23 DECEMBER 1939, KUOMASJARVI ISTHMUS, RAATE-SUOMUSSALMI ROAD:
The actions between 11 and 13 December effectively halted the Soviet advance on Suomussalmi through the Raate Road. Finnish troops quickly grasped the initiative and launched strong counterattacks towards Suomussalmi and Raate directions. The Ukrainian 44th Motorized Rifle Division, unable to reach the encircled 163rd Rifle Division at Suomussalmi, was fighting for its own survival along the icy road. After 20 December, Finnish troops followed a different pattern on their actions. Rather than conventional maneuvers in regimental level, they launched small sudden strikes against the flanks and the encampments of the enemy.
On 22 December, Battle Group Makinen (Osasto Makinen) was facing a single battalion from the 44th Rifle Division at the Eastern edge of the Raate Road. The 9th Division HQ reinforced Makinen with several antitank units and light infantry companies. Makinen's orders were attacking the Russian formations at the narrow isthmus between the lakes of Kuomasjarvi and Kuivasjarvi. Makinen's attack started on 23rd December with the advance of the spearhead, 1st Battalion of the 27th Regiment (I/27JR). The battalion failed in taking the isthmus as the Soviet defenders had already erected some field fortifications and were supported by tanks. However by noon units from the I/27JR surprised a Russian column resting and refitting along the road. Finnish troops launched the attack from several directions while Russians reinforcements tried to turn the table. Makinen's troops especially targeted the Russian field kitchens along with the heavy weapons in the column. Field kitchens were regarded as prime targets by the Finns, as high protein and warm food were vital to fight in the arctic climate. A reason why Finns used to call the Winter War, "The Sausage War".
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