Hanko was rented to the Soviet Union according to the piece terms of the Continuation War. Only ten days were allowed for evacuation. The Russians may have presumed that the residents would stay in their homes but the evacuation of the bulk of the population and movable property was effectuated within the time allocated. The Soviet Union established a stronghold of approximately 30,000 men on the area. The Finns occupied the base after the departure of Russians on December 2, 1941. A Swedish troop of volunteers were first ordered to enter the town. Most of the town was ruined under both Finnish and Russian fire.

The Front Museum is located in Lappohja in Hanko. The articles and exhibitions in the museum illustrate this period of time. The museum was established by the front veterans of Karjaa. It is open from May 7 till August 16 daily from 11.30 to 18.30, also on August 22 and 23 as well as 29 and 30, and on September 5 and 6 at the same time. Tel. 019-244 3068; Karjaa tel. 019 231 301. The Museum is supervised by Stif Häggström.

All the following photographs are links to pictures in full size. Click the picture and you will see the picture in full size!

A dugout in Hanko Front Museum

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