Re: Looking for Belgian aviation researchers

[Bandlaw Charlie]

Hello.

I've been given a wonderful opportunity to contribute a story or two to a book due for release next year. The book documents some of the losses of RAF Bomber Command in the lead up to, during and immediately after the Invasion.

I'm researching a lancaster crash that occurred in Belgium in May 44 and wanted to see if any local researchers may be able to help me solve the circumstances behind the disaster in which all seven men lost their lives

Please contact me if you can help..

[Col Bruggy]

Hello,

A few suggestions for further research:

1/

http://www.awm.gov.au/catalogue/rese...9125z001_1.pdf

See: p.287 of 347.

Photo:

http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P05351.001

2/

http://www.awm.gov.au/catalogue/rese...9125z002_1.pdf

See: p.86 of 236.

3/

http://www.awm.gov.au/catalogue/rese...9125z004_1.pdf

See: p.241 of 534.

4/

http://www.awm.gov.au/catalogue/rese...9125z005_1.pdf

See: p.119 of 507.

5/

http://www.awm.gov.au/catalogue/rese...9125z008_1.pdf

See: pp.118, 125 & 127 of 484.

6/

http://www.awm.gov.au/catalogue/rese...9125z008_1.pdf

See: p.46 of 484.

7/

http://www.awm.gov.au/catalogue/rese...9125z008_1.pdf

See: p.86 of 484

Usual disclaimer with Alan Storr's data.

Col.

[Bandlaw Charlie]

Col,
thank you for your kind reply...my crew were all British bar one...and he was Canadian. I think most of these files relate to Australian aircrew.

I really need a local Belgium researcher to make some enquiries on my behalf as there are conflicting reports on what actually happened the night the lancaster came down.

The story will form part of a book commemorating the courage of the Bomber Boys.

Thank you once again!!!

[Alain57]

Hello ,

Wich Lancaster are you looking for ?

Regards
Alain57

[ClinA-78]

I would be glad to help you if able.

Send more info's

Best regards

ClinA-78

[ssg keay]

It would also help to specify which part of Belgium the Lanc came down at. I know several researchers, but it doesn't help me to contact one in Brugges, if the plane came down near Liege for instance. Danny

[ClinA-78]

And I have contact both with Northern and Southern researchers

ClinA-78

[Bandlaw Charlie]

Hello everyone and thank you so much for your offers of assistance.

The lancaster was ND951 and I believe it crashed in or near Leuven. I have seen two differing reports on what happened the night the aircraft was lost. One states that she collided with another lancaster (ND923) and the other suggests that she was shot down by a night fighter. (Doctor Theo Boiten's book confirms this) Both are entirely plausible.

I've found a very interesting website that confirms the former and have tried contacting Wim Covaerts but the e-mail just bounces back.

http://www.bahavzw.be/database/regis...mer/nd951-ws-z

What I need to know is whether there are any first person accounts of the disaster that may/may not reveal the true circumstances behind the crash.

Please help if you can. Any help would mean so much to me and as this will be a published work, I will ensure sources are fully acknowledged in the print.

Best wishes to all.

[ClinA-78]

Hi,

You should contact Cynrik De Decker or indeed Wim Govaerts. Try googling.
The book "Doelwit : Leuven" (ISBN 90-72547-61-6) may be also of some interest.
Sorry I cannot help, this location is beyond my 'area of interest'.

Best regards

ClinA-78

[Bandlaw Charlie]

Thank you...I have made contact with Cynrik.....he researched the crash about 15-16 years ago.....