75 years today WW2 started
Discussion
jurbie said:
But then the Finns sided with the Germans, recaptured all their lost territory from the Russians and Britain declared war on the Finns although that wasn't until the end of 1941.
Well we didn't have much choice by that stage but to declare war on Finland by that stage. Edited by jurbie on Monday 1st September 14:50
It would of made an interesting scenario though. Us at war with Germany and Russia whilst Russia is also at war with Germany. A 3 way fight.
Eric Mc said:
Grumfutock said:
I thought we defeated the Nazis? I didn't realise they could of come back to police the grammar.
The threat is always there."Ve haf vays of making you talk proper".
"We shall defend our language, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the internet, we shall fight in the schools, we shall fight in the book shops and in on street corners, we shall fight in Waterstones; we shall never surrender and we will learn from Del Boy."
Finlandia said:
The foreign minister of Sweden Christian Günther made it clear that Sweden would stop any troop passing with violence.
I must say I have not heard of any refusal from Finland, maybe it was a gesture to save further complications?
I believe the final offer was made in Feb 1940 with the aim of landing 50,000 troops. We requested a reply by 12 March but the Finns entered peace talks and never answered our offer. Again I state that this is a good thing.I must say I have not heard of any refusal from Finland, maybe it was a gesture to save further complications?
If we had troops involved and fighting Russia then, apart from the fact we would of got battered, it would of made later developments in 41 some what complicated. I suspect we would have a very different Europe now.
Finlandia said:
It could be said that the leaders of Sweden were not acting for the people and their wish. There are many brave men and women from Sweden who gave their life to help others, while the state helped the other side.
Sadly the same can be said for most countries of Europe during that period.Finlandia said:
It could have ended very quickly, like it did for the Baltic states, but luck and determination (the Finnish sisu) and not least the leadership and strategy used meant that Finland could keep their independency.
As an ex soldier I have studied the Battle of Raate Road and have to say it was a fantastic performance by the Finns. During the whole war they punched way above their weight. I am only surprised they didn't achieve most during the continuation War although I think that was because of politics rather lack of fighting will.Axionknight said:
From memory I think Himmler tried making peace overtures with the Western Allies through a Swedish Count or politician too - the name Folke Bernadotte comes to mind. Does anyone have any ideas on why a senior Nazi and the head of the SS would be in contact with this chap??
He was vice chairman of the red cross and had a lot of dealing with POW swaps and also rescued people from concentration camps etc. Hence the contact with senior Nazis leaders. Ironically the Jewish group Levi assassinated him in 48 when he was working for the UN.
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