Description
Simo Hayha was a man of action who spoke very little, but he was hugely respected by his men and his superiors and given many difficult missions, including taking out specific targets. Able to move silently and swiftly through the landscape, melting into the snowbound surroundings in his white camouflage fatigues, his aim was deadly and his quarry rarely escaped. The Russians learned of his reputation as a marksman and tried several times to kill him by indirect fire. He was promoted from corporal to second lieutenant and he was awarded the Cross of Kollaa. For sniping Simo Hayha only ever used his own m/28-30 rifle. Eventually his luck ran out and Simo received a serious head wound on March 6, 1940, though he subsequently recovered.
After the war Simo Hayha lead a quiet, unassuming life in farming and forestry. His roots were deep in the Finnish soil and he loved life in rural Finland. A true patriot, he epitomized the traits of a professional soldier, performing his duty and setting an example of bravery that personified the Finnish spirit when confronted by the Russian onslaught.
The White Sniper fully explores Simo Hayha's life, his exploits in the Winter War, the secrets behind his success including character and technique, and also includes a detailed look at his rifle itself.
About the Author
Tapio Saarelainen is a career officer in the Finnish Army. He has spent two decades training snipers for the Finnish Army and contributed to the Finnish Army's manual for snipers. In his youth he competed in rifle shooting. The author has spent much time investigating Simo Hayha's life and accomplishments and he interviewed Simo dozens of times between 1997 and 2002.
Reviews
This is a remarkable story of a remarkable man. No matter how many books on sniping you have read, this must be added to you list if your are serious about shooting. * Gun Mart *
This is a very useful and informative biography of the Finnish sniper Simo Hayha, written by Tapio Saaerlainen who is also a sniper in the Finnish Army. Anyone who wants to learn more about sniping needs this book in their library... The reason to buy this book is that he also shares what he learned with us in chapters titled, The Secrets of Simo Hayha's Success and Using Simo Hayha's Experiences. * Snipercraft *
We have had a number of books and movies recently about the exploits of snipers. None of the others even come close to Simo Hayha. .. The book is what we have come to expect from Casemate. It is well made and is liberally supplied with photos, maps, and some diagrams. * A Wargamer's Needful Things *
Book Information
ISBN 9781612004297
Author Tapio Saarelainen
Format Hardback
Page Count 192
Imprint Casemate Publishers
Publisher Casemate Publishers