During World War II, the Belgian Air Force faced significant challenges and transformations.
Here are some key points
Initial Invasion and Surrender
Belgium was invaded by Nazi Germany on May 10, 1940.
Despite their efforts, the Belgian forces, including the air force, were overwhelmed, and the country surrendered on May 28, 1940.
Exile and Reformation
After the surrender, many Belgian military personnel, including airmen, escaped to the United Kingdom.
They formed the Belgian government and military-in-exile, contributing to the Allied war effort.
RAF Belgian Squadrons
Belgian pilots and ground crew joined the Royal Air Force (RAF).
Notably, the 349 (Belgian) Squadron was officially founded on November 10, 1942, and the 350 (Belgian) Squadron was formed earlier, on November 12, 1941.
These squadrons played crucial roles in various operations, including the Normandy Landings.
Special Air Service (SAS)
The Belgian Special Air Service (SAS) was also formed, consisting of Belgian refugees, escaped prisoners of war, and veterans from various military backgrounds.
They conducted numerous operations behind enemy lines.
The Belgian Air Force’s contributions, despite the initial setbacks, were significant in the overall Allied efforts during the war.
Several Belgian pilots became aces during World War II.
Here are a few notable aces
Remi “Manu” Van Lierde: Credited with 50 kills, including 6 aircraft and 44 V-1 flying bombs.
Maurice Arthur Leon Balasse: Credited with 8 kills.
Yves Georges “Miss” du Monceau de Bergendal: Credited with 8 kills.
Lucien Adolphe Boussa: Credited with 7 kills.
Charles Firmin Joseph Detal: Credited with 7 kills.
Jean Henri Marie “Pyker” Offenberg: Credited with 7 kills.
Victor Marcel M. “Vicky” Ortmanns: Credited with 7 kills.
Raymond A. “Cheval” Lallemand: Credited with 6 kills.
Jacques Arthur Laurent Philippart: Credited with 6 kills.
André Marie Alfred “Plis” Plisnier: Credited with 6 kills.
Charles Joseph V. G. Demoulin: Credited with 5 kills.
Daniel Albert Raymond Le Roy du Vivier: Credited with 5 kills.
François Auguste “Sus” Venesoen: Credited with 5 kills
These pilots made significant contributions to the Allied efforts during the war.
Sources
List of World War II aces from Belgium – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_World_War_II_aces_from_Belgium.
Belgian aces and notable pilots of WW2 – iGleize. http://www.igleize.fr/aces/ww2bel.htm.
List of World War II flying aces – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_World_War_II_flying_aces.
List of World War II flying aces by country – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_World_War_II_flying_aces_by_country.
Belgium in World War II – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgium_in_World_War_II.
RAF Belgian Squadrons during the Second World War – Royal Air Force. https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/raf-belgian-squadrons-during-the-second-world-war/.
Second World War / History | 349 (Belgian) Squadron. https://www.349squadron.be/history/second-world-war.
A SHORT HISTORY OF THE BELGIAN SPECIAL AIR SERVICE IN WORLD WAR II. https://covgelderland.nl/files/20200227_Short_History_of_BEL_SAS_in_WW_II.pdf.
