Ignatius received his military education at The Hamina Cadet School from 1885–1892, and at the Nicholas Academy of General Staff in St Petersburg from 1896–1899.

After the abolition of The Military of the Grand Duchy of Finland, he sought a career in business from 1901–1917.

During World War I Ignatius was a prominent member of the Military Committee working for the Independence of Finland and was promoted to colonel and then major general in 1918.

Ignatius served as the Quartermaster General of the White Army during the Finnish Civil War from the 18 February until 6 May 1918, and as Chief of Staff from May 1918 to June 1918.

[3] Ignatius was the chairman of the publishing committee of Suomen Vapaussota 1918 (The Finnish War of Independence).