Biografie

Mannerheim was born in the Duchy of Finland, then a part of Russia. His native language was Swedish. In 1896 Mannerheim was appointed official personal guard to Tsar Nicholas II at his coronation. At that time he married a Russian princess and had two daughters.

President of Finland 4 August 1944 - 8 March 1946. Was the oldest president on election (77), and his term was the shortest. Baron, Commander-in-Chief of Finland's Defence Forces, Marshal of Finland, Regent of Finland (1918-1919) and the sixth President of Finland (1944-1946).

Was promoted to the rank of Field Marshal on 19 May 1933. On 4 June 1942, his 75th birthday he was awarded by the Finnish Government with the title Marshal of Finland. He's the only person to have the rank and the title.

Had two daughters with his Russian wife, Anastasia Arapova-Mannerheim: Anastasie (b. 1893) and Sophie (b. 1895).

In 2004 Mannerheim was voted for greatest Finnish person ever.