Received his military education in Hamina Cadet School 1892-1900. Dismissed from service in 1902, in connection with the conscription strike. In the management of paper industry 1918-1946.
In the War of Independence, e.g. Chief of Vaasa military district from 20 February till March 5; Chief of Rear Area of the headquarters from 5 March till 6 May; Chief of Security of the occupied areas from 6 till 22 May. Minister of War from 28 November, 1918 till 15 August, 1919; Commander-in-Chief of the Army and the Civil Guards from 27 November till 30 December, 1918.
During the Winter War, a representative of the headquarters in the Cabinet from 3 December, 1939 till 27 March, 1940. Minister of Defence from 27 March, 1940 till 27 November, 1944. Greatly influential during the war, member of the so-called inner circle. Maintained politically important relationships with Sweden and the United States.
Commander-in-Chief 1918 | Headquarters 1918
| Vaasa Senate | Hannes Ignatius
| Martin Wetzer | Harald Hjalmarson
| Ernst Linder | Gösta Theslöf | Jägers | St Petersburg Question | Relations with Germany | Cross of Liberty
| Eastern Karelia | Uusimaa Dragoon
Regiment | Fir Twig | Finnish Flag
| Swedish Brigade | Civil Guards | Jäger Conflict | Heikki Kekoni | Red Prisoners | Wilhelm Thesleff
| Aarne Sihvo | Rudolf Walden |
Air Force - Air Weapon | Red and White
Terrorism | Great Parade 16 May, 1918 | Åland Question | Monarchy | Mannerheim's Resignation
COURSE OF LIFE | FAMILY | TIME OF GROWTH | MILITARY CAREER | WAR OF INDEPENDENCE | REGENT 1918-1919 | CIVILIAN | DEFENCE COUNCIL | COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF 1939-1946 | PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC 1944-1946 | RETIREMENT | SPECIAL TOPICS | SEARCH