Finnish Forces

Brothers Heinrichs

Hedenström / SA-kuva 123032

General Erik Heinrichs (1891-1983) at home with his brothers Olof (1891-1983), Gunnar (1893-1953) and Bertil (1897-1992). All three of them are Colonels. Kulosaari, Helsinki. 8 March 1943. They all served in the Prussian 27th Jäger Battalion (Finnish volunteers) 1915-18 and fought the Finnish Civil War after returning home. Olof resigned from active service in 1919 but was active in Civil Guard 1923-1933. They all served in different tasks in Finland's wars during WW2. Most notable one of them, Erik, commanded the Army of the Isthmus (1940) and Army of Karelia (1941-42). He became General of Infantry in 1941, and was Chief of the General Staff 1942-44. He received 1st and 2nd class Mannerheim Cross. Olof was promoted to Colonel in 1942, Gunnar in 1933 and Bertil in 1940.