Finnish Forces

Fokker D.XXI

Fokker D.XXI fighters during the Continuation War.(1941-1944) Finland bought 7 Fokker D.XXI's from the Dutch Fokker company in 1937. Further 35 was build under licence in 1938-1939. During the Winter War(1939-'40) the Finnish Airforce fighters consisted of 33 operational Fokker D.XXI's and 15 Bristol Bulldogs(biplane). During the 3,5 months of war, the Fokkers shot down 151 enemy aircrafts losing 10 of the Fokkers and 6 pilots as KIA. Captain Jorma Sarvanto made world record with his Fokker D.XXI on January 6, 1940, when he shot down six DB-3 bombers within 4 minutes. The 7th bomber got away because he ran out of ammunition, but it was then shot down over Gulf of Finland by Lieutenant Sovelius. In the Continuation War(1941-'44) the Fokker D.XXI mainly served as reconnaissance and ground support aircraft but despite of this, 60 aerial victories was achieved with the aircraft during the war.