Cold War Conflict Archaeology weekend researching a tank crew training ground

Immediately after the end of the Finnish/German-Soviet War of 1941-1944 the Soviet Union imposed, that the areas west of Helsinki, around Kirkkonummi, Porkkalanniemi, Upinniemi and the fortress island of Mäkiluoto, were to be emptied of all population and leased to the USSR for 50 years, for the purpose of establishing a Soviet naval base. Finland had no choice but to agree, despite the obvious threat to Helsinki. The base became known as Porkkala Udd in the USSR.

Between 2022 and 2026 the remains of the Cold War structures of the former Soviet Naval Base are excavated, documented and mapped by the "Porkkala 1944-1956" modern conflict archaeology project. This weekend the work was concentrated to a tank crew training area in Kirkkonummi.

          

          The picture of a tank carved into a piece of tyre rubber.

This weekend the research focused on a large over 300 square meter rectangular building foundation and nearby dumpsites. 

           

         Part of the well preserved concrete structure is revealed.

The finds were no less than fantastic giving an insight in the daily life of the Soviet soldiers who served here soon after the Second World War.

                

      

               

A few finds from the first two days of research.

The site is quite a complex one so it is certain that we will be reseraching it during several upcoming field seasons. Already in Septemeber we will return to the site for another five days of excavations. In 2023 local schools will also be invited to participate.