Although Belgium was neutral as the initial attacks of World War I were launched, it was soon invaded by Germany and partially overrun. The Belgian Air Force had been founded in 1909, and now found itself struggling to survive and expand under these severe conditions. Nevertheless, the tiny Belgian Air Force produced five flying aces, and a sixth one flew for the French Aéronautique Militaire. The leading Belgian ace was also the premier balloon buster of the war.[1][2]
- Willy Coppens – 37 confirmed aerial victories.[3]
- Andre de Meulemeester – 11 confirmed aerial victories.[4]
- Edmond Thieffry – 10 confirmed aerial victories.[5]
- Fernand Jacquet – 7 confirmed aerial victories.[6]
- Adolphe DuBois d'Aische – 6 confirmed aerial victories.[7]
- Jan Olieslagers – 6 confirmed aerial victories.[8]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Pieters, Walter M. (1998). Above Flanders' Fields: A Complete Record of the Belgian Fighter Pilots and Their Units During the Great War, 1914-1918. London: Grub Street. ISBN 9781898697831.
- ^ "World War I Aces of Belgium". The Aerodrome. 2016. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
- ^ "Willy Omer François Jean Coppens de Houthulst". The Aerodrome. 2016. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
- ^ "Andre Emile Alfons de Meulemeester". The Aerodrome. 2016. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
- ^ "Edmond Thieffry". The Aerodrome. 2016. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
- ^ "Fernand Maximillian Leon Jacquet". The Aerodrome. 2016. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
- ^ "Adolphe Aloys Marie Hubert duBois d'Aische". The Aerodrome. 2016. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
- ^ "Jan Olieslagers". The Aerodrome. 2016. Retrieved 19 January 2016.