Page "Finnish Civil War" Paragraph 92

Mannerheim decided to strike first at Tampere.

He launched the attack on 16 March at Längelmäki, 65 km north-east of Tampere.

At the same time, the White Army began advancing along a line through Vilppula – Kuru – Kyröskoski – Suodenniemi, north and north-west of Tampere.

Many Red Guard units collapsed under the weight of the assault and several detachments retreated in panic, while some units defended their posts relentlessly, and were able to slow the advance of the White Guards, who were unaccustomed to offensive warfare.

Eventually, the Whites cut off the Red troops ' connection to the area south of Tampere, arriving in Lempäälä from the east, via Kangasala, on 24 March, and in Siuro ( Nokia, Finland ) and Ylöjärvi, in the west, on 25 March.

They lay siege to Tampere, entering the town three days later.