The division was initially formed from reservists of the Lounais-Suomi military district and was intended to be used as the reserve of the
General Headquarters. Before the onset of the war, one of its component regiments, Infantry Regiment 14, was transferred to the
Åland islands under the command of
the navy as part of
Operation Kilpapurjehdus. The 14th regiment was replaced by Infantry Regiment 60. During the war, the 1st Division took part in the
invasion of East Karelia as a component of the Finnish VII Corps that captured the city of
Petrozavodsk. Later in the war, the division was transferred to the II Corps. == Notable members ==