Black hornet

In a word, Nickel. Petsamo nickel mine was 2nd biggest in the world. Panthers. Tigers & 262's need Nickel.



As the war progressed, Germany was forced to reduce or no longer use certain critical alloy materials in the production of armor plate, such as nickel, tungsten, molybdenum, and manganese; this did result in lower impact resistance levels compared to earlier armor.[49] Manganese from mines in the Ukraine ceased when the German Army lost control of this territory in February 1944. Allied bombers struck the Knabe mine in Norway and stopped a key source of molybdenum; other supplies from Finland and Japan were also cut off. The loss of molybdenum, and its replacement with other substitutes to maintain hardness, as well as a general loss of quality control resulted in an increased brittleness in German armor plate, which developed a tendency to fracture when struck with a shell.



The rolled homogeneous nickel-steel plate, electro-welded interlocking-plate construction armor had a Brinell hardness index of around 255-280 (the best homogeneous armor hardness level for the corresponding thickness level of the Tiger's armor, by WW II standards),
http://www.fprado.com/armorsite/tiger1.htm

Lawnmowerman

Yes the Nickle was handy, but Finland was merly a side show, and a disgrace to the Soviets. Who lets not forget brought Finland into the war in the first place.

Stating that Finland was bought into the war solely for its Nickle mines (which i don't think you are) is like saying Hitler invaded France for its copper mines.

Black hornet

Germany actually got most of it's Nickel from France early on, but it was a limited supply. Finland was/became the major supplier.



Finland refused to allow the Soviet Union to mine nickel in Petsamo. This was one of the causes of hostility between the Soviet Union and Finland,

Lawnmowerman

Yes but it was a reason for the Continuatioin War, not the Winter War. And lets face it with the German invasion of Russia, Finland was always going to jump on that bandwagon

Black hornet

Also a factor in/before the winter war.

The Fourteenth Army was based in . Comprising three divisions,[23]:13 its objective was to capture the Arctic port of Petsamo and then advance to the town of

As a side note, there are some historians that argue the Germans invasion of Norway was an unprofitable venture, wasn't worth it, naval losses etc. They have to eat Crow when one realizes the capture of Norway facilitated & made it much easier to take Petsamo. That & the Aluminum they got from Norway, heavy water & high grade steel among other things, fish that was sent back to Germany, easier access to Atlantic & so on.

Black hornet

I suppose I could've titled this; Why Finland was important to Germany, but Petsamo was desired by both sides. Russia had other territorial ambitions it's true. Finland also tied up a load of Russian troops in continuation war, & also demonstrated Russian incompetence during Winter war, which gave Hitler confidence to attack em. Was Finland important? Methinketh so.

Lawnmowerman

I agree with out the dismal failure of Soviet troops during the Winter War I doubt Hitler would've invaded in 41.

He would've still invaded but maybe later after fortifying his position in the West and more adequate preparation. No thinking hte war would be over before winter etc.

Edgewaters

The thinking behind Norway was that the British were planning to invade (Operation Wilfrid) and cut off Germany from iron ore being shipped out of Sweden via Narvik. So the Germans beat them to the punch and secured Norway before the British could.

Black hornet

Yep, but plans beyond it's capture included taking Petsamo. & German plans in this area started post WW 1, to prevent a blockade as had happened in WW 1. Admiral Wegener wrote about it in 1929 & his writings were widely read in German naval circles.