Pilots from 2nd Flight of 26th Squadron (2./LeLv 26) at Lunkula in August 1941.
From Left: Klaus Alakoski (26 kills. One of them with Fiat G.50), Ilmari Joensuu (5 kills), L. Hämäläinen (3 kills) and S. Saukkonen (??).

Fiat G.50 pilots

Ilmari "Tall-Jim" Joensuu (1916-1963) sitting on the wing of his Fiat G.50 in Vitele, Olonets Karelia. August/September 1941.

Corporal Joensuu flew his first sortie in the Winter War on January 30, 1940, and scored 4 kills (+5 damaged) with his Gloster Gladiator Mk.II in February 1940. He shot down one more aircraft, and damaged another during Continuation War, flying Fiat G.50. Alltogether he flew 100 sorties during WWII, and reached rank of Lieutenant. He resigned from airforce in 1948, and died in a plane crash in 1963, while passanger in civilian DC-3.

Ilmari "Tall-Jim" Joensuu

Finnish troops have recaptured Sortavala, the "capital" of Ladoga Karelia. August 15, 1941.