F/Sgt Pierre Clemence Louis Smoolenaers
 

Does anyone know the background details to Smoolenaers entering into the RAF. I'm guessing must have been when aged 18 as he was only 20 when he died in January 1945.

Any help appreciated.

Andy Bird

Re: F/Sgt Pierre Clemence Louis Smoolenaers
 

Hello ,

F/Sgt Pierre Smoolenaers born at Antwerp februari 7 1924. He arrived in the UK on may 24 , he joined the RAF and followed training in Canada as pilot. After that he joined Coastal Command in Scotland at N° 143 sqdn. After a conversion from Beaufighter to Mosquito he flew several " anti -shipping patrols " .

Regards
Alain57

Re: F/Sgt Pierre Clemence Louis Smoolenaers
 

Cheers Alain, what year for May 24th ? 1940 ?
Andy

Re: F/Sgt Pierre Clemence Louis Smoolenaers
 

Hello Andy,


I do have the following information:



SMOOLENAERS Pierre Clémence Louis (NCO 1424890)
Born in ANTWERP 07 April 1924
MIA In Sea off FLEKKE FJORD (NORWAY) 11 January 1945
24 May 40: Arrival in GB coming from Boulogne (FRANCE) - Civilian refugee
07 Mar 41: Incorporation : CRI / FT - Malvern Camp
10 Jun 41: Posted : Battery
- 24 Oct 41 – 06 Nov 41 Detached. : English School
- 01 Dec 41 – 7 Dec 41 Hospital / Powick
- 03 Feb 42 – 18 Feb 42 Hospital / Powick
16 Mar 41: Dépôt AéM
10 Jun 43: R.A.F. Depot - Regent's Park
04 Jul 42: 17 Initial Training Wing – Scarborough
30 Dec 42: 6 Elementary Flying Training School – Sywell
30 Dec 42: Leading Aircraftman
01 Jan 43: 2 Air Crew Dispatch Centre - Heaton Park / Manchester
18 Jan 43: Personnel Dispatch Centre : Ottawa
22 Jan 43: 31 Elementary Flying Training School - de Winton
19 Apr 43: 32 Service Flying Training School - Moose Jaw
06 Aug 43: 31 Personnel Dispatch Centre – Moncton
06 Aug 43: Sergeant Pilot
19 Sep 43: 7 Personnel Receiving Centre – Harrogate
02 Nov 43: 3 Pilot Advanced Flying Unit - South Cerney
10 Apr 44: R.A.F. / Belgian Depot (Notice 280)
10 Jan 44: 3 School of General Reconnaissance - Squires Gates
06 Aug 44: Flight Sergeant (Notice 364)
08 Aug 44: 132 Operational Training Unit - East Fortune (Notice 280)
18 Oct 44: 143 Squadron (Notice 364 & 370)
11 Jan 45: Missing - Presumed : Killed in Action (Notice 364)

- Missing - Presumed : Killed in Action on Ops flight against enemy shipping at FLEKKE FJORD (NORWAY)
- de Havilland Mosquito VI 143 Sqn
- Crew : F/S SMOOLENAERS P. C. L. 1424890 Pilot MIA RUNNYMEDE Mem. P. 273
F/S HARRIS Waverley William (RAAF) 426459 Obs MIA RUNNYMEDE Mem. P. 284


08 Apr 45: Croix de Chevalier de l'Ordre de Léopold II et attribution de la Croix de Guerre 1940 avec Palme ( POSTH.)
22 Sep 44: Autorisé à porter à titre définitif l'Insigne métallique pour les Forces Belges en Grande Bretagne
04 Oct 46: Médaille commémorative de 1940-45 (POSTH.)
13 Nov 46 : Médaille de Volontaire 1940-45

1939-1945 Star, Aircrew Europe Star, War Medal 1939-45


Kind regards,

Serge

Re: F/Sgt Pierre Clemence Louis Smoolenaers
 

Hello Serge,

Wow! Thank you so much. Apologies for not replying sooner. Had an emailed lined up for the Belgium Armed Forces Archive.

How do you wish to be acknowledged in forthcoming book?

Much appreciated.

Andy

Re: F/Sgt Pierre Clemence Louis Smoolenaers
 

It should be smart of you :D As Serge provided numerous details regarding this fine book dedicated to N°350 Sqn, recently released: http://www.aerostories.org/~aerobiblio/article5156.html

ClinA-78

Re: F/Sgt Pierre Clemence Louis Smoolenaers
 

Hello Andy,

it's done with pleasure, I know how fine it feels when you get an answer with information you're looking for.

Kind regards,


Serge

www.350Sqn.be