Arnold Majewski

Arnold Majewski (29 November 1892, Tallinn - 10 October 1942, Rukajärvi) was a legendary Finnish cavalry officer of Polish origin.

Family
His father, who originated from old Polish family of soldiers served in Imperial Russian Army and finally settled to live in Helsinki. Arnold Majewski studied in 1912 in Turku and then moved to St. Petersburg. He was married to Helga Sonck-Majewski (who died on March 12, 2015 in Porvoo).

Finnish Civil War
Majewski fought in the Finnish Civil War as a volunteer in the White Army cavalry under Georg Elfvengren of Karelian Forces. He took part in fights at Vyborg, Teruel and Raudu.

After the war he continued his military career, completed officer training in Joensuu and became a cavalry captain. In the 1920s and 1930s, Majewski served in Häme Regiment in Lappeenranta. He became head of squadron in 1926, and completed the commander course in 1929. By that time, Majewski was already famous for his bohemian lifestyle and brilliant celebration during his free time.

Second World War
In the Winter War Majewski served in Ladoga's Karelia and fought in the Battle of Kollaa. He was the youngest battalion commander in Finnish forces, and quickly became known as daredevil officer who was never afraid to expose himself to enemy fire. He was famous for his 100 km winter raid to Mai Guba (north of Sekehe) behind the Soviet lines in January 1942. Majewski was hit by shrapnels and badly wounded just before the end of the war. He was promoted after the end of the Winter War.

In the Continuation War he fought at Rukajärvi front, where he earned a reputation as one of the bravest commanders. He was promoted as Lieutenant Colonel in April 1942. He was shot dead by a Soviet sniper on October 10, 1942.