Finnish Forces

Bomber navigator

Photographer: A. Viitasalo / SA-kuva

Knight of the Mannerheim Cross, Lieutenant Winqvist next to his plane, which he flew already in the Winter War. Joensuu, 16.8.1942. SA-kuva 104012 Rolf Robert Winqvist (1919-1944), Civil Guard member from 1936, started his service in Finnish Air Force in 1938 and went to war fresh from Reserve Officer School. He became bomber navigator for Flying Regiment 4 and flew altogether 111 missions, mostly in Bristol Blenheims. He flew 27 of the missions during the Winter War (1939-40), including the only bombing mission of the Finnish DC-2 "Hanssin-Jukka". He didn't plan active career in the Air Force and started studies in a university during the Interim Peace, which ended to another war in 1941. Winqvist was awarded the Mannerheim Cross 2nd class on 26.4.1942, after he had been to 31 bombing missions and 44 reconnaissance- and photographing missions. In 22 of these bombings Winqvist scored direct hits to the targets. According to his own calculations his hit percentage was 70,9% which he called "decent". He carried out the given missions to the end even in heavy anti-aircraft fire or while under attack by enemy fighters, with his plane riddled by bullet holes. In November 1941 he crashlanded to forest in full bomb load and despite of a bad injury, managed to save his pilot from the burning aircraft before it blew up. He flew a last dozen missions in Junkers Ju 88 A-4 after the squadron started using them in spring 1943. Lieutenant Rolf Winqvist was killed in action on 23.6.1944 at Salmi. He had been assigned as Maintance Chief but volunteered for a dive bombing mission on the eastern shore of Lake Ladoga. Before his death, in addition to the Mannerheim Cross, he was awarded Cross of Liberty 3rd & 4th class, Cross of Liberty 4th class with Oak Leaves, and Iron Cross 2nd class. Promotions: Vänrikki (Second Lieutenant) - 16.9.1939 Luutnantti (First Lieutenant) - 30.3.1942