The Republic of Kirjasalo (), commonly known as the Republic of North Ingria () was a short-lived unrecognized state from 9 July 1919 to 5/6 December 1920.Most Finnish language sources state 5 December 1920 as the date when the republic was dissolved, however Russian language sources state 6 December 1920 as the date when the republic was dissolved. Kirjasalo was located in the southern part of the Karelian Isthmus, specifically in Kirjasalo in Lembolovo.
Santeri Termonen |
Juho Pekka Kokko |
Georg Elfvengren |
Jukka Tirranen |
Elfvengren's hopes of causing a diplomatic incident and causing a wider rebellion amongst Finns and Ingrian Finns in the area had failed terribly. Having performed an attack without the prior approval of the Finnish Government, Elfvengren was sacked and replaced by . Elja Rihtniemi began to construct fortifications in Lempaala and requested weapons from Finland, Rihtniemi would resign two months later, and Elfvengren would be re-hired. Elfvengren began to get back on the offensive in accordance with Nikolai Yudenich of the White Army, this deal with the White Movement helped Kirjasalo receive four observing officers from the Northwestern Army, and receive much-needed financial assistance leading to the building of a hospital and other key infrastructure. Yudenich had signed a deal with Elfvengren for the purpose of getting him to join a planned attack on St. Petersburg.
A new offensive in accordance with Yudenich was started on 21/22 October, with the goal of capturing the village of Toksovo, which was the most populous and important centre of North Ingria. The first battle was with Red Finns at the Gruzino railway station which was used to transport Bolshevik forces. However an Armoured train and workers from the Shlisselburg powder factory, led by I.P. Zhuk arrived to the battle. The Ingrian forces were victorious however were unable to continue their advancements.
Ingrian forces were unable to continue fighting the Red Army, as they were equipped with artillery and armored trains, which the Ingrians did not have, as the Finns once again refused to supply the Ingrian forces except for the donation of topographic maps of the region. The Ingrians lost control over the Gruzino railway station, and were forced to retreat back to Kirjasalo. After the Treaty of Tartu, the entirety of Ingria was affirmed to be in the control of Bolshevik Russia, a mourning party was hosted on 5 December 1920, during the farewell party Erik Heinrichs held a speech, after which , the anthem of Kirjasalo, and Porilaisten Marssi were sung. The State Flag was saluted and lowered on 6 December 1920, and on the same day the village of Kirjasalo left for Finland.
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