RE: Info on French pilots flying for the R.A.F.

http://www.ordredelaliberation.fr/fr_compagnon/215.html

RE: Aren’t the media wonderful?

Alternative?

RE: A photographic question

Umm, actually, thats a superb lens. Its L-series, which is fluorite, it is a pro lens, weighs a bit, and is image stabilised. The image quality is incredibly good, and it should retail at over a grand. Not at all plasticky. I am jealous as I want one. Do you normally shell out vast sums of money on a whim? And are you doing anything at the weekend?! Basically, a VERY good bit of glass, but only you know if it’s value to you can justify the cost. And you still need a scanner.

RE: Belgian Pilots flying with the RAF

Still no joy with Emile Wittman. My contact said that the one person of his acquaintance he thinks MAY know does not have e-mail. But I would not hold out too much hope. I think fighter pilots are a bit easier to track down. Might take a while to get a reply, and I think it will probably be negative. Have you tried the Belgian embassy / MOD / etc? They may help. Good luck.

RE: Belgian Pilots flying with the RAF

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 21-10-02 AT 08:39 PM (GMT)]I’m afraid I don’t recognise anybody in the pictures. Sorry. That’s 1 success out of 3 so far! Oh boy.

Hang on, isn’t that Blakey out of on the buses on the end? Er, i’ll get my coat…..

RE: Another Quiz. What plane am I ?

Umm, Typhoon and Tempest. Don’t know the order or why, but sure of the answers!

RE: Belgian Pilots flying with the RAF

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 20-10-02 AT 09:57 PM (GMT)]I have an Emile Jacquemin…..Tiffy pilot.

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RE: Belgian Pilots flying with the RAF

Got this through Google searches. I doubt i’ll be able to get anything additional from my friend:

Squadron Leader Henri “Moustique” Gonay (RAF n° 81635)
Distinguished Flying Cross, French Croix de Guerre with Palme D’Or

Henri Gonay was born at Theux on 21 July 1913. He joined the Aéronautique Militaire Belge in 1931. Accepted to the 67° promotion, he was promoted to corporal on 24th May 1933 and posted to the 2nd Regiment de Chasse at Schaffen (Diest), equipped with the Fairey Firefly. An exceptional pilot, he was transferred as instructor to the Flying School at Wevelghem in November 1938. Gonay was transferred as Adjutant to the 3rd escadrille Deurne (Antwerp), when the Germans invaded Belgium. His unit left the country three days later and went to Tours (France) and later on to Bordeaux. After the capitulation of France, Gonay, Phillipart, Dieu and Buchin deserted and went on board the “Queen Emma”, direction UK, where they arrived on 23 June 1940. He joined the RAF Volunteer Reserve and was commissioned as a Pilot Officer. Converted onto Blenheims at 5 OTU, he was posted to 235 Sqn, Coastal Command, at Bircham Newton. Flying on Blenheim IVF’s, he obtained a victory on 8 October 1940, shooting down a Heinkel He-60. On 23rd October, he transferred to the French-Belgian Flying School at Odiham, as an instructor. At the closure of this school, he converted onto Spitfires at 58 OTU. Promoted Flying Officer, he was posted to 123 Sqn at Drem. He then went to 64 Sqn and 131 Sqn, where he became commander of “B” Flight. He then transferred to the newly formed 350 Sqn, to take command of “A” Flight. He joined 232 Sqn on April 17, 1942. Promoted to Squadron Leader on August 31, 1942, he took command of 129 Sqn. After having joined the Central Gunnery School, he converted onto Hawker Typhoons and took command of 263 Sqn on February 24, 1944. On June 14, 1944, whilst leading a formation of 8 Typhoon’s, his plane was hit by flak whilst attacking 2 armed coastal vessels off Jersey. Gonay was killed trying to force land on the northern part of the Island. A DFC was posthumously awarded on July 2, 1944

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