5.Div - Establishing a Historical society
The Lynx - symbol of the 5.Division
5.Div - in 194 1-44
The 5.Div, or the more commonly used name - Ilves Divisioona - i.e. the Lynx-Division, was formed in June 1941 and was in action throughout the Continuation War (1941-44). The troops were almost exclusively raised in the County of Häme (Tavastia), as it was common practice in the Finnish Army to raise units of men from the same area.
As part of the Operation Barbarossa and co-belligerents with the
Germans, the unit took part in the succesful advance north of Lake Ladoga and deep into eastern Karelia, reaching the vital Soviet artery of Syväri (River Svir). The Karelian fronts consisted of three separate Isthmuses, the Karelian Isthmus, the Aunus Isthmus and Maaselkä Isthmus, the 5.Div was placed at the Aunus Isthmus, along with the 15.Brigade, the 17.Div and the 8.Div.
After the unit reached the Svir the advance was halted (by order of Mannerheim) as Finland was not out to occupy foreign territory, but mainly regain lost territories and also gain advanced defensive positions ahead of the inevitable Russian counterattack. Even at this stage when the Soviets were crumbling under the German advance, Mannerheim knew what was to come. 
The Finnish and Russians dug trenches and faced each other across the river and it became a stalemate, with frequent attacks against each other's strongpoints and deep patrols into enemy territory the only active warfare along the trench-lines.
After the Russians launched their main thrust in June 1944, the 5.Div along with it's neighbouring units made sure that they would not let the Russians encircle the hard pressed troops at the Karelian isthmus. The line held firm, retreating mainly in good order closer towards the old border and made sure there would be no major breaks in the line.
Units:
Commanders:
 
Jaeger Colonel, Einar Kosmimies
(18 June - 11 july 1941)
Jaeger Colonel, Ruben Lagus
(11 July - 25 July 1941)
Colonel, Ilmari Karhu
(25 July 1941 - 16 June 1942)
Major General, Kustaa Tapola
(16 June 1942 - )
Losses:
Casualties and missing in action - 10,608
The 5.Div today
   
The 5.Div historical society was started in June 2010. The period from June last summer has been focused on gathering information and material ... and also finding enthusiastic (hopefully) members.
A task that has been wrought with both problems (finding material, excessive prices in some cases) but also with great stimulation. We have been in contact with Veterans Associations and various museums for guidance and co-operation.
The first historical odyssey was made in late August 2010 to find sources of material apart from visiting museums and such ...
Over the winter we have managed to arm (airsoft, yes I know) and equip 4 members of the 5.Div and starting to find events and contacts for these.
First event - 2 July 2011, Parola Tank Museum - Family and Vehicle day
We established contact with Parola Tank Museum in the early spring and learned through other re-enactors that there would be a gathering of sorts in early July, so the date was well marked in the calendar.
Friday - Day 1
Our journey started with an early arrival at the ancient city of Turku (former Finnish capital) on Friday 1 July. Along with Adrian and Mia, we toured the still sleepy town before we set off to to our first destiny: Säkylä. Here Adrian completed some of his kitty, despite the excessive prices. We also took in the Winter & Continuation War Museum, next door to the museum. Despite the museum fairly small the quality of the collection was splendid, displaying uniforms, personal weaponry, artillery and miscellaneous equipment. We were excellently guided by a museum "Lotta".
Next halt would be the historical town of Hämeenlinna and the Artillery Museum and also local Surplus Store to top off some missing gear. We completely missed the timelines so the museum had to be postponed til Saturday, as we only just managed to take in the shop. The surplus stores are an excellent source of equipment for us. For the night our friendly guide, Pertti Riutta, had booked a cabin at the Natural Park at Aulanko. We rounded off the day by taking in the various impressions of the day, especially Adrian - this being his first trip to Finland, and the tending to our equipment ahead of the big day and also a glass of wine or two ...
Saturday - Day 2
 Even more scorching than Friday and we had to endure it in woollen breeches ... ALL day! Another of our members, Antti, joined us from Helsinki, taking our numbers to 3. What don't You do in the line of duty, eh? Well the day started with us getting training on the handling of a Swedish m/37 and a German PAK-40 (both anti-tank guns). Our task was to demonstrate these guns to the museum visitors. Apart from making new acquaintances with fellow re-enactors we got hands-on training on these guns (invaluable to us). During the day, we got permission to sneak off to nearby Hämeenlinna to tour the Artillery Museum and also visit the local military shop there too. The Museum, also a former military garrison was simply stunning. Displays on 3-4 separate floors and then the majestic gun park outdoors. From muzzle loaded guns from earlier centuries all the way to the Luna Missile (which could carry a nuclear tip). The museum gets our very best recommendations.
Back to Parola and to round off the events there. Having made some great connections, both with museum staff and other historical enthusiasts it was time to call it a day and back to the cabin at Aulanko. We decided to take a walk into the man made park ... my word ... what a wonderful spot! The Natural Park was created by a certain Hugo Standertskjöld and the results are there for future generations to enjoy. I especially recommend climbing up the watch tower that is overlooking miles and miles of breathtaking Finnish landscape with lakes and forests alike. This rates as one of the most beautiful spots that I have seen in my life.
Sunday - Day 3
Our guide Pertti had prepared a thoroughly memorable last day for us: We headed to the little town of Tuusula, just north of Helsinki. There we would take in no less than 3 military museums, starting with the Air-Defence Museum, which is neighboured by the former Air Defence regiment, next door.
Having toured the interesting collection, we made some bargains at the Museum shop, among these an original Finnish WWII water bottle.
Then on to the next stop … and maybe I didn’t understand the measure of the next stop, Ade and me were left gaping in awe afterwards. Pertti had arranged for us to meet up with a veteran and his personal collection (at the former Civil Guards Officer’s School). We stepped into the basement of the main building and here we met Heikki Talvela, nephew of the famous General Talvela. We were guided through his personal collection which also included not only his famous uncle’s uniform and medals but those of his entire family! Maps were gone through in detail and we also learned the position of “our” Division in the front at the Aunus Isthmus during the Continuation War. VERY, very interesting and sobering listening to this gentle man. As we had finished the tour Adrian and myself were lost for words – for me personally THIS was the pinnacle of the entire trip, and we weren’t quite finished yet.
 Next stop was to be the Lotta-Museum at Syväranta, not to far from the latest stop. In a beautiful building there was a humble but serene museum and collection of Lotta-items, uniforms, films and also a lovely “canteen”-
As we said goodbye to Pertti, we were ready for the last stop, the family home of our Marshal Mannerheim, at Louhisaari (outside Turku).
Halfway through our journey from Tuusula to Turku we sadly realized we were not going to make it in time to visit, but we still decided to stop at the gates and get some snap shots of the Manor House – and well worth it proved to be. In this quiet corner next to the archipelago sat this stately manor … to which I am certain we will return again.
Well, all good things come to an end and our journey was about to end with the boat-trip back to Stockholm and Sweden.
The major impressions were … yes, we are on the right track. This is a historical theme, WELL worth keeping alive. We have been amazed by the great reception, meeting interesting people and enthusiasts of which I can only mention but a few: Pertti, Joel and Joachim, Masa, all the Museum Staff at Parola, the Etulinja-re-enactment group and most of all Heikki Talvela for his troubles. Not to forgot, a big thank You to Adrian & Mia and also Antti for Your efforts in Finland.
More pictures here
I will long cherish the memories of this trip and hope that we can expand the 5.Div with more active members and authentic material along the way.
2012 - 5 Ilves on tour
 We have some wonderful events coming up with the 5 Div. First of all the February Gaissmair Winter Training Camp in Finland. This will be done in corporation with the Michael Gaissmair Society in Finland and the Etulinja Society. A back-to-basics winter camp getting a feel to the hardships of soldiers in winter conditions. There will be groups and individuals joining all the way from Spain
Then we will take 5 Ilves to the largest (?) historical event in the U.K. and maybe in Europe - the 2012 War & Peace gathering in Kent. We hope to enjoy the atmosphere and sheer magnitude of the event and not to mention finally meeting up with re-enactor colleagues in the U.K. and other countries. We hope to share a little bit of Finnish history in the event.
A return to Finland in October is planned along with an Autumn Training event with no less than 3 StuG's, this also arranged by the Michael Gaissmair Society and the Parola Tank Museum. I especially look forward to this event. Can't wait to see these majestic tanks in action, the sniff of diesel fumes and the awesome looking gun on these steel monsters. Hope also to make new acquaintances at the event. This could simply be the event of the year for Finnish re-enactors.
Häme Regiment today
 The Häme Regiment is today garrisoned at Hennala, Lahti. It incorporates the Häme Horse Jaegers, The Army Sports School, The Army Maintenance School and the very professional and competent Army Conscript Band.
Here is the m/91 uniform that had been in use until the current m/05 was introduced to the armed forces.
Häme Regiment traces it's origins back to the time of King Gustaf II Adolf who founded the regiment in 1626. The regiment served in numerous Swedish wars when Finland was a part of the Swedish Empire/Kingdom. 
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