In addition to various bunker types, the Salpa Line was also equipped with reinforced-concrete weapon positions, including machine-gun positions, gun positions, and machine-gun cupola positions. Unlike bunkers, these contained only a weapon chamber and had no accommodation facilities. Several different models of machine-gun cupola positions were constructed.
This MG-position 706 is part of the Salpa Line strongpoint (Finnish: Salpa-Asema) at Askola in the Luumäki region of Southern Finland. The region was one of the most heavily fortified areas of the Salpa Line, with more than 120 different structures.
Some cupola positions were built with a lower chamber containing a stove, a manually operated ventilation system, and a cooling-water system for the weapon. From the cupola chamber, a ladder led up into the machine-gun cupola. The gunner stood inside the cupola, while the larger two-man domes, like this one, also provided a position for an observer alongside him. The small external profile of cupola positions made them easier to conceal and reduced their exposure to enemy fire. Approximately 25 machine-gun cupola positions were constructed along the Salpa Line.
At machine-gun position 706, the machine gun was mounted in a steel, medium-weight 1943 model (M/43) machine-gun dome. The original machine-gun mount, complete with its traverse mechanism, is still present. The mount is short and was designed for a Maxim machine gun. The centreline of the firing sector is 0°, facing north, meaning that the position was intended to engage the enemy with flanking fire.
A similar stand-alone steel MG dome like this one is on display at the Finnish Artillery Museum in Hämeenlinna.
The wooden connecting passages at the rear of the position were reconstructed at a later date.
Visit
This bunker is part of the Salpa-Asema or Strongpoint at Askola, Luumäki, Finland. It is located along the Lappeenrannantie road that runs parallel to Highway 6 between Lappeenranta and Kouvola. You can park your car along the road and a short walk into the forest will take you there.
Sources
- wikipedia.com
- salpalinjamuseo.fi
- lahtoselvitetty.com
