Hans Kalm

Estonian military commander and physician

Hans Kalm in military uniform

Hans Kalm (21 April 1889 – 1 February 1981) was an Estonian military commander and physician known for his role in the Estonian War of Independence and his subsequent career in medicine. He was a prominent figure in the early 20th century, contributing significantly to both military and medical fields in Estonia and Finland.

Early Life and Education

Hans Kalm was born in Kuressaare, on the island of Saaremaa, which was part of the Governorate of Livonia in the Russian Empire. He pursued his early education in Estonia before moving to Finland to study medicine. Kalm attended the University of Helsinki, where he completed his medical degree, specializing in general medicine.

Military Career

Kalm's military career began during World War I, where he served as an officer in the Imperial Russian Army. Following the Russian Revolution, he returned to Estonia and became actively involved in the Estonian War of Independence.

Estonian War of Independence

During the Estonian War of Independence, Kalm played a crucial role as a commander. He led the "Kalm's Battalion," a unit known for its effectiveness in combat. His leadership was instrumental in several key battles against both the Red Army and Baltic German forces.

Service in Finland

After the war, Kalm moved to Finland, where he continued his military career. He became involved with the White Guard and participated in the Finnish Civil War. His experience and leadership were highly valued, and he contributed to the training and organization of Finnish military forces.

Medical Career

Following his military service, Hans Kalm returned to his medical roots. He practiced as a physician in Finland, where he was respected for his medical expertise and dedication to patient care. Kalm's medical career was marked by his commitment to improving healthcare services and his involvement in medical education.

Later Life and Legacy

In his later years, Kalm remained active in both military and medical circles. He was a member of various veterans' organizations and continued to advocate for the welfare of former soldiers. Kalm passed away on 1 February 1981, leaving behind a legacy of service in both military and medical fields.

Related Pages

• Estonian War of Independence
• Finnish Civil War
• University of Helsinki
• White Guard (Finland)