After the mother’s death in 1881, the family broke up for good. Some of the siblings stayed in Finland, others were in Sweden in the care of relatives. Gustaf’s uncle, Albert von Julin, was mainly responsible for his education, which was made possible with the help of relatives.
Gustaf Mannerheim started his education in Helsinki. He attended a private school (Privatlyceum), called Böök’s School 1874-1879. From 1881 till 1882, he attended a school in Hamina and later the Hamina Cadet School (19 June, 1882, till 22 July, 1886).
Mannerheim was expelled from the Cadet School on grounds of undisciplined and obstinate behaviour. This event marked the turning point on his way to adulthood. The wild and mischievous child gradually grew up into a suave and well-behaved man of the world.
On 14 May 1887, Mannerheim graduated from the Privatlyceum of Helsinki as a private student and passed the matriculation examination in the University of Helsinki in June of the same year.
This
gave him an opportunity to start his military career again, and he passed the Nikolai
Cavalry School in St Petersburg (from 2 September, 1887, till 10 August, 1889) with
honors.
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