Taavetti Laatikainen
Taavetti Laatikainen (27 July 1886, in Haukivuori – 15 April 1954, in Mikkeli) was a Finnish military who fought in World War II.
Biography
Laatikainen was a student of philosophy in 1911.
He moved to Germany during World War I, joined the Prussian 27th Jäger Battalion in 1916 and took part in the battles of Riga and the Aa River.
After the fall of the Russian Empire, he returned to Finland and participated as a lieutenant in the Finnish Civil War in 1918.
He was head of the Reserve Officers' School 1921–1927, for the Cadet School 1927–1934 and then served as regimental, military district and divisional commander.
During the Winter War with the Soviet Union, he first commanded the Finnish 1st Division and from 19 February 1941 the Finnish I Corps.
At the start of the Continuation War in June 1941, he commanded the Finnish II Corps, a post he would keep until March 1944, when he took command of the Finnish IV Corps. He was promoted to Lieutenant-General in January 1942.
After the war, he was, among other things, inspector for the infantry 1946–1948.
Laatikainen, who became a General of the infantry in 1948, was a colorful personality, who enjoyed popularity in wide circles. His nickname was "Pappa".
He was awarded the Mannerheim Cross No. 17.
Sources
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