II Corps (Winter War)

The II Corps was a Finnish army corps that participated in the Winter War (1939-1940) against the Soviet Union. It was one of the three main corps formations of the Finnish Army during the war, the others being I Corps and III Corps.

The II Corps was primarily responsible for defending the Karelian Isthmus sector, specifically the Taipale sector, which was a critical area due to its relatively flat terrain, making it a possible avenue of attack for Soviet mechanized forces. The corps was composed of several divisions and independent units, varying throughout the course of the war due to reinforcements and reorganizations. Typical components included infantry divisions, artillery regiments, and engineer battalions.

The defensive battles fought by the II Corps were some of the most intense and costly of the Winter War. The Taipale sector, under the command of the II Corps, became known for its resilience against repeated Soviet offensives. The corps employed a combination of defensive fortifications, terrain exploitation, and mobile reserves to inflict heavy casualties on the attacking Red Army. Despite facing overwhelming numerical and material superiority, the II Corps held its ground and played a crucial role in preventing a decisive Soviet breakthrough on the Karelian Isthmus.

Commanders of the II Corps included prominent Finnish generals such as Harald Öhquist. The corps' performance during the Winter War contributed significantly to Finland's ability to resist the Soviet invasion and ultimately secure a peace treaty, albeit at the cost of territorial concessions.