Mannerheim sotamarsalkka 1918-1940

by Robert Brantberg

Reviews

[Mervi Rauhala · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ihan ok teos Mannerheimista ja samalla Suomen ja Euroopan vaiheista vuosina 1918-1940. Sodankäynnin ja politiikan teon lisäksi ikoninen kosmopoliitti metsästää ja treffailee aikansa jetset naisia. Aion kuunnella muutkin Brantbergin teokset.

[Epos Opus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: Mannerheim Sotamarsalkka 1918-1940
Author: Robert Brantberg
Isbn: 952-5170-42-X
Publisher Kustannusosakeyhtiö Revontuli
Total Pages: 320
Read and Review: 2024

Robert Brantberg's “Mannerheim Sotamarsalkka 1918-1940” offers a look into Mannerheim's life and also the historical events that shaped Finland and Europe during this crucial time period. While I expected the book to focus solely on Mannerheim (since I picked the book from the biography section of the library), it covered much more—diving into the political and military events that occurred between 1918 and 1940. The wider perspective provides more context to help understand the choices Mannerheim made in his military and political roles.

The book starts with Mannerheim's involvement at the end of the Finnish Civil War and follows his journey through key moments in Finnish and European history. From Finland’s struggle for independence, through the interwar period, and culminating in the Winter War, the book paints a vivid picture of the political tensions and battles that defined these years. The book also provides insights into Finland’s delicate position, caught between the ambitions of Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, and how Sweden, while wanting to help, hesitated out of fear of being dragged into the conflict.

A major theme in the book is the diplomatic and military challenges Finland faced, especially during the Winter War. Mannerheim and Finland's political leadership were fully aware that their forces were poorly equipped, but there was still no time to properly arm the men before facing the Soviet attack. Despite Mannerheim's efforts to secure additional funds to better equip and arm the army.

The reader gets a glimpse of the famous "motti" technique, which the Finnish army used to break up and encircle Soviet troops, as well as the iconic battle at Raate Road, where the Finns achieved a significant victory. These moments highlight the resilience of the Finnish forces, despite being heavily outnumbered and under-equipped compared to the Soviet army.

The reader also gains insight into Mannerheim's personality and the difficult decisions he had to make through his encounters and directives at headquarters. At times, there were disagreements among the generals about the tactics to be used. Mannerheim was often firm in his approach, insisting things be done his way, though some generals opposed him. The reader also glimpses Mannerheim's pride and his leadership style as commander-in-chief, particularly in his efforts to ensure there was no sense of defeatism among his generals and troops.

While the book covers Mannerheim’s military career, it also showcases his personal life. Mannerheim lived a luxurious lifestyle, from hunting tigers in India while riding elephants to dining with world leaders like Churchill and Hitler, as well as being a guest of European royalty. These anecdotes bring a more human side to Mannerheim, contrasting with the weighty military decisions he had to make.

The most notable aspect of the book for me, was its emphasis on the broader historical context. Although this might initially seem unexpected, it is crucial for understanding Mannerheim's decisions. His actions were not merely personal choices, but strategic responses to the political and military pressures of the era.