Karl Fredrik Wilkama

Karl Fredrik Wilkama, born Wilkman, (born on 27 March 1876 – 15 July 1947, Helsinki) was a Finnish General of the Infantry. He was the supreme commander of the Finnish Defence Forces.

Wilkama became an officer in the Imperial Russian Army in 1899. According to the records, he started his military career on 30 May 1889, when he was only 13.

Wilkama was appointed General Major on 12 April 1918.

Major General Wilkama was appointed supreme commander of the Finnish Forces on 31 May 1918, when the General of the Cavalry, Mannerheim was granted leave from his position. However, Wilkama only held his position for 2½ months (until 13 August 1918). He resigned from the army on 18 June 1919, but he was again appointed supreme commander between 12 September 1919 – 7 August 1924. He was appointed Lieutenant General on 16 May 1922.

His fourth period as supreme commander began on 2 October 1925 and he retired on 22 May 1926. He became a general of the infantry on May 16 1928. He served on special positions in the Finnish Headquarters during the Winter War and the Continuation War.