Winter War Medal 1939-40

[Woolgar]

Just picked up this nice Winter War medal. I really like the design of this medal particularly the 'sniper' on the obverse

This example has the Laatokan Karjala bar.
In total there were 15 bars to this award (maximum only one bar per medal)...11 for service on the front line, 4 indicating the service the recipients did duty in.
The medal was instituted on 2nd August 1940 and is made of blackened iron. The reverse inscription 'KUNNIA ISANMAA' means 'Honour, Fatherland'

Nick

[Gunny Hartmann]

Never seen one before, very nice design.

[Verikauha]

Small tidbits for fun.
Winter war memorial medal basic version has been distributed about 700 000 pieces, this includes Lotta svärd, home front military members, and "for unanimous fighting will and deeds done for the fatherland." Notice how Finnish field army size was only 350 000 members at the start of the conflict.

Winter war memorial medal for foreigners has been distributed only 10 000 pieces.

Those people who belonged in field army and participated in combat, it was awarded with swords.

[Woolgar]

Ladogan Karelia
Home Front
Army

[Woolgar]

Just added these three examples . All have clasps and swords which denote they were in a combat zone

Nick

[kradman]

You are getting there , i have the full set just need to get around to displaying them

[Woolgar]

You are getting there , i have the full set just need to get around to displaying them

Which clasps did you find the most difficult to get ?
I would love to see photos of your set

Nick

[kradman]

Hi Nick here are some photos

[Jan]

Nice Now you only need award documents for every clasp type

Best, Jan

[kradman]

Yes not a bad idea may do that next