A total of 245 aircraft took part in the bombings of Kuhmo’s parish village. On January 28, 1940, about 60 bombers were overhead. In total, 1,267 high-explosive bombs and 1,102 incendiary bombs were dropped. Additionally, the aircraft carried out 16 strafing attacks with machine guns.
The Soviets also shelled the parish village with artillery from the Rasti direction, including from Kankivaara.
During the Winter War, 327 buildings were destroyed in Kuhmo. In the parish village, 18 residential buildings were lost. In addition, the state and communal grain storage facilities were completely destroyed.
Buildings destroyed in the Winter War in Kuhmo’s parish village
- Postila (Kainuun Osuusliike)
- Komula (Maalaistenkauppa Oy Ipatti)
- Kivelä (Aug. Korhonen Oy)
- Louhela (Municipal official residence)
- Käräjätalo (Kuhmon Säästöpankki bank)
- Uutela (Pharmacy)
- Tuomela (former Civil Guard House)
- Grain storages (2)
- Elementary school
In addition houses Vännilä, Lahtela, Kolehmala, Nurmela, Vilmilä, Peltola, Niskala, Kylmälä, Tähtelä, Matala and Takala were destroyed in the bombings.
Key buildings in Kuhmo’s parish village during the Winter War
- Tuupala (Field post, headquarters, accommodation, and storage)
- Rajala (Headquarters)
- Korpilinna (Ammunition and other storage)
- Kansakoulu (Assembly point for evacuees)
- Church
The area under Huokausten silta (“the Bridge of Sighs“) served as a bomb shelter.
