Petsamo–Kirkenes offensive

October 7–31, 1944 · Arctic

Result Soviet victory

The Red Army drove German forces out of the Petsamo region in the Arctic and liberated Kirkenes in northern Norway. It was the first liberation of Norwegian territory.

On the map Contemporaries

Allies

Axis

Soviet Union

Norway

Germany

Quisling Norway

Kirill Meretskov military commander

Vladimir Shcherbakov military commander

Lothar Rendulic military commander

Strength and losses

Strength: 133,500
Casualties: 21,233
Wounded: 15,149
Tanks: 110
Guns: 2,100

Units

Karelian Front 14th Army (Soviet Union) 26th Army (Soviet Union) 10th Guards Motor Rifle Division 114th Rifle Division 14th Rifle Division (Soviet Union, 1922–1944) 368th Rifle Division 45th Rifle Division 65th Rifle Division