Along the Karelian Front, as the Soviets crossed the borders, the Finnish forces executed a planned withdrawal to the Mannerheim Line. In the north, however, the Finns were ordered to oppose the Russian advance at every opportunity. At Kuhmo, the 54th Russian Rifle Division advanced along the Repola-Hukkajarvi road. The 13th Finnish Reinforced Battalion, numbering some 1200 reservists, sought to block its advance. At 1030 hours, a mere nine hours after the Soviets renounced their non-aggression pact with Finland, the lead Russian elements encountered the Finns in prepared positions.
