Valfrid Ernhard "Poju" Nykänen (8 January 1894 – February 1918), was a Finnish World War I fighter pilot of the Imperial Russian Air Service.[1] He was the first Finnish fighter pilot.[2]
Valfrid Nykänen | |
|---|---|
| Born | 8 January 1894 Kotka, Grand Duchy of Finland |
| Died | February 1918 Hämeenkyrö, Finland |
| Allegiance | Russian Empire White Finland |
| Service/ | Imperial Russian Air Service White Guards |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit | 7FAO (IRAS) |
Nykänen graduated from the Kazan Military Academy in 1915 and served the Imperial Russian Army on the Western Front in Poland. Following training at Sevastopol he became a fighter pilot in May 1917.[2] As a Nieuport pilot Nykänen flew on the Caucasus Front with four aerial victories.[1] Nykänen claimed he was awarded with Golden Sword of St. George but any records of Nykänen's award are not found.[3]
As the Finnish Civil War burst out in January 1918, Nykänen returned to Finland and fought for the White Guards on the Satakunta front.[2] He was captured by the Red Guards and shot in February 1918.[4]
Nykänen was also known as a talented athlete. He was a reserve gymnast for the Finnish silver medal team at the 1912 Summer Olympics.[2]
References edit
- ^ a b Baltic nations aces and pilots ACES. Retrieved 15 January 2014.
- ^ a b c d Vuoden 1918 kahinoissa kuoli viisi suomalaista olympiaurheilijaa Suomen Urheilutietäjät ry, (in Finnish). Retrieved 15 january 2014.
- ^ Harjula, Mirko: "Ryssänupseerit", p. 206 Retrieved 15 January 2014.
- ^ War Victims in Finland 1914-1922 Database Retrieved 15 January 2014.