Received his military education in the Hamina Cadet School 1896-1901, in the Mihailov Artillery School in St Petersburg 1901-1903, and in St Petersburg Artillery Academy 1906-1909. Served in the Artillery of the Russian army during the First World War, in the fortress of Peter the Great 1914-1917.
Inspector of Artillery in the Finnish army in the War of Independence; later in different military posts: Inspector of Artillery 1920-1937 and 1940-1947, Chief of Arms Planning Committee 1937-1940. Knight of Mannerheim Cross, 1945.
Minister of Defence 1923-1924. Central member of the "court" at the headquarters of the Continuation War. The adored master of Finnish artillery. Developed artillery techniques scientifically as well as technically. Honorary Doctor of Helsinki University, 1950.
World War II | Pacific War | Winter War | Headquarters | Mannerheim Line | Vilho Petter Nenonen | K.L. Oesch | Harald Öhquist | Paavo Talvela | Continuation War |Transit Pact | Risto Ryti | Order of the Day of the Sword Scabbard | Erik Heinrichs | A.F. Airo | Hugo Österman | Marshal's Drink | Mannerheim Cross | Title of Marshal of Finland | Air War - Air Forces
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