We investigated fitness, military rank and survival of facial phenotypes in large scale warfare using 795 Finnish soldiers who fought in the Winter War (1939-40). We measured bizygomatic facial width vs. height - a trait known to predict aggressive behaviour in males - and assessed whether facial morphology could predict survival, lifetime reproductive success (LRS) and social status. We found no difference in survival along the phenotypic gradient, however, wider-faced individuals had greater LRS, but achieved a lower military rank.