Operation: Scramble
Date: 16th August 1943 (Monday)
Unit: No. 3 Squadron
Type: Typhoon Ib
Serial: EJ950
Code: QO-X
Base: RAF Manston, Isle of Thanet, Kent
Location: At the base, RAF Manston, Kent
Pilot: Fl/Lt. Baron Jean Michel P.M.G. de Selys Longchamps DFC RAFVR 61313 Age 31. Killed
REASON FOR LOSS:
Fl/Lt. Longchamps is probably best remembered for his single attack on the Gestapo headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. in January 1943. Severely reprimanded for his actions he was demoted, but then awarded the DFC! The building was damaged with reports of several Germans being killed. A memorial stands at the spot today in front of the former Gestapo building.
Fl/Lt. Baron Jean Michel P.M.G. de Selys Longchamps DFC Minster (Thanet) Cemetery. Grave 3002A. Son of Raymond Charles Michel Ghislain, Baron de Selys Longchamps and Baroness de Selys Longchamps, of Brussels, Belgium.
Other awards: Chevalier de L'Ordre de Leopold, Croix de Guerre (Belgium).
Researched and dedicated to the relatives of the pilot, with thanks to Norman L.R. Franks 'Fighter Command Losses' Vol. 2, also to Josette Bens and Mr. Alain Rosseels from Belgium for further information and photographs.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning we will remember
them. - Laurence
Binyon
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Last Modified: 25 November 2016, 22:53