Expert: Paul Sutton - 10/11/2009

Question
At the end of November 1939 (first days of WW2) the Soviet Russians suffered a gaffe or unlucky moment. It does NOT involve the signing of any treaties or agreements. It probably concerns battles or military events. What was it?

Answer

Greetings

You are referring to the Soviet invasion of Finland from November of 1939 to March 1940.  The Soviets attempted to invade and conquer Finland.  The Fins using their skills on skies and inventive tactics destroyed the first attack.  A later in Attack in February of 1940 was more successful by the Soviets.  The Soviets failed to conquer Finns but had taken terrain from Finland that would make any attack on the Soviet Union more difficult.  


The Best book is Called Frozen Hell by William Trotter it is in a class by itself.  
I have included several websites dealing with the conflict that should helps.

Thank you.


http://www.winterwar.com/mainpage.htm

http://www.feldgrau.com/wwar.html

http://books.google.com/books?id=JW_oPzpq3TQC&dq=finland+1939+winter+war&printse...