-3: Germans cannot activate; Finns remain in their defensive positions.

Turn 4: Germans cannot activate, but receive more reinforcements in sector #1, another 10-man squad (2/1) plus the platoon leader and a few others. They are likewise split into two teams. The Finns remain in their defensive positions.

Turn 5: Germans cannot activate, the Mission Deck calls for still more reinforcements (3/1, a 3-man MG34 team in a defensive position in sector #3) and a new PEF (#6) in sector #2. No one has moved yet and the Finns are in serious trouble. Worse than that, I am running out of German figs. If this keeps up, I’ll have to use some unfinished figs or proxy some Americans (perish the thought).

Turn 6-7: Germans cannot activate; Finns remain in their defensive positions

Note: A very unusual start. Sometimes you can only laugh at the cruelty of the dice gods.

Turn 8: Finnish initiative, but with no targets in sight and now being seriously outnumbered, they dare not leave their defensive positions.

The Germans are finally able to move – all PEFs move forward and some are identified.

PEF3 is spotted by Corporal Suominen. A sniper attack, but there are no casualties.

PEF4 is spotted by Pylkäs and identified as the 4/1, a small 6-man LMG squad and the 1^st platoon sergeant. Pylkäs fires his SMG first, killing the Jr NCO and forcing the squad leader and the rifle grenade-launcher to Duck Back. Korpi fires his SMG on the MG42 team, forcing them to Duck Back, but also suffers an ammunition problem.

During Active Fire, the German platoon sergeant and the ammo bearer force both Pylkäs and Korpi to Duck Back.

PEF6 is identified by Sgt Hietanen as only Rumors.

The German 1/1 and 2/1 are combined into one group under the command of Lt Gruber, the 1^st platoon leader. The 2/1 (on the left) is still unseen in the cover of the woods. The 1/1 is spotted by Koskela as they advance over some rough ground. The Germans fire first. They cause no casualties but MG42 fire forces Koskela and his 3 riflemen to Duck Back.

The 3/1 moves forward and is spotted and engaged by The Kauhu. The 3/1 is forced to Duck Back.

Turn 8: Finnish initiative

Koskela and Pylkäs Recover their men from Duck Back. Korpi fixes his ammo issue.

Hietanen (rifle) and Vanhala (LMG) engage part of the 1/1 (the LMG team and the RGL) forcing them to Duck Back.

The three remaining German PEFs advance, 1 & 2 are identified.

PEF1 is spotted by Rokka and identified as another 10-man squad (1/2). The Finns fire first, but ineffectively. To make matters worse, Rokka has an ammunition issue. Rokka and his life-long friend Tassu Susi (Wolf’s paw) Duck Back.

While the fire team of the 1/1 Recovers from their Duck Back, the maneuver team engages Hietanen. As Brave and fearless as Hietanen is, his fortune comes to an end, as he is killed by a “Pitiful shot” from a Rep3 enemy. Vanhala and his assistant gunner Duck Back.

PEF2 moves forward and is identified by private Asumaniemi. Somewhat awkwardly, the Mission Deck declares it to be mines which falls on the maneuver element of the 1/1, killing two, wounding two and forcing the last one to Leave the Battlefield.

The 3/1 and 4/1 Recover

Turn 9: Finnish Initiative, but cannot Activate

On the German left, 1/1 moves forward and is spotted by Vanhala (LMG) who fires first; he forces the MG42 team to Duck Back, but is killed by Active Fire from the German squad leader.

On the German right, the 3/1 advances and is spotted by Alikersantti (cpl) Suominen. Könsikäs (LMG) wounds the German MG34 gunner and others are forced to Duck Back.

The remaining German squads advance without incident.

Turn 10: German Initiative

On the German left rear, the 1/1 squad leader decides to hold his position while his MG42 gunner recovers. The 2/1 advances slowly and is now even with 1/1.

On the German left front 1/2 and 2/2 advance under their lieutenant and are engaged by the Finns. On the far left, the 1/2 engages Rokka and Susi. The Germans again get the drop on Rokka and fire first. They cause no casualties and with no where to go (close to edge of board) Rokka and Susi drop Prone. Active Fire doesn’t do anything else except keep their heads down.

Just to their right, the 2/2 engages Vänrikki (2Lt) Koskela. Koskela and his three riflemen fire first, but only cause a few Duck Backs. Unfortunately for the Finns, Koskela is wounded by Active Fire, he is able to keep his riflemen in the fight however.

On the German right, the 4/1 advances and is engaged my Suominen. The Germans fire first and wound Könsikäs. The other Finns Duck Back behind their cover.

Finnish phase

The various Finnish units, except Riitaoja (a rifleman w/ Koskela) Recover. There are no new sightings.

Rokka pops up from his prone position and scores a hit on the German MG42 gunner, but only forces a Duck Back. Susi scores a hit on a German rifleman, which shatters their nerves and forces the entire squad (2/1) to Duck Back.

Just to his left, Pvt Honkajoki picks up Koskela’s SMG. In the center, firing at extreme range, Pvt Asumaniemi fires his SMG and forces the 2/2 squad leader to Duck Back.

On the Finnish far left Korpraali (PFC) Pylkäs leads jääkari Korpi forward to engage the German 4/1. Pylkäs senses something is a miss and stops just in time before the Germans fire first. (Pylkäs has the special Attribute “combat sense” which enables his to react before the enemy can fire first if he loses the In Sight Test).

The Kauhu advances with his few riflemen, but is immediately forced to Duck Back by the two German Squads.

One good piece of news, medic Hussi was able to get Könsikäs back in the fight.

Turn 11: Finnish initiative

The Kauhu and Pylkäs get their groups to Recover.

Suominen and Könsikäs pop up from behind their cover where they engage and kill the MG34 gunner, forcing the last two ammo bearers to Leave the Battlefield.

In the center, Pvt Asumaniemi fires at the flank of the 2/2, forcing two riflemen to Duck Back.

German phase

Cpt Geering spends the turn organizing the two platoons (two squads from 1^st platoon and two from 2^nd) as they had become intermingled. (Rule Note: I didn’t feel like rolling 40 pairs of dice to see who recovered, so since casualties had been light so far, the umpire, that is me, just allowed them to rally all at once).

Turn 12: The Germans fail to Activate but receive more reinforcements (Where is Lt Lamio?! With the Finnish reinforcements?!). The Mission Deck declares it to be a new PEF (#6) in sector 3.

Pylkäs leads Korpi forward again. This time they fire first. They kill the squad leader and wound another, the two last survivors (both originally ammo bearers for the MG42) of the squad Duck Back and hang on.

The Kauhu moves over to within shouting distance of Pylkäs.

No other moves.

Turn 13: Finnish Initiative

With things mostly taken care of on the Finnish left (although there is one PEF left), The Kauhu signals Pylkäs and Korpi to follow him over to the right flank. The amount of fire coming from the Finnish right tells The Kauhu there is big trouble over there. He tells Jääkäri Kemppaala to take charge of Kirsi and Niska and hold their positions, no matter what.

German phase

PEF6 is spotted by Suominen – but it is only Rumors. The only German force on this flank is two rather shaken riflemen.

Captain Geering orders the two squads from 2^nd platoon forward and they engage the enemy. The left squad (1/2) engages Rokka – who is having a bad day. He scores a hit on the MG42 gunner, but has another ammo issue, Rokka is eventually forced to Duck Back after his friend Susi is killed. Rokka is determined to stay in the fight, so heads towards Honkajoki’s position instead of dropping back off the map edge.

The right squad engages the three men at Honkajoki’s position. German fire forces all three to Duck Back behind cover.

Turn 14: Finnish initiative

Rokka (now by himself) Recovers, as does Honkajoki and his small group.

The Kauhu and his group start their Fast Move to the deteriorating right flank, he signals Könsikäs and medic Hussi to join them as he passes.

German phase

The 1/2 elects to wait for their MG42 gunner to recover before moving, The 2/2 fires on Honkajoki’s position. They cause no casualties, but do keep their heads down.

Lt Gruber keeps the two squads from 1^st platoon in reserve behind 2^nd platoon – waiting to exploit a breakthrough.

Turn 15: Germans fail to activate, but receive more reinforcements! The Mission Deck called for D3 tanks! And of course I rolled up three, but since I only have two models – that’s all they get: two Hotchkiss H39s.

Aks (Cpl) Rokka joins Pvt Honkajoki’s group and takes charge. He is able to get them to Recover from Duck Back.

The Kauhu and his group have now reached the central ridge, keeping it between them and the Germans to stay out of sight. Pvt Asumaniemi falls back from his position on the hill and join the group.

Turn 16: Finnish initiative

The Kauhu and his cover are taking position behind the ridge.

With the tanks coming, Suominen and Lång switch places with Kemppaala.

German phase

The 2/2 breaks up into two groups, a fire group (Corporal and MG42 team) and a maneuver group (Sgt and riflemen). The fire group forces Rokka and his group to Duck Back behind their cover. The maneuver group advances in an attempt to flank Rokka. The 1/2 moves behind the 2/2 in support.

Turn 17: Finnish initiative

On the left, Kemppaala moves up and takes position near the road to ambush the tanks.

The Kauhu leads his group up into the rocks on the top of the hill, but someone makes too much noise and they are spotted by the Germans, who fire first. The Kauhu and Asumaniemi are forced to take cover. The others stand tall, Könsikäs kills a rifleman and the others force the remainder of the 2/2 detachment to Duck Back.

Pylkäs and his group switch their attention to the 2/2 fire group (Active Fire). The combined fire on Pykäs (SMG), Korpi (SMG) and Könsikäs (LMG) destroys the German group, killing or wounding all but one ammo bearer, who promptly Leaves the Battlefield.

Rokka again rallies his men and they Recover.

German phase

The 1/2 advances and is spotted by the groups of Pylkäs and Rokka.

The combined fire of the two Finnish groups kills two and wounds two others, forcing the rest to Leave the Battlefield. Rokka needs to take better care of his equipment, as he suffers his third ammo issue.

Meanwhile, the 2/2 Recovers and the 2/1 moves up.

The two tanks move up and spot the Kauhu’s group among the rocks. They open fire with their machineguns. They cause no casualties, but force The Kauhu and his men to Duck Back behind the ridge.

Turn 18: Finnish initiative

Rokka fixes his ammo issue (again) and readies his men to defend the expected assault.

In the center, The Kauhu’s group Recovers. On the left, Kemppaala crawls closer to the edge of road, while staying out of the LOS of the tanks.

German phase

The TC of the lead German tank hears the battle off to his left. He leaves the road and moves toward Rokka’s position at half speed.

On the German left, Cpt Geering pushes forward all of his squads, who now form one group for movement. However, because he is in the rear, they will each have to do their own In Sight Tests.

The two forward most groups step into Group Rokka’s line of sight and he opens fire. Rokka kills the MG42 gunner and Honkajoki forces the 2/1 squad leader to Duck Back. The rifle fire of Rahikainen and Riitaoja forces the two MG assistants to Duck Back as well.

The odds are just too great however, as Active Fire from the others wounds Rokka, and Honkajoki and causes Rahikainen and Riitaoja to Leave the Battlefield.

Turn 19: Yet another PEF appears behind the tanks. It is immediately spotted by Cpl Suominen and Pvt Kemppaala and is identified as a small MG42 team (4 men). Only Suominen’s group fires, but it is enough. Suominen wounds the MG42 gunner and Kirsi wounds the assistant. Niska kills the ammo bearer, but Lång is forced to Duck Back by the NCO. The surviving Germans leave the battlefield.

Finnish Initiative

The Kauhu contemplates leading his men out of there, but he is loathe to leave the valiant (and wounded) Rokka behind. He must try at least once to save him.

German Phase

Suominen knew that engaging the tanks would be dangerous, but if he did nothing, Kemppaala would have no chance against the tanks. However, their rifle fire caught the attention of the tanks, which pivot and fire their MGs at the Finns. Niska is killed and Kirsi is wounded, but able to move. Suominen has to Duck Back, but is able to wait for Kiris before they Leave the Battlefield.

The German 2/1 squad leader Recovers, but the two MG assistants Leave the Battlefield. The Jr NCO picks up the MG42.

Turn 20: Germans do not activate

The Kauhu decides that now is the perfect time to lead a counter attack, as the Germans are still regrouping from their defeat of Rokka’s group. Although seriously outnumbered, the Kauhu hopes the odds are even as every member of his group has either a SMG (Asumaniemi, Pylkäs and Korpi) or a LMG (Könsikäs).

Unfortunately, the German detachment was ready for them and fire first. The Kauhu, Asumaniemi and Korpi all are forced to Duck Back. Könsikäs forces several Duck Backs, but cannot score the hit to require a Man Down check. Pylkäs is not targeted.

Active Fire from Könsikäs and Pylkäs only forces Duck Backs. To make matters worse, Pylkäs has a gun malfunction and is forced to Duck Back as well. Könsikäs stands alone.

Turn 21: Another new PEF in sector 4 (German left) followed by German reinforcements (another infantry squad). Finns cannot Active, Germans do not Activate.

Turn 22: More German reinforcements (HMG squad) followed by German Initiative. Könsikäs forms a rear guard, allowing The Kauhu and his few remaining men to escape, but Könsikäs is overrun.

The Finns Leave the Battlefield.

End: German Victory

Results:

Next-Up: Patrol. The Kauhu will lead his surviving men in a raid deep behind enemy lines in an attempt to rescue his men who were taken prisoner.

Casualties:

Brute Squad: one killed (Niska II) one wounded (Kirsi II) and one missing (Könsikäs)

Koskela’s squad: four killed, four wounded, three Left Battlefield

Rep Increases: None

Replacements: Niska III (Rep3). Kirsi II will return

Notes:

One of the things I like about these rules is there is no guarantee who fires first upon contact. Two of my best soldiers, Pylkäs and Rokka, lost several of these tests today. Who fires first depends on the result of the In Sight Tests. Each side rolls a number of dice equal to their “Reputation” plus modifications (some positive, some negative). Whoever rolls the most DR1-3 wins (ties go to the non-moving side).

Fortune favored the SS Nord today. Hopefully there is still time for The Kauhu to turn the tide. It starts with rescuing Könsikäs. The Kauhu has one question: Where was Lt Lamio?!

Here are some photos, not in any particular order