C.G.E. Mannerheim

Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim was born on the family estate at Louhisaari in Askainen on the 4th of June, 1867.

The coming President's childhood was not that easy. His father’s economic unskilfulness and gambling debts made him leave the family and Mannerhim's mother died when tbe boy was still young.

Military career
Mannerheim went to the Cadet School but was expelled 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.

In 1887, Mannerheim passed the matriculation examination and this gave him an opportunity to start his military career again, and he passed the Nikolai Cavalry School in St Petersburg with honors.

For nearly thirty years Mannerheim served as an officer in the Russian Imperial army, starting as a Cornet and advancing to the rank of Lieutenant General. Unlike many of his fellow students he showed great interest in his profession.

Mannerheim in Asia
His first mission as an officer was in the 15th Alexandra Dragoon Regiment in Kalisz, Poland 1889-1890.

Mannerheim’s aristocratic family background, financial support from his maternal relatives and his successful military training opened him the way to the highly respected Regiment of the Guard.

During the Russo-Japanese War Mannerheim was sent to Mantchuria as a junior officer of the 52nd Njezhin Dragoon Regiment, to gain war experience (1904-1905).



In 1906-1908 he undertook a military journey to China, to assemble intelligence of every kind. This is where our expedition joins Mannerheim!

If you want to read more about Mannerheim as President, military or private person, click here.