The Battle of Encirclement at Ilomantsi in July-August 1944—An Example of the Application of the Idea of Cannae in the Finnish Art of War

Abstract

This article examines the Battle of Ilomantsi, the last big WW II battle fought between the Finnish and Soviet armies. The author argues that the battle was confusing and difficult to both belligerents. The Finnish forces utilized envelopment tactics that drew upon the ancient methods of warfare and those already used by them in the Winter War (1939–1940). The Finns achieved victory, and the remnants of the two Red Army divisions barely escaped destruction by breaking out from the encirclements. After the battle, Stavka brought its offensive to a halt and gave up the demand of Finland’s unconditional surrender.