[1] The division was intended to be used as the reserve of the Finnish High Command,[2] but was subordinated to the VI Corps prior to the start of the war.

[3] As part of the Army of Karelia, the division advanced towards lake Onega and the river Svir during the 1941 Finnish offensive phase.

[5] As the situation stabilized, the division had established a defensive position in the region of Sortavala.

[6] After formation the division consisted of the following sub-units:[7] The 5th Division was mostly equipped according to division generic organization, but because of material shortage it lacked the anti-aircraft machine gun company and some material quantities did not reach the intended amounts.

Source:[8] Based on the periodic reports made by units to Finnish General Headquarters the total losses suffered by the 5th Division in killed, wounded and missing during the Continuation War were 10 608 men.