The White Sniper: Simo Häyhä

by Tapio Saarelainen Narrated by Nigel Patterson

Overview

Simo Häyhä (1905-2002) is the most famous sniper in the world. During the Winter War fought between Russia and Finland in 1939-1940 he had 542 confirmed kills with iron sights, a record that still stands today. He has been a role model for snipers all over the world.

Simo Häyhä was a man of action who spoke very little, but he was 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.

After the war Simo Häyhä 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 Häyhä's life, his exploits in the Winter War, and the secrets behind his success.

Editorial Reviews

War History Online

" The author takes us into a landscape and a conflict often ignored in the wider world of military history."

GunMart

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 you are serious about shooting.

A Wargamers Needful Things

"We have had a number of books and movies recently about the exploits of snipers. None of the others even come close to Simo Häyhä. .. 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."

WWII History

The author spent two decades training snipers in the Finnish Army and helping create their sniper training manual. He conducted extensive research on Simo, including his character and training techniques. The famed sniper’s rifle is also given attention. A quartet of appendices provides extensive background information that nicely rounds out the story.

Snipercraft

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 Häyhä's Success and Using Simo Häyhä's Experiences.

Infantry Magazine

"Anyone who wants to learn more about sniping needs this book in their library."

Product Details

BN ID:	2940173410948
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	11/19/2019
Edition description:	Unabridged

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