WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk
Episode: Slaughter On The Ice
Release Date: December 24, 2024
Hosts: Comedian Al Murray and Historian James Holland

Introduction to the Episode

In this special seasonal episode of We Have Ways of Making You Talk, hosts Al Murray and James Holland delve into the harrowing tales of Christmas during the Second World War. Accompanied by John McManus, the trio explores the lesser-known Battle of Kellya, a brutal conflict fought on the icy terrains of the Karelian Isthmus during the Winter War between Finland and the Soviet Union.

Setting the Scene: December 1939

Al Murray opens the discussion by setting the historical context:

"[00:43] December 21, 1939, Stalin's 60th birthday... The Winter War is up and running in Finland."

The Winter War was initiated by the Soviet Union to rectify border discrepancies with Finland following the chaos of 1917. Al humorously remarks on the Soviet motivations, drawing parallels to modern Russian geopolitical maneuvers.

Geographical and Strategic Importance of the Karelian Isthmus

Al Murray provides a detailed description of the Battle of Kellya:

"[04:11] The Battle of Kellya... in the Karelian Isthmus, a narrow stretch of land between St. Petersburg and Finland."

The Karelian Isthmus was crucial for the Soviets as capturing it would grant direct access to Helsinki. The area, characterized by extreme cold—reaching minus 40 degrees Celsius and Fahrenheit—posed significant challenges to both sides.

Military Tactics and Conditions

James Holland raises pertinent questions about the operational difficulties faced by soldiers:

"[12:10] James Holland: It's minus 40 degrees. How are they operating? How are they keeping the weapons operating?"

The discussions highlight the immense physical and logistical challenges:

• Weapon Maintenance: Soldiers had to prevent their rifles from freezing, often leaving them outside sleeping bags to avoid jams.
• Clothing and Mobility: Layered clothing hindered movement, making soldiers slower and less agile.
• Visibility: Persistent moonlight made movements highly visible on the snow, contributing to high casualties.

Al Murray adds practical survival techniques used by soldiers:

"[13:25] ...put newspaper in your boots to draw the moisture out of your feet... change your underwear as often as you possibly can because moisture is the enemy."

The Battle Unfolds: December 25-27, 1939

The hosts meticulously recount the three-day battle:

1. Christmas Day ([04:50] - [10:12])

   • Soviet Assault: The Soviets launched a massive artillery barrage followed by infantry assaults across frozen Lake Suvanto.
   • Finnish Defense: Despite being outnumbered and equipped with inferior weaponry, Finnish troops utilized superior training and tactical ingenuity to repel the Soviet forces.
   • Bitter Combat: The battle involved intense hand-to-hand fighting, with Finnish soldiers leveraging their knowledge of the terrain and cold-weather combat skills.

2. Boxing Day ([10:12] - [15:00])

   • Continued Soviet Attempts: The Soviets made repeated attempts to reinforce their positions, only to be met with devastating Finnish artillery fire.
   • Finnish Counterattacks: Despite heavy losses, Finnish forces launched counterattacks to disrupt Soviet advances.

3. December 27 ([12:10] - [17:04])

   • Final Push: After seven hours of relentless fighting, the Finns managed to infiltrate and decimate the Soviet positions, effectively ending the battle.
   • Casualties: The Soviets suffered significant losses, with thousands of soldiers killed and their attempts thwarted by the resilient Finnish defense.

Personal Accounts and Heroism

A poignant moment in the episode features a dramatic retelling by John McManus of a firsthand account from a Finnish soldier, Fresh Marilla:

"[11:30] ...'As I was in good health, I had the pleasure and honor of being the first to plunge into a trench full of knuckles... I've been able to use all the combat skills I'd acquired in peacetime school.'"

This vivid narrative underscores the brutal reality of the battle and the extraordinary bravery of those who fought.

Discussion on Soldier Preparedness and Morale

James Holland and Al Murray engage in a discussion about the importance of preparation and morale in such extreme conditions:

"[14:12] John McManus: ...who is prepared is going to come out on top... Al Murray: ...if you're mobilized, you're motivated... you're going to be able to hang on."

They emphasize that the Finnish victory was not just a result of tactical superiority but also stemmed from high morale and unwavering determination among the troops.

Aftermath and Legacy

Following the Battle of Kellya, the Winter War concluded with the Moscow Treaty in March 1940, resulting in significant territorial losses for Finland:

"[15:42] John McManus: And they join forces the Germans can't you to go and smash Leningrad."

Al Murray highlights Field Marshal Mannerheim's reflections:

"[16:30] 'The people of Finland have shown in two wars that a united nations smaller it may be, can develop unprecedented fighting power...'"

These remarks encapsulate the Finnish resilience and the strategic importance of maintaining internal unity in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Conclusion

In "Slaughter On The Ice," Al Murray and James Holland shed light on a lesser-known yet pivotal battle of the Winter War, illustrating the extremes of human endurance and the complexities of warfare in harsh climates. Through detailed analysis, personal anecdotes, and insightful discussions, the episode offers a comprehensive look at the Battle of Kellya, honoring the valor of those who fought and preserving an important chapter of World War II history.

Notable Quotes:

• Al Murray [00:02]: "We have ways of making you talk."
• Fresh Marilla [11:30]: "I've been able to use all the combat skills I'd acquired in peacetime school."
• Field Marshal Mannerheim [16:30]: "The people of Finland have shown in two wars that a united nations smaller it may be, can develop unprecedented fighting power..."

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