Finnish Forces

noble knight

Hans Olof von Essen (1900-1973) Knight of the Mannerheim Cross No.30. A son of major general, born to noble family of soldiers. Hans started his military career after participating in the Finnish Civil War of 1918 and served most of his career in cavalry, with exceptions like commanding 8th Division's 26th Infantry Regiment in Karelian Isthmus during the Winter War. In Continuation War he was in charge of Nyland Dragoon Regiment in which he had served in through 1920’s. He led the regiment in offensive from Ladoga Karelia to Olonets, and later in defensive battles of Karelian Isthmus and Ilomantsi. He was awarded the Mannerheim Cross (2nd class) on 22.10.1941, for his excellency in commanding skills, and courage shown in combat. The citation mentions 50 kilometer long chase through difficult terrain, where he led his regiment to the side of the enemy and in his attack destroyed four enemy companies and disintegrated enemy leadership. During this he was wounded himself when bullet hit artery in his right arm. Result of his attack was that the main attacking force was able to advance so fast to far away target that the enemy was unable to dig in to the very favorable positions there. Among other awards he received were Medal of Liberty 1st & 2nd class, Iron Cross 2nd class, Cross of Liberty 1st, 2nd and 3rd class, of which 2nd class came second time with Oak Leaves. Hans von Essen, a born soldier, decided to resign from military service in 1946, after he had been pushed to side and forced to work in unimportant secondary duties due to the political atmosphere of that time. He then worked in leadership of a insurance company and industrial security company until his death in 1973. He was survived by wife (died 2010) and two children (born 1942 & 1944). Promotions: Kornetti (Cornet) - 31.3.1920 Luutnantti (Lieutenant) - 6.12.1920 Ratsumestari (Cavalry master/Captain) - 16.5.1927 Majuri (Major) - 23.2.1934 Everstiluutnantti (Lieutenant Colonel) - 9.11.1940 Eversti (Colonel) - 1.11.1942