Headquarters Kuhmo Border Troops

The barracks area was built in 1934-38. The Kuhmo Border Company, or 2nd Company of the Kainuu Border Guard (2./KR) moved to Jämäki on 15 April 1937. In 1939, 69 border guards were registered at the barracks, according to identity books. In addition, there were border guards at field stations near the eastern border. The barracks area was used as a training centre for Kuhmo during the Extraordinary Exercises (YH), where the wartime troops were formed. During the Winter War, the area served as a supply centre for Finnish troops. During the Winter War, the area was also used as a command post for the Kuhmo direction troops. The troops were led first by Lieutenant Colonel Frans Ilomäki (Rgruppe Ilomäki) and his staff, and from the end of January 1940 by Lieutenant Colonel Hjalmar Siilasvuo (9th Division) and his staff. The Jämäki barracks area included a kitchen, crew quarters, a clothing store, a laundry room and a sauna. During the Continuation War, the barracks area was used by the border troops and the Headquarters' long-distance patrol units (Separate Battalion 4). Today, the old barracks are privately owned.

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Source

• Text: Visit Kuhmo
• Photos: Lassi Piirainen (1), Kuhmo Winter War Museum (2)