Finnish Forces

Olli Remes (1909-1942)

Olli Remes (1909–1942) cross country skier, reservist officer of Finnish Army and Knight of the Mannerheim Cross #10. In 1930's Remes participated in many world championship competitions and in 1934 he won bronze in the 50km world championship skiing at Sollefteå, Sweden. In the Winter War Sgt. Remes served as a leader of guerilla unit, a part of ErP 17(Seperate Battalion 17) operating on the northern front. During the war he was promoted to first sergeant. During the interim peace he received further two promotions, making him a reservist 1st lieutenant. In the Continuation War he again fought on the northern front. In 1941, first as patrol leader in border company, then as platoon leader and later company leader in Infantry Regiment 54. Lieutenant Remes was awarded the Mannerheim Cross on September 12, 1941: "1st lieutenant Olli Remes has proved excellent personal bravery and gumption. While encouraging his his boys forward, a bullet penetrated his arm but despite of this he carried out the mission to it's end. While he was still recovering, he returned to frontline where he led his company in heavy battles for several days nonstop, repelling attack of multiple times larger enemy group. At the end of august he was wounded by enemy artillery but despite of demands he never went to hospital because of coming general attack. He was first to break through enemy barberwire obstacles, cutting them with a shovel under enemy fire. He was slightly wounded to his face and arms by fragmentations from handgrenade. After being treated he returned to lead his company, again showing excellent bravery and gumption while leading attacks, taking several enemy positions and dug outs, capturing numerous prisoners." On December 29, 1942, while serving as company commander in 12th brigade, he was promoted to rank of captain. Two days later, he was supposed to move to different unit. But as cpt. Remes was introducing the job to the new company CO, enemy sniper shot him in the head. Remes didn't die immediately, but on the way to military hospital in Karhumäki.