Matti Aarnio

Matti Armas Aarnio, also known as Motti-Matti (24 February 1901, Kouvola – 16 December 1984) was a Finnish military officer and a specialist in motti battles during World War II.

Career Aarnio was a volunteer with the White Guards at the Savonia Front during the Finnish Civil War. Later, he participated in the Estonian War of Independence, the Latvian War of Independence and the Aunus expedition in East Karelia. Aarnio transferred from active military service to the reserve officer corps in 1920. He graduated from the Kadettikoulu in 1926 and the Sotakorkeakoulu in 1933. Aarnio was promoted as captain in 1929 and served in the Foreign relations department of the General Staff.

During the Winter War, Aarnio was promoted to the rank of Major and commanded the 4th Jaeger battalion (JP 4) to the north of Lake Ladoga. His battalion became known for battles against encircled Red Army troops in the battle of Lemetti. During these motti battles, Aarnio used his eight best battalions, including his own. The tactics of Aarnio—attacking mottis at night and at close range—proved successful. He later received the nickname "Motti-Matti". He returned to Finland in 1952 and worked in the insurance business.