#wartober

A Lotta is a Finnish female unit within her own organisation. She supports the Finnish armed forces by serving food, handling provisions, caring for animals, carrying out nursing duties, or doing administrative work, among other things.

The original ‘Lotta Svärd’ came from a collection of poetry about the Fenno-Russian War of 1808-1809. Lotta was a camp follower who ran the canteen, beloved by soldiers for her beauty and patriotism. The poem was well-known throughout the late 19th century, as it was often found in schools.

The Lotta organisation started as a group of female army volunteers working as medical staff, firemen, and seamstresses within the conservative White Guard Protection Corps. In 1920, they formed their own organisation under the name ‘Lotta Svärd’. It lasted until 1944, when the government disbanded it, citing its relationship with the White Guard. 

Lottas could join up from age 8 to be a junior Lotta, wearing a small flower in place of a proper badge. Women could become ‘proper’ Lottas at age 17, if they had at least two people to vouch for their worthiness. To do this, they would swear an oath in church, pledging to assist the Protection Corps.

A fully-fledged Lotta would wear a uniform that adhered to strict guidelines. The skirt had to be exactly 25 cm from the ground. Cuffs had to be detachable and white. Stockings, grey or black, were mandatory. Serving and nursing Lottas wore white shawls in civillian life, grey in the field. The wearer of the uniform was expected to be modest and not draw attention to her gender. While in uniform, she was forbidden from smoking, drinking, and serving alcohol.

A sash on Lotta’s sleeve showed her station.

Serving - Brown

Supplies - Grey with blue edges

Medical - Blue

Secretary & Logistics - Green

Administration - Blue & white