 The main task to break through the Soviet defences between Värtsilä and Korpiselkä was given to VI Corps, commanded by Maj. Gen. Paavo Talvela.The Finnish offensive quickly overwhelmed the Soviet defenders.Finnish 1st Jaeger Brigade (Col. Ruben Lagus) was brought from Group O to spearhead the assault and it managed to create a gap to the Soviet defences through which Finnish light infantry, some mounted on bicycles, pushed forward.