Simo Häyhä 'The White Death' (World’s Deadliest Sniper)

Simple History
15 Feb 201804:43
EducationalLearning
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TLDRSimo Häyhä, known as 'The White Death,' is recognized as history's most lethal sniper with an astounding 505 confirmed kills. Born in Finland, Häyhä honed his skills in hunting and shooting before joining the Civil Guard, where he became a marksman and skilled skier. When the Soviet Union invaded Finland in 1939, initiating the Winter War, Häyhä's expertise in guerilla tactics and camouflage led to his remarkable record. Despite the harsh conditions and Soviet countermeasures, he achieved a peak of 25 kills in a day and was awarded numerous honors. Häyhä's preferred weapon was the Finnish Mosin Nagant M28-30, which he used with iron sights to avoid detection. Wounded by an explosive bullet, he survived and was promoted from corporal to second lieutenant. His legacy as the sniper with the highest number of confirmed kills within a short period and low daylight hours stands unmatched.

Takeaways
  • 🎯 Simo Häyhä is recognized as the world's deadliest sniper, with a reported 505 confirmed kills.
  • ❄️ All of Simo's sniper kills were achieved during the Winter War of 1939-1940 against the Soviet Union.
  • 🇫🇮 Born in Finland, Simo was adept at hunting, shooting, and skiing, which contributed to his skills as a sniper.
  • 🔫 He was proficient with the Finnish Mosin Nagant 28-30 rifle and the Suomi submachine gun.
  • 🚴‍♂️ Simo's excellent skiing abilities and marksmanship made him a formidable force on the battlefield.
  • 🔭 Häyhä preferred iron sights over a scope to avoid detection due to glare and to adapt to the cold environment.
  • 🤍 Known as 'The White Death,' Simo used winter snow camouflage and remained motionless for hours to avoid detection.
  • 🔥 On December 21, 1939, Simo set a personal record with 25 kills in a single day.
  • 🌌 He was assigned to eliminate a Soviet sniper who had killed three platoon leaders, accomplishing the task in one shot.
  • 🏆 Simo was highly decorated and promoted from corporal to second lieutenant for his service.
  • 📅 By the end of the Winter War, he had achieved 505 confirmed sniper kills within 100 days, setting a record.
Q & A

  • Who is considered the world's deadliest sniper?

    -Simo Häyhä, also known as The White Death, is considered to be the greatest sniper of all time.

  • How many confirmed kills does Simo Häyhä have?

    -Simo Häyhä is reported to have taken 505 confirmed kills.

  • During which war did Simo Häyhä achieve his sniper kills?

    -Simo Häyhä achieved all of his sniper kills during the Winter War of 1939 to 1940.

  • What was Simo Häyhä's occupation before joining the Civil Guard?

    -Simo Häyhä was a farmer and enjoyed hunting, shooting, and show skiing as hobbies before joining the Civil Guard at age 17.

  • What type of rifle did Simo Häyhä primarily use during the Winter War?

    -Simo Häyhä primarily used the Finnish Civil Guard variant of the Mosin Nagant rifle, known as the M28-30.

  • Why did Simo Häyhä prefer to use iron sights instead of a scope on his rifle?

    -Simo Häyhä preferred iron sights because scopes could give away his position by reflecting the sun's glare or clouding up in the cold environment.

  • What was Simo Häyhä's highest daily count of kills during the Winter War?

    -Simo Häyhä's highest daily count of kills was 25, achieved on December 21st, 1939.

  • How did Simo Häyhä camouflage himself in the snow?

    -Simo Häyhä dressed in winter snow camouflage, packed snow in front of him to prevent the muzzle blast from wafting up snow, and put snow in his mouth to control the vapor of his breath.

  • What was the nickname given to Simo Häyhä by the Soviets?

    -The Soviets gave Simo Häyhä the nickname 'The White Death'.

  • How did Simo Häyhä get wounded during the Winter War?

    -Simo Häyhä was wounded by a Soviet infantryman's explosive bullet that hit his face in the last week of the war.

  • What recognition did Simo Häyhä receive for his service during the Winter War?

    -Simo Häyhä was decorated with numerous awards, promoted from corporal to second lieutenant, and awarded a specially-made honorary rifle Model 28 by Swedish businessman Eugen Johansson.

  • What was the total number of reported kills with Simo Häyhä's Suomi KP/-31 machine gun?

    -Simo Häyhä reported 200 kills with his Suomi KP/-31 machine gun.

Outlines
00:00
🎯 Simo Häyhä: The World's Deadliest Sniper

Simo Häyhä, known as 'The White Death,' is recognized as history's most lethal sniper with a reported 505 kills during the Winter War of 1939-1940. Born in Finland near the Russian border, Simo developed his skills in hunting and shooting from a young age. Joining the Civil Guard at 17, he became an exceptional marksman and skier. His proficiency with the Finnish Mosin Nagant 28-30 and Suomi submachine gun allowed him to hit targets at 150 meters in under a minute. During the Soviet invasion of Finland, Simo used guerilla tactics and his expert camouflage to become a formidable force against the Red Army. Despite the Soviets' attempts to neutralize him, including counter-snipers and artillery strikes, Simo continued his successful sniping, earning his nickname and numerous awards. Wounded by an explosive bullet, he survived and was promoted to second lieutenant. By war's end, he held the record for confirmed sniper kills and was also credited with 200 kills using his Suomi KP/-31 machine gun. Simo's story is a testament to the skill and determination of a single individual in the face of overwhelming odds.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Simo Häyhä
Simo Häyhä, also known as 'The White Death,' is considered the world's deadliest sniper and is the central figure of the video. Born in Finland, he was a farmer and an excellent marksman who honed his skills in hunting and shooting. His prowess as a sniper was demonstrated during the Winter War, where he reportedly had 505 confirmed kills, making him a significant figure in military history and the main theme of the video.
💡Winter War
The Winter War, also known as the Russo-Finnish War, was a conflict between the Soviet Union and Finland from 1939 to 1940. It is the historical backdrop against which Simo Häyhä's actions took place. The Finns, despite being outnumbered, used their knowledge of the terrain and guerrilla tactics to fight the invading Red Army. The harsh winter conditions and the Finnish strategy are integral to understanding the context of Häyhä's achievements.
💡Mosin Nagant 28-30
The Mosin Nagant 28-30 is a Finnish variant of the Mosin Nagant rifle, which Simo Häyhä used during the Winter War. It is a bolt-action rifle that was known for its reliability and accuracy. Häyhä's skill with this weapon, being able to hit targets at around 150 meters away at a high rate, is a key element in his reputation as an exceptional sniper. The rifle's characteristics are essential to understanding his combat effectiveness.
💡Sniper
A sniper is a highly trained marksman who operates alone or with a team to engage targets from concealed positions or distances exceeding the target's detection capabilities. In the video, Simo Häyhä's role as a sniper is central to the narrative, highlighting his ability to remain undetected in harsh conditions and his skill in taking out key enemy personnel, which significantly impacted the outcome of the war.
💡Camouflage
Camouflage is the use of materials, coloration, or patterns to blend in with one's surroundings, making it difficult for the enemy to detect a soldier's presence. Simo Häyhä used winter snow camouflage to great effect during the Winter War, dressing in white and using snow to cover his position, which was crucial for his survival and success as a sniper. His method of camouflage is a significant aspect of his tactics and the video's narrative.
💡Guerrilla Tactics
Guerrilla tactics are military actions, typically involving small, mobile forces, that involve hit-and-run attacks, sabotage, and evasion of direct combat. The Finnish forces, including Simo Häyhä, employed guerrilla tactics during the Winter War to counter the numerically superior Soviet forces. These tactics are central to the video's theme of how the Finns were able to hold their own against a larger enemy.
💡Iron Sights
Iron sights are the standard, non-optical sighting devices built into most firearms. Simo Häyhä preferred using the iron sights of his Mosin Nagant rifle instead of a scope because scopes could reflect sunlight and give away his position or become clouded in the cold. His choice of iron sights over a scope is a detail that underscores his adaptability and understanding of the environment in which he operated.
💡Explosive Bullet
An explosive bullet is a type of ammunition designed to detonate upon impact, causing additional damage. Simo Häyhä was wounded by an explosive bullet fired by a Soviet infantryman, which hit his face and caused severe injuries. This event is significant as it led to Häyhä's evacuation and the end of his active combat role in the Winter War, marking a turning point in the narrative of the video.
💡Suomi KP/-31 Machine Gun
The Suomi KP/-31 is a submachine gun used by Simo Häyhä, reportedly achieving 200 kills with it. This weapon, in addition to his sniping skills, contributed to his overall effectiveness as a soldier. The mention of the Suomi KP/-31 highlights the range of skills and tools Häyhä employed during the war.
💡The Spitz
The 'Spitz' is the name given to the front sights of the Finnish Civil Guard variant of the Mosin Nagant rifle, so named because their shape is said to resemble the head of a Spitz dog. The mention of 'the Spitz' in the video script provides a specific detail about the rifle that Häyhä used, adding depth to the understanding of his equipment and its features.
💡Eugen Johansson
Eugen Johansson was a Swedish businessman who awarded Simo Häyhä with a specially-made honorary rifle Model 28 on February 17th, 1940. This recognition is significant as it underscores Häyhä's reputation and the international acknowledgment of his skills and contributions during the Winter War. Johansson's gift is a symbol of the respect and honor Häyhä received for his service.
Highlights

Simo Häyhä, known as 'The White Death,' is considered the greatest sniper of all time with 505 reported kills.

All of Simo's sniper kills were achieved during the Winter War of 1939 to 1940.

Simo was born in Finland near the Russian border and was skilled in hunting, shooting, and skiiing.

At age 17, Simo joined the Civil Guard and became an excellent marksman and skier.

He was familiar with the Finnish Mosin Nagant 28-30 and the Suomi submachine gun.

Simo could hit a target 16 times per minute at approximately 150 meters with a bolt-action rifle.

The Winter War began with the Soviet Union's invasion of Finland in 1939.

Simo's first combat was on the Kollaa battlefield, where he was outnumbered 4,000 to 32.

On December 21, 1939, Simo achieved his highest single-day kill count of 25.

Simo used winter snow camouflage and would sit in the snow for hours in extreme temperatures.

He camouflaged his position to prevent the muzzle blast and his breath from giving away his location.

Simo's preferred rifle was the Finnish Civil Guard variant of the Mosin Nagant, known as the M28-30.

He favored iron sights over a scope to avoid detection and maintain stealth.

Simo was tasked with eliminating a Soviet sniper who had killed three platoon leaders.

He was known as 'The White Death' and the Soviets deployed counter-snipers and artillery to counter him.

Simo was wounded by an explosive bullet in the last week of the war but survived.

He was decorated with numerous awards and promoted from corporal to second lieutenant.

Simo received a specially-made honorary rifle from Swedish businessman Eugen Johansson.

By the end of the Winter War, Simo held the record for the highest number of confirmed sniper kills, with 505 in 100 days.

He also reported 200 kills with his Suomi KP/-31 machine gun.

Simo recovered from his war injuries and lived a long life.

Transcripts

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SniperWinter WarSimo HäyhäMilitary HistoryFinnish SniperRecord HolderWar HeroGuerilla TacticsSurvival SkillsCombat Strategy