Two Finnish Air Force’s airmen resting over and under the wing of a fighter plane Fiat G.50 during the brief summer of North East Europe. The most successful Finnish G.50’s fighter pilots were O. Tuominen (23 victories with G.50s), Capt Risto O. Puhakka (11) N. Trontti (six), O. Paronen (four), U. Nieminen (four) and L. Lautamäki (four). The Finnish G.50s were phased out of front line duty in summer 1944. Victor Sierra

Resting over and under the wing

The pilot of aircraft FA-19, a Finnish Air Force’s Fiat G.50, warming up the engine before taxiing over an icy runway. Note a long cover over the fairing of pilot’s headrest, the long antenna of the radio in front to the cockpit and, behind the plane, a roller to level out the frozen ground. The Finnish employed the Italian-built fighter in the two wars against the Soviet Union, Winter War 1939-1940 and Continuation War 1941-1944. On 25 June 1941 the G.50s of HLeLv 26, downing 13 out of 15 Soviet SB bombers. In a Finnish G.50 Fiat squadron claimed 52 victories against the loss of only two fighters. Between 30 November 1939 and 4 September 1944, HLeLv 26's G.50s shot down 99 enemy aircraft. Victor Sierra

Icy runway

Oiva Rönkä (1913, Iisalmi -1983, Kemi), Knight of the Mannerheim Cross #32, photographed in hospital clothes.

He served as rifleman in Seperate Battalion 17 (ErP 17) during Winter War and fought at Salla and Joutsijärvi. In Continuation War he was squad leader in 12th Infantry Regiment, 6th Division, and fought at Kiestinki until he was wounded on August 18, 1941. He was awarded with the Mannerheim Cross (2nd class) on October 22, 1941, for showing remarkable continuous courage and toughness under fire. 

According to the citation he participated in patrol which ambushed and destroyed supply column behind enemy lines and personally destroyed several trucks with their loads and drivers. He also led many successful recon patrols behind enemy lines. Later his squad defended a base from several strong enemy attacks and in the end he was alone to repel the last attack, and killed dozens of enemies with his submachinegun and grenades. Few days later enemy attacked again threatening the positions, but he organized counter-attack, pushed back the enemy, went on and captured strong enemy position. He was seriously wounded while attacking it.