Gustav Knutsson hailed as hero for rescuing Finnish children during World War II

Gustav Knutsson, a slender young man with extraordinary determination, is described as fearless in the face of danger. “He has driven over blown-up bridges that were hastily repaired with planks, crossing treacherous gaps below,” wrote Elsa Bruun in Hufvudstadsbladet on May 5, 1940. The Swedish driver has been lauded for his skills in rescuing Finnish children from the chaos of wartime Norway.

During World War II, over 1,200 Finnish children were evacuated to Norway in addition to Sweden and Denmark, according to historian Ossi Päärnilä’s recently published book, “Vaarassa mennen ja tullen – talvisodan sotalapset Norjassa.” Up until now, only 107 children were known to have been sent to Norway, but new research reveals the actual number is tenfold.

Beginning in December 1939, a couple of hundred children were sent from Finland through Stockholm to Norway, like the daughters of factory manager Kalle Aalto. However, within a month, Nazi Germany’s lightning invasion turned Norway into a war zone, halting further child evacuations after Finland concluded its Winter War with the Soviet Union on March 13, 1940.

With the German occupation looming, Gustav Knutsson emerged as a savior, volunteering his car for the rescue efforts organized by Centrala Finlandshjälpen, which sought to transport fleeing children from Finland. Despite the dangers of disrupted roads and military presence, Knutsson successfully made multiple trips, ultimately bringing 258 Finnish children to safety in Sweden.

His journeys were fraught with peril, including a car accident when a German roadblock fell on him. Driven initially by adventure, his motivations evolved into a sense of duty as he faced the immense risks to save innocent lives. Knutsson’s remarkable acts during this turbulent time stand out as a unique testament to bravery and humanitarian spirit.