Re: Looking for Belgian Researchers

[ClinA-78]

Hello,

I have no child but running mad for time (and crashes) too!

Unfortunately I am too far from Louvain/Leuven to search for witnesses, which is a demanding task especially in order to interview old people in another language (the aircraft crashed in the Flemish speaking part of Belgium). But I would have been happy to help you.

You should write to the towncouncil of Leuven, hoping a local researcher or an historical society may help you.
It seems the bomber crashed in the surrounding of the bombed target, perhaps you may find some info's in a damage report or so. Did you check the Comète-kinship association about the EVD?

Best regards

ClinA-78

[Leendert]

From your post a month ago I gathered that you're foremost interested in the loss of Lancaster ND951.
The bombings of Leuven (or Louvain in French/English/WW 2 usage)
are covered on the internet, although mostly in local Dutch/Flemish and more often than not a reference is made to the collision ND951 reportedly was involved in.
Since the bombings were around midnight and with the existing curfews for the population, I very much doubt if anyone other than some German military could have witnessed what may have happened in the air.

See e.g.
http://users.skynet.be/kkrol/Belang/bommen.html where also the bombing deaths of Belgians is discussed.
Under "Leuven, 12 mei 1944" there is a witness account, but as experienced from the cellar of an abbey.


Also see http://www.aviationheritage.eu/nl/co...s-z-nd923-ko-c with pictures of the grave sites for the bomber crews of the two Lancasters that crashed at Wilsele near Leuven, including ND951.


Regards,

Leendert

[Bandlaw Charlie]

My profound thanks for everyone that has offered their help and advice. It means a great deal to me and will hopfully make the story that much more accurate.

A member of this group has offered to make some simple enquiries on my behalf....so that is wonderful.

Thank you once again.

[Luc Vervoort]

Hi,

Have you received my e-mail from yesterday, as I haven't received any reply ?

Best regards from Belgium

Luc