49. A Macabre Warning
During the Winter War between Finland and the Soviet Union, Finnish soldiers employed a gruesome tactic to deter their adversaries. Alongside roads, they hung the bodies of fallen Russian soldiers in a macabre display reminiscent of scarecrows. This grisly spectacle aimed to instill fear in advancing Soviet troops, serving as a stark warning of the consequences they might face.
The psychological impact of encountering these morbid scenes likely contributed to the Soviets’ apprehension and hesitation, adding a chilling dimension to the brutal conflict. The strategy, while unconventional and chilling, underscores the lengths to which soldiers will go to gain a strategic advantage in warfare.