Finnish soldier during a Winter war 1939-1940

Finnish soldier 1939

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


noble knight

Warrant Officer Leevi Moisander (1907-1997) of Muolaa, Karelian Isthmus. He is checking his M/27 "Spitz" which he personally considered best of all rifles.

Reservist Corporal Moisander served in a anti-tank company and in 5th IR, 11th Div, during the Winter War and fought at Karelian Isthmus near his hometown. He was promoted twice  before temporarily demoblized in July 1940. He was called back to service less than 11 months later and was then forward observer NCO in Light Artillery Battalion 14 throughout the following war, fighting in Ladoga Karelia and Karelian Isthmus. He was wounded in 1941 at Sortavala and in 1944 at Vuosalmi. During his wartime service Moisander earned himself Medal of Liberty 2nd class, Cross of Liberty 4th class and the Mannerheim Cross, which was awarded to him in June 1943. He was demobilized from military on 21.11.1944 and afterwards worked as real estate agent in Turku until his retirement in 1972. 

In addition to his actual job as forward observer, Moisander actively took part in infantry fighting whenever possible. He did countless of lone patrols to enemy areas, and in these patrols he killed or captured altogether some 50 soldiers and brought back important information of the enemy and lots of captured weaponry. During some 200 men strong enemy attack to nearby base he rushed to the scene for counter-attack and was first man to enter the enemy occupied positions, saving 6-7 wounded soldiers. And during another attack to different base, ignoring intensive enemy fire, Warrant Officer Moisander crawled to the barbedwire obstacles and with handgrenades and his rifle, destroyed the enemy crawling in hayfield, taking 7 prisoners. He later took one infantryman and went to scout the no man's land, where they confronted and destroyed patrol of nine soldiers and officer. One of the soldiers survived and was taken prisoner.

Promotions:
Korpraali (Lance Corporal) - 1.9.1927
Alikersantti (Corporal) - 6.12.1927
Kersantti (Sergeant) - 28.1.1940
Ylikersantti (Staff Sergeant) 23.3.1940
Vääpeli (Warrant Officer 2) - 13.4.1942
Ylivääpeli (Warrant Officer 1) - 6.12.1967