On January 27, 2021, it marked 70 years since the death of an outstanding individual whose biography resembles an exciting film. Today, I will tell you about a Swedish baron, a Russian general, a two-time knight of the Order of Saint George, as well as a Finnish field marshal and president, Carl Gustav Mannerheim. But let's take it step by step.

Carl Gustavovich was born in the territory of the Grand Duchy of Finland, which was then part of the Russian Empire. At the age of 13, he became an orphan and from then on relied solely on his own efforts. In 1889, he graduated from the Nikolaev Cavalry School and became an officer in the 5th Hussar Alexandrian Regiment, stationed in Poland. Mannerheim served in this regiment for two years before being transferred to the horse guards, the most prestigious regiment in the empire.

In the capital, Mannerheim quickly gained popularity due to his manners and tall stature, attracting the attention of high society ladies. His military career was also progressing successfully. At the coronation of Nicholas II, he was one of four horse guards accompanying the emperor, and their conversation was so engaging that Nicholas was late for the reception.

In 1892, Mannerheim married the daughter of General Arapov. They had two daughters, but their son was stillborn, which effectively shattered the family. Formally, they remained married until 1919, but the previous passion was gone. In 1897, Mannerheim became one of the leaders of the imperial stables and was a talented horseman. Once, he fell from a horse and sustained serious injuries, but he managed to recover and return to service.

Mannerheim continued to hold important positions under Nicholas II, carrying out special assignments and winning competitions. His title of baron and popularity grew. His frontline life began with participation in the Russo-Japanese War, where he displayed incredible bravery. Upon returning to the capital, he became a colonel and received a complex intelligence assignment in China. During the expedition, he traveled over 14,000 kilometers, created a map, took numerous photographs, and brought back ancient manuscripts and valuable information. He even visited Tibet and met the Dalai Lama. For this expedition, he was awarded the Order of Saint Vladimir and appointed commander of a regiment.

Mannerheim met World War I with the rank of major general, commanding a guard brigade. His units fought so successfully that the enemy preferred to avoid confrontations with them. During the war, he became a lieutenant general and a two-time knight of the Order of Saint George. However, the revolution changed everything, and Mannerheim, unwilling to serve the Bolsheviks, left for Finland.

In Finland, where the Civil War was beginning, Mannerheim became an important figure. He created an army and quickly restored order, gaining the support of the peasants. After the war, he announced democratic elections, but his desire to help former comrades in Russia led to defeat in the elections. After that, he traveled around Europe, strengthening ties and preparing for a possible war with the USSR.

In 1927, Mannerheim achieved the construction of the 'Mannerheim Line,' which played a key role in the war with the USSR. The conflict began after a provocation when the Soviet side accused the Finns of shelling. Stalin demanded that Finland withdraw its troops, but the Finnish government refused. The war did not go according to Stalin's plan, and after heavy losses, the USSR was forced to conclude peace.

Later, Mannerheim participated in World War II, refused to bomb Leningrad, and successfully withdrew Finland from the coalition. He lived to the age of 83, surrounded by respect. He died on January 27, 1951. In Finland, he is honored as a hero, while in Russia, his personality remains complex, but he is remembered.