On October 22, 1944, the Red Army commenced the liberation of the Norway's northern regions

On October 22, 1944, the Red Army commenced the liberation of the Norway's northern regions (Eastern Finnmark) from the Nazi invaders.

While fleeing, the Germans burned and destroyed houses, bridges, and forcibly moved the civilian population to the west. Those who refused "evacuation" went into hiding. Not far from Kirkenes, Soviet soldiers saved 3,500 innocent civilians who had sought refuge in a mine, that the Nazis had planned to detonate upon discovery.