| 5th Division |
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|
| Active | 1941–1944 |
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| Country |  Finland |
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| Branch | Army |
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| Type | Division |
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| Nickname(s) | Tavastian Division, Lynx Division |
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|
Notable
commanders | Ruben Lagus (11–25 July 1941) |
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Military unit
5th Division (Finnish: 5. Divisioona, also known as Tavastian Division or Lynx Division) was a Finnish Army division in the Continuation War. The division was formed by Etelä-Häme (South Tavastia) military province from the men in Kanta-Häme (Tavastia proper) and Lounais-Häme (South-western Tavastia) civil guard districts.[1]
History
The division was intended to be used as the reserve of the Finnish High Command,[2] but was subordinated to the VI Corps prior to the start of the war.[3] As part of the Army of Karelia, the division advanced towards lake Onega and the river Svir during the 1941 Finnish offensive phase.[4]
At the onset of the Soviet Vyborg–Petrozavodsk offensive, the division was stationed on the river Svir, from where it conducted a fighting retreat during the offensive.[5] As the situation stabilized, the division had established a defensive position in the region of Sortavala.[6]
Losses
Based on the periodic reports made by units to Finnish General Headquarters the total losses suffered by the 5th Division in killed, wounded and missing during the Continuation War were 10 608 men.[9]
