Ernst Linder

Who was Ernst Linder?

Ernst Linder was a Swedish general of Finnish descent who served in the Swedish army from 1887 to 1918, after which be participated in the Finnish Civil War as the commander of the Satakunta and Savo army groups, whose responsibility stretched from Finland's western coast adjoining the Gulf of Bothnia to Näsijärvi. Linder was a friend of the White Commander, Marshal C.G.E. Mannerheim. Following the war, he served as Inspector of Cavalry until retired in 1920.

Linder was promoted into the rank of Major General on 13 April 1918, Lieutenant General in 1938, and General of Cavalry in 1940.

In the Winter War, the 71-year-old Linder led the Swedish Volunteer Corps from 6 January to 27 February 1940, after which he functioned as a commander of the Salla area.

In addition to his military career, Linder was an accomplished horse rider who competed in the 1924 Summer Olympics, where he and his horse Piccolomino won the gold medal in the individual dressage.

Linder is buried at Norra begravningsplatsen in Stockholm.