Diver Belt Brussels, November 1944

[pointedeflèche]

Has anyone got information on the different British Anti-Aircraft Units, Regiments, Batteries deployed against « flying bombs » in the defence of Brussels (Belgium), November 1944. I bear a special interest in the ones deployed east and southeast of Brussels (in and around of the villages named: Leuven/Louvain, Kortenberg, Meerbeek, Everberg, Leefdaal, Neerijse, Huldenberg, Overijse,Terlanen, Ottenburg, Waver).

I thank you in advance for your kind help in this matter.
Best regards,
Dirk

[Josh Osborne]

There is a chapter in "Bodenplatte" called "Buzz Bomb Alley" that might help you.

[Allan125]

Hello Dirk

this site covers the defence of Antwerp - but might give you guidance for your own project

http://www.skylighters.org/buzzbombs/

Frans van Humbeek, whose name and e-mail address appears in the text lives near to Grimbergen and might be able to assist you further. He has given me a lot of background information about B.60 Grimbergen, where my father arrived on the afternoon of 4 September 1944. It had only been liberated that morning.

cheers

Allan

[Franek Grabowski]

At the time all the army AA units wer involved in anti-diver defence, I know of AA of Maczek's Division being diverted to such duties. I suppose there should be a map at NA (ex-PRO) with deployment of units.

[Laurent Rizzotti]

I guess you read French, as your nickname is in French.

This site (http://www.kauwberg.be/kinfo_43.htm) describes the action of 101 AA Bde near Brussels.

By the way, if you're interested in V1/V2 attacks on Belgium, do you have a good source describing the attacks seen from the civilian side (like testimonies of bombed people and number of casualties of incidents).

[pointedeflèche]

Everyone, thanks for the information!

I’m curious to learn more about the AA units stationed in my neck of the wood. I researched a B-24 crash (491st BG/854th BS) in the village of Leefdaal, Nov.26th 1944. Some of the airmen were rounded up by a British AA unit stationed at Leefdaal. I’m hoping to find this unit.

Another question:
Can any one confirm wether Mary Churchill (the daughter of the British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill) served in the 137th (mixed) Anti-Aircraft Regiment, November 1944. Were she and her regiment stationed in the Belgian village of Huldenberg (10 miles SE of Brussels), November 1944?

Best regards,
Dirk

[edwest]

I am glad to provide the following link about Mary Churchill:


http://www.cegesoma.be/pls/opac/opac...&rqdb=1&dbnu=1


Ed

[edwest]

Further information about individuals:

http://www.sedgwick.org/na/library/b...d1961-208.html



Ed

[SteveB]

Browsing the British National Archive catalogue PROCAT I noticed by chance two files that might help they are AIR37/655 and AIR37/656 both are titled "2nd Tactical Air Force: Anti-aircraft defence of Antwerp and Brussels".

Steve

[pointedeflèche]

Steve, Ed - Thanks for the information.