The 7th Red Army led by the 6th Red Rifle Division was beating the hodgepodge of German and Estonian forces thrown in their path as they advanced westward toward Tallinn, but their supply line was getting longer. In addition, the delays were buying time for Commander-in-Chief Johan Laidoner to field, equip, and train more troops. Foreign assistance also poured in, as Finland delivered 5000 rifles and 20 field guns together with ammunition, and a British Royal Navy squadron commanded by Rear Admiral Sir Edwyn Alexander-Sinclair arrived off Tallinn on 31 December, delivering 6500 rifles, 200 machine guns and 2 field guns. On January 2, 2,000 Finnish volunteers arrived in Estonia as well. And hardworking rail workers and military armorers put the fnishing touches on three armored trains in Tallinn under the command of Captain Anton Irv. Approximately 40 kilometers from Tallinn, the Estonian 1st Division deployed 5,700 men to meet the onrushing 8,000 Soviets. It was make or break time.

The armored trains supporting the Estonians surprised the Russians. Combining that with accumulated fatigue, low supplies due to their rapid advance and the tenuous logistic system supporting them, as well as the frigid conditions, it was all too much for the Russians. After several attempts to punch through or flank the Estonians failed, the Reds fell back and dug in, awaiting reinforcements and new orders.