Finnish invasion of East Karelia (1941)

Finnish invasion of East Karelia
Part of Continuation War and World War II

Map depicting the Finnish offensive operations in Karelia carried out in the Summer and Autumn of 1941 during the Continuation War. The furthest advance of Finnish units in the Continuation War and borders for both before and after the Winter War are shown.
Date10 July 1941 – 6 December 1941
(4 months, 3 weeks and 5 days)
Location
Result Finnish victory
Belligerents
 Finland
 Germany
 Soviet Union
Commanders and leaders
Finland Erik Heinrichs
Finland Woldemar Hägglund
Finland Paavo Talvela
Nazi Germany Erwin Engelbrecht
Soviet Union Markian Popov
Soviet Union Filipp Gorelenko
Soviet Union Kirill Meretskov
Units involved
Finland Army of Karelia
Soviet Union 7th Army
Finnish soldiers in Olonets

The Finnish invasion of East Karelia was a military campaign in 1941. It was part of the Continuation War. Finnish troops occupied East Karelia and held it until 1944. For over a month after the outbreak of the Continuation War, the Karelian Army reinforced and prepared to resume its earlier offensive while waiting for the recapture of the Karelian Isthmus. The Soviets had prepared fortifications and brought troops to the front. When encirclements on the western shore of Lake Ladoga were resolved, the Finnish 7th Division was transferred to the junction of VI and VII Corps.