Rannikkolaivaston Esikunta, Sotapäiväkirja 4.9.1939-13.3.1940

War Diary of the Coastal Fleet Headquarters 4.9.1939-13.3.1940

This War Diary is translated from the digitized copies in National archives digital archive. The Number of the War Diary is SPK 2847. The notes are presented in chronological order, which is not exactly the same as in the archives. Some notes that could not be read clearly have been left away.

December 1939

Date Time Incidents and despatches
1.12.39 00.08 MeVE and IPAK warn from actions at 06.30 from south. Ordered full departure alert at 06.00 and to set additional air lookouts.
07.00 Order was given through police chief Fager in Nauvo to Virkki and Pakkala that in any case not to move to east of Bengtskär. Pakkala will move during 1.12. to Örö anchorage for waiting position.
07.30 Order to depart at 08.00 was given.
07.50 The message (07.00) was sent in writing with an A-boat to Nauvo, also order for lt. Auvinen to return. Request in writing to reserve "Helena" for supply was sent to TuLa commander. Sidenote: Information also to submarines that sea lanes No 446 and 300 have been mined.
07.55 A-boat to Turku.
10.15 Turku Sector Headquarters informed: 10 planes south from Hanko going west.
10.50 Bengtskär reported: 11 unknown vessels moving west.
11.15 Hanko Sector reported that mine barrage No 62 has been laid. Task 71 ?.
14.42 Fortification units and one battallion will move following night to Ahvenanmaa. Report from Commander of LSMPE: Securing flotilla commander was called to flagship, where he got orders to go with gunboat Hämeenmaa to Rajakari for securing of troop transports. Further he got written orders:
A) Sweeper Flotilla will move to Föglö waters, Herrö pier.
B) To commander of Submarine Division about Iku-Turso moving to Föglö waters.
C) To Commander of Mobile base about sending coal barge and water barge to Föglö waters tomorrow morning.
Infromation to MeVE and LSMPE that we will move to agreed places for the duration of transports.
18.21 Louhi anchored off Kökar due to poor visibility.
18.22 Louhi reported that task 81 has been completed.
21.00 Order for Vetehinen to move to Föglö grid square using the inner lanes.
21.00 Ilmarinen, Väinämöinen and 5 VMV-boats anchored west from Nötö because sea lane 400 had no lights.
02.12.39 06.20 Sweeper Flotilla tied up in Herrö.
07.40 Vetehinen departed from Örö at 07.30.
08.15 Departure from Nötö to Föglö.
09.24 Following phone message was given to Ahvenanmaa Sector commander:
Asking for sweeping of lanes No. 401 and 403 up to Lågskär meridian. Louhi now in Kökar from where it will depart this morning. Will execute TP-order No 52 numbers 86, 87a and 87b today evening or following night and then the sweeping on these lanes must be stopped. Asking for search of submarines with VMV boats (if you have those) in sea lane triangle Kobbaklintar-Ledsund-Lågskär.
Sub. Iku-Turso will move for 3 days to ambush position between Lågskär and Bogskär. Sub. Vetehinen will have its station in Maarianhamina and move for one day using lane 417 to ambush position on line between Signilskär - Lågskär. According to case Ahvenanmaa. Commander of Coastal Fleet.		 Sidenote: Submarine orders will not be executed yet.
09.24 Phone message was given to Squadron Helenius: Squadron will operate after letter MeVE 125/I/Ilm and conduct from time to time submarine search in triangle Kobbaklintarna-Flötjan-Ledsund. Request of other sorties will be given by radio using code given. Information from flights of own planes by using one-directional radio. Avoid flying over own forces. When approaching execute recognition movements and give recognition signals.
09.24 Ordered Ahvenanmaa Sector to give Squadron Helenius radio code for air reconnaissance.
09.40 Hämeenmaa was met.
10.30 Arrived in Föglö waters where started with safety movements. In Herrö pier were sweeper Rautu and 3 A-boats.
10.30 A43 arrived in Föglö waters.
10.30 Ahven arrived in Föglö waters.
11.05 Submarine Iku-Turso ans an A-boat arrived in Föglö waters.
12.20 Three Ripon planes approached Föglö from north and they were shot at from Järvö area ? and the planes turned and landed west from Gripö. A patrolboat was sent to the place but it did not see the planes anymore. They had probably started and flown to Maarianhamina. The own plane report had been received earlier but based on that they were not in the given route.
13.00 Informed LSMEPP that we will send submarines out according to case A. Asked to inform Swedissh authorities.
Asked that guard stations should not report positions of Coastal Fleet ships using radio.
13.05 Sweeper Kiiski was ordered to Maarianhamina for repairs.
14.15 Three Ripon planes passed Föglö from north to southwest.
15.30 Vetehinen arrived in Föglö waters.
15.30 Guard ships Kvarken and Pori that had been in Storklubb departed to sweep Nyhamn - Maarianhamina lanes.
17.10 Anchored in Föglö waters.
23.30 Louhi and Uusimaa departed to lay mines.
03.12.39 05.25 Louhi reported laying mine barrage 86. Only 54 mines were laid because of malfunction of mine rails. During laying 2 mines exploded. The ship was not damaged.
Sweeper Rautu was ordered to anchor west from Ledskär and secure Ledskär sea lanes, Uusimaa and 1 VMV-boat to secure Björkörn lane.
06.45 Uusimaa anchored in Maarianhamina.
08.00 Started security movements in Föglö waters.
09.06 Uusimaa departed from Maarianhamina.
10.35 Uusimaa arrived in Föglö waters.
11.35 Anchored because of rainy and foggy weather.
17.00 MeVE informed that sweeper Vilppula has been ordered back to Coastal Fleet.
22.30 Gunboat Uusimaa was ordered to execute early morning 4.12.39 the laying of mine barrage 87b.
23.55 From Louhi got information that repair of mine rails was delayed because welders had to be picked up from countryside. Th coaling was also late because lt.cmd. Arho got at first information that there is no coal in Maarianhamina.
04.12.39 02.35 Radio message: Russian submarines on way to Raumanmeri harbours. Finnish ships beware, Swedish not.
03.45 Addition to previous message: 3 submarines coming.
07.40 Started security movements.
09.00 Submarine Vesikko has departed from Jurmo at 07.45.
10.54 A Sector informs: During daylight bombs are expected, possibly gas.
13.40 Hospital ship Seagull II is ready to operate in Turku. Doctor lt.cmd. Lehtovaara.
15.50 Tug Katajaluoto arrived with water barge.
16.00 Order for positions in the night. Väinämöinen and Ilmarinen + 2 VMV boats to Lönnäsudd waters, 1 VMV to secure southern lane west from Järssö, 2 VMV to Björkkör lane and 2 for sweeper Rautu use.
17.05 Louhi departed to laying of mine barrage at 16.03.
18.25 MeVE informs: Enemy icebreaker is coming through Danish sounds. Can you start reconnaissance and submarine actions.
18.35 87b completed.
19.30 Reply to previous MeVE message: With the two available unarmed Junkers planes no reconnaissance can be done. I believe the icebreaker will first go to Libau. Submarine will not be in time off Libau.
20.40 Captain Blom informed that mines in minelayer Baltic are in reserve. Informed also that civilian air traffic line Turku-Maarianhamina-Stockholm is cancelled and new one Turku-Lokalahti-Isokari-60o40' N and further to west has been opened.
22.00 Chief of staff departed with VMV 6 to sub. Vetehinen in Föglö waters to give instructions. To commander of sub. Vetehinen lt.cmd. Pakkala were given following orders: Submarine will move with full speed to southeast Libau, where it will remain in ambush position for 3 days. The boat will attack expected Russian icebreaker or other Russian warships. Kirov and destroyers are known to be in Libau.
23.15 Submarine Vetehinen departed. Chieff of staff gave the same instructions also to lt.cmd. Virkki.
05.12.39 00.30 Tug Katajaluoto arrived with water barge to ship.
01.45 Order was given to Suomen Joutsen to move into between Salsö and Husö and to connect to local phone network and to arrange regular supply and mail.
04.35 Vetehinen reported that it had run aground at 02.00 in grid square 2989.
04.38 Sub. Vetehinen reports: The cause of running aground was malfunction of compass repeater. No damages have been noticed. Can not get free using own power.
05.45 Lt.cmd. Grönholm was sent with tug Katajaluoto and one VMV boat to get sub. Vetehinen free. 1 gunboat was ordered to cover the mentioned forces.
06.10 MeVE was informed about Vetehinen running aground and the actions taken.
06.30 Asked the A Sector to keep Protector ready in case it is needed.
08.00 Coastal defence ships, gunboat Hämeenmaa, VMV boats 17 and 1 departed from Långnäsudd. VMV 17 had on day before cracked a auxiliary engine hood and it went to Maarianhamina for repairs.
09.00 Tug Rauma arrived with provisions in Föglö waters.
09.30 Arrived in Föglö waters and strated with security movements.
09.30 Mineship Louhi reported that task 86 has been completed.
12.08 Louhi reported that task 87a has been completed.
12.45 Tug Katajaluoto, Uusimaa, Vetehinen and a barge arrived in Flisö waters from the place Vetehinen had ran aground.
14.00 Vetehinen made a test dive, nothing special was noticed.
14.10 MeVE ordered another sub. to complete the mission given to Vetehinen.
15.10 Sub. Vetehinen departed.
15.30 Sub. Iku-Turso went to get provisions from Suomen Joutsen.
16.50 Gunboat Uusimaa raised anchor.
16.50 Coastal Defence Flotilla anchored near Långnäsudd.
20.00 From Gen. Valve: Execute preliminary order task 68 No 84.
22.30 LSMPe reported that icebreaker had raised anchor at 07.00. This was ordered to be reported to Vetehinen by using Turku radio.
22.30 LSMPe reported further that icebreaker passed Helsingborg east from Vänö at 21.00 course south without merchantmen. It shows two green and between them one red toplights. This was given to Vetehinen by using Turku radio.
06.12.39 08.00 Coastal Defence Flotilla departed from Långnäsudd.
10.00 Arrived in Föglö waters, where 4 VMV-boata began securing actions. Uusimaa that had removed main mast to improve anti aircraft shooting passed us and went to Gripö direction for supply.
10.20 Hämeenmaa ordered to secure Björkör sea lane.
14.30 Sweeper Vilppula and naphta barge arrived in Flisö waters.
14.45 Submarine Iku-Turso arrived in Flisö waters and was ordered to stay the night in Långnäsudd.
15.30 Information from LSMePP: The icebreaker was 6.12.39 at 11.00 7 miles southwest from Falsterbo. Speed 10 knots.
15.45 Order to all for the night: Overnighting and securing as yesterday. Sweeper Vilppula will overnight in Storklubb pier securing the lane.
15.50 Iku-Turso was ordered to the side of Väinämöinen west from Stockgrund.
16.00 Uusimaa came to Flisö from Degerby direction and got information: Overnighting and securing as yesterday.
16.00 Departed from Flisö to Långnäsudd.
16.00 Tug Katajaluoto departed with empty water barge to Turku with order to fill it there and return to Flisö waters.
16.00 Information from LSMePP: The icebreaker has passed German mine barrage near Falsterbo 6.12.39 at 13.00-14.00.
Russian merchant ship Ivan Papanin will sail from Stockholm probably 7.12.39 with 6000 tons of machinery components.
16.30 Coastal defence ships anchored in Långnäsudd waters.
17.00 Sub. Iku-Turso arrived in Långnäsudd to the side of Väinämöinen.
18.30 The LSMEPP information concerning icebreaker was given to Vetehinen.
19.30 Order to sub. Vetehinen: Stay in your position until the mission is completed or as long as provisions last.
19.45 The order given to Vetehinen was informed through LSMePE (lt.col. Lehonkoski) to commander of naval forces and giving also information that Vetehinen has provisions for 7 days.
20.05 Order from MeVE: The task forces shall give short daily reports at 8-9 and 18-19 by phone using code concerning main incidents and actions to operational department of Naval Forces Headquarters. Not the shortage report.
21.25 Order was given: Departure at 08.00.
23.00 Order to sub. Iku-Turso to get ready to sail for special mission.
07.12.39 01.00 Sub. Iku-Turso departed from Långnäsudd.
08.00 PLv and 2 VMV departed from Långnäsudd.
08.20 Sweeper Vilppula and 1 A-boat departed to set buoys for laying of mine barrage No 84.
09.00 Arrived in Föglö waters and started security movements.
10.15 One A-boat was sent to deliver mine laying order to mineship Baltic.
13.15 A plane was seen to fly slightly east from the south end of Björkör lane and it looked like to land.
13.30 VMV 6 was ordered to go out using Björkör lane and to search area 5 miles east from the lane to find the plane. If the plane is not found then to conduct enemy submarine search.
13.40 Met escort ship Tursas going to Ledsund direction.
14.20 Report from LSMEPP: 1) Щ-254 reports has sighted Vetehinen. What is the position of Vetehinen? Russian sub. probably 15 miles outside Huvudskär, 2 subs. continuously about 15 miles SWS from Bogskär. 2) 1 submarine off Rauma. This submarine has asked for fuel. Fuel supply probably on the way.
15.02 Order to Uusimaa: Stay in your position for the night, orders for tomorrow same as for today. To Hämeenmaa. Stay in your position for the night.
15.30 VMV 6 returned, nothing was sighted.
15.30 Chief of staff went to Storklubb to give orders for laying of mine barrage No 84. At the same time contact to LSMePP, A Sector headquarters, Turku Naval base and Mobile supply unit. Return at 22.10.
15.45 Order was given for the night positions of VMV. VMV 6 on the pier because of engine reparation, 1 boat behind Ilmarinen, 1 boat to Jersöströmmen, 1 behind Uusimaa, 1 behind Hämeenmaa and 1 behind Rautu.
16.10-
17.01		 PLv and 2 VMV boats moved to anchor near Långnäsudd.
21.15 Information to Iku-Turso: Enemy submarine has seen Pakkala, not you. Paavo still in Stockholm.
21.45 Information to Vetehinen: Enemy submarine has seen you. Two enemy submarines continuously in grid square 7830 and one probably near square 14820.
08.12.39 08.00 Mineship Louhi with Hämeenmaa + 1 VMV as securing force departed to complete task No 84.
Weather: Cloudy, temperature +/- 0oC, pressure 765, wind 30/5B.
08.04 PLv and 2 VMV departed.
09.15 Coastal Fleet arrived in Föglö waters and started security movements.
12.20 The positions of VMV boats was ordered to be the same as during previous night, except that VMV 6 goes to Storklubb pier.
14.55 Securing Flotilla night positions and tasks on the morning as before.
15.10 To patrol boat half-flotilla commander: Of the two VMV boats with the coastal defence ships one will tie up behind Ilmarinen and the other behind Väinämöinen. 1 VMV boat behind Rautu 1 behind Uusimaa and VMV 6 to Storklubb pier. Tasks on the morning as before.
15.35 Got a report that Katajaluoto and P26 departed from Turku at 11.05.
16.45 Order for departure at 08.00.
21.30 We got the departure time and probable route of Paavo, which were sent to Iku-Turso.
22.40 Louhi used radio unnecessarily and a reminder message was sent to it. At the same time was given permission to take water in Turku.
09.12.39 08.00 Coastal Defence Flotilla departed.
Weather: The sky is covered by a continuous low cloud layer. Temperature -2o.
09.23 Lågskär reported that it had sighted a mine laying vessel 7 miles east from Tröskeln, course 90o, nationality unknown.
10.45 Uusimaa and 1 VMV-boat sent to investigate the reported vessel.
11.30 Turku informed air alert to west.
11.43 Borstö heard heavy guns firing in bearing 187.
11.50 Jurmo reported: We hear gun thunder in bearing 140o.
12.00 Utö heard heavy guns firing.
12.00 LSMEPP informed that Papanin had passed Sandholm at 09.55 Swedish time. Tug Katajaluoto arrived and reported that mobile supply base has moved to Sälsjö anchorage.
13.00 Vetehinen arrived in Flisö waters.
13.30 Chief of staff went to Vetehinen to ask from the commander about the patrol. Sub. Vetehinen had sighted 5.12 at 17.15. a submarine between Bogskär and Svenska Björn. The type was Щ 312-329.
6.12. at 10.52 Vetehinen dived in the operating area.
7.12. at 12.45 an icebreaker with 2 smokestacks came in sight in bearing 180o. The boat could not get into firing position because starting position was not good and there were rain showers. At 21.30 met a boat on the surface. 8.12. at 04.02 two fast ships, probably destroyers went to Libau harbour. At 09.52 a submarine tower was seen. At 12 started the return voyage.
9.12. at 13 arrived in Flisö waters.
14.10 Uusimaa reported that near Flötjan no vessels were seen. Instead on Swedish coast near Tjärven were several ships.
14.15 Uusimaa and VMV boat returned.
14.25 Order was given to Uusimaa to anchor on Björkör lane where it shall remain for the night. Tasks on the morning as before.
15.49 Order was given to VMV-boats, overnighting and morning tasks as before.
15.50 Louhi reported that it had completed task 84 parts a)b)c)d)e).
21.50 Order was given to Iku-Turso to return.
24.00 Own ships on location:
Coastal defence ships Väinämöinen and Ilmarinen
Gunboat Uusimaa
VMV boats 1,6,8,10,12 and 17
Sub. Vetehinen
Sweeper Rautu, tug Porin Karhu
8 A-boats
Transport ship Toimi, tug Katajaluoto
3 barges.
Louhi, H-maa and VMV and 1 A-boat returned from execution of task No 84.
10.12.39 01.30 LSMpE informed that flight operations are expected in the morning.
08.00 Weather: Cloudy, light southern wind, temperature +1oC, visibility 15-20000 m
Coast defence ships Väinämöinen and Ilmarinen and VMV 1 departed from Långnäsudd to Flisö waters.
09.30 Coast defence ships arrived in Flisö waters and started security movements.
09.30 Submarine Iku-Turso arrived in Flisö waters and reported that it had not sighted the target. Instead it had been hunted by submarine destroyers. Iku-Turso was ordered to move to Joutsen and take phone contact from there in the evening.
13.00 Information was got from A Sector:
The situation off Rauma and Mäntyluoto has become serious and therefore commander of Naval Forces orders to send there 2 VMV to attack submarines. Sundman.
14.50 Order to Patrol boat half-flotilla commander: One boat for the night on Björkör lane to tie up behind Uusimaa. One behind Rautu and rest to the coastal defence ships.
15.00 Gunboat Hämeenmaa arrived in Flisö waters and reported: Sweeper Vilppula went to check the mine barrage and it is not certain it will be back here in time. Mineship Louhi went to take new loading.
15.01 Order to Uusimaa and Hämeenmaa: For the night to Björkör lane. On the morning tasks as before. Hömeenmaa will secure Storklubb lane.
15.05 Cmd. Wrede from A Sector headquarters reported that number 142 has surfaced about 600 m from Nyhamn.
15.15 One VMV boat was sent to submarine search to Nyhamn.
VMV 1 and 6 were sent as MerivKom ordered to conduct submarine hunting off Rauma and Mäntyluoto.
15.41 VMV 10 reported that right main engine clutch has broken.
16.00 Coastal defence ships departed from Flisö waters.
16.00 Patrol boat half-flotilla commander informed that he has phoned to A Sector concerning sending VMV boats to Rauma area. The boats VMV 1 and 6 will go to Maarianhamina and A Sector will send its own boats to the mentioned mission.
Later it was agreed with A Sector that VMV 1 and 6 will go to Satakunta Sector area for the above mentioned mission.
16.45 Coastal defence ships anchored in Långnäsudd.
17.10 VMV 10 and 8 arrived in Långnäsudd.
18.45 Report to MeVE (capt. Karvinen): Submarine Iku-Turso has returned. Nothing special. Turbine engines had been humming above several hours.
20.00 Mineship Louhi reported that it has anchored in Airisto because of poor visibility.
11.12.39 00.00 Coastal Fleet ships:
Armoured Flotilla Coastal defence ship Väinämöinen (Fl. com.)
Coastal defence ship Ilmarinen
Securing Flotilla Gunboat Uusimaa (Fl. com.)
Gunboat Hämeenmaa
Patrol boat VMV 8
Patrol boat VMV 10
Patrol boat VMV 12 (Half.fl. com.)
Patrol boat VMV 17
Minesweeper Flotilla Sweeper Vilppula (Fl. com.)
Sweeper Rautu
Sweeper Porin Karhu
Sweeper Primus
Sweeper Ahven, Särki, Muikku, Lahna, Kuore, Kiiski, A43 and BVA
Mineships Mineship Louhi
Mineship Baltic
Submarine half-flotilla Submarine Iku-Turso (SiirTAs)
Submarine Vetehinen (in Turku)
Mobile Supply Base Depot ship Suomen Joutsen
Tug Katajaluoto
Transport ship Toimi
08.08 PLv departed from Långnäsudd. VMV 10 followed coastal defence ship Ilmarinen.
Weather: Temperature -2oC, cloudy, wind 90/1B.
09.10 Arrived in Föglö waters and started security movements.
10.40 Following message was received from commodore Sundman: The commander of Naval Forces orders immediately to enhance submarine search in Ahvenanmeri narrows using gunboats Uusimaa and Hämeenmaa for this purpose. If Coastal Fleet needs, gunboat Turunmaa can be sent to replace them. A Sector has sent VMV 2 to do patrol duty off Heligman.
10.45 Order in writing to commander of Securing Flotilla: Arrange continuous submarine patrol on line Flötjan-Tjärven. At first Hämeenmaa during days and Uusimaa during days. The ship in rest to cover Björkör lane.
11.00 Tug Primus arrived in anchorage.
11.12 Turku Sector Communication center delivered message by using 1Z8: At 10-17 bomb attacks expected, 6 planes.
11.20 Additional message from commodore Sundman: 1) The enemy submarines above Ahvenanmaa are short in food. New submarines should not be allowed to pass and replace them. 2) To Sweden will be informed not to have their own submarines out. (The information was got from LSMEPP by phone lt.cmd. Tuominen 11.12 at 10.30).
11.30 Sweeper Vilppula arrived in Föglö waters.
12.30 Tug Porin Karhu moved to Storklubb pier for securing the sea lane.
13.00 VMV 17 was ordered to tie up behind Ilmarinen for the night.
14.10 Order for Securing Flotilla commander: Let Hämeenmaa to go to Maarianhamina for the coming night.
14.15 Order for the commander of patrol boat half-flotilla: One VMV boat behind Rautu and one behind Vilppula. VMV 10 and 17 behind Ilmarinen. On the morning tasks as before.
15.00 Sweeper Vilppula tied up on the side of Ilmarinen to take water and naphta.
16.30-
17.05		 Vilppula departed from the side of Ilmarinen. PLv continued to Långnäsudd anchorage. VMV 17 to Degerby for machinery repairs.
16.30 Lt.cmd. Tirkkonen was given order to act as commander of sea lane securing force. Organization: Sweeper Rautu in Ledskär and Vilppula in Björkör lane and Porin Karhu by Storklubb bridge. For the night one VMV behind Rautu and one behind Vilppula.
21.00 Lt.cmd. Virkki phoned from Turku and reported that repairs of Iku-Turso will take 3 days and that sub. Vetehinen will depart soon.
12.12.39 08.00 PLv departed from Långnäsudd.
Weather: Temperature -1oC, half cloudy, wind 0o/1B, pressure 776 mm.
10.36 General Lf from southwest Finland.
11.15 LSMPE informs that enemy planes are expected, today air warning.
12.20 Turunmaa was ordered upon its arrival to take place of Uusimaa immediately and Uusimaa after that to Turku to install SP/37 throwers and load depth charges. The change was ordered to be informed to Hämeenmaa and A Sector.
12.30 Change in weather, cloudy.
14.40 For the night were ordered 1 VMV for Rautu, 1 VMV for Vilppula and 1 VMV behind each coastal defence ship. Vilppula was ordered to stay for the night on Björkör lane. Tasks on the morning as before.
15.30 Sub. Vetehinen tied up on the side of Joutsen.
16.25 Departure for the Coastal Fleet was ordered at 08.00.
16.40 Arrived in the anchorage.
20.00 Lt.col. Lehonkoski informed that Russian icebreaker will depart from Libau harbour tomorrow at 02.00 with two escort ships. About 1/2 hours later the same information was got from MeVE. For the commander of sub. Vetehinen was given order to move to north of the shallows west from Ristna by 13/12 at 12.00 or about 15 miles southwest from Ristna by 11.00. The task is to attack. Before this attacks on very important targets only are allowed, during return trip attacks on all targets are allowed. Asked the A Sector to set lights on Storklubb lane starting feom 13/12 01.00, which the Sector commander promised. Vilppula that is on Björkör lane was informed about the movement of submarine by Storklubb and Björkör. Lt.cmd. Pakkala reported that he will depart from Husö 12.12 at 23.00.
13.12.39 04.15 Vetehinen arrived in anchorage and reported that it had touched ground slightly east from Storklubb and turned therefore back. Commander of Coastal Fleet ordered boat to go out again immediately. Vetehinen departed at 06.00. Asked to set lights on Storklubb lane again and reported departure of Vetehinen to Björkör and by it to Vilppula.
08.00 Weather: The sky is fully covered by low clouds. Temperature +1oC, moderate visibility. Light wind.
08.10 Raised the anchor.
09.15 Started security movements on Föglö waters.
10.00 Chief of staff went to Vilppula and Storklubb to phone. From the last mentioned place was given order to Turunmaa: Go to Maarianhamina, where you will get instructions from Voionmaa. VMV to Föglö waters to me.
10.30 For lt.cmd. Tirkkonen was given order to assist laying of mine barrage No 84 as given in the orders earlier. Departure at 12. Primus was ordered to take place of Vilppula as lane guard ship.
12.15 Lågskär reported one Russian destroyer disappeared from sight south from Svenska Björn. Course south.
12.15 Chief of staff returned.
12.35 When chief of staff was in phone contact with MeVE he got information that grid squares 526 and 354 are probably mined, that Louhi will take after laying barrage No 84 mines for barrage No 83 in grid square 5563 and that Turunmaa will remain in Coastal Fleet use. After Uusimaa has got the depth charge throwers installed it will go to Gulf of Bothnia. Commander of Submarine Flotilla will take command over the submarines in Coastal Fleet use and discusses the plans to use them with the commander of Coastal Fleet.
13.05 Lågskär reported 1 destroyer and 1 gunboat turned and disappeared from sight 2 miles west from Svenska Björn. Course south. Nationality unknown.
14.12 2 own planes flew very close to coastal defence ships and were in danger to be shot down. Rautu gave air alarm.
16.10 Finished with the security movements.
16.45 Anchored in Långnäsudd.
18.00 LSMPE asks: Has the commander of Coastal Fleet anything against that the Medelklubb light sectors facing open sea (20334) will be turned off. In addition will the commander accept dimming of Vidskär light A) Fully B) Dimmed in Utö direction. Full lights in Jurmo-Lohmi sector.
18.30 Commander of Louhi called by phone and asked permission to execute task No. 83 on the 15th. He was given order to complete the task on 14.12.
21.00 Satakunta Sector reports a shipwreck in grid square 22507. This was given further to Voionmaa with instructions to deliver it to Uusimaa.
21.10 Asked the MeVE to send as soon as possible charts needed in the Baltic to A73 and A77.
23.04 Asked LSMpP, A Sector, Tu Sector and Tipak that when arranging flights to keep distance of 20 km from Coastal Fleet main force. The route on 13/12 was very dangerous.
23.30 Informed Storklubb and by Björkör to Primus that own submarine may return tomorrow morning.
24.00 Coastal Fleet ships 13/12 at 24.00:
Coastal defence ship Väinämöinen and Ilmarinen
Gunboat Uusimaa in Maarianhamina
Rautu in Ledsund
Vilppula in Boxö
4 VMV boats in place, one under way to Turku
8 A-boats in Föglö
Mobile Supply Unit in Sottunga
Tug Katajaluoto and Transport ship Toimi with the previous
Sweeper Primus in Björkör
Louhi and Baltic in Sottunga
Porin Karhu in Storklubb
Submarine Iku-Turso in Turku
Vetehinen in patrol
14.12.39 08.00 Weather: Wind 290o/1/2B, temperature +/-0oC, pressure 767 mm, cloudy, cloud height 300-600 m., visibility 400-1000 m.
08.00 Coastal defence ships and VMV 6 departed from Långnäsudd to Föglö waters.
09.15 Coastal defence ships arrived in Föglö waters. The movement are had been secured by VMV 8, 12 and 17 that joined as close escort.
14.45 Order to Patrol boat half-flotilla commander: Night positions and morning tasks as yesterday.
15.30 Following information was got from LSMePE by phone: On Kotka Sector has been laid new own mine barrages.
15.50 Gunboat Turunmaa and VMV 11 arrived in Föglö waters. Gunboat Turunmaa continued as given in its orders to Maarianhamina and VMV 11 joined the Patrol boat half-flotilla.
16.00 Coastal defence ships and VMV 17 departed from Föglö waters to Långnäsudd.
16.55 Coastal defence ships anchored in Långnäsudd, VMV 17 tied up on the side of Ilmarinen.
18.30 Order to submarine Vetehinen: Return back.
15.12.39 00.00 Coastal Fleet ships:
Armoured Flotilla Coastal defence ship Väinämöinen
Coastal defence ship Ilmarinen
Securing Flotilla Gunboat Uusimaa in Turku
Gunboat Hämeenmaa in A Sector
Gunboat Turunmaa to A Sector
VMV 8
VMV 10 in Turku
VMV 11
VMV 12
VMV 17
Minesweeper Flotilla Sweeper Vilppula (detached)
Sweeper Rautu
Sweeper Porin Karhu
Sweeper Primus
Sweeper Ahven, Särki, Muikku, Lahna, Kuore, Kiiski, A43 and BVA
Submarine Half-flotilla Submarine Iku-Turso in Turku
Submarine Vetehinen (detached)
Mineship Half-Flotilla Mineship Louhi (detached)
Mineship Baltic in Sottunga
Mobile Supply Base Depot ship Suomen Joutsen
Tug Katajaluoto
Transport ship Toimi
08.00 Armoured Flotilla departed from Långnäsudd.
Weather: 260/3B, -2oC, cloudy.
09.15 Arrived in Föglö waters. Started with security movements.
10.10 W ome.
10.30 VMV 12 reports that its engine has broken. Ask permission to go to pier.
11.00 VMV 12 ordered to Herrö pier for repairs.
11.15 Submarine Vetehinen arrives in Föglö waters from south and goes to Suomen Joutsen.
15.02 Order to Patrol boat half-flotilla commander (by radio): Night positions as yesterday. One boat behind Ilmarinen, VMV 11 behind Rautu, one behind Primus. Morning tasks as before.
16.15 Departed from Föglö waters to Långnäsudd anchorage.
16.40 Anchored in Långnäsudd.
17.25 Submarine Vetehinen reported (by phone) that it has arrived in SiirTAs at 14.00.
19.00 Louhi arrived in Nauvo.
16.12.39 00.00 Coastal Fleet ships:
Armoured Flotilla Coastal defence ship Väinämöinen
Coastal defence ship Ilmarinen
Securing Flotilla Gunboat Uusimaa in Turku
Gunboat Hämeenmaa in A Sector
Gunboat Turunnmaa in A Sector
VMV 8
VMV 10 in Turku
VMV 11
VMV 12 in Herrö pier for repairs of auxiliary engine
VMV 17
Minesweeper Flotilla Sweeper Vilppula (detached) + 1 A-boat
Sweeper Rautu
Sweeper Porin Karhu
Sweeper Primus
7 A-boats
Submarine Half-flotilla Submarine Iku-Turso in Turku
Submarine Vetehinen in Sottunga
Mineship Half-Flotilla Mineship Louhi in Nauvo
Mineship Baltic in Sottunga
Mobile Supply Base Depot ship Suomen Joutsen in Sottunga
Tug Katajaluoto in Sottunga
Transport ship Toimi in Herrö pier
00.40 Message from LSMePP: Raise alertness level because of expected landings.
08.00 Weather: Cloudy, temperature -2oC, pressure 767,5 mm, wind 300/1B.
10.50 Air warning at 10.30.
11.05 Vilppula got orders to go and secure Björkör lane and release Primus and arrange supply of Porin Karhu and Primus so that one of them is always on Storklubb lane.
12.30 Louhi anchored in Pensar.
14.30 Order was given for night security and morning tasks.
14.45 Fog came and we returned to anchorage.
15.42 PLv anchored.
20.35 Hämeenmaa reported seeing a submarine at 20.25 in grid square 8460 and at 20.28 in the same place a torpedo track.
20.45 Asked through A Sector radio station from Hämeenmaa situation report.
23.10 Asked again through A Sector radio station from Hämeenmaa situation report and ordered it to report by radio.
Called commodore Sundman, who promised to take care of the situation as the ships are under his command.
17.12.39 08.00 Weather: Thick fog.
09.00 Weather: Fog dispersed, scattered high clouds, visibilty good, light wind, temperature -3oC.
09.15 Raised the anchor.
10.05 Started security movements in Föglö waters.
10.37 Received a general air warning.
13.00 A Sector commander reported that air operations are possible and that submarines are expected on the mouth of Björkör lane. This message was given tö Väinämöinen, Vilppula and VMV-boats.
14.45 Night operations order was given to VMV-boats: 1 VMV to Rautu, 2 to Vilppula and 1 to Ilmarinen for the night. On the morning tasks as before, except that 1 VMV goes out using Björkör lane and searches submarines for one hour in grid squares 7500 and 7700.
16.15 Finished with security movements.
17.10 Dropped the anchor.
19.30 Chief of staff phoned commander Miettinen and asked for Hämeenmaa. Cmd. Miettinen informed that Hämeenmaa had 16.12. between 19.10 and 20.25 fired eight depth charges against a submarine detected by listening devices. Hämeenmaa had sighted 2 á 3 torpedo tracks. At 07.45 Hämeenmaa sighted a diving submarine south from Flötjan. Pursuit was not started (misconduct). Lt.cmd. Peltola phoned according to his orders to the chief of staff, who stressed that depth charges must be used with good judgement and that the submarine detected on the morning should have been pursued.
20.12 Commodore Sundman dictated following phone message to chief of staff: To commander of Coastal Fleet. The task of Coastal Fleet is until further notice to secure merchant ship traffic from Ahvenanmaa area to Swedish waters and to prevent access to Gulf of Bothnia from enemy submarines. At the same time be prepared to leave the task to local forces so that reporting to new tasks would be easy. No 80 and 83 will be returned to 24. V. Valve
Commodore Sundman informed further that enemy is expected to begin submarine warfare on Ahvenanmaa waters, that our merchant convoys will start from collection point south from Sommarö at 7 escorted by four escort vessels and will go to rendezvous point lat. 60o25' lon. 19o00', where Swedish escort ships will take care of them and that he will send on the night before tuesday 5 VMV boats for submarine hunting starting from north to Swedish territorial waters and then to west to grid squares 750 and 770. The approaching bad weather can prevent this operation.
The ships:
Coastal defence ships Ilmarinen and Väinämöinen, 1 VMV and tug Katajaluoto in Långnäsudd
In Föglö waters Sweeper Flotilla and 4 VMV boats
Hämeenmaa in Maarianhamina
Uusimaa near Husö
Turunmaa in submarine search
1 VMV-boat in Turku
Louhi and Baltic in their old places.
23.51 MeVE informed that strong enemy flight actions is expected if the weather becomes better.
The submarine search operation of VMV boats was cancelled because of bad weather.
18.12.39 08.00 Weather: Wind 210o/2B, temperature +1oC, cloudy, pressure 761 mm, visibility 10-15 km.
08.00 Coastal defence ships departed from Långnäsudd.
09.00 Coastal defence ships arrived in Föglö waters and started with security movements.
09.25 Received air warning from LSMePE.
10.15 VLv commander got orders (Coastal Fleet letter 964/sal.18.12.39) for protection of sea communication routes.
11.35 Sighted two planes in southeast flying to north approximately to Sottunga. Type flying boat MBR-2.
11.35 Air alarm.
12.00 The planes disappeared from sight.
12.10 Gunboat Uusimaa arrived in Föglö waters and continued to Maarianhamina.
14.30 Night positions of VMV-boats were ordered: 1 behind Vilppula, 1 behind Rautu, 1 behind Turunmaa and 1 behind Ilmarinen. Tasks on the morning as today.
16.00 Coastal defence ships departed from Föglö waters.
17.15 Coastal defence ships anchored in Långnäsudd, where already were depot ship Sisu and submarine Vesihiisi. Commander of Escort Flotilla came for discussions to Coastal Fleet Headquarters.
19.12.39 00.00 Coastal Fleet ships:
Armoured Flotilla Coastal defence ship Väinämöinen
Coastal defence ship Ilmarinen
Securing Flotilla Gunboat Turunmaa
Gunboat Uusimaa
Gunboat Hämeenmaa
VMV 8, VMV 10 (in Turku), VMV 11, VMV 12 and VMV 17
Minesweeper Flotilla Sweeper Vilppula
Sweeper Rautu
Sweeper Porin Karhu
Sweeper Primus
Ahven, Kiiski, Kuore, Lahna, Muikku, Särki, A43 and BVA
Mineship Half-Flotilla Mineship Louhi
Mineship Baltic
Mobile Supply Base Depot ship Suomen Joutsen
Tug Katajaluoto
Transport ship Toimi
08.00 Depot ship Sisu and submarine Vesihiisi departed from Långnäsudd.
08.00 Armoured Flotilla departed. Weather: Wind 290o/1B, +1oC, cloudy.
09.00 Iku-Turso departed from Turku.
11.25 Coastal defence ship Väinämöinen sighted 2-3 planes.
11.40 Coastal defence ship Ilmarinen sighted 2 planes in bearing 190o.
11.52 Väinämöinen sighted several planes in east-north. The battle mast lookouts of Ilmarinen saw 9 planes in same direction. No planes came into shooting distance.
12.20 Air alarm: One plane in bearing 200o.
12.50 End of air alarm.
13.37 Air alarm: Two planes in east.
13.55 End of air alarm, enemy planes did not come closer than 30 km.
14.25 Night positions were ordered: Night positions as yesterday. Tasks on the morning as before.
15.45-
17.00		 On the way to anchorage.
20.12.39 00.00 Coastal Fleet ships:
Armoured Flotilla Coastal defence ship Väinämöinen
Coastal defence ship Ilmarinen
Securing Flotilla Gunboat Turunmaa
Gunboat Uusimaa
Gunboat Hämeenmaa
VMV 8, 10, 11, 12, 17
Minesweeper Flotilla Sweeper Vilppula
Sweeper Rautu
Sweeper Porin Karhu
Sweeper Primus
Ahven, Kiiski, Kuore, Lahna, Muikku, Särki, A43 and BVA
Mineship Half-Flotilla Mineship Louhi
Mineship Baltic
Mobile Supply Base Depot ship Suomen Joutsen
Tug Katajaluoto
Transport ship Toimi
08.00 Weather: Raining snow.
08.15 We departed. Weather: almost cloudy, pressure 751 mm, temperature -1oC, Wind 60/3B.
09.30 A warning was got: Air activities expected.
10.00 Change in weather: Clear.
14.30 VMV 10 reported to service, repaired.
14.45 For the VMV was ordered tasks for the night and for the morning to be the same as before, except VMV 10 goes to Storklubb behind the gunboat.
15.00 Between 10-15 the enemy air activity in Southwest Finland has been very strong. Enemy planes approached Coastal Fleet ships three times to the distance 40-50 km. The enemy did not come closer than 40 km.
15.45 Mineship Louhi reported that the border point of barrage No 86 must be moved to point 59o56' 20o01,2' (by radio!!!).
17.00 Dropped the anchor.
21.00 Commodore Sundman informed that there may be enemy submarines in grid squares 770, 847 and 907 and that in the morning 3 VMV will be sent to search in grid squares 770 and 750.
24.00 The ships are in the same places as before except Hämeenmaa in Storklubb, Uusimaa in Maarianhamina and Turunmaa in guard duty.
21.12.39 08.00 Weather: Sky almost clear, visibility good, light wind, -4oC.
08.02 Raised the anchor.
09.45 Started the security movements.
09.50 LSMpP informed that flight operations are possible.
10.30 Following orders were given to the commander of Sweeper Flotilla: Sweeper Vilppula moves to Turku for tests that must be speeded up. Reports to commander Huttunen. Return immediately to Coastal Fleet after tests. Lt.cmd. Tirkkonen will be the commander of Rautu and lt. Visa commander of Vilppula until further notice. Sweeper Porin Karhu will transport the mines from depot ship Suomen Joutsen to mineship Baltic after which it will take coal barge to Degerby and return to Flotilla. Deliver order to Securing Flotilla taht 1 gunboat will secure Björkör lane. Lt. cmd. Tirkkonen was informed the change in mine barrage No 86 border.
11.35 Sighted 9 planes flying 40 km east from us to north.
12.25 Sighted in east 1 plane distance 55 km flying to west.
12.40 Sighted in east 3 planes distance 55 km flying to north.
12.50 Sighted in east 2 planes distance 55 km flying to north.
13.10 Sighted in south 1 plane distance 55 km flying to west.
14.35 The night position orders were given: 1 VMV boat for the night behind Uusimaa to Björkör pier, 1 behind Rautu in Ledskär, VMV 10 to Storklubb bridge, 1 behind Ilmarinen, 1 behind Väinämöinen. Morning tasks as before.
15.14 Finished with the security movements.
16.40 Dropped the anchor.
20.00 Weather: Wind 9B from west-south, rain and snow.
20.35 Hämeenmaa reported that it had run into a west-south storm and asked permission to got to Swedish coast for shelter.
21.30 This was accepted by commander of Coastal Fleet and expected to return as soon as weather permits. The chief of staff contacted Swedish officials through A Sector.
22.35 The above mentioned was reported to MeVE.
24.00 Coastal Fleet ships:
Coastal defence ship Väinämöinen in Långnäsudd
Coastal defence ship Ilmarinen in Långnäsudd
2 VMV in Långnäsudd
Gunboat Hämeenmaa going to Sweden
Gunboat Uusimaa in Björkör lane
Gunboat Turnmaa in Maarianhamina
Sweeper Rautu in Ledskär lane
Sweeper Primus in Storklubb lane
Sweeper Porin Karhu by Mobile Supply Base
Mineship Louhi in Sottunga
Mineship Baltic in Sottunga
Other VMV boats in night positions
22.12.39 08.00 PLv departed. Weather 320/4B +/-0. Clear.
08.32 Picked up message from Hämeenmaa to A Sector HQ. I will arrive 09.10 by lane 412 or 413.
10.00 Transport ship Toimi departed to Mobile Supply Base.
10.45 Sighted one plane in bearing 160o, flying to east, distance 40 km.
10.56 Ks vome
11.25 Picked up message from Hämeenmaa to A Sector. Hämeenmaa has anchored at 10.50 south from Eckerö.
13.00 W ome h06300.
15.20 For the VMV boats night orders: Night positions and tasks for the morning as yesterday, except if the boats cannot stay behind Turunmaa and Rautu they can go to Herrö and Storklubb pier.
15.45-
16.25		 On the way to anchorage.
20.47 Order from MeVE: Additional task of the Coastal Fleet is to support merchantmen in Turku-Ahvenanmaa archipelago (order as coded message by phone).
22.00 Gunboat Uusimaa and 1 VMV sailed out (VMV 5).
23.20 Order was given to Commander of Armoured Flotilla: Departure at 08.15, speed 9 knots. Cruising at Kihti. Overnighting near Sottunga.
23.12.39 00.00 Coastal Fleet ships:
Armoured Flotilla Coastal defence ship Väinämöinen in Långnäsudd
Coastal defence ship Ilmarinen in Långnäsudd
2 VMV in Långnäsudd
Securing Flotilla Gunboat Hämeenmaa in Eckerö
Gunboat Turunmaa in submarine search
Gunboat Uusimaa in Föglö waters
VMV boats in night positions
Minesweeper Flotilla Sweeper Rautu in Ledskär
Sweeper Vilppula in Turku
Sweeper Primus near Storklubb
Sweeper Porin Karhu in Sottunga
A-boats in Herrö and Storklubb pier.
Submarine Division By Mobile Supply Base in Sottunga
Mineship Louhi in Sottunga
Mineship Baltic in Sottunga
00.20 Report from commander of Securing Flotilla: We will go to submarine search in grid square 9072. On the morning two planes will join (message by phone). At the same time was given following order to commander of VLv: RL letter 949/sal. 15.12.39 will be executed by Armoured Flotilla and 4 VMV.
00.35 Order was given to lt. Lemminen (by phone): 2 VMV must be in grid square 7170 at 09.00. Inform the commander of Sweeper Flotilla execution of the RL letter 949/sal. by Armoured Flotilla and 4 VMV. Sweeper Flotilla and Securing Flotilla will continue with their earlier tasks.
08.00 Weather: Dry weather, totally cloudy, temperature -4oC, wind 320o/5B, pressure 750 mm, visibility 5000-10000 m.
08.05 Order to Väinämöinen: You will be the lead ship on the first trip. Distance 2000 m. Speed 9. Two VMV boats will join west from Sottunga.
08.15 Coastal defence ships and two VMV boats departed from Långnäsudd anchorage.
10.00 Two VMV boats joined the PLv east from Sottunga. The VMV boats started with securing task.
10.00 Sweeper Vilppula reported to have tied up in Turku.
14.00 VMV 11 reported engine troubles and was ordered to Suomen Joutsen for the coming night for repairs.
14.45 2 VMV were ordered for the night to Ilmarinen and 1 to Väinämöinen.
15.15 Order to PLv: Departure tomorrow at 8. Cruising as today.
16.00 PLv and VMV 8, 12 and 17 anchored east from Sälsö.
17.00 Hämeenmaa reported to have anchored north from Nyhamn because of poor visibility.
24.12.39 00.00 Coastal Fleet ships:
Armoured Flotilla Coastal defence ship Väinämöinen (Sälsö)
Coastal defence ship Ilmarinen (Sälsö)
Securing Flotilla Gunboat Uusimaa (Ledskär)
Gunboat Hämeenmaa (Ledskär)
Gunboat Turunmaa (Ledskär)
Patrol Boat Half-flotilla VMV 8, 10, 11, 12 and 17 (Sälsö)
Minesweeper Flotilla Sweeper Vilppula (Turku)
Sweeper Rautu (Herrö)
Sweeper Primus (Storklubb)
Sweeper Porin Karhu (SiirTAs)
Ahven, Kuore, Muikku, Lahna, Särki, Kiiski, A43 and BVA (Ledsund)
Mobile Supply Base Depot ship Suomen Joutsen (Sälsö)
Tug Katajaluoto (Sälsö)
Transport ship Toimi (Herrö)
08.00 Weather: Almost cloudy, temperature -6oC, pressure 740 mm, wind 10/5B.
08.30 Departure
15.00 Starting from midday cloudy and continuously snow showers. No flight actions were seen during the whole day.
15.20 VMV boats were ordered for the same ships as yesterday.
19.30 Asked from MeVE information when at last the A59, A61 and A91 must be sent to 162.
24.00 Coastal Fleet ships:
Armoured Flotilla Coastal defence ship Väinämöinen (Sälsö)
Coastal defence ship Ilmarinen (Sälsö)
Securing Flotilla Gunboat Uusimaa (Ledsund)
Gunboat Hämeenmaa (Ledsund)
Gunboat Turunmaa (Ledsund)
Patrol Boat Half-flotilla VMV 8, 11, 12 and 17 (Sälsö)
VMV 10 (Storklobb)
Minesweeper Flotilla Sweeper Vilppula (in Turku?)
Sweeper Rautu (Ledsund)
Sweeper Primus (Ledsund)
Sweeper Porin Karhu (Storklubb)
Ahven, Kuore, Lahna, Muikku, Särki, Kiiski, A43 and BVA (Ledsund)
Mobile Supply Base Depot ship Suomen Joutsen (Sälsö)
Tug Katajaluoto (Sälsö)
Transport ship Toimi (Herrö)
25.12.39 08.00 Weather: Sky almost cloudless, temperature -5oC, pressure 750 mm, wind 1B, visibility good.
08.30 Anchor was raised.
09.52-
14.39		 Strong enemy flight actions and shooting from our side, from which a special report as attachment.
1) 09.52-10.15 3 SB type planes probably on the way to Gulf of Bothnia. We fired at them, closest distance 7000 m. 1 plane down, Two remaining circled the ships and came to near again and we fired and 1 plane was probably downed.
2) 13.57-14.39 First 3 planes came to 7400 distance and made smoke screens possibly to deceive and guide. According to Väinämöinen 2 of these made a forced landing. While our attention was focused to other direction 2 squadrons 2 and 4 planes came and managed to bomb Ilmarinen at 14.07. Because of splinters and mg-fire 1 dead and 7 lightly wounded. The planes circled and we fired at them 14.16 and 14.27. At 14.39 2 planes attacked but did not drop bombs. According to Väinämöinen both of them were downed.
17.15 Anchor was dropped.
19.00 Commander of Väinämöinen visited RLE. Instructions were given for actions on next day. Sweeper Flotilla commander was given order to send A-boats assisted by Porin Karhu to Rauma for winter storage. After the mission boiling of boiler for Porin Karhu.
24.00 Ships:
Coastal defence ship Ilmarinen, Väinämöinen, 5 VMV boats and Primus in Sälsö
Sweeper Vilppula and Rautu in Ledsund
Hämeenmaa in Maarianhamina Ledsund
Turunmaa in Maarianhamina Ledsund
Uusimaa in Maarianhamina Ledsund
Mineship Louhi and Baltic in Sottunga
VMV 11 by Joutsen
26.12.39 08.00 Weather: Clear, wind 100o/1, temperature -2oC, pressure 754 mm, visibility 10-20 km.
08.30 Coastal defence ships, VMV 8,10,12 and 17 departed from Sälsö to cruise on the secret lane to Saggö.
10.00 7 A-boats assisted by Porin Karhu departed from Föglö waters to Rauma for winter storage.
13.06 Sighted 3 planes approaching from southeast. Väinämöinen opened fire. The planes disappeared to west. This happened in grid square 7370.
14.21 Sighting: 9 planes in south grid square 6990 flying to west. Distance 50000. Disappeared at 14.27.
17.20 Coastal defence ships anchored by Sälsö.
18.00 VMV 6 arrived in anchorage and joined Patrol Boat Half-flotilla. From the half-flotilla in the morning was detached VMV 11 that assisted by sweeper Primus went to Degerby for winter docking. The rest of patrol boats are now with the Coastal Fleet (6,8,10,12,17) and they were ordered to go 27.12.39 morning to Degerby for winter docking.
19.00 Order for Armoured Flotilla: Departure at 8. Speed 10 knots. Cruising in Föglö waters.
19.00 Order for Securing Flotilla commander to send two gunboats to Föglö waters to secure Armoured Flotilla in the morning 27.12.39.
20.00 Resupply of 105 mm ammunition was hastened by phone.
27.12.39 00.00 Coastal Fleet ships:
Armoured Flotilla Coastal defence ship Väinämöinen (Sälsö)
Coastal defence ship Ilmarinen (Sälsö)
Securing Flotilla Gunboat Uusimaa (Maarianhamina Ledsund)
Gunboat Hämeenmaa (Maarianhamina Ledsund)
Gunboat Turunmaa (Maarianhamina Ledsund)
VMV 6, 8, 10, 12 and 17 (Sälsö)
Minesweeper Flotilla Sweeper Vilppula (Ledsund)
Sweeper Rautu (Ledsund)
Sweeper Porin Karhu (at sea)
Sweeper Primus (SiirTAs)
Mineship Half-flotilla Mineship Louhi (Sottunga)
Mineship Baltic (Sottunga)
Mobile Supply Base Depot ship Suomen Joutsen (Husö)
Tug Katajaluoto (Turku)
Transport ship Toimi (Herrö)
08.00 Coastal defence ships departed. VMV 6,8,12 and 17 assisted by tug Primus to Degerby.
Weather: 320/1B, -5oC cloudy. Thin ice on shores.
11.00 Arrived in Föglö waters, where already were gunboats and sweepers Vilppula and Rautu. Gunboat Hämeenmaa was on the way to Maarianhamina and gunboat Turunmaa departed at 12.00.
14.59 Order to Sweeper Flotilla commander: Secure Ledsund and Björkör.
15.00 Message to gunboat Uusimaa: Inform lt.cmd. Voionmaa, early in the morning submarine search as today.
15.45 Gunboat Uusimaa departed to Maarianhamina.
17.25 Arrived in Långnäsudd anchorage.
22.00 Submarine Vesihiisi reported to have anchored in grid square 05113.
22.30 LSMePE informed by phone that tug Porin Karhu and A-boats have arrived in Rauma.
24.00 Coastal Fleet ships:
Armoured Flotilla Coastal defence ship Väinämöinen, Ilmarinen (in Långnäsudd)
Securing Flotilla Gunboat Uusimaa, Hämeenmaa, Turunmaa (in Maarianhamina)
VMV boats in Degerby
Minesweeper Flotilla Sweeper Rautu, Vilppula in Föglö waters
A-boats and sweeper Porin Karhu on Rauma
Tug Primus (Långnäsudd)
Submarine Division Submarine Vetehinen (Sottunga)
Submarine Vesihiisi (war patrol)
Mobile Supply Base Depot ship (Sottunga)
Tug Katajaluoto (from Turku to anchorage)
28.12.39 08.00 Weather: Cloudy, pressure 755 mm, -7oC, wind 270/4B.
08.15 Departure.
12.57 Air warning as alarm message.
14.40 Weather: Snowing heavy, dropped anchor.
15.00 Weather: Half cloudy, wind 340/2B.
15.02 Departure.
15.03 Order for Uusimaa, morning tasks for tomorrow as today.
17.00 Dropped anchor in anchorage.
17.30 Tug Katajaluoto arrived with wrong ammunition. There had been no control when loading in Turku and so on the pier were left the ammunition that was first needed and what was in no hurry was delivered and even those not fully. The case was pointed out in the evening by phone to many directions (Sundman, Nordgren) and must be in order soon.
29.12.39 07.45 To the Sweeper Flotilla commander was sent written order: Sweeper Rautu is ordered to A Sector use until further notice. Reporting during 29/12 to commander of A Sector. Arrange with A Sector commander and Mineship Flotilla commander the use of Rautu for laying of submarine net!
MiLv commander informed that he will conduct soon laying of net and strenghtening of barrage No 84 using mineship Frej. It was sgreed that MiLV commander will also take mineships Louhi and Baltic under his command. Mineship Louhi will unload the mines for the barrage 83 to some barge and take in smaller number of equipment for laying deep mines.
08.00 Strength:
Coastal defence ships in Långnäsudd,
Gunboats in Ledsund and Maarianhamina
Rautu and Vilppula in Ledsund
Porin Karhu in Rauma
Primus in Långnäsudd
Katajaluoto in Långnäsudd
Mobile Supply Base in Sälö.
08.00 Weather: Sky is covered by clouds, temperature -2oC, light wind.
08.25 Raised the anchor.
09.20 Started with security movements on Flisö waters.
10.10 Got an air warning.
15.50 Finished with security movements.
17.00 Dropped anchor in Långnäsudd.
20.30 Ahvenanmaa Sector HQ reported a drifting mine in 60o22' 19o17'. The mine could not be destroyed because of bad weather.
23.00 Today was reported at the same time two different submarines south from Norrskär.
30.12.39 00.00 Ships:
Coastal defence ships Väinämöinen and Ilmarinen in Långnäsudd,
Gunboats Hämeenmaa, Uusimaa, Turunmaa Flisö - Maarianhamina
Rautu, Vilppula
Porin Karhu
Primus, Katajaluoto in Långnäsudd
00.15 Suomen Joutsen reported that Baltic had run aground in grid square 6987 and asked for tug assistance, Time for running aground 11.30. For the position were sent Assistans and Primus. Informed LSMpP and MeVP.
05.55 Baltic reported that it had become free.
08.00 Weather: Sleet, cloudy, temperature -1oC, wind 240/3 gusty, pressure 758 mm, visibility 300-500 m.
08.00 Order for PLv: Departure at 08.30.
09.00 Sweeper Vilppula passed Långnäsudd going north.
10.00 Armoured Flotilla departed from Långnäsudd.
10.45 Armoured Flotilla arrived in Föglö waters where Securing Flotilla was waiting and started with security movements.
10.50 Order for Armoured Flotilla: Ilmarinen will anchor south from cable, Väinämöinen northwest from Rödskär west from the lane.
11.20 Order for Securing Flotilla: Gunboats (Turunmaa, Hämeenmaa and Uusimaa) anchor where you see appropriate.
11.20 PLv anchored by the given order to Föglö waters. Snow and wind 23 m/s.
11.50 Submarine Iku-Turso arrived by Storklubb lane and reported that nothing special had happened.
12.45 Raised the anchor and started movements.
15.30 Order to Securing Flotilla: Tasks in the morning as today.
16.30 PLv sailed away from Föglö waters.
16.55 PLv anchored in Långnäsudd.
17.30 Gunboat Uusimaa arrived in Långnäsudd.
21.10 Information from A Sector HQ (maj. Lundenius): Enemy small submarines can be expected in the archipelago. Tomorrow 5 submarines and a sweeper detachment will probably try to attack convoys.
21.30 Orders were given from A Sector HQ to Securing Flotilla commander concerning possible enemy actions.
31.12.39 00.00 Coastal Fleet ships:
Armoured Flotilla Coastal defence ship Väinämöinen(Långnäsudd)
Coastal defence ship Ilmarinen (Långnäsudd)
Securing Flotilla Gunboat Turunmaa (Långnäsudd)
Gunboat Uusimaa (Ledsund - Maarianhamina)
Gunboat Hämeenmaa (Ledsund - Maarianhamina)
Minesweeper Flotilla Sweeper Vilppula (Ledsund)
Sweeper Rautu (Storklubb)
Sweeper Primus (Sälsö)
Sweeper Porin Karhu (Rauma)
Mobile Supply Base Depot ship Suomen Joutsen (Sälsö)
Tug Katajaluoto (Långnäsudd)
Transport ship Toimi (Degerby)
08.00 Departure. Weather 140/3B, -3o, half cloudy.
09.45 Arrived in Föglö waters, where already were gunboats Turunmaa, Hämeenmaa and Uusimaa and sweeper Rautu going to A Sector use.
10.00 Gunboat Uusimaa departed to Maarianhamina for water resupply.
12.05 For Securing FLotilla commander were given order (by microradio) that one gunboat must secure Björkör lane in night. The other gunboat can go to Maarianhamina when it becomes dark.
15.50 Sweeper Vilppula departed to Turku, leak in propeller packing.
16.15 Message to VLv: Morning tasks for tomorrow as today.
16.30 Gunboat Hämeenmaa departed to Maarianhamina.
17.15 Anchored in Långnäsudd.
24.00 Coastal Fleet ships:
Armoured Flotilla Coastal defence ship Väinämöinen(Långnäsudd)
Coastal defence ship Ilmarinen (Långnäsudd)
Securing Flotilla Gunboat Turunmaa (Björkör)
Gunboat Uusimaa (Maarianhamina - Ledsund)
Gunboat Hämeenmaa (Maarianhamina - Ledsund)
Minesweeper Flotilla Sweeper Vilppula (Turku)
Sweeper Primus (Långnäsudd)
Sweeper Porin Karhu (Rauma)
Mobile Supply Base Depot ship Suomen Joutsen (Sälsö)
Tug Katajaluoto (Långnäsudd)
Transport ship Toimi (Degerby)


November 1939 December 1939 January 1940



This page is maintained by Jari Aromaa.
Last modified 31.12.2009.